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Air Pacific Chief Executive Position Attracts Locals And Foreign

The search for a new chief executive for Air Pacific is generating a lot of interest from locals and people overseas.Outgoing Air Pacific managing director and chief executive Dave Pflieger, who has been assisting the board to find a suitable replacement, confirmed this.“The hunt has been fantastic and we have had a lot of interest not only from within the country but outside the country as well,” he said.Mr Pflieger said the response had been so great because of what the entire team at Air Pacific has been able to accomplish. “If Air Pacific was a struggling airline and if it was not successful, it would have been very, very difficult to recruit people,” he said. “On the flip side, we have a tonne of very, very qualified people who are applying for this job. “The board of directors would have the luxury to be very selective when it comes down to selecting the person to come in and run the airline company.”Pflieger’s role in turnaroundMr Pflieger, the man behind the dramatic and highly-successful restructuring, rebranding and revitalisation of Air Pacific, in February announced his decision to leave the airline after finishing his three-year contract on May 1.He indicated he would be returning to the United States and has already been appointed president and chief executive of Silver Airways in the USA effective May 1.With the modernisation and rebranding complete and a completely new and highly-capable management team in place, Mr Pflieger felt it was time

to pass the reigns and pursue other opportunities.The new chief executive will no doubt have a high benchmark to meet set by Mr Pflieger – a business executive, attorney and pilot with almost three decades of aviation experience.Pflieger’s achievements• Restoring airline to profitability

in just two years–reversing record operating losses of $12 million and

$91 million in the two financial years before he arrived, to produce a $16 million profit;

• Winning first-ever recognition from Conde Nast Traveler magazine as one of the World’s “Top 5” Small Airlines for two years in a row;

• Modernising the fleet by leading the landmark acquisition and financing of the airline’s first three

brand-new Airbus A330 aircrafts; • Entering into an extensive code-

share agreement with American Airlines;

• Implementing the company’s first-ever profit sharing and quarterly performance incentive plans for front-line employees; and

• Instituting a new and highly robust Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.

Air Pacific managing director/chief executive Dave Pflieger

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Fiji Has Potential To Be GreatFIJI cannot compete against larger manufacturing countries like China and Bangladesh but it stands a chance when it comes to standards, best international practices and quality niche products.According to the Minister for Industry and Trade, Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, a number of large companies would want to sell to small markets or small-volume based markets."That's where we come in. Our garment industry used to make large volumes but obviously other countries have taken over but what they have remodeled themselves into is making niche products, smaller volume-based but higher pricing or competitive pricing," he said. This factor, he said, would place Fiji in a perfect position

in the region."The Bainimarama government is trying to take advantage of that and position ourselves. We have our new aircraft, going to see development in the port sector as a very critical point in terms of our ability to export, ability to import and the turnaround time," he said."Not many countries can make virgin coconut oils. How we make the virgin coconut oil and where it comes from is how and what we market. Fiji could compete in things like standards — international best practices, environmental standards and having niche products."In terms of Fiji's financial institutions, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said they were creating a stringent platform and competition.

Lomaiviti Princess Service To Resume Soon

Goundar Shipping has postponed the services of the MV Lomaiviti Princess for a few days to conduct annual maintenance on the inter-island vessel.Goundar Shipping managing director, George Goundar said: “Yes, we have stopped servicing since Tuesday specifically to allocate this low peak period for maintenance.“It is our usual annual maintenance procedures. We were supposed to take the ship to New Zealand for maintenance last month but it kept getting deferred.“The New Zealand ports have been full which is out of our control and thus we have decided to do the maintenance ourselves.”Maintenance will include painting of the ship and air-conditioning repairs he said.With another inter-island vessel out of action, the future of our shipping services at this stage is likely to appear

more uncertain.And the demand for inter-island services simply cannot go unnoticed.The media reported last week that the inter-island vessel service disruption is causing food shortage in the Lau islands.The Lau Trader has not been servicing since January after a fire broke out on its engine deck.Also following was Consort Shipping’s MV Spirit of Fiji Islands (SOFI) which ran aground on a reef near Koro Island on March 7.More recently, is the cancellation of services of MV Lady Sandy after experiencing an engine glitch which would cost the operator around $300,000 for repair.All services of the three ships have been put on hold until further notice.Meanwhile, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji was expected to issue a statement ..

Rape Victim’s Spouse TestifiesThe husband of a rape victim told the High Court in Suva that he treated the alleged attacker like family by giving him food at times when he was hungry.During day two of the rape trial the court heard that the accused was neglected at his home and at times was invited to have meals with the complainant’s family because they knew him well.The accused, a neighbour of the couple at Lakena near Nausori, allegedly raped the 29-year-old complainant while she was out collecting firewood on September 14, 2011.The accused is charged with three counts of rape.In evidence, the complainant’s husband, who works as a security officer in Suva, said after reaching home he had breakfast with his family and went to sleep.The wife then left home to collect

firewood.The complainant said before placing firewood onto her back she felt someone grab her from behind.She looked and recognized the accused standing behind her holding a cane knife.He told her that he liked her and held the knife to her neck threatening to kill her if she shouted.The accused allegedly removed her clothes forcefully and performed many sexual acts on her before he allegedly raped her.Justice Salesi Temo heard that after the alleged attack they both got dressed and the complainant returned to her home where she relayed the incident to her husband.The couple reported the matter at the Nausori Police Station on the same day.

Wainikeli District Backs PM Bainimarama

Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama continues to gain support from chiefs around the country.This time it’s more chiefly support from the province of Cakaudrove in the Northern Division.The chief of the Wainikeli district from Taveuni, Turaga na Tuwei, Ratu Talemo Ratakele, has given his support to the Government.The former minister for internal affairs and immigration in the interim Cabinet formed by Laisenia Qarase in 2000 had categorically denied a report by Sakaraia Ramanu that as chief of the Wainikeli district, he had sided with the Tui Cakau, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu not supporting the Government.Speaking from his chiefly residence at Naselesele Village the Turaga na Tuwei said: “I just don’t know where Mr Ramanu got his information from as I had already advised the eight villages within the Wainikeli district to support the Government when the People’s Charter was launched,” Ratu Talemo said.“I want to let the nation know that I join my fellow chiefs in the Northern Division and others around the country in lending support to the Prime Minister and his Government.”The Turaga na Tuwei said Government had made a commitment to the people that they would return the nation to democratic elections and this was put forward to the people in its roadmap to democracy.He said critics had been advising people not to support the Government, however realistically “we have to support the government of the day as it

is in control”.Ratu Talemo said Government was delivering to the people and all should support the developments that it carried out.Responding to the draft constitution, the Wainikeli chief said his people supported the way forward and the draft constitution was part of it.He said people should take a good view of it because if and when it is passed it would be the supreme law of the nation.Ratu Talemo said not only his people should support the way forward but the entire nation because this would lead to democratic elections in 2014.He said with a new parliament in power after the polls in 2014, people would have the freedom to say whatever they wanted to say because this right is provided for by in the draft constitution.Ratu Telemo said the Wainikeli district had benefited a lot from Government developments and has urged all to support Government driven developments.He urges people from Wainikeli to visit the district see the developments.Ratu Talemo said he was visited by Mr Ramanu’s clan to offer their support to the chiefly residence and were ashamed of what was reported in the paper.He said his district was the most developed in Taveuni as a result of the district’s support for Government developments.There are eight villages in the Wainikeli distict – Naselesele, Lavena, Korovou, Naiviivi, Nadilo, Qeleni, Vidawa and Waitabu.



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Major Income Earner

YAQONA farming is a major source of income for villagers of Vunisavisavi in Cakaudrove.Dalo farming, which thrives in most other villages in the province, is different for the village of Vunisavisavi.Village headman Pio Waqairatavo said villagers depended greatly on yaqona for finance."Dalo is not so popular among villagers here for marketing purposes compared to Taveuni. But yaqona is a thriving business for us and farmers have earned good money from it," Mr Waqairatavo said."If we plan to build good houses in the village, then most of us concentrate on yaqona farming and on big scale too."Money derived from yaqona, funds the construction of houses, caters for students' school fees and takes care of other family bills."Mr Waqairatavo said some children were able to complete tertiary education because of the high income earned from yaqona farming.He said when farmers travelled to Savusavu to sell their yaqona, they shared transportation costs."When they share cost of transport, they

also save some money for food shopping and bills so we work that way and help each other," Mr Waqairatavo said.He said even though the yaqona farms might be far from the village, many farmers preferred to walk the distance for the sake of supporting their families."It is important that our children receive the best education and families are well looked after and that is the responsibility of men as heads of families."Yaqona farmer Ioane Tikoisuva said for the past decade, yaqona had raked in good money for his family."Even before I got married, I always planted yaqona and it is a good source of income, particularly for villagers like us who live in areas that are so far from town."I sell the waka (root) for $35 a kilogram and lewena for $30 or less a kg and I have supported my family well with the income I get from yaqona."Dalo is not a crop to market compared to yaqona because the income and marketing opportunities are completely different."Mr Tikoisuva said their needs were met by income derived from yaqona sale.

Ioane Tikoisuva dries his yaqona at Vunisavisavi Village

VAT Brings In $675MNET value added tax (VAT) collections last year increased by 9.3 per cent to $675.9million. This was revealed by Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor Barry Whiteside at the National Energy Forum held in Suva.Mr Whiteside said new investment lending by banks last year increased by 28.1 per cent.

He said the government was targeting 25 per cent of investment rates this year."Indicators reflect the stronger investment activity through 2012 and into 2013."Further, he said, remittance inflows increased by 5 per cent last year and recorded $306million.

Cyclone Evan Cost RisesA NEW assessment on the total cost of damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Evan has placed the estimated cost at hundreds of millions of dollars.This far exceeds the $75million initial damage bill released by the Ministry of Finance early this year.Director of the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) Manasa Tagicakibau said the figure was derived from a post-disaster analysis workshop conducted by his office with the United Nations."That workshop addressed not only the cost of damage but the loss as well," he said.He then explained how the workshop calculated the cost of damage from TC Evan which hit the country earlier this year."The damage only takes into account the infrastructure loss — roads, buildings, etcetera," Mr Tagicakibau said."The loss also takes into account the cost to human lives and when these are tabulated, the total cost goes into the hundreds of millions of dollars."Mr Tagicakibau explained that the previous estimate only addressed

damage, which was why that cost only came to $75million.He said the report coming out of the post-disaster analysis workshop would be tabled before Cabinet at a later date.According to statistics released by the Ministry of Finance earlier this year, the agricultural sector suffered losses of $33.9million, followed by the housing sector with the damage bill estimated at $21.2million.The ministry also said the education sector incurred $5.7million in damage while the Fiji Electricity Authority recorded up to $5million in damage; the local government (municipalities) suffered $2.1million in damage; and the Water Authority of Fiji $1.4million.The country's infrastructure incurred a $1.4million loss while the telecommunications sector recorded $1million.The health sector sustained damage of $0.36million.TC Evan wreaked considerable damage in the Western and Northern divisions with the Yasawa Group being one of the worst hit.Infrastructure and agriculture bore the full brunt of TC Evan.

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Air Pacific A330 Makes First NZ Flight

Air Pacific's new Airbus A330 made its maiden commercial flight to New Zealand today, offering plane enthusiasts a preview of the airline's refreshed branding. The $240 million, wide-body aircraft touched down at Auckland International Airport at about 1pm, after being welcomed into Nadi two weeks ago. Air Pacific chief executive Dave Pflieger said today's "sneak preview" flight reflected the fact that New Zealand was one of the airline's most important markets. "New Zealand is an essential part of our global network, and we are excited to be replacing our venerable B747s with new state-of-the art A330 aircraft."Air Pacific flies tens of thousands of Kiwis and locally-based Fijian nationals to the islands every year, he said. The Fijian national carrier is being officially renamed Fiji Airways in June

and the A330 is the first of three ordered which will carry the new livery. "Our new planes and stunning new branding is already a great source of pride among the Fijian community, in Fiji and here in Auckland," Pflieger said.The re-brand is part of a turnaround plan for the 60-year old airline, which reported an operating profit of $11.5 million for the year to March 31 2012, compared with an operating loss of $2.6 million for the previous financial year.Last seen in 1970, the Fiji Airways brand will be rolled out across ticket offices, check-in counters, airport lounges and uniforms by the end of this year.Pflieger described the look as "authentic, distinctive and true" to the Fijian culture and heritage. The second and third A330s are scheduled to arrive in May and November, with the current, less

efficient fleet of Boeing 747s being retired later in the year.Fiji Airways will be operating daily connections from across 17 domestic New Zealand cities to feed into international flights for Auckland to Nadi. The airline will fly 13 flights a week from New Zealand to Fiji this year. When the Airbus A330 landed in Fiji two weeks ago, it was the end of an 18-month journey from order to delivery. The plane travelled from Airbus' facility in Toulouse, France, via Hong Kong. With Fijian President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau on-board, the plane performed a fly-over of Fijian cities and islands prior to landing.Hundreds of dignitaries, business partners and residents greeted the flight's arrival.The aircraft is named after one of Fiji's 333 islands, Taveuni, which is known as 'The Garden Island.'

Air Pacific's new Airbus A330, carrying the new branding, was welcomed to Fiji two weeks ago with a traditional water cannon salute.


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2013

NZ Businessman Delays Return To Fly On Airbus

Auckland businessman Kalim Khan delayed his return to Auckland just so he could travel on Air Pacific’s brand new Airbus A330 aircraft.Mr Khan was one of the first passengers on board Air Pacific’s first commercial flight on the Airbus.Mr Khan said there was a lot of pride amongst former Fijians, now residing in Auckland, regarding the purchase of the new Airbus.He spoke to the media before flight FJ411.“I am looking forward to getting onto it. We have been seeing the pictures of it over the internet but I am very much looking forward to boarding the first

commercial flight,” he said.“In fact, I was to fly back to Auckland earlier, but I decided to delay my stay and booked a ticket on this flight just so I could fly on the new Airbus.“Normally, I travel to Fiji once a month. And since I travel here often, I may be making the Airbus my preferred choice of travel.“When the Airbus first came here, the excitement amongst former Fijians in Auckland was much as well, that is why I decided to book myself on this flight.”Mr Khan also took advantage of the 30 per cent discount that was been given for those who booked on the Airbus before March 31.

Brothers In Court For Naleba Murder

The brothers of the 35-year-old man who was allegedly murdered last week in Naleba, Labasa, appeared at the Labasa Magistrates Court.Surend Chand appeared before Magistrate Tomasi Bainivalu with brother, Sushil Chand.They are jointly charged with one count of murder relating to the death of their brother, Jai Chand.Sushil Chand was represented by Labasa lawyer Amrit Sen while his brother told the court he wanted to be represented by a private lawyer.

Magistrate Bainivalu has ordered that Surend be given access to telephone to engage a private counsel for himself.Magistrate Bainivalu has transferred their case to the Labasa High Court where they will appear on April 16.Meanwhile, Police have confirmed that the post mortem examination has been conducted on the deceased, Jai Chand.The cause of death was ruptured heart, and a third suspect is now being treated as a Police witness. It is alleged that the murder happened after a dispute over a land issue during a drinking party.

Draft Has Mechanisms To Avoid Coups: AG

Fiji's draft Constitution has a lot of mechanisms to prevent future coups in Fiji, says Attorney General and Minister for Elections, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.Responding to questions during the first public consultation organized by government in Suva, Sayed-Khaiyum said the draft Constitution has in-built mechanisms like having an Accountability and Transparency Commission.“In order to stop Fiji’s coup culture, we need to address the root of its occurrence and that is corruption, abuse of powers and not being able to address socio-economic needs,” he said.Moreover, all cabinet ministers and people holding top government

positions will have to provide the annual declaration of their assets and liabilities and financial interests to the Accountability and Transparency Commission to make these declarations accessible to the public.Explicating this addition in the draft Constitution, Sayed-Khaiyum said the Commission shall consist of a chairperson and two other members appointed by the President, following consultation with the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice.However, he added that sometimes you can not completely get rid of a particular situation but the draft Constitution has safe-guards to prevent it from happening again.

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Westerland Increases Services

Bligh Water Shipping has doubled its services from three voyages a week to six, indicating the company’s quick return back into business.The company operates the MV Westerland which will now service six times a week between Natovi and Savusavu Monday to Friday and has one trip to Lautoka from Savusavu in the weekends.In 2012 the company had undergone some major financial challenges including the closure of the Savusavu office and the sale and relocation of the Suva head office.Eventually the downward spiral of the company led to the sale of its flagship vessel MV Suilven to Venu Shipping.From tough to better times aheadBligh Water Shipping chief executive, William Vulivuli admits it was tough times but things were finally looking better.Mr Vulivuli said his staff had worked extremely hard over the past few

months and that the positive turnaround of the company was a group effort.“I’m more of a team leader rather than a CEO because we all worked together and sacrificed a lot of time and hard work for this company,” Mr Vulivuli said.Repair and maintenanceMr Vulivuli said he had been trying to get the ship back to 100 per cent capacity and that in a few short months it will be.“We have spent a lot of time and money on maintenance and repairs. In total we have spent about a quarter of a million dollars already,” he said.And with the last few parts due to arrive from Germany this week, Mr Vulivuli said one of the company’s main focus now would be debt-free.“We are working with our creditors and clearing them off; it should be done in the next few months with the payment plans we have with them so it’s almost done,” he said.

Strong Growth In NZ Trade

New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Fiji, Peter Lund, has highlighted there has been strong growth in some areas of trade between Fiji and New Zealand.He said there has been growth in the areas of biscuits, apparel and fresh produce. “New Zealand exports to Fiji is over NZ$300 million and is more than we import to countries like Russia and South Africa,” he said.Mr Lund said the exports and imports between the two countries are looking good. “For example, there is a great demand for the Griffins biscuits in New Zealand. But this is made in Fiji by FMF,” he said.Improved apparel sectorMr Lund said the Fijian apparel sector was another area where quality has very much improved.

“The apparel companies have specifically targeted niche areas,” he said.“Obviously they have changed a lot but the apparel industry has really moved on by providing corporate uniforms for Australia and New Zealand.“We have seen a lot of improvements in this sector in terms of trade with Fiji and New Zealand.”Meanwhile, Mr Lund said the effect of the recent drought in New Zealand could have a particular impact on the agricultural side.“I think the impact will have a huge impact more on dairy products as Fiji is an importer of dairy products,” he said.“It is true that the drought would have an overall impact on the New Zealand economy but I guess we would have to be optimistic in this area.”

Dismac Sets June Deadline For Rehab Work

The Disaster Management Committee (DISMAC) aims to complete eighty per cent of rehabilitation work for damage done by Tropical Cyclone Evan in June this year.DISMAC director Lieutenant-Colonel Manasa Tagicakibau said they were looking at fast-tracking the rehabilitation works.“I had a discussion with the Commissioner Western and Commissioner Northern to fast-track the rehabilitation works so that we can do the review by June,” he said.

He said they were also looking at completing all rehabilitation works by the end of the year.Meanwhile, 319 out of more than 1000 applicants for partially damaged houses have already been assisted with housing materials in the North and 19 out of 800 applicants for completely damaged houses.“Our work was a bit slow due to the rainy season and unavailability of building materials,” Lieutenant-Colonel Tagicakibau said.

Friday April 5, 2013www.fijitimescanada.com 9

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Fijian Freight Agents Return From Canada With High Hopes

A team of five Fijian freight agents recently returned from a Canadian tour with hopes of stronger ties and more business opportunities with Canadian companies.The team was on Air New Zealand Cargo’s Fijian Freight Agents tour to Canada.Air New Zealand Cargo manager Fiji and Pacific Islands, Pradip Singh, said the tour was a great learning experience.He said it was an eye-opener for the team meeting with entrepreneurs and the business community.Upon return, Air New Zealand has had 4.5 tonnes of aquarium produce exported to Vancouver, Canada which basically shows the ball is now already rolling.The team which went to Canada included Ram Rajen, Santok Singh, Kamal Reddy, Fabian Vikash Verma and Yogendra Prasad.The Canadian tourMr Singh said the team visited Network Cargo System which is Air

New Zealand Cargo’s General Sales Agent in Canada.“The group were met by the Robert vien Lienshout, – Manager Canada for Network Cargo System and later they visited Swissport which handles Air New Zealand and some other six airlines import and export cargo,” he said.Mr Singh said the Fijian freight agents also attended lunch with many business leaders, embassy and consulate representatives, Government officials and members of the Surrey Board of Trade.“The Fijian Freight Agents also met with their customers. Couple of them was Fiji Island Produce Inc, South Pacific Foods Limited, Blundell Seafoods Limited and Seacare Maricultured Products,” he said.“Our group was also met by many former Fijians now calling Canada their home.“They have pledged their support with importing more Fijian made products and/or doing business in some form or other.”

Sadasivan Naicker Re-Elected Sangam President

Sadasivan Naicker has been re-elected as president for the 'Then India Sanmargya Ikya Sangam Fiji'.Naicker said he was happy and excited about his re-election.“I am happy because this gives me an opportunity to continue to provide service to the Sangam association,” Naicker said.He said his board will focus on ways to reach out to and support the grass-root.

Naicker said there are also plans for the Sangam to set up a school for language, culture and arts.Other appointments are as follows - Damend Gounder re-elected secretary general and Paras Ram Gounder re-elected as national treasurer.Four new vice presidents were elected and they are Pravin Bala, Vijay Narayan, Padiyachi and Raja Kumaran.Japan Hands Over An Excavator

To Boost Resilience In NadiDamages to the Nadi Town from the floods and cyclones caused environmental damages and resulted in human suffering were being acknowledged at the official handover of $180,000 worth of Excavator from the Embassy of Japan to the Nadi Town Council at Koroivolu Park.Chief Guest at the function, Ambassador of Japan, Eiichi Oshima was touched by the sufferings the people of the town went through after the natural disasters.“In aftermath, as I passed through

the Nadi area, I was distraught upon witnessing the pain and sorrow the victims were going through,” he said.Mr. Oshima also said they recognize the impact people preparing themselves before such disasters take place.“Therefore, Japan recognizes that investing in disaster preparedness and building communities’ resilience to disasters are very important,” he said.Japan is now undertaking the project for the planning of the Nadi River Flood Control Structures in Cooperation with the Fiji Government.

Laisenia Qarase Released From Jail

Fiji’s former Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase was released from prison Wednesday afternoon.Speaking to media Qarase’s wife Leba Qarase said they are delighted to have him home and everyone is just so relieved that he is back with them.“I cannot stop myself from smiling, all our grandchildren are here and it’s just an exciting moment to be reunited with him again,” she said.“Our prayers have been answered and we just want to thank everyone who has been supporting us all this time.”Qarase who was supposed to be released Tuesday was jailed on August 3rd after being found guilty by the High Court in Suva for abuse of office related charges.

He is currently appealing his sentence of 12 months imprisonment and his conviction and is now eligible for parole after serving eight months in prison.It was alleged Qarase between 1992 to 2000 while employed as a director of Fijian Holdings Limited, Financial Advisor of the Fijian Affairs Board and advisor to the Great Council of Chiefs, in abuse of the authority of his office, did arbitrary acts.He was alleged to have applied in the name of Cicia Plantation Co-op Society Limited, Mavana Investments Limited and a family owned company named Q-Ten Investments Limited for the issuance and allotment of Class A shares in Fijian Holdings Limited.

Friday April 5, 2013www.fijitimescanada.comFiji News

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Fiji Business Pages



2013

Airbus A330 Makes Its First Commercial Takeoff

Fiji's new Airbus A330 marked yet another memorable occasion with events in Nadi and in Auckland Tuesday as it flew from Nadi to Auckland. Takeoff was 8.45am.Airline spokesperson, Shane Hussein, confirmed the tickets for the first commercial Airbus A330 service to Auckland had sold well.“We’re getting huge interest from various channels for A330–specific flights, so we’re happy with the interest being shown,” he said.The airline has also launched A330 special fares for Auckland, with economy class specials starting at $299 one way.This whole week would be an exciting one for Air Pacific since the first A330 will also be making its first commercial flight to Hong Kong as well on April 6.The A330 is flying to Auckland on April 2, 3, 4, and 5.“We are excited for our customers to experience this new aircraft and the levels of service they will receive,” Mr Hussein said.Sneak-peek flightsFlights between April and June, before Air Pacific’s rebranding to Fiji Airways, will provide passengers with a ‘pre-Fiji Airways sneak peek’ of the aircraft’s 24 business and 249 economy class seats.

The ‘pre-Fiji Airways sneak peek’ flights will provide passengers with an opportunity to fly on the new A330 with its enhanced level of comfort and new in-flight entertainment.This before the carrier changes its name, offers a new service model and re-brands to become ‘Fiji Airways’ in June.Increased flight frequenciesThe arrival of the new aircraft will also result in increased frequencies to Sydney, Melbourne, Hong Kong, and Los Angeles throughout this year.The new aircraft is expected to provide passengers with improved schedules and more options to experience enhanced comfort and entertainment features of new A330.Retiring old fleetAir Pacific, by the end of this year, would have retired its two Boeing 747-400s. A Boeing 767-300 has already gone.Air Pacific would have also repainted and upgraded all four Boeing 737s, rolled out new uniforms and introduced a number of new customer service enhancements.This would all be to reflect and elevate the new brand of ‘Fiji Airways’.The second and third Airbus A330s are expected to arrive in the country in May and November respectively.

Airports Fiji Partners With Civil Navigation Services

Airports Fiji Limited has joined Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation, an international body that places a strong emphasis upon providing safe and efficient service.“This provides an international forum for discussion of Air Traffic Management related issues within the context of providing safe, customer focused, cost effective, and stake-holder driven civil air navigation services,” said AFL Acting CEO, Naushad Ali.The organisation gives its members an international communication network so that Air Navigation Service experts can exchange information and promote best practice in air traffic.CANSO welcomes Airports Fiji

CANSO Director General (Interim) Samantha Sharif said: “I am delighted to welcome AFL to the global CANSO community.“As a member of CANSO, AFL will benefit from best practice and guidance in ATM (Air Traffic Management) safety, operations and policy, while we will benefit from their unique expertise and perspectives on issues facing ATM in one of the fastest growing aviation regions.”For small island states like Fiji, a safe, efficient and dependable air traffic system is crucial for supporting inter-island communication and economic development, particularly through its international tourism industry, CANSO said.

No Permit Required For Constitution Meet

THE Fiji Police Force has confirmed that a permit is not required by members of the public or groups to discuss the draft constitution in the country.Force chief of operations ACP Rusiate Tudravu said following a meeting with the Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Ioane Naivalurua, it was decided that discussions should be limited to the draft constitution.ACP Tudravu said anything discussed in the meeting that would be a threat to national security and to the government

would be stopped."The Commissioner of Police has the power to stop the meeting if it is considered a threat to national security or government."He said while the permission to hold meetings without permits had been granted members of the public were encouraged to meet and discuss their views on the draft constitution.ACP Tudravu said people should not do anything illegal but to hold healthy discussions.

Friday April 5, 2013www.fijitimescanada.com Fiji News 11


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Westpac Opens 50 In-Store Banking Outlets In Pacific

Westpac has announced it has opened more than 50 in-store banking outlets across the region to deliver convenient banking to local people.This is given that less than 10 per cent of people are estimated to have access to financial services in a number of Pacific island countries.Westpac reached its milestone of 50 active in-stores earlier last month, launching 40 in-stores in Fiji. The bank also plans to open further in-store outlets in Fiji by next year.Westpac Fiji general manager, Adrian Hughes, said: “In-store banking reflects our commitment to bring banking outside Westpac branches and into local communities.“The relief customers show when they realise they can bank at their local store speaks volumes about the convenience of our service.”In-store servicesWestpac’s in-store service allows customers to make a deposit or transfer between their accounts, all from an EFTPOS machine at a participating store.Customers can also pay a bill if they and the payee are registered for Westpac Bill Pay, print a mini-statement or make a balance enquiry.

“Since many of our customers live in remote or rural locations, we know it’s not always convenient for them to travel to a Westpac branch to do a few basic banking transactions,” Mr Hughes said.“In-store banking saves time and money by eliminating the need to travel into a branch and allowing customers to bank locally, where they shop.”People in Dravuni, Kadavu; Nabouwalu; Bua; the island of Tavewa in the Yasawas; Tubou Village in Lau and Nuku Village in Rabi are among those who now have access to their accounts.Financial educationWestpac’s in-store banking service is complemented by Westpac’s comprehensive and free financial education courses, which teach communities to responsibly budget and save to reach their financial goals.Workshops include Westpac’s Financial First Steps, which teaches basic money management by identifying between needs and wants, tracking spending habits and budgeting.Mr Hughes said it follows that Westpac has a responsibility to help strengthen financial literacy wherever they roll out their in-store banking service.

Airports Fiji Appoints A New Human Resource Manager

Airports Fiji Limited manager human resources and training, Jacinta Govendar has returned to Fiji to take up the position.This is after a 13 year career with the United Nations that took her to Sierra Leone, the borders of Chechnya, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan and more recently, Liberia.Although born in Suva, Ms Govendar said: “I come from the West. My father, Dr C.S. Govendar served as a government doctor for many years before settling us in Lautoka.”Ms Govendar was an international traveller from an early age, beginning

primary school in the United Kingdom, where her father held a World Health Organisation (WHO) scholarship followed by schooling at St Anne’s in Suva and St Thomas Primary in Lautoka.Her secondary education took place at Natabua High School and St Scholastica’s College, Sydney.Holding a Masters degree in Human Resource Management from Manchester Metropolitan University, in the United Kingdom, Ms Govendar has also completed a Journalism Fellowship at Oxford University, UK and her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Madras University in India.

Constitution Submission Deadline Extended

The submission deadline for Fiji's new Constitution has been extended to April 26.Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama had earlier announced that all submissions were to be handed in by April 5th.But Bainimarama confirmed the deadline extension in a Radio-talkback show.He said submissions and consultations have been extended because of the number of requests received for extension and this will give citizens more time to make their submissions.

The Prime Minister said the new constitution will be the best as it will safeguard the country’s future and will keep Fiji up to date with other countries.He said all submissions made regarding the draft constitution will be taken into consideration.He has also called on all Fijians to come forward and make their submissions in order to have a constitution that will benefit everyone.Meanwhile public consultation on the draft constitution will begin this week in Suva.

Government Commends Resort For Meeting Timeline

Attorney-General and Minister for Tourism being garlanded by a hotel worker

The resort's chief executive officer and chairman Mr Geoffrey Shaw pointed out that the resilience of staff to see the resort restored contributed heavily to the completion of rehab works. "Their dedication to their resort and island home, their spirit, their generosity of nature, camaraderie and sheer determination, enabled the outcome that you see before you today from what seemed an impossible starting position three and a half

months previously,” Mr Shaw said. He said that both management and staff were dedicated to ensuring that the resort opened on time. "On December 17 last year, we made a commitment to reopen Castaway by the end of March 2013. Today, we celebrate the reopening of our private island resort, on time, as promise,” Mr Shaw said. The resort which is in the Mamanuca Group sustained significant damages following Hurricane Evan in 2012.

Bench Warrant Issued For Former Police Officer

A bench warrant has been issued against a former police officer who failed to appear in the Suva Magistrates Court in relation to a case where he allegedly destroyed evidence kept as exhibits at the Nabua Police Station.Magistrate Chaitanya Latchman has told police officers to look for him and

that he is to be present in court on the June 3rd.Netani Seru is charged with destroying evidence and receiving a corrupt benefit.It is alleged that between 18th and 20th of June 2011, Seru burned exhibits kept at the Nabua Police Station.

Friday April 5, 2013www.fijitimescanada.com12

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Fiji News

Embrace Change And Excellence

Mr Steel being garlanded while PS PSC Chand looks on“Public servants need to continuously explore innovative and simpler ways of dealing with their day to day work activities in our joint efforts to improve service delivery to ordinary members of the public. In doing so, we need to fully embrace change, be prepared to go that extra mile and that we are employed to provide services to the best of our abilities”.This was the message from Parmesh Chand, Permanent Secretary for Public Service Commission as he opened a Training Programme on Service Excellence conducted by Mr Paul Steel, a world renowned expert on the subject from the United States.Mr Steel is the President of Total Quality, a company that has served thousands of organizations worldwide since 1991 in achieving all levels of excellence.Mr Parmesh Chand said that the PSC is fortunate to have the services of

Mr Steel for the second consecutive year. He said that strive for service excellence is a continuous process.“It requires ongoing commitment and investment in areas such as training, systems improvements, monitoring and evaluation, responsiveness to client feedback, innovation and knowledge sharing and remaining proactive.”Mr Steel will be in the country until April 20th providing training to evaluators, agency champions, senior executive level officers and all others involved in promoting and facilitating service excellence in the public service.The Service Excellence Awards Framework has been endorsed by Government as a system and customer approach towards improving organizational systems, processes and services with enhanced productivity and efficiency of the Public Service as the expected outcome.

Nadi Hotelier Sees Hope In Smaller Businesses

Nadi businesswoman, Rina Kumar is urging the Government to look into the plight of small hoteliers in the tourist town.Mrs Kumar made this call after her hotel business in Nadi saw major devastation in a series of recent floods followed by cyclone Evan.While it has only been two years since taking over Hotel San Bruno solely, Mrs Kumar said she has invested more than $160,000 personally in the hotel after two floods and cyclone Evan.“The cost of damages on the hotel after Nadi saw series of floods was high together with the effects of Cyclone Evan,” Mrs Kumar said.However, Mrs Kumar said she was happy to note that her hotel has been given a better uplift and the investments have been worth.“The hotel has been operating in Nadi for 15 years now and it saw critical

losses as it operated without repairs and developments.“After I took over the hotel, it was badly ill-treated with natural disasters; however this led to better investments in hotel repairs and upgrading of facilities.”She said the hotel did not see much turn over in the years but with the new facilities available now there has been a good turnover.“Although I am new in the hotel business, with new marketing policies, hotel strategies together with current marketing of the hotel, high turnover are much expected this year.“New facilities in the hotel include conference room, halls, bar, dormitories which are affordable yet luxurious.”Mrs Kumar said hoteliers in Nadi have the potential to operate in larger scale given their necessities are looked after by the heads in the hotel industry.

Shree Sanatan Supports Draft Constitution

The Shree Sanatan Dharam Pratinidhi Sabha supports the new draft constitution.Its national president, Dewan Chand Maharaj, told the reporter that they were happy with the draft constitution.“We had made a submission which has been included in the draft constitution and we are happy with that.”Mr Maharaj said a major highlight of the draft constitution was that Fiji was to be a secular state.“The freedom to practice one’s own faith will help rid the nation of racial discrimination. It may encourage

others to understand the different faiths practiced in Fiji,” he said.The draft constitution is currently out for public viewing.Meanwhile, an affiliated body of the Sabha, the Brahmin Sabha of Fiji, had their annual general meeting.Their president, Rajeshwar Sharma, said a book soon to be released would clearly define the rules and rites of the Sanatan religion.“One of the major concerns raised in the meeting was the rules and the rites and we will be releasing a book soon that will clearly define this.”

Sugar Industry Targets 47 Tonnes Per Hectare

Fiji’s target this year under the Sugarcane Industry Action plan is 47 tonnes per hectare.Prime Minister and Minister for Sugar Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama while opening the new Mate Road Bridge in Korovuto, Nadi said 47 tonnes per hector is expected this year while 70 tonnes per hector is the target for 2017.“There is no reason that the farmers in this area cannot meet those targets with the right guidance, assistance and

attitude,” said Bainimarama.“If we are focused and we remove the politics from sugar we can achieve these targets even sooner,” he said.He said currently the local productivity per hectare is low and farmers need to work together with the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) and the sugar ministry to implement best practices and introduce new varieties of sugar cane.He also said people need to look for new ways to make productive use of the new bridge that is now open.


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Fiji News

Attorney-General Launches Round Of Consultations On Constitution

The Attorney-General’s Chambers has begun an intensive series of meetings this week to brief citizen groups on Fiji’s draft constitution.The series began with a briefing by Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum meeting of the Catholic Women’s League of Fiji on the afternoon of April 2. The Catholic Women’s League had invited the Attorney-General to speak to members of the community and representatives of CWL branches in the Central/Eastern and Western Divisions, including youth.The series of briefings continues this

afternoon when the Attorney-General will brief the NGO coalition on the draft constitution at the Women’s Crisis Center. The Attorney-General is briefing at the invitation of the Women’s Crisis Center.The Attorney-General conducted another briefing session, with the Rural Advisory Councillors, Roko Tuis, and other Provincial Administrators, at JJ’s on the Park on April 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Registered organizations, non-governmental organizations, and interested individuals had been invited to attend. “The PM’s decision to extend the consultation period gives us an excellent opportunity to talk about the draft constitution and necessary to dispel myths and misinformation and to reassure people. It is very important for the citizens of Fiji to understand the draft constitution and to hear the rationale for its provisions,” the Attorney-General said.The Attorney-General’s Chambers will hold more briefing sessions in the Western and Northern Divisions during this consultation period, which ends on April 26.

Reserve Bank Of Fiji Transfers $35.4 Million To Government

The Reserve Bank of Fiji transferred $35.4 million to the Fijian Government. This comprises its entire profit of $25.4 million for the financial year ended December 31, 2012 and $10.0 million, which represents one fifth of the balance of the Revaluation Reserve Account.The Reserve Bank of Fiji Board decided not to set aside any profit to General Reserves but instead transfer the full amount to Government.The Governor and Chairman of the Reserve Bank of Fiji Board, Mr Barry Whiteside said, “The 2012 financial performance is a significant achievement when one takes into account the adverse global investment environment where interest rates are

relatively low.”He added that the out turn was much better than the Bank’s budget estimates. Governor Whiteside said that “Fiji’s foreign reserves level was $1.6 billion at the end of 2012 compared with $1.5 billion at the end of 2011.”In accordance with the Reserve Bank of Fiji Act, the audited accounts and operations report for the 2012 fiscal year were submitted to the Minister for Finance on March 28, 2013.The Board would like to extend their appreciation to the staff of the Reserve Bank for this achievement. The Directors would also like to thank the Bank’s customers, stakeholders and counterparts in assisting the Bank meet its objectives in 2012.

Fuel Cost TriplesFIJI'S petroleum import bill grew from around $400million in 2004 to a little more than $1.2billion in 2008.And this equaled a quarter of Fiji's total imports. Speaking at the opening of the National Energy Consultation Forum, Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said the alarming fact was the cost of energy consumption tripled during that four-year period."The unprecedented increase in the price of oil propelled these increases spurring our inflation rate," Commodore Bainimarama said.He said the oil crisis of the 1970s impacted the world and smaller economies like the Pacific, which were at the very end of the fossil fuel supply chain.He said the incident was a reminder of the nation's vulnerabilities."These include the complete dependency on fossil fuel; not being able to influence pricing because of car telling and being a price taker given comparatively low usage on global scale; and the influence energy costs have on the economic wellbeing of our country and people," he said.

And even though oil prices had declined to more comfortable level today, he said the fact remained that the world's oil resources were diminishing and reduced supply without reduction in demand would only mean higher prices."It is imperative to reduce our vulnerabilities. Energy insecurity does not exist in isolation. It is not a 'sector problem'."It is a threat to the security of our economy, to the fabric of our society, and to our very sovereignty as an independent nation."Therefore, he said Fiji's shift to a sustainable energy supply was critical.Reserve Bank of Fiji governor Barry Whiteside said Fiji's energy sector was largely dependent on import of fossil fuels.Mr Whiteside said an increase in fuel demand would lead to an increase in import bill and domestic price.This would further lead to an increase in present account deficit, a decrease in foreign reserves and an increase in inflation.

Former Civil Servant Released Under Strict Bail Conditions

A former civil servant charged with bribery and abuse of office was released on strict bail conditions by the Magistrates Court in Suva.Filimoni Cakobau was released on bail on the grounds that he surrender his passport and traveling documents, not to interfere with prosecution witnesses, not to re-offend while on bail and to report to the Nausori Police station every Saturdays.Cakobau has also been told to provide two sureties with $2000 each however

his surety should not be his mom, anyone he works with or live with.Cakobau who was a senior technical assistant at the Ministry of Industry and Trade is facing two counts of bribery, three counts of abuse of office, a count of falsification of documents and another of conspiracy to defeat justice and interfering with prosecution witnesses.He is alleged to have committed the offences from June to December last year.



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Cuba Offers Medicine Study To Fijians

The Government of the Republic of Cuba, in partnership with the Fijian Government, will for the fourth consecutive year offer scholarships to study medicine in Cuba, beginning in September 2013. The duration of studying medicine (MBBS) will be for seven years. There will be one year for learning the Spanish language and six years of medical study.Public Service Commission (PSC) permanent secretary, Parmesh Chand said awardees would be required to return to Fiji after having completed their studies and would be bonded under PSC scholarship conditions. “This will include the need to work in Fiji for a period of time under the government bonding arrangements

for overseas studies,” Mr Chand said. While the scholarship will cover tuition, accommodation, meals, book allowance, monthly allowance and medical and dental assistance, the Fijian Government will pay for return airfares with an annual supplementary allowance of $3,500 for the first year and $2,500 thereafter until the completion of studies.Mr Chand said Fiji was deeply appreciative of the continued offer of assistance by the Cuban Government. “Cuba is renowned for her world class public health system and commitment in training of medical professionals. We are pleased with having been accorded such an opportunity and for this we are very grateful,” he added.

Pm Opens Waiting Shed For Travellers

PM Bainimarama officially opening the Boiemate Waiting Shed

A $40,000 waiting shed for seafarers, who travel to the islands in the Western Division from Lautoka, was officially opened by the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama. The shed will benefit passengers while either waiting for a vessel, reuniting with family or to take care of personal business, Commodore Bainimarama said in highlighting the importance of critical infrastructure."It may look like a small thing for some people but it certainly is not small for my Government. There are no 'small things' when it come to the welfare of the people of Fiji," the Prime Minister said."There are no small things when it comes to providing the infrastructure that allows our people to work and produce."

The shed has been dedicated to Sergeant Major Apolosi Boleanamate the late Mata (representative) of Waya. It was his idea; however he passed away before witnessing the opening of the shed.The shed will provide a decent place for people who commute to and from Yasawa and provides enterprising women and men the opportunity to sell good, well prepared food to hungry travellers and it will also be a place from where art and handmade products can be sold from.The Prime Minister said the shed would serve rural and outer islands population both socially and economically.Elders from Yasawa and the province of Ba were present at the opening of the shed located at the Lautoka wharf.


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Aries: This is a mixed week for you. You may be getting rather bored with the monotony of your life at the moment. You could feel that you have no way of changing the way that things are going for some of you. Stick to routine work that you know and understand. During the weekend you will feel lethargic and will be difficult to keep your mind from wandering. Your lucky numbers are 2 and 4 and winning colors are silver and sea green.Taurus: This is a fair week. The first half of the week is good for expanding business operations. The midweek is favorable for reunions and celebrations. But the chances are that when the excitement is over, there will be more serious matters to be dealt with. People with background knowledge of your affairs are apt to be most helpful in assisting with old problems. Your lucky numbers are 7 and 9 and winning colors are red and blue.Gemini: This is a fair week. Romance is highlighted throughout. There is little that can go wrong if you have recently embarked on a new relationship. Leisure pursuits should be positively inspiring. The second half of the week is a bit uncertain. Joint funds should not be used for speculative purposes on any account whatsoever. Your lucky

numbers are 1 and 7 and winning colours are aquamarine and olive.Cancer: This is a changeable week for some of you. If it is possible, work from home. That might be a more productive move than trying to get chores finished in the midst of the distractions of colleagues at your place of work. You can have the fun in the second half of the week in your immediate locality. Your lucky numbers are 3 and 1 and winning colours are purple and emerald.Leo: This is a successful week for many of you. An influential friend could put in a word in your favor during a social event. This may enable you to take a step forward fulfilling a special personal ambition. Short trips can be especially pleasurable if you take some trouble to organize them in advance. Your lucky numbers are 2 and 4 and winning colours are peach and orange.Virgo: This is a challenging week for some of you. You honor your own needs and creativity. Making a decision to end a relationship is never something you should do hastily. During the second half of the week allow yourself to go with the flow of creativity. Ideas are bound to come to you. Family members will be supportive. Your lucky numbers are 3 and9 and winning

colours are pink and scarlet.Libra: This is a buoyant week for many of you. Taking more relaxed attitude can get the workweek off to an enjoyable start. Do not allow colleagues to hassle you. A surprise present from a friend is sure to warm your heart in the second half of the week. You can start to get things moving again. Your lucky numbers are 3 and 9 and winning colors are bright blue and black. Scorpio: This is a satisfactory week for you. Make the most of the week by focusing on sorting out the final details of ongoing work. You should be more willing than usual to settle down to tasks that usually bore you. The second half of the week is a bit disquieting. Romance does not look promising for some of you. Your lucky numbers are 4 and 8 and winning colours are gold and milky white.Sagittarius: This is a pleasant week for many of you. You can probably get going at work quickly and easily. It will be most satisfying to begin by concentrating on minor tasks. Once you clear these out of the way, you will be free to turn to a long-term creative project in the second half of the week. Your lucky numbers are 4 and 6 and winning colours are white and cream.

Capricorn: This is a useful week for you. Parents or other older persons may be happy to offer a little financial assistance, although they are bound to want assurance that you will use the money for something worthwhile. In the second half of the week you must try to make a good impression over your superiors by pushing yourself hard. Your lucky numbers are 5 and 3 and winning colours are brown and ivory.Aquarius: This is a variable week for many of you. Working for a cause always appeals to you. A local issue in the first half of the week could benefit from your attention. The mid-week is good and memorable time for romance. Someone you have long been keen on will show signs of reciprocating your feelings. Your lucky numbers are 3 and 6 and winning colours are blue and lilac.Pisces: This is a sensitive week for many of you. The first half of the week is good to begin a new leisure pursuit. You will enjoy learning something that can contribute to the development of latent talents, which you might not even realize you posses. You will be relieved in the second half of the week. You will have the chance to do your own thing. Your lucky numbers are 1 and 7 and winning colours are cherry and Sapphire.

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Potato/Eggplant/GreenpeasIngredientsDry peas - Half a cup4 potatoes - peeled and cubed2 eggplants - cubed2 tomatoes - chopped1 onion - chopped4 garlic cloves - chopped1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger 4 green chilies - chopped4 Curry leaves Store bought curry powder or paste - 2 teaspoonsTumeric - quarter teaspoonCumin seeds - 1 teaspoonMustard seeds - 1 teaspoonFenugreek seeds - Half teaspoonSalt to tasteCooking oil - 2 tablespoons

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Kid President Joins White House Egg Roll

BARACK Obama got some assistance from a much younger "president" at the traditional White House Easter egg roll, as nine-year-old internet

sensation "Kid President" joined in welcoming more than 35,000 people to the White House lawn.

Robby Novak, the African American boy whose inspirational YouTube videos have become an internet phenomenon, introduced the US president along with First Lady Michelle Obama and the rest of the family before offering handshakes to the crowds alongside the president.Obama urged a group of young children along as they pushed eggs across the lawn with wooden spoons, asking: "Is everybody ready? You ready with your spoon?"Novak then took on the task of blowing the whistle to start the race.Michelle Obama joked that the youngster would "spend a little time in the Oval Office, just fixing things up for this president, aren't you?"Obama and his dog, Bo, later joined

a group of children to read them the book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.The day's activities feature sports courts and cooking demonstrations aimed at helping educate families on healthy eating and exercise. First Lady Michelle has made the elimination of childhood obesity a goal of her Let's Move initiative.The White House Easter egg roll tradition dates to 1878, when President Rutherford B Hayes first allowed children to roll their eggs on the White House lawn.The event has been cancelled a few times since then because of bad weather and it was moved to other Washington landmarks during World War I and WWII.

Couple Found Guilty Of Killing Six Children In Fire

All six children died from smoke inhalation. Their names were Duwayne, Jade, John, Jack, Jesse and Jayden.

A British couple has been convicted of manslaughter after starting a house fire which killed six of their children.Mick Philpott 56, and his wife Mairead, 32, were found guilty of starting the blaze in Derby on May 11 last year.A third defendant, Paul Mosley, was also found guilty of manslaughter following the eight-week trial at Nottingham Crown Court in central England. Prosecutors said the couple had set

their home ablaze in a bid to frame Philpott's 29-year-old former girlfriend and claim custody of her five children - four of which he fathered.Philpott was supposed to have rescued the children through a bedroom window, but the petrol-fuelled fire was far greater than he expected and the window would not open.Philpott, a father of 17 children by five different women, was already a notorious figure in Britain.

Driver Banned Until 2062 Caught Behind Wheel

A woman disqualified from driving until 2062 has allegedly been caught behind the wheel in Sydney's south west.Police say they approached the woman after she stopped her car 300 meters from their breath-testing site in Woodbine around noon on Monday.Officers say the 37-year-old woman gave them false details, but a

fingerprinting device confirmed she had been disqualified from driving until 2062.The woman has been charged with driving whilst disqualified and giving false particulars. The woman was refused bail and was expected to appear in Campbelltown Local Court.


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Friday April 5, 2013www.fijitimescanada.com World News 21

UK Government Under Fire For 'Bedroom Tax'

The UK government has been criticized over measures to cut welfare benefits, the most controversial of which has been dubbed the "bedroom tax".The government says the raft of changes will make the welfare system fairer, but critics say the plan will not work.Under the Spare Room Subsidy, anyone receiving housing benefit payments will have to move home or pay a subsidy for each room they have vacant.The measure will affect London woman Janet Cavalla, who does not agree with it at all. "I've got a two-bedroom flat and my son's left home and he's sick and has to come back home," she said. "And he has to stay with me when he's sick and they're telling me I've got to pay."He's got cystic fibrosis. He has to have oxygen in a room without anyone else being in [it] because it will affect him, so I don't believe in it."Ms Cavalla says she cannot afford to pay 20 pounds ($29) a week for the subsidy."I'm a full-time carer for my parents and I only get so much - 40 pounds a week," she said. Liam Byrne, the opposition Labour party's spokesman on work and pensions, says there is nowhere for people hit by the bedroom tax to move to. "In fact, 97 per cent won't be able to move to another property because the

properties simply aren't available for them," he said. "So what we actually need to do is start building more homes." The opposition says the one- and two-bedroom properties which are available could cost more in rent than the larger properties that tenants are being forced out of.'Tough but fair'But the government says that is simply scaremongering.Work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith says the measure is tough but fair."We have a large number of people living in overcrowded accommodation which the last government did nothing about - that got worse," he said. "There are people sitting on a waiting list that doubled in the last government's tenure and yet people are being subsidised to live in houses where they have spare bedrooms. "Now if they want to, I'm simply saying, then they need to resolve that by paying more."There is some support for the initiative outside the government.Sean Hynes works full-time, owns two homes and is pleased by the new measure. "There are a lot of people out there who are working and do full-time work and who are very concerned," he said. "I'm glad the Conservatives are actually approaching it rather than just sweeping it under the carpets."

Beloved New York Zoo Gorilla Dies

New York's best-known gorilla, a 40-year-old Bronx Zoo denizen called 'Pattycake' - has died.The gentle giant, who was born in New York's Central Park Zoo, was the first gorilla born in the Big Apple.She lived beyond the average 37-year life span of the big primates in captivity, said the Wildlife Conservation Society, which manages city zoos.Pattycake was born in 1972 to parents Kongo and Lulu. From the day she broke her arm at the age of five months, she captivated the public.

After 1983, Pattycake moved permanently to the much larger Bronx Zoo, where she gave birth to 10 infants, including twins in 1995. Her brood is now divided among zoos across the United States."Pattycake was perhaps the best known gorilla at the Bronx Zoo, and an institution in New York City," said Jim Breheny, director of the Bronx Zoo."Millions of children in New York City grew up with Pattycake at the Bronx Zoo. Pattycake was a very special animal and her presence will be deeply missed," he added.

Doctor Denies Killing Patients To Free Up Beds

Virginia Soares de Souza (middle) is accused of killing patients to free up hospital beds.

The Brazilian doctor charged with murdering seven hospital patients, and who is under investigation for hundreds more suspicious deaths, has pleaded her innocence outside court.Virginia Soares de Souza, 56, who was freed on bail on March 20 after a month in jail, has denied all the charges against her.Along with three doctors and two nurses from the same unit, de Souza has been charged with the murder of seven patients since 2006, while a physiotherapist and a nurse face lesser charges."I have confidence in justice. Truth takes time and it will appear," she said in brief remarks to reporters after attending a hearing in Parana state.But a team led by health ministry investigator Mario Lobato is re-examining the 1,872 deaths that took place in the intensive care unit she led for seven years, focusing on some 300 cases deemed suspicious by family

members.Police obtained testimonies and wiretaps showing that de Souza prescribed or administered medication that caused the patients to die from asphyxiation, according to the prosecution.De Souza's lawyer Elias Mattar scoffed at the accusations, saying "whatever was administered to the patients was in the medical records"."Could an ill-intentioned doctor write down all the evidence of a crime? That would be absurd," Mr Mattar said.The investigation began two years ago after former hospital employees and relatives of the patients reported allegedly suspicious deaths.Globo television aired recordings in which de Souza said she wanted "to decongest" the unit."Unfortunately, it is our role to be the springboard to the other world," she said in another recording.

US Prosecutor Murdered With Wife In Texas

A Texas district attorney and his wife have been found shot dead in their home - the second murder of a US prosecutor in the same office in less than two months.In January, Kaufman County assistant district attorney Mark Hasse, 57, reportedly investigating the white supremacist Aryan Brotherhood, was gunned down just outside a courthouse in a small Texan town.Last Saturday, the county's district attorney, Mike McLelland, and his wife, Cynthia Woodward McLelland, were found shot dead at their home."It is a shock," Kaufman Police Chief Chris Aulbaugh said."It was a shock with Mark Hasse, and now you can just imagine the double shock," he added."Until we know what happened, I really can't confirm that it's related, but you always have to assume until it's

proven otherwise."The newspaper reported that authorities were providing security at the homes of others who feared they could also be targeted.A statewide bulletin in December said the Aryan Brotherhood - an organised crime syndicate - was "actively planning retaliation against law enforcement officials," the paper said.Authorities are also probing whether Hasse's shooting was linked to the killing of a Colorado prison chief on March 19.The suspect in that shooting is Evan Spencer Ebel, 28, a white supremacist with a criminal history spanning a decade, who was shot and killed after a stand-off with sheriff's deputies.However, authorities have not found evidence tying Ebel to Hasse's murder, the Dallas paper said.

Friday April 5, 2013www.fijitimescanada.com22 World News

Delhi Gang-Rape Accused Wants Proper Food

A DEFENDANT in the New Delhi gang-rape and murder trial has demanded "proper food and newspapers" from jail officials as he prepares for a job

recruitment test, the Press Trust of India reports. Vinay Sharma, who along with five others allegedly gang-raped a 23-year-old student in a moving bus in December, filed the plea in a fast-track court where he is being tried, the news agency said.Sharma sought "proper food and newspapers" inside jail as he wanted to take a written examination for a clerical position with the Indian Air Force, it said.Sharma, a 20-year-old gym assistant, said he should be given milk and fruit in jail.He has denied raping the physiotherapy student and pleaded not guilty to the murder charges.Judge Yogesh Khanna ordered the jail authorities to submit their response to Sharma's request.Late last month Sharma asked the court to provide him with a tutor and reading

materials to help him prepare for the Indian Air Force clerical recruitment test, local media reported."My client has got a call letter to appear for an interview with the Indian Air Force," his lawyer told the court on March 26, according to the Indo-Asian News Service.Five men and a 17-year-old teenager were arrested soon after the death of the rape victim, who succumbed to horrific internal injuries after nearly two weeks in hospital.Last month, the main accused in the case, Ram Singh, was found hanged in his prison cell. His family alleged he was murdered.The case has led to months of soul-searching over widespread sexual crime in India, resulted in tougher laws to punish rapists and focused global attention on violence against women in the country.

Obama Considering Woman To Lead FBI

The Obama administration is searching a replacement for FBI Director Robert S Mueller III, and for the first time one of the leading contenders is a woman. According to current and past administration officials, one of several people under consideration is Lisa Monaco, who left a senior post at the Justice Department this month to become President Barack Obama’s top counter terrorism adviser. Mueller, 68, will step down on September 4 after 12 years on the job. Since taking the helm a week before the September 11, 2001, attacks, Mueller has overseen the bureau’s transformation into a worldwide counterterrorism operation, the media reports. The director’s job is limited to 10 years by law, but the Senate in 2011 extended Mueller’s term for two years at the request of Obama after a search for a replacement failed. According to the report, officials said the administration wants to find a successor soon so that person can

be vetted, nominated and confirmed before Congress goes on summer recess. Among the names that have surfaced as contenders are Monaco, who oversaw the National Security Division at Justice before moving to the White House; Merrick B Garland, chief judge of the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit; James B Comey, deputy attorney general in the George W Bush administration; Neil MacBride, US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Patrick J Fitzgerald, former US attorney in Chicago. While Mueller has won bipartisan support through two administrations, the bureau has increased its surveillance operations in ways that critics say sometimes violate civil liberties, the report said. Law enforcement experts said that the new director will need to be experienced in both law enforcement and management, given the vast expansion of the FBI’s operations over the past decade, the report added.

Female Tourists Desert India After Sex Attacks

The number of female tourists visiting India has dropped by 35 per cent in the past three months following a spate of sex attacks that have made global headlines, a new survey has found.The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) says overall year-on-year tourist arrivals are down 25 per cent, with holidaymakers opting instead to visit other Asian countries such as Malaysia and Thailand.The fatal gang-rape of a 23-year-old Indian student by six men on a bus in New Delhi in December sparked outrage over the country's treatment of women, and since then there have also been other widely reported attacks.A Swiss cyclist was gang-raped in Madhya Pradesh last month, while a South Korean tourist was allegedly drugged and raped in the same state in January by the son of the owner of a hotel where she was staying.The incidents have "raised concerns

about the safety of female travellers to the country", said DS Rawat, the secretary general at ASSOCHAM, which surveyed 1,200 tour operators from different cities.Nearly 72 per cent of tour operators reported a number of cancellations in the last three months - usually a busy tourist season - especially by female visitors from countries such as Canada, the United States and Australia.Mr Rawat said deteriorating standards of safety and security were the main reasons for the drop in tourists, although the global economic slowdown was also a factor."The situation has been further aggravated by the advisory issued by various countries to their citizens visiting India to be cautious and avoid India," added the release from ASSOCHAM.The survey comes as a blow to government attempts to boost the tourism industry in a period of lagging economic growth.

Dog In Belarus Village Inherits USD 1 Million

This dog has had its day! A canine from the small village of Budochka in Belarus has inherited a whopping USD 1 million from a US citizen. The ten-year-old dog named Zhulik inherited the fortune from the late John Fyodorov, who was born in Budochka but migrated to the US after World War II, according to local newspaper Respublika daily. As per Fyodorov's last will, the dog now has its own room with a large bed and plasma TV, balanced meals - which must include no less than half a kilogram of meat - three times a day, and walks in the fresh air and showers twice a day. The dog also has the right to travel

once a year to any country around the globe, which the canine will choose by pointing its muzzle at a place on a map. Zhulik is due to take its first trip in July, and its owner Vasily Potapov said he hoped his pet would point its muzzle at Paris, the report said. Potapov said Fyodorov had visited the village in 2007 and said the dog reminded him of his dog Valet, who died. When Valet had fallen severely ill and Fyodorov had to decide between an expensive surgery for the dog to save its life and buying a ticket to Sacramento, he chose the latter. The dog later died and Fyodorov reportedly could not forgive himself for the death of the dog.

US Driver Crashes Into Wal-Mart, Attacks Shoppers

A DRIVER has crashed his vehicle into a Wal-Mart and then assaulted customers inside, US police say, leaving four people hurt.

Investigators have not determined how fast the driver - described as a male in his 30s - was going at the time of the crash but the car went about 3 to 6 meters into the store in San Jose.About 70 people were inside at the time, Police Officer Albert Morales said.After the crash at 11.15am, the unidentified driver got out of his vehicle and used a blunt object to attack people, Morales said.The driver was arrested when officers arrived.One person suffered what Morales described as serious injuries.He did not know the extent of the

injuries to the three other people but said they were not life-threatening.Customer Sharon Kaye told the reporter that the driver sideswiped her car as he made several runs around the parking lot before driving between poles at the entrance and crashing into the store."At first, I thought I may have done something to anger him while driving," she said."But then I realised he was out to get into the store."After the crash, the entrance to the Wal-Mart was roped off with yellow police tape, and workers put up large boards covering the automatic doors where the car had entered.


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1) From where does the name "Canada" come? A. From the First Nations word meaning land.B. From the Inuit word "Kanata" meaning nations.C. From the Inuit word meaning home.D. From "Kanata", the First Nations word for village.2) Who can help if you cannot pay for a lawyer? A. Borrow from the government.B. Ask for legal aid services.C. Talk to the Members of Parliament

in your district.D. The police can help.3) Which of the followings are the founding people of Canada? A. British, Asian and Aboriginal.B. Aboriginal, French and British.C. French, American and Indian.D. Inuit, French and British.4) One third of all Canadians live in which province? A. Quebec.B. British Columbia.C. Northwest Territories.D. Ontario.5) Where are the Great Lakes? A. Ontario.B. Quebec.C. Southern Ontario along the border between Canada and the United States.D. On the border between Quebec and Ontario.6) What does Register of Electors

contain? A. List of all Canadian citizens who are qualified to vote in federal elections and referendums.B. List of Canadian citizens less than 18 years old who are qualified to vote in federal elections and referendums. C. Personal information of voters which is given to each political party.D. List of Canadian citizens of more than 18 years who are qualified to vote in federal elections and referendums.7) What does it mean for a political party to "be in power"? A. To hold the nuclear button.B. To gain the approval of the Queen.C. To have the most elected representatives.D. To generate electricity.8) What is the name of the Prime Minister of Canada? A. Alexa McDonough.

B. Jean Chrétien.C. Paul Martin.D. Stephen Harper9) When did the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms become part of the Constitution? A. 1982.B. 1919.C. 1867.D. 1980.10) Why is the British North America Act important in Canadian history? A. It was written by the British government.B. It was agreed to by the First Nations and Inuit.C. The Aboriginal people signed the act.D. It made Confederation legal.

ANSWERS1.D 2.B 3.B 4.D 5.C6.A 7.C 8.D 9.A 10.D

Immigration Backlog Reduced By Forty PercentFaster processing times for workers and families

As a result of actions taken by the government since 2008, the backlog of permanent resident applications has been reduced by about forty percent, paving the way for a faster and more effective immigration system in 2013 and beyond, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced.“Backlogs and delays prevent Canada from attracting the best and brightest from around the world and ensuring that our immigration system is contributing to economic growth and long-term prosperity,” said Minister Kenney. “For too long, we accepted far more applications than we could process each year. That led to backlogs increasing every year and processing times of eight to ten years in some cases, which discouraged talented, dynamic people from coming to Canada.”This has been accomplished, in part, by continuing to process a high

number of applications from parents and grandparents in the Family Class while a temporary pause on new applications remains in effect until the end of the year. In addition, a pause was put in place on new Immigrant Investor applications and the oldest Federal Skilled Worker applications were eliminated while we continued to process record high levels of existing applications.The government will continue to transform Canada’s immigration system to make it fast, flexible and more responsive to the labour market. The massive reduction in the backlog allows us to move toward a just-in-time system that recruits people with the right skills to meet Canada’s labour market needs, fast tracks their applications and gets them working in Canada in a period of months, instead of years. It also means that families will no longer have to wait close to a

decade to be reunited with their loved ones.“We still have work to do, but by taking clear and decisive action to deal with backlogs, we will attain our goal of having a fast and flexible immigration system,” said Minister Kenney. “Newcomers will arrive with skills

and talents that are in short supply in Canada and contribute to our economy. The immigration system must work for Canada, which is why we will continue to reduce backlogs and speed up the system, so that people spend less time waiting and more time participating fully in the Canadian economy.”

Scene: Raabert and Ajeet go for shikar...Raabert spots a peacock...Raabert: Boss....more.. more...Ajit picks up the peacock, shoots it and says...Ajit : No more !''''''''''''''''''''Robert: Bass is gaddar ka kya karen ?Ajit : Ise sui chubho chubho kar mar daalo... pulees samjhegi sui-cide hua hai.''''''''''''''''''''''''''''Peter: Bass yeh aadmi to kuchh boal

hee nahin rahaa...Ajit: Ise revolving chair pe bitha do, pataa to lage chakkar kya hai.''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''Ajit: Mona, tum Toni se shaadi mat karnaa, bahut mona-toni ho jaegi.

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''Ajit: Raabert, dayna (Diana) ko kuch khatta pila do.Robert: Kyu boss ?Ajit: Bewkoof, woh dayna se daynasour ho jayegi, phir extinct kar dena.

Ajit Jokes

Friday April 5, 2013www.fijitimescanada.com28 Canada News


Fiji Business Pages



2013

7 Changes For The 2012 Tax YearFiling your tax return may seem like the same tedious task every year, but it's a good idea to check whether there have been any changes to the rules governing deductions and credits or any budgetary measures that might affect your personal situation.Here are seven tax changes taking effect in the 2012 tax year that you should be aware of:1. Working while receiving CPP/QPP benefits As of January 1, 2012, you now have to pay CPP premiums if you are between the ages of 60 and 65 and begin drawing Canada Pension Plan or Quebec Pension Plan benefits while you are still working. For those 65 and older but under 70, the CPP contributions are voluntary. This rule applies to both employees and the self-employed unless you are working in Quebec or are self-employed and a resident of Quebec or your income is not subject to CPP. The contribution you make is paid out the following year in the form of a post-retirement benefit, which is a fully indexed lifetime benefit separate from the regular CPP and QPP benefit. This year is the first year that this new benefit will be paid out. 2. Family caregiver amount You may be able to claim up to an additional $2,000 in tax credits if you have a dependent with a physical or mental impairment, including, under certain conditions, a spouse or common-law partner.3. Medical expenses People who need anti-coagulation therapy and have been prescribed blood coagulation monitors can now deduct those expenses.4. Employees profit-sharing You may have to pay a new tax if you are a so-called specified employee and contributions that your employer made to an employee profit-sharing plan after March 28, 2012, and allocated to you for the year are more than the threshold. The Canada Revenue Agency defines a specified employee as someone who has a significant equity interest in their

employer or does not deal at arm's length with their employer. 5. Investment credit If you have an investment in a mining operation that allocates certain exploration expenditures to you, the eligibility for the mineral exploration tax credit has been extended to flow-through share agreements entered into before April 1, 2013.6. Online access The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has discontinued its Telefile service for filing by phone in order to encourage more people to file online, which reduces the costs of processing paperwork.When you do file online, you will no longer need an individual access code. Instead, you will use your social insurance number and birth date.The Canada Revenue Agency is also offering more options for logging in to My Account, My Business Account and Represent a Client online services. In addition to the CRA user ID and password, you may now also be able to use your online banking information to log in to these services if you bank with TD Bank Group, Scotiabank or BMO Financial Group. That means one less username and password to remember.7. Changes to brackets, TFSA contributions, federal tax credits The federal tax brackets in the 2012 tax year have changed to reflect inflation (see table).As of Jan. 1, 2013, Canadians can contribute up to $5,500 annually to a tax-free savings account, an increase of $500 over last year. That means if you've never contributed since the accounts were first introduced in 2009, your total cumulative contribution room is $25,500.Such federal tax credits as the basic personal and eligible dependent amounts on 2012 income have been increased by 2.8 per cent from the previous year to $10,822 for each. The pension income amount is unchanged at $2,000, and the age amount has also increased by 2.8 per cent to $6,720.Federal tax rates and brackets

Tax Rate Tax Bracket (2011) Tax Bracket (2012) 15% Up to $41,544 Up to $42,707 22% $41,544 to $83,088 $42,707 to $85,414 26% $83,088 to $128,800 $85,414 to $132,406 29% Over $128,800 Over $132,406

B.C. Families Pay Less At The Pharmacy Starting April 1

British Columbians will soon notice they are paying less for many of the generic prescription drugs they need for their health. Starting April 1, a new drug pricing regulation will reduce the price of generic drugs to 25 per cent of the brand name price, from the current rate of 35 per cent of the brand name price. The price will further drop to 20 per cent in April 2014. "Thanks to this regulation, B.C. families will pay less at the till when they fill their prescriptions. These price reductions will also save money for the provincial government - money that can be used instead to help enhance patient care in B.C.'s health system," said Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid. The drug price regulation is the first in a suite of regulations required to fully implement the Pharmaceutical Services Act, which came into force in May 2012. The act shifts B.C.'s PharmaCare program from relying on government policy, to being protected by legislation. The regulation allows the Minister of Health to regulate the price of prescription drugs. Generic drugs have the same quality, strength, purity and stability as their brand name equivalents and are made to the same strict standards. "Reducing the price of generic drugs benefits our clients by making prescription drugs more affordable for families and employer insurance plans," said Kenneth G. Martin, president and CEO of Pacific Blue Cross. "We support this regulation, as it brings B.C. in line with other Canadian jurisdictions and helps ensure fair and consistent pricing.""As retirees and members of the Municipal Pension Retirees Association, we believe that seniors jeopardize their health to pay for costly

drugs," said Steven Polak, president of the Municipal Pension Retirees Association. "The new drug legislation introduced by the government has changed this. Now we, the MPRA, believe that seniors can have the drugs needed at a cost seniors can afford."BC PharmaCare helps British Columbians with the cost of eligible prescription drugs and designated medical supplies. As one of the most comprehensive drug programs in Canada, it provides reasonable access to drug therapy for every British Columbian through several drug plans. Under B.C.'s Families First Agenda, government is working to make life more affordable for all British Columbians. To learn more, or to share your ideas, visit: www.familiesfirstbc.ca Examples of savings as a result of the drug price regulation: • The current cost, not including

standard pharmacy fees, of a 30-day prescription of the cholesterol-lowering drug Crestor is $44. The price of the generic version of this drug today is 35 per cent of the brand name price, or about $15.40.

• On April 1, the price of the generic drug will be reduced to 25 per cent of the brand name price, or $11. On April 1 2014, the price of the generic drug will be further reduced to 20 per cent, or $8.80.

• The anti-platelet drug Plavix currently costs $85.20 for a typical 30-day prescription, not including standard pharmacy fees. Currently, the generic version costs 35 per cent of that amount, or about $29.20.

• On April 1, the price of the generic version drops to 25 per cent of the brand name, $21.30. A year later, the price of the generic drug will be reduced to about $17.

Manning Park Shutting Down Until Further Notice

The deadline has passed, but the Manning Park Resort is still without a buyer.That means apart from the campgrounds and trails, all of Manning Park’s operations will be closed until further notice.The Bowra Group took over Manning

when it went into receivership, but says the resort is no longer a moneymaker.The advisory group is still hopeful someone will purchase the 40-year-old resort, which would allow it to re-open.It looks like 15 full time employees will lose their jobs.

Friday April 5, 2013www.fijitimescanada.com 29Canada News

Credit Card Reward Programs Carry RisksCompare benefits; consider fees before signing up, experts say

Credit card reward programs come with a seemingly endless variety of perks and points systems — and may seem like a win-win situation — but financial experts say consumers ought to think things through carefully before attempting to spend their way to a free trip.There is certainly an opportunity, particularly if you're paying off your monthly balance, but the lure of the programs can obscure financial realities, says Patricia White, executive director of the non-profit Credit Counselling Canada."People get caught up in the rewards program and don't really take the time to understand it," she said.The benefits of certain cards are a frequent selling point in advertisements and can range from cash-back rewards to travel points to upgrades and discounts on flights, hotel rooms and rentals.A new online payment platform called Plastiq issued a release last week touting the benefits of its service in part because it allows customers to reap the rewards of credit cards.Plastiq says it allows users to pay for goods and services that are usually unavailable for credit cards — including transactions with government entities, universities and rental property owners — for a fee of two per cent.Paying off your bill is keyOne of the most obvious pitfalls of using a credit card to gain rewards is carrying a monthly balance because you'll get charged interest that can easily wipe out the benefits, which usually work out to around one to two per cent of the amount charged."They're not really thinking that if they're carrying a balance they're paying maybe 18 to 24 per cent interest [per year] on that amount that they're carrying," says Elena Jara, director of education with Credit Canada Debt Solutions, a charity that offers free credit counselling and debt management services."So it doesn't really justify the percentage that they're getting back,"

she said.People also need to consider whether they pay an annual fee when weighing the pros and cons of a particular program, which can also eat into the fairly small percentage returned. If you're paying $100 a year to get a one per cent cash back, for example, you'll need to spend $10,000 to get the annual fee back. On the other hand, if you need or want that particular card and you're going to charge money on it regardless, the one per cent, or more, can be a nice bonus.Some cards charge hundreds of dollars in annual fees but come with a plethora of perks — free upgrades at hotels, access to airport lounges, discounts on tickets — which is likely worthwhile for someone who travels a lot but isn't for the casual traveller.Avoid impulse buyingMany financial experts also suggest avoiding impulse buying and not spending simply for the purpose of accruing points or cash-back rewards."For consumers who can really control themselves well, I think it's a great benefit to them," said Andrew Ching, a marketing professor at the University of Toronto, adding that a number of people pay off their bills each month. The appeal of reward credit cards is fairly straightforward, Ching said, because consumers are getting

something tangible back for purchases.Other loyalty programs, which offer points that can be used to buy future products for instance, can entice consumers by almost appearing like a game. People will buy goods at certain stores simply to get the extra points, he said.Because the programs are so popular, most companies offer new deals in an attempt to gain customers from their competitors, Ching said. It's not really about trying to sign people up for their first credit card."This is a way to grab market share," he said.They are also unlikely to go away because the first bank to do so would likely see many of its customers switch to cards with some type of reward program, Ching said.Importance of reward cards 'ramping' upAlthough it might seem to be intuitive, it's unclear whether rewards programs actually increase the amount people spend instead of simply shifting spending."We know that certain rewards programs encourage people to put more spending on credit cards at the expense of using other payment methods like cash and debit," says Mary-Anne Huestis, a co-principal at research firm MarketSense Inc.

A study released in 2010 by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago found that a one per cent cash-back reward card did increase spending by about $68 per month during the first three months but that increase was offset by reduced spending on other cards.The importance of rewards cards, however, has been "ramping" up over the last few years as some consumers learn to maximize their returns, Huestis said.Based on information collected from 5,000 people last fall, she said a little more than 50 per cent of consumers reported that they only carry cards with a rewards program and actively search out ways to accrue benefits.One area of growth recently has been rewards for grocery purchases, she said, adding that some banks are also introducing benefit programs for debit cards.Pick your card carefullyJara, from Credit Canada Debt Solutions, said most people need to do some research before signing up for cards. Consumers need to consider any annual fees and the card's interest rate, as well as what type of reward program you're joining.If you don't travel very much, don't get a card that offers trips and instead think about one that offers cash back.With points cards, people need to think about what sorts of rewards they want — a plane ticket, for example — and how much spending is needed to achieve it.However, many people don't do this, Jara said."I think we're sometimes a little intimidated by the language that is presented because it's not simple, it's not easy to understand," she said.For the financially savvy — and those with money to pay off monthly balances — there are a lot of benefits to rewards cards, Jara said."They could get a free trip, they can get free stuff," she said. "So yes, if you're using that credit card wisely, absolutely you can benefit."

U.S. Car Dealers Refusing To Sell New Vehicles To CanadiansMany U.S. auto dealers are refusing to sell new vehicles to Canadians, a protectionist practice one trade expert says is illegal.The big auto manufacturers are allegedly protecting their Canadian dealerships by preventing U.S. dealers from profiting on sales to Canadians, but some dealerships have found a way to get around the red tape.Dixon Tam saved around $7,000 when he bought his 2013 Subaru Outback in Bellingham, Washington. But Tam’s “new” Subaru was actually slightly used and had 900 miles on it when he bought it.Tam said the dealerships make the new cars a service loaner for several months – and then sell it as a used car.

“Even with the price difference it is a pretty good deal," said Tam.With the prices much cheaper in the U.S., Subaru of America is one of the automakers discouraging its dealers from selling new vehicles to Canadians. In an email from Subaru of America’s director of communications, the media was told, "We, Subaru, cannot stop them from selling to anyone. What we can do is stop them from profiting from doing it….Any cross-border sales do not count to bonuses, targets etc."The Washington State auto dealers when contacted by the reporter seemed confused about the rules."We are all baffled, trust me. We don't know what the reasoning exactly is, because we thought it was open free

trade, you know," said one Washington State auto dealer."It's so the Canadian dealers can sell you new cars at much higher prices," said another dealer.Phil Edmonston, former MP and author of the Lemon-Aid New Car and Truck Guide, is urging Canadian car buyers to fight back."In this case, it really is worth confrontation, because it's unfair. It flies in the face of the free trade agreement," said Edmonston.One trade expert says auto dealers are actually breaking the law by refusing to sell new vehicles to Canadians, but the political will is not there to stop it so auto dealers are cashing in the consumer's expense.

"What you have here is a classic case of two different interests and a political judgment being made by the governments as to which interest to go after," said Michael Hart, who holds the Simon Reisman chair in trade policy at Carleton University.Hart says U.S. auto dealers are guilty of what's called "refusal to deal". It is illegal, but governments seem unwilling to act and Canadian consumers are paying the price.Toyota recently agreed to pay a $35-million settlement in a class-action lawsuit alleging it conspired to prevent cheaper vehicles from being imported to Canada. The Canadian Automobile Dealers Association agreed to pay $700,000 in fines.

Friday April 5, 2013www.fijitimescanada.com30 Canada News


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2013

Honour Killings, Marriage Fraud New Topics In Revamped Immigration Guide

The federal government has unveiled a revamped guide to help immigrants settle in Canada - a document that, for the first time, informs newcomers about practices that “will not be tolerated in Canada,” including female genital mutilation, honour crimes and marriage fraud.Immigration Minister Jason Kenney unveiled the overhauled Welcome to Canada guide at a news conference in Vancouver Tuesday.The revamped guide is now twice as long as previous versions at 146 pages. While it includes basic practical information, such as how to obtain a health card or driver’s license, access language classes or open a bank account, it also states that “for example, female genital mutilation and so-called honour-based crimes are

barbaric and will not be tolerated in Canada,” Kenney said.The guide notes that forced marriages and polygamy are illegal, and that those who commit marriage fraud could face “severe” penalties.Kenney said 90 per cent of the guide contains useful, practical advice. However, the government felt it was necessary to be clear about where it stands on “some of those more difficult issues.”“What we’re trying to do with this guide, Welcome to Canada, and all sorts of other services is just to promote rapid and successful integration - cultural, economic and social,” Kenney later told CTV’s Power Play. “And one of the issues we’re trying to get at is to make people fully Canadians, adopt Canadian values, and realize that

some of these ideas have no place in Canada.”Also new to the guide are stories from immigrants who have successfully settled in Canada, with advice for newcomers. Kenney said officials avoided using “government-ese” when designing the guide, and asked immigrants for help so it was written “in a very relevant language.”The guide is offered to all immigrants upon arrival in Canada in hard-copy form, as well as in PDF and e-book form.Canada admits between 255,000 and 260,000 permanent residents every year, Kenney said. A comprehensive guide to moving to and settling in Canada will help new immigrants not only establish basic services, but also find jobs that match their skill set.

“All of us as Canadians, regardless of where we come from, can agree that the goal of integration should be the realization of the potential of the people who make Canada their new home,” Kenney told the Vancouver news conference. “So that they can work at their skill level, fully contributing to the productivity of Canada’s economy.”Along with the revamped welcome guide, the federal government also launched a new online tool to help new immigrants devise a “customized settlement plan” once they arrive in Canada.The Living in Canada Wizard asks users a series of questions and, based on their answers, offers a personalized settlement plan. Newcomers can take that to their local settlement agency in order to devise a more comprehensive plan.

Manhunt Underway On B.C.’S Canada-U.S. Border After Gunfire

Erupts Near CrossingU.S. border patrol agents dodged gunfire Tuesday morning after they confronted a pair of camouflage-clad men attempting to slip over the border from Canada. Just after 9 a.m., a pair of U.S. border guards tasked with patrolling the woods between border crossing came upon two figures in a wilderness area just south of Chilliwack, B.C. Both were dressed in camouflage and carrying backpacks.“One of those subjects fired at the agents and fled into the woods,” said Michael Milne, spokesman with the Seattle office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.The two officers escaped injury and were able to subdue the second figure. Immediately, calls then went out on both sides of the border to muster helicopters and search crews to look for the shooter.“The other suspect’s location is not known,” Abbotsford Police Department spokesman Const. Ian MacDonald told the reporter in an afternoon email. “We are actively engaged in searching and, if need be, confronting the suspects should he be located in Canada”Upper Sumas elementary school was placed into lockdown and police erected roadblocks along major thoroughfares in the area. Although, by late afternoon, many roadblocks had been dismantled and officers had taken to conducting a door-to-door search.

U.S. sources could not confirm the weapon used by the shooter, and refused to release details on the contents of the backpack.Large sections of the Washington/British Columbia border are long, remote and lightly-populated – making it an ideal corridor for smuggled goods. Zero Avenue, a two-lane Canadian road that runs directly adjacent to the border, has no physical barriers other than a shallow ditch.Nevertheless, the border is closely watched with an array of high-powered cameras and sensors.“That area, over the last decade, has been used for smuggling in both directions,” said Mr. Milne.In September of 2009, for instance, Abbotsford, B.C. men Randeep Match and Manindervir Virk were spotted just north of the border carrying $2 million worth of cocaine. The pair was later sentenced to five and a half years in prison each.Last October, gunfire of a different sort struck the Canadian side of the border. A 32-year-old Seattle man drove a van into the Peace Arch Border Crossing just south of Vancouver shot Canadian border guard Lori Bowcock in the neck before turning the gun on himself.The bullet missed all of Officer Bowcock’s major arteries and she was reportedly on her feet only days after the shooting.

Interchange To Replace Last Freeway Traffic Light In Delta

It will replace the lights at Highway 91 and 72nd Avenue in DeltaA freeway traffic signal that has been causing lengthy backups for decades will soon be no more.The federal and provincial governments have committed tens of millions of dollars for a new interchange at Highway 91 and 72nd Avenue in Delta.Delta’s Chief Administrative Officer George Harvie says it has yet to pass through City Hall, but it’ll be welcomed.“The impact right now is intolerable and it has been for at least 10 years since I’ve worked in Delta,” he says.“It’s a major arterial on a residential

street really. The majority of traffic heading to Highway 91 is from Surrey so it would be nice to alleviate traffic congestion for Delta residents that’s there now.”This project was supposed to go ahead in 2005 as part of a Border Infrastructure Plan but fell apart with concerns over design and cost.It’s unclear when the interchange will be finished, but it’s expected to accommodate all traffic movements.Highway 91 and the Alex Fraser Bridge were built in 1986.

Immigration Minister Concerned Over Ethnic EnclavesMinister Jason Kenney is pushing for integration

Canada’s immigration minister is warning of the problems of ethnic enclaves.It comes in the aftermath of a report that suggests Caucasians will one day be the minority in Metro Vancouver.Projections suggest within the next two decades, Caucasians will make up two out of five people in Metro Vancouver.Federal Immigration Minister Jason Kenney says it’s normal for people to find others of a similar culture, but cautions against neighbourhoods that function outside of the country’s two official languages.

“I want to make sure that we don’t end up 30 or 40 years from now having communities that are operating in primarily Chinese or in Punjabi,” he says.Kenney argues the key is to ensure people who come to the country can work in jobs that make use of their training. “I just don’t want Canada to sleepwalk into the kind of parallel communities that we’ve seen, quite frankly, in parts of Western Europe that have led to problematic outcomes.”Kenney was in Vancouver to release an updated version of a guidebook for newcomers to Canada.



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Coloring

Continued Next Week

Child Abuse

Continued From Last Week

Emotional AbuseWhat Is Emotional Abuse?• Exploiting or corrupting. In this

kind of abuse, a child is taught, encouraged or forced to develop inappropriate or illegal behaviors. It may involve self-destructive or antisocial acts of the parent or caregiver, such as teaching a child how to steal or forcing a child into prostitution.

• Verbally assaulting. This involves constantly belittling, shaming, ridiculing or verbally threatening the child.

• Terrorizing. Here, the parent or caregiver threatens or bullies the child and creates a climate of fear for the child. Terrorizing can include placing the child or the child’s loved one (such as a sibling, pet or toy) in a dangerous or chaotic situation, or placing rigid or unrealistic expectations on the child with threats of harm if they are not met.

• Neglecting the child. This abuse may include educational neglect, where a parent or caregiver fails or refuses to provide the child with necessary educational services; mental health neglect, where the parent or caregiver denies or ignores a child’s need for treatment for psychological problems; or medical neglect, where a parent or caregiver denies or ignores a child’s need for treatment for medical problems.

While the definition of emotional abuse is often complex and imprecise, professionals agree that, for most parents, occasional negative attitudes or actions are not considered emotional abuse. Even the best of parents have occasions when they have momentarily “lost control” and said hurtful things to their children, failed to give them the attention they wanted or unintentionally scared them.Why Does It Happen?Emotional abuse can, and does, happen in all types of families, regardless of their background. Most parents want the best for their children. However, some parents may emotionally and psychologically harm their children because of stress, poor parenting skills, social isolation, lack of available resources or inappropriate expectations of their children. They may emotionally abuse their children because the parents or caregivers were emotionally abused themselves as children.

What Are the Effects of Emotional Abuse?Emotional abuse is an assault on the child’s psyche, just as physical abuse is an assault on the child’s body. Children who are constantly ignored, shamed, terrorized or humiliated suffer at least as much, if not more, than if they are physically assaulted. Emotional abuse can be “more strongly predictive of subsequent impairments in the children’s development than the severity of physical abuse.An infant who is severely deprived of basic emotional nurturance, even though physically well cared for, can fail to thrive and can eventually die. Babies with less severe emotional deprivation can grow into anxious and insecure children who are slow to develop and who have low self-esteem.Although the visible signs of emotional abuse in children can be difficult to detect, the hidden scars of this type of abuse manifest in numerous behavioral ways, including insecurity, poor self-esteem, destructive behavior, angry acts (such as fire setting and animal cruelty), withdrawal, poor development of basic skills, alcohol or drug abuse, suicide, difficulty forming relationships and unstable job histories.Emotionally abused children often grow up thinking that they are deficient in some way. A continuing tragedy of emotional abuse is that, when these children become parents, they may continue the cycle with their own children.Identifying and Preventing Emotional AbuseSome children may experience emotional abuse only, without ever experiencing another form of abuse. However, emotional abuse typically is associated with and results from other types of abuse and neglect, which makes it a significant risk factor in all child abuse and neglect cases. Emotional abuse that exists independently of other forms of abuse is the most difficult form of child abuse to identify and stop. This is because child protective services must have demonstrable evidence that harm to a child has been done before they can intervene. And, since emotional abuse doesn’t result in physical evidence such as bruising or malnutrition, it can be very hard to diagnose.Researchers have developed diagnostic tools to help professionals who work with children and families identify and treat emotional abuse. Professionals are taught to identify risk factors for emotional abuse, ask appropriate questions about a family’s history and the family’s present behaviors, and provide appropriate resources (such as financial resources, mental health services or parenting classes) to help parents and caregivers create safe, stable environments for their children and themselves.

Friday April 5, 2013www.fijitimescanada.com Your Health 32

This information is provided for knowledge and educational purposes only. Individuals should visit their physicians for more information on their health.

Arthritis Pain: Arthritis Exercise ProgramArthritis pain can be quite defeating, but it can be overcome. When considering an arthritis exercise program, one has to understand your limitations and what

level of exercise is likely to give you results.

Exercise increases strength and flexibility, reduces joint pain, and helps combat fatigue in arthritis patients. But when you are fidgeting with stiff and painful joints, the thought of walking or swimming a few laps might bog you down. But one needs to understand that you don’t need to run a marathon. Even moderate exercise can ease your pain and help you maintain a healthy weight. When arthritis threatens to immobilize you, exercise keeps you moving.A person suffering from Knee Osteo Arthritis needs to keep fit and try and avoid aggravation of the Arthritis. Osteoarthritis is basically wear and tear of the knee joint surface. The knee often becomes painful, stiff and the person can develop a limp. To cope with Osteoarthritis (OA), here are the 3 S formula.Arthritis exercise program: Suppleness

The first S stands for suppleness. One should keep the muscles and joints as supple or flexible as possible. Suppleness helps by increasing the range of movement in the knees. With suppleness the person with OA can climb stairs better, get in and out of cars better and activities like changing clothes become easier.

Arthritis exercise program: Strength

The second S stands for Strength. Strong Muscles, particularly in the thigh muscles helps the person with OA get more stability in the knees. Good muscle strength protects the joints from further rapid wear and tear. Activities like getting up from sitting posture, walking on slopes or on uneven surfaces get better with good muscle strength. With better muscle strength pain and limp also reduces with stronger quadriceps or front thigh muscles.Arthritis exercise program: Slimness

The last S suggests Slimness. Light body weight literally takes the weight off the knees. With less weight to carry the wear and tear reduces and the efficiency of movement improves. A heavier person puts more stress on the joint surfaces and encourages rapid degeneration. I have seen cases where

a person with severe knee pain became almost pain free after losing significant body weight.To achieve the 3 S's one needs to remember the SWAN formula. S- Stretching exercises, W- Weight training or Strengthening exercises A- Aerobic or Cardio exercises and N- attention to Nutrition. Arthritis exercise program: Stretching exercises

Stretching exercises make our body flexible or supple. A physiotherapist could help the person with OA knees to stretch the thigh and leg muscles correctly. The range of movement improves gradually and the symptoms of OA are seen to diminish.Arthritis exercise program: Weight training

Weight training or strengthening exercises include simple movements like leg raises. The person sits on a chair with good back support and raises the leg to extend the knees. this

exercise improves the strength in the Quadriceps muscles. Other exercises like semi-squats also help improve muscle strength.Arthritis exercise program: Aerobic exercise

Aerobic Exercise or Cardio exercise helps us lose weight. Weight loss is a great boon for persons with OA. Many cardio exercises like running or walking may not be suitable for OA patients. Swimming and Cycling are great exercises which do not stress the knees greatly. The added bonus of Cycling or Swimming is the benefit to the heart and lungs.Arthritis exercise program: NutritionHaving good Nutrition is very important for persons with OA. Proper nutrition will ensure weight loss and add vital ingredients to improve joint health. A dietician usually assesses the nutritional requirements of the patient and then prescribes a balanced diet to ensure weight loss and replenish nutritional deficiencies.

Bitter Gourd Juice Destroys Pancreatic Cancer Cells: Researchers In a finding that could provide a new tool in cancer therapy, researchers have shown that the juice of bitter gourd (karela) effectively kills pancreatic cancer cells.A University of Colorado cancer study published this week in the journal Carcinogenesis shows that bitter gourd juice restricts the ability of pancreatic cancer cells to metabolise glucose, thus cutting the cells` energy source and eventually killing them."Three years ago, researchers showed the effect of bitter gourd extract on breast cancer cells only in

a petri dish. This study goes much, much farther. We used the juice -- people especially in Asian countries are already consuming it in quantity. We show that it affects the glucose metabolism pathway to restrict energy and kill pancreatic cancer cells," says Rajesh Agarwal, PhD, co-programme leader of Cancer Prevention and Control at the CU Cancer Center and professor at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.Diabetes tends to presage pancreatic cancer and bitter gourd has been shown

to control type-II diabetes, and has been used for centuries against diabetes in the folk medicines of China and India.Following this line of thinking, Agarwal and colleagues wondered what would happen if they closed out the middle man of diabetes and directly explored the link between bitter gourd and pancreatic cancer, as reported.The result, Agarwal says, is, "alteration in metabolic events in pancreatic cancer cells and an activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase, an enzyme that indicates low energy levels in the cells".

Perhaps not coincidentally, bitter gourd also regulates insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells. After studies in cell cultures, the group showed that mouse models of pancreatic cancer that were fed bitter melon juice were 60 percent less likely to develop the disease than controls."It`s a very exciting finding," Agarwal says. "Many researchers are engineering new drugs to target cancer cells` ability to supply themselves with energy, and here we have a naturally-occurring compound that may do just that."

Friday April 5, 2013www.fijitimescanada.com 33Your Health



Fiji Business Pages



2013

Caesarean Babies At Higher Risk Of Asthma, Allergies

Babies, who are delivered by Caesarean section, miss out on protective bugs which could help prevent a host of disorders like asthma and allergies in childhood and later life, researchers have warned.Significant differences in the gut bacteria were found in infants born surgically and naturally.The researchers said that the findings will increase concern about potential lifelong effects for the baby from the increasing rate of Caesarean sections being done.Although the exact causes are unknown, Caesarean babies could be missing out on physiological changes which happened during labour including exposure to bugs that are necessary for the immune system to develop.For the study, researchers looked at data on 24 healthy infants, as part of the larger Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development study, who were representative of Canadian newborns with 25 percent being born by Caesarean and 42 percent breastfed exclusively at 4 months of age.Babies, who are delivered by Caesarean section, miss out on protective bugs which could help prevent a host of disorders like asthma and allergies in childhood and later life, researchers have warned.Significant differences in the gut

bacteria were found in infants born surgically and naturally.The researchers said that the findings will increase concern about potential lifelong effects for the baby from the increasing rate of Caesarean sections being done.Although the exact causes are unknown, Caesarean babies could be missing out on physiological changes which happened during labour including exposure to bugs that are necessary for the immune system to develop.For the study, researchers looked at data on 24 healthy infants, as part of the larger Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development study, who were representative of Canadian newborns with 25 percent being born by Caesarean and 42 percent breastfed exclusively at 4 months of age.The scientists used new DNA sequencing technique to find the gut bacterial composition of the babies, a technique that allows detection of virtually all the bugs present.The study report said that the potential long-term consequences of decisions regarding mode of delivery and infant diet are "not to be underestimated.""Infants born by Caesarean delivery are at increased risk of asthma, obesity and type 1 diabetes, whereas breastfeeding is variably protective against these and other disorders," the report said.

Low Vitamin D 'Linked To Food Allergies'

BABIES with low vitamin D levels are more likely to have food allergies, Australian scientists have found.

The research provides the first evidence that vitamin D may be important in preventing food allergies in infants.It's also consistent with previous research showing food allergies are more common the further from the equator.This may help explain Australia's high food allergy rates, particularly in the southern states.The Murdoch Childrens Research Institute studied more than 5200 one-year-olds and found those with insufficient vitamin D were three times more likely to have a food allergy and more likely to have multiple food allergies.However, the link was only evident for low vitamin D babies with Australian-born parents, leading researchers to

speculate the link may relate to skin colour, genetic or environmental reasons.Lead researcher Professor Katie Allen says Australia has some of the highest rates of food allergies reported in the world.She says there's also been a rise in vitamin D insufficiency, with up to 30 per cent of Melbourne pregnant women now low in vitamin D."This study provides the first direct evidence that vitamin D sufficiency may be an important protective factor for food allergy in the first year of life," Ms Allen said in a statement.Researchers will now look at whether the link between vitamin D levels and food allergies begins during pregnancy, or in the first year of life.

Mouthrinse Clears Plaque Better Than Toothbrush

Mouthrinse beats toothbrush in clearing plaque and gingivitis (inflamed gums), more so than brushing alone, suggests a US research.

"It's simple - mouthrinses can reach nearly 100 per cent of the mouth's surfaces, while brushing focuses on the teeth, which make up only 25 per cent of the mouth," says Christine A. Charles, who led the study. Even with regular brushing and flossing, bacteria often are left behind.The study found that using a germ-killing mouthrinse twice a day, in addition to regular brushing, can significantly reduce the occurrence of plaque, as well as gingivitis - the beginning stage of gum disease.The six-month study involved 139 adults with mild to moderate plaque and gingivitis who were separated into two groups. Members of the first group brushed their teeth and rinsed with a germ-killing mouthrinse twice daily; members of the second group brushed their teeth and rinsed with a placebo mouthrinse twice daily.Results show that the group using a germ-

killing mouthrinse reduced its occurrence of plaque by up to 26.3 percent. Furthermore, that same group showed a 20.4 per cent reduction in gingivitis.Not all mouthrinses are formulated to kill germs-some are meant for anti-cavity or whitening purposes-so be sure to read product labels.Following the six-month study, nearly 100 per cent of participants using the germ-killing mouthrinse showed a reduction in gingivitis, while only 30 per cent of the placebo group experienced similar results.Most people brush their teeth for less than one minute, when, at the very least, they should be brushing for two minutes.Additionally, only two to 10 per cent of people floss regularly and effectively.Adding a germ-killing mouthrinse twice a day to your daily routine is another way to attack the germs that can cause significant oral health problems.

Doctors Reveal Health Benefits Of Turmeric

The humble turmeric or `Haldi`, an essential ingredient in Indian cuisine also has substantial health benefits and medicinal properties that can fight diseases like cancer, diabetes and inflammation, Indian-origin doctors in the US have claimed.Curcumin, a phenol responsible for making turmeric yellow, does much more than provide numerous Indian dishes with that particular tint, according to Saraswati Sukumar of Johns Hopkins Medicine, who, along with colleague Anirban Maitra, is studying the organic compound`s health benefits.Turmeric has been used widely in Indian cooking for thousands of years, and, in the past two decades, hundreds of studies have determined curcumin helps fight arthritic inflammation, reduces cancer risk and slows the onset of diabetes.Curcumin is a potent inhibitor of inflammation, which can exacerbate rheumatoid arthritis and spur cancerous growths.The compound inhibits a molecule called NF-kB that plays a key role in initiating inflammation.

"What curcumin does is blunt this pathway. That`s how it is able to mediate its effect," Sukumar said.Consuming curcumin also has been shown to repair skin damage caused by radiation therapy for cancer, she said.Maitra, Sukumar`s colleague, began working a few years ago on a water-soluble form of curcumin that can be taken in pill form.That formulation is still in the experimental stages.The body doesn`t readily absorb curcumin so a person has to consume several grams of curcumin a day to get the health benefits, Sukumar said.Pills containing unaltered curcumin are on the market."The other way, the preferable way, is to add (turmeric) to everything you cook," Sukumar said."The spice doesn`t add a lot of taste to the food, but it adds a colour," she said.To get the full benefits, dissolve turmeric in warm oil and add it to foods, she said.With an estimated 26 million people diagnosed with diabetes, Sukumar said curcumin can also be a great benefit in fighting the metabolic disease.



Fiji Business Pages



2013

Ghosts of Speight Coup: Why Savua Enquiry should be made public? [In 4 parts)

Part 1: Ratu Mara named Savua and Rabuka as key players in 2000 Coup

Subsequent to failed George Speight coup on 19 May, 2000, there had been a great deal of speculation as to who was that mysterious person who was supposed to take over from George Speight once he had completed the takeover of Parliament. Speight was a last minute fall guy recruit in this whole equation. But it appears, this supposed leader misread the mood of Fijian military which refused to support Fijian nationalism unleashed by Speight and his rebels in 2000. Upon failure to get support of Military, this mysterious person got cold feet and failed to surface. There are speculations as to who this purported “actual” 2000 coup leader was. From information that surfaced later, fingers point to the then Police Commissioner, Isikia Savua, when the Police force was seen as a spent force and were caught with its pants down. An enquiry, called SAVUA ENQUIRY was held in camera, (private hearing) headed by Lauan, Justice Sir Timoci Tuivaga which cleared Savua of any wrongdoing. Many likened Savua enquiry to a sham, kangaroo court and fraud on the nation. This author also believes. I therefore present my articles by Liu Muri published in the Daily Post for people to get an insight and appreciation into Fiji’s turbulent history, and why military needs to have a tight control to contain ethno-nationalists who cry for democracy now but never respected it in 2000 and 1987 coups.

TUI NAYAU STABBED IN THE BACK

Subsequent to Speight coup and his removal and escape to Lakeba, a TV interview he gave has been very revealing. If you heard the Tui Nayau correctly, Fijians have surpassed the Indians in skills of stabbing in the back. He implied that he was stabbed in the back by the very people he relied upon to give him advice and protection.Sir Vijay Singh spoke about this very well in an article he wrote about removal of Ratu Mara as Fiji’s President subsequent to Speight coup. “Fijian leaders cannot evade a legitimate question that non-Fijians are entitled to ask: ‘If, despite all your proclaimed piety, you can conspire to do one of your most illustrious sons and high chief what you did to Ratu Mara, how we can trust you to be any kinder and gentler to any of us?’

ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN BETRAYED THEIR CHIEF

Fiji’s name has been tarnished as far as reverence and respect for Chiefly and Westminster system is concerned. All the President’s men stabbed in

the back of not only the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Fiji Military Forces of the Republic of Fiji Islands, but also the most revered and highest living Chief in Fiji at that moment. And who did this? The very people who should advise and protect the President and their Chief?

ATTEMPTED COUP HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH RACE

And what a convenient scapegoat – the Indo-Fijians. Successive ethno-nationalist and so-called saviors of Fijian race and coup-makers have used Indo-Fijians as scapegoats for their treasonous acts. And we have so many fools and gullible people who believed this charade.And as Sir Vijay had said, Ratu Mara’s interview cleared the red herring of inter race relations and established the fact that all this had to do with internal rivalries and animosities within the Fijian society. What it also did is to raise doubt about the findings of the kangaroo court that cleared Commissioner of Police from any wrongdoing. Late Tui Nayau had named Commissioner of Police, Isikia Savua as one of the major suspect in plotting, aiding, and abetting in the coup.For those who do not know, Fiji Police under Savua lost all credibility after Speight coup in 2000 when rebels and criminals started taking over police posts and humiliated law - enforcers until the military took charge. During that time, my paper Daily Post drew a cartoon depicting the sad situation of police. When a farmer in Dreketi, Vanua Levu was asked about helplessness of police, he pointed towards his freshly castrated bull and said ...”my castrated bullock has more balls than the police force..”.The person who contributed to degeneration of the once proud police force to comparison with bulumakau sele, badhia bail or castrated bullock is none other than the then Commissioner of Police, Mr Isikia Savua who has been cleared by a tribunal held in camera and headed by the former Chief Justice, Sir Timoci Tuivaga, son-in law of Dr Tupeni Baba.In light of so much interest generated by Ratu Mara’s revelation that cast a black slur on the Savua inquiry, for sake of public interest, we will revisit Savua inquiry and some of the questions and issues raised that remain as mysterious today as the day Savua was cleared.

WAS SAVUA INQUIRY A CHARADE?

Senior police officers and concerned citizens are appalled that the Commission of Inquiry has cleared Commissioner of Police, Isikia Savua of his involvement in the takeover of

parliament and subsequent events.The Commission of Inquiry, headed by the then Chief Justice Tuivaga had been asked to carry out full investigations by concerned groups - but it has obviously failed to do so.From the first day of the inquiry we had warned that the inquiry was merely to cover up his actions, rather than expose them. The inquiry was aimed at presenting to the international community the view that the interim administration, then led by now ousted PM Qarase, was committed to bringing those involved in the destabilization and overthrow of the government to justice. As Qarase and his interim administration got recognition from many countries, the perpetrators of the May takeover were beginning to be let free. Some confidential information is released in public interest to show a clearer picture in mucky waters. We have known from day one that the Commission of Inquiry set up to investigate the Commissioner of Police was a fraud. It was headed by Justice Tuivaga - a person who has come under attack from legal sources in Fiji and internationally for facilitating the abrogation of the constitution and for continuing to frustrate legal challenges to the abrogation of the constitution. His sympathies with the Speight and his group were well known. He was one of the few people who welcomed Speight to the Suva golf club before his arrest with a great big public bear hug!

WAS THE INQUIRY NEUTRAL AND IMPARTIAL?

The Tribunal included close relatives of Savua. The report of the Tribunal was submitted to the Public Service Commission - a commission that was hand-picked after purported abrogation of the constitution. At all stages of the inquiry, sympathetic and supportive elements have assisted the Commissioner of Police to walk away from his crime scot-free.Police officers who wanted to make submissions were therefore rightly concerned about their own safety had they gone ahead and made direct submissions. Indeed, we fear for safety of those few that did have the courage to make submissions.All in all, the inquiry was part of a deliberate and orchestrated campaign by the Interim Administration to hoodwink the international community about its commitment to bring those involved in the armed takeover of

parliament on 19th May to justice. The Savua Act - featuring one of the key actors in the May 19th takeover ended with expected results-favoring the criminal elements. However, nobody predicted Ratu Mara’s interview in April 2001 in which he named Rabuka and Savua as a key players in the whole mayhem.

SAVUA’S INVOLVEMENT IN THE PARLIAMENT TAKEOVER

Citizens of Fiji were deeply concerned and indeed shocked by the events that unfolded after the terrorist take-over of Fiji's Parliament on May 19th. In my view, it is clear that the Police Force and its commander failed to discharge its constitutional obligation to uphold the rule of law and the constitution during the period leading to the takeover of parliament on May 19th, 2000 and subsequently.From the information made available to the Inquiry it was clear that:(i). The Police Commissioner Isikia Savua was directly involved in the destabilization campaign leading to the march that occurred on 19 May, 2000 and in supporting subsequent events.(ii). The Police Commissioner was a key player in the grab for political power that commenced with the armed takeover of the Parliament on May the 19th. (iii). The Police Commissioner authorised and provided the support of the Police Force through selected police officers, by providing Police Force resources including arms to the terrorists who held the People's Coalition government hostage since May 19th until their release 56 days later.

TO BE CONTINUED in PART 2: Savua’s dereliction of duties, neutralizing the riot bus and failure to use it when needed.

E-mail: [email protected]

THAKUR RANJIT SINGH



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Stars Who Faded Away After Making A Successful DebutIt is not an easy thing to make a mark in Bollywood with the debut film. And even if that comes easy, it takes a lot of effort and hard-work to sustain that stardom. With the established stars and the contemporaries around one really needs to keep doing good work to stay put in the industry.There is always somebody to step into the shoes of the other. This makes it all the more important for one to not take this work lightly and get carried away frivolously with the fame or just take things for granted. There are many actors in this industry who got swayed for one reason or the other and spoiled their career totally. Let us take a look at some those actors who had the potential but got wasted away.Fardeen Khan-

He is the son of Late Feroz Khan. He had the good looks and charm that could sweep any girl off her feet. He was also a good actor and definitely has a few good films to his credit. He debuted with Prem Agan. He won the Filmfare award for “Best Debut” in the year 1998. He has done films like “No Entry”, ‘Love ke liye kuch bhi karenga”, “Pyaar tune kya kiya”, “Bhoot”, “Heyy Baby” and many more. However, in the year 2001, he was returned to custody at the “Narcotics Control Bureau”. Later after many years he was found not guilty but we all know the larger picture. His involvement into drugs made his career suffer. The films he did after “Pyaar tune kya kiya” that released in 2000 were mostly multi-starrers, though the spark in him could be seen he could not sustain his fame.Vivek Oberoi- His first film “Company” released in 2002. It was a Ram Gopal Verma film that also starred Ajay Devgan. He won two Filmfare awards- Best Debut and Best Supporting Actor. He was on a roll in his initial days. His film “Saathiya” that released the year after took the youngsters by storm. The

film belonged to the romantic genre. He was nominated for the Best Actor award at the Filmfare. He has been part of films like Yuva, Masti, Omkara and Shootout at Lokhandwala. In 2003, he came out with a press conference against the established Salman Khan. The trouble was regarding Aishwarya Rai. This was not taken down well by the industry. This ruined his image to a large extent. Many in the industry did not offer him work thinking of him being hot-headed. What could have been a brilliant career in Bollywood fizzled out in no time.

Uday Chopra-

he is the son of the famous veteran director Yash Chopra and brother of director-producer Aditya Chopra. His first film was “Mohabattein” that apart from SRK and Amitabh Bachchan starred five more newcomers. The film

was under his father’s production. The film was a hit and he looked promising. Later on his choice of films was not good enough and mostly all were flops. Today it is only in the Dhoom series that we get to see him.Ameesha Patel-

She starred in “Kaho Naa Pyar Hain” alongside Hrithik Roshan. Both were newcomers and both were thought of having huge potential. While Hrithik cashed in on the fame of his first film Ameesha could not. Her involvement with Vikram Bhatt, her family problems that made an ugly show in public spoiled her chances of making it big in the industry.Zayed Khan- He is the son of Sanjay Khan and the cousin of Fardeen. He made his debut with “Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne”. He was nominated for the “Best Debut award. He then starred in “Main Hoon na” that was his career’s biggest hit. But because of a frivolous nature and less focus in his career he missed all the opportunities.

Gracy Singh- She made her debut with “Lagaan”. The film was a huge hit. She was then seen in Munnabhai MBBS. However, apart from these two she has not quite done too many films and fizzled out very soon. Her reluctance towards the roles that required her to be glamorous and lack of co-operation in the industry led her away from the limelight.


Amitabh To Star In Sajid Khan's Next

After remixing Amitabh Bachchan's hit song 'Apni to Jaise Taise' for 'Housefull', filmmaker Sajid Khan is all set to work with the megastar in his

next untitled projectSajid, 41, who is an ardent fan of Bachchan, said his upcoming comedy will also see Saif Ali Khan and good friend Riteish Deshmukh in pivotal roles. "I am making my next film with Saif Ali Khan, Riteish Deshmukh and Amitabh Bachchan. It will start in July. The film is untitled and it is an out and out comedy. It will be a big success at the box-office, " Sajid said. Sajid's latest release is Ajay Devgan starrer 'Himmatwala', a remake of 1983 film of the same name starring Jeetendra and Sridevi. "I grew up in this era as a teenager. I am reprising the cinema of 80s, which was one of the least experimenting and boring era of our industry. "Personally, I don't endorse remakes. I have nourished this childhood desire of mine with this film. I always wanted to make the film in my style, " he said. Sajid started his career

with an anthology film 'Darna Zaroori Hai' with six other directors and then shifted to comedy and made 'Heyy Babyy', 'Housefull' and 'Housefull 2: The Dirty Dozen' "With 'Himmatwala', I stepped out of comedy genre for the first time and entered into drama and action. I don't want to make films to make a statement. I also don't make film to gain personal respect. I would rather feel loved by making popular cinema which makes my audience happy, " he said. Sajid is looking forward to work with Ajay in more films because he feels that they share same sensibilities. "Ajay is one the finest actors our industry has produced. I am also writing my second script keeping him in mind. We are friends since our college days and I have been wanting to work with him for ages, " he added.

Veena Malik Plays Prostitute In Zindagi 50-50; Goes Topless

The item girl will make her acting debut on the big screen with a super intimate scene

Veena Malik is one brave girl. And if her acting doesn’t show that, it is definitely reflected in the choice of work she does. Although she has only done item numbers in movies that almost border on the realm of B-grade flicks, the babe does give it her all.In her next film titled Zindagi 50-50, which is going to be her acting debut in Bollywood, Veena Malik plays a prostitute. From the trailers, the film looks like another one of those flicks that is low on stars but high on sleaze,

and is made up of the has-beens and other dredge of Bollywood. And in true top form, Veena has gone topless in a steamy lovemaking scene for the film. A la Paoli Dam, she will be seen making love to a stranger as the camera pans across her sexy back.But for all those who are thinking that they will get to see a lot more of her will be a tad disappointed because apparently Veena has said that her role is more realistic and less sleazy. She even hung around with the prostitutes to get into the skin of her character!

Manisha Koirala's Happy Post-Surgery Twitpics

Manisha Koirala, who underwent a cancer surgery in New York last month, posted her recent pictures on Twitter. The Bollywood actress was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and is now undergoing chemotherapy. The Nepali beauty posted happy pictures of herself with her head covered in a turban.We also noticed from her tweets how the actress has been bravely fighting her illness. Manisha is exercising and meditating, spending time with friends and family and even has plans to write an autobiography

Mona Singh MMS: Vidyut Slams 'Indian Men'

Actor Vidyut Jamwal, who is supposedly dating TV actress Mona Singh, got angry when a reporter asked him about the actress' morphed MMS that has been in the news lately. He said such things should not be promoted."I think men like you promote such things. People like you talk about these things, see them. Indian men should

not support vulgarity in any form," the 32-year-old said in an interview when asked about his opinion on the things happening against the dignity of women. Mona Singh has lodged a complaint at the cyber-crime branch against the morphed MMS, which was leaked Friday, and went viral.


The Mangeshkar Sisters Laugh Out Loud At An Award Ceremony

Usha Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle & Lata Mangeshkar at the Hridaynath Mangeshkar Awards

Pictures speak a thousand words, and therefore when we saw this photo of the Mangeshkar sisters at a recent event, we were pleasantly surprised to see the warm sibling bond.For almost their entire professional lives, we were told of Lata Mangeshkar

and Asha Bhonsle's rivalry. But when we spotted them along with sister Usha at an award ceremony instituted by their brother, we were assured of the happy ending. Don't they look cute together on stage sharing a laugh?

There's No Shortcut To Success, Sunny Deol Tells Son

While grooming his son for filmdom, Sunny Deol teaches the 21-year-old Karan to carve a niche for himself on the basis of hard work and honesty."I tell Karan to be a good person, to work hard. I tell him there's no shortcut to success. He has to work hard if he wants to achieve his goals, “said Sunny in an interview.Karan worked as an assistant director on "Yamla Pagla Deewana (YPD)-2". Directed by Sangeeth Sivan. The comedy-drama will see the three Deols - Dharmednra with is two sons Sunny and Bobby - in action. It is slated for a June 7th release. "I want him to be a grounded person. We are self-made people. My father had come from Punjab and struggled

to be where he is today. I want Karan also to be a self-made, honest person and a good human being, " said Sunny. Meanwhile, the 56-year old is busy with "Ghayal Returns", "I love New York" and "Singh Sahab the Great".

Amish Tripathi Finds An Admirer In Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan along with wife Jaya attended an event to celebrate the success of "The Shiva Trilogy" and the megastar marvelled at author Amish Tripathi's writing skills."I wish there are many more amongst you who will be inspired by this evening and indeed by Amish Tripathi to write, and reverse time almost, and come back to the age when a book was a lifelong possession, " Big B said. "The Shiva Trilogy" comprises three

books - "The Immortals of Meluha", "The Secret of the Nagas" and "The Oath of the Vayuputras". "This is a wonderful example of how having a book in your hand is a lot more valuable then opening Google and reading a book, " said Big B. Actress Kajol and filmmaker Shekhar Kapur also have given a thumbs up to the author. Filmmaker Karan Johar has acquired the rights to adapt Tripathi's "The Immortals of Meluha" into a movie.

Manoj Kumar Drags SRK, Farah To Court In 'Om Shanti Om' Matter

Retired actor-filmmaker Manoj Kumar lodged a criminal case in a local court against superstar Shah Rukh Khan and choreographer-director Farah Khan for allegedly defaming in their 2007 movie "Om Shanti Om". Among other things, the 75-year old actor has demanded registration of a first information report against Shah Rukh and Farah for alleged offences pertaining to cheating, defamation, criminal breach of trust and conspiracy, in his complaint before the Andheri Metropolitan Court. The case is related to a scene in the blockbuster movie in which Shah Rukh had mimicked Manoj Kumar in a manner which the veteran actor found objectionable. The magistrate, while adjourning the matter, has directed that a CD of the movie containing the objectionable scene be produced before the court. Manoj Kumar had filed a defamation case in 2008, but had withdrawn it after

Shah Rukh and Farah Khan apologized and assured that the objectionable scene would be deleted from the movie. A Mumbai court had also ordered that year that the scene lampooning Manoj Kumar be deleted from the movie before it was released and telecast on television channels. In his complaint filed through lawyer Ashok Sarogi, Manoj Kumar contended that the movie was released recently in Japan and contained the controversial scene depicting him in poor light. He further contended that he had been made to believe that the scene was deleted from the movie, but now it was being shown all over the place in an attempt to gain popularity and business for the film, and making money out of it, which he has termed as a "fraud" and "conspiracy". He has sought a police investigation into the matter since the original negatives and electronic master prints continue to remain with Shah Rukh and Farah Khan.


At The Movies Olympus Has Fallen (PG) * * * White House Down! by ROBERT WALDMANPlease don't confuse for my tagline for my review of Olympus Has Fallen for a similar action adventure thriller set for summer release. EOne Entertainment beaches the punch with this lively disaster tale now unravellling at Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Cineplex Odeon Theatres around B.C. Smart and sound is the writing behind Olympus Has Fallen. Life at the White House is never easy for the President, played with surly authority by Aaron Eckhart. Too bad a takeover of the people's house turns into a disaster. Lucky for the good guys Mike Bannen, a former secret service officer, is back on the case. 300 star Gerard Butler is in command as the rebooted

agent who manages to hide himself and then take on the terrorists. Against a North Korean backdrop Olympus Has Fallen just rocks. Fully believable well acted performances abound here, including Angela Bassett as the Secret Service Head, Melissa Leo as the Secretary of Defence and Morgan Freeman as Speaker of the House. Wall to wall action highlights this film that is full of tension and lots of excitement. Moreover, cast as the head bad guy is Rick Yune whose take on Kang is memorable. Unbelievable, yet - but full of excitement is Olympus Has Fallen a stark wake-up call to governments of all stripes.

Don't Need Friends To Be Happy: Justin Bieber

Singer Justin Bieber, who has attracted a lot of controversy for his behaviour, admits he finds it harder to trust people these days except his four friends."I get good vibes from people all the time, and I probably could get along with them and be their friend, but now I just don't trust anybody," Bieber told the reporter."Literally, my phone never rings. I only have ... four people that I keep in contact with," he said."I don't need a bunch of friends to make

me happy. I just need the people close to me that I love, that's all," he added.The 19-year-old has attracted a lot of criticism recently for a string of incidents including showing up late for a concert.Despite all the problems, Bieber believes his fans still support him."My Twitter is really nice. I have so many fans that I rarely ever see a nasty tweet. I see so much stuff on the Internet, sometimes I just want to go to Twitter and just go after people," he said.

Jimmy Fallon Finally Confirmed As Future Tonight Show Host

“Jay Leno is an entertainment icon, making millions of people laugh every weeknight for more than 20 years,” said Steve Burke, Chief Executive Officer of NBC Universal, adding:“His long reign as the highest-rated late-night host is a testament to his work ethic and dedication to his viewers and to NBC. We are purposefully making this change when Jay is #1, just as Jay replaced Johnny Carson when he was #1."Jimmy Fallon is a unique talent and this is his time. I’m thrilled he will become the sixth host of ‘The Tonight

Show’ at exactly the right moment, in conjunction with our coverage of next year’s Winter Olympic Games from Sochi, Russia."Leno's contract expires next year and the network wanted to make this switch before Jimmy Kimmel could steal more young viewers at 11:35 p.m.“Congratulations Jimmy,” Leno said in a statement. “I hope you’re as lucky as me and hold on to the job until you’re the old guy. If you need me, I’ll be at the garage.”Added Fallon; “I’m really excited to host a show.”


Welcome To Kelowna

Located in the Okanagan Valley, BC

Travel

Continued Next Week

The Islands of TahitiTahiti. The word evokes visions of an island paradise. With 118 islands boasting high, rugged mountain peaks, coral reefs, turquoise-blue lagoons, white sand, palm-fringed beaches, and luxuriously intimate resorts, each island paradise has something for everyone. Bora Bora, Moorea, Huahine, Taha'a, Raiatea, Manihi, Tikehau, Rangiroa, Fakarava, The Marquesas...Maeva! Welcome!

Tahiti – Moorea – Bora Bora – island names that evoke a wonderful state of mind, seducing honeymooners, romantics, adventurers, and vacationers looking for escape. Here, around these South Seas isles, a romantic sunset sea sends giant curls of turquoise breaking onto the colorful reefs that protect the tranquil lagoons of warm, bright-emerald waters and white coral-sand beaches.Tahiti covers over two million square miles of the South Pacific Ocean and is comprised of 118 islands spread over five great archipelagos.Many islands are crowned with jagged peaks while others appear to barely float above the breaking waves. Spread over an area as large as Western Europe, the total land mass of all the islands adds up to an area only slightly larger than the tiny state of Rhode Island.The three archipelagos most sought by visitors are the Society Islands, comprised of Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea and Taha'a; The Tuamotu Atolls or "Tahiti's Strand of Pearls," include the atolls of Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau, and Fakarava; and the Marquesas, or "The Mysterious Islands."The two other archipelagos, the Austral Islands and the Gambier Islands, lie to the south and the southeast, respectively, of the Society Islands. While very few travelers venture to these remote islands, those that do are not disappointed by the pristine environment.Closer Than You ThinkEasier to travel to than you might imagine, Tahiti's Faa'a Airport is under 8 hours by air from Los Angeles LAX airport, with daily nonstop flights. As far south of the equator as Hawaii is north, Tahiti is halfway between California and Australia, on the same side of the International Date Line as

North America, and in the same time zone as Hawaii - (only three hours behind California March-October and two hours behind California November-March). What makes Tahiti so unique for visitors?PeopleEmbrace the warmth of your Polynesian hosts whose love for their islands is seen through music, dance, and flowers.

Overwater BungalowsEnjoy the drama and comfort of the world's perfect hotel room while sleeping above soothing lagoon waters.

CruisingVoyage within the legendary South Pacific aboard luxurious cruise ships, super yachts, or passenger freighter that travel among Tahiti's most beautiful islands.

Polynesian Spas

Experience true relaxation and rejuvenation at one of the many luxurious Polynesian spas while being nurtured by the tropical ambience.

Snorkeling & Diving

Share the warm, crystal-clear lagoons and swift ocean passes with schools of impossibly-colored fish, docile sharks, and giant manta rays.

Honeymoons & RomanceCelebrate a new romance or a special anniversary in the most romantic spot on earth. Discover how the seclusion and setting of these islands create one of the world's most desirable honeymoon destinations.If you were here you’d be you again…Discover Tahiti...islands the way they used to be.Where is Tahiti?French Polynesia more commonly

known as "Tahiti" is located in the South Pacific approximately 8 hours by plane from the city of Los Angeles. It is in the same timezone as Hawaii, and the same distance south of the equator as Hawaii is north.Tahiti primarily consists of five main island groups, called archipelagos:Society Islands • Tahiti • Moorea • Bora Bora • Raiatea & Taha'aTuamotu Islands • Rangiroa • Manihi • Tikehau • FakaravaThe Marquesas Islands

The Gambier Islands

The Austral Islands Frequently asked questionsWhat Is Tahiti?Tahiti is the largest of the 118 islands and atolls that constitute what is officially known as French Polynesia. The island of Tahiti and the capital city of Papeete are located in the Society Islands, an archipelago that includes the high-rising islands of Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, and Bora Bora. Other dramatic island groups are the Tuamotu Atolls with the slender coral wreaths of Rangiroa, Manihi, Tikehau, and Fakarava and the Marquesas - with the massive mountains on the islands of Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa.

Where Is Tahiti and How Long Does It Take to Get There?The islands are located south of the equator, in the same time zone as Hawaii, and halfway between California and Australia. Papeete's Faa'a Airport (PPT) is under 8 hours by air from Los Angeles (LAX). From North America, nonstop flights depart LAX nearly every day on Air Tahiti Nui and Air France. Nonstop flights from Honolulu (HNL) to Papeete (PPT) are also available weekly on Hawaiian Airlines.

What Is the Time Difference?The islands are just two hours behind Pacific Standard Time. During Daylight-Saving Time (March to late October) they are three hours behind. Time in the Marquesas is half an hour ahead of the rest of the islands.

Will I Need to Exchange Money?Upon arrival most visitors exchange some money at the airport or at their hotels. Since most credit cards are readily accepted in all tourist areas, it is not necessary to exchange large

amounts. The currency is the French Pacific Franc (XPF).

Will I Need a Passport/Visa?For stays of up to 90 days, there are no visa requirements for citizens of the U.S. or Canada carrying a US or Canadian Passport. A foreigner with a residence card for the U.S. is not exempt from the above requirements and should consult the French Consulate based in the U.S. for information.

Is English Spoken?French and Tahitian are the official languages, but English is spoken and understood in tourist areas. Brushing up on a few basic French phrases and learning Tahitian greetings are appreciated.

What About Tipping?Tipping is not customary in Polynesian culture and is not expected. However, tipping is welcomed for exemplary service.

What Are the Seasons and Climate?Cooled by gentle ocean breezes, the climate is ideal. Being tropical but moderate, the climate features sunny, pleasant days and an average yearly air and water temperature of 80oF. Summer is from November through April, when the climate is slightly warmer and more humid. Winter is from May through October, when the the climate is slightly cooler and dryer.

What Should I Wear?The climate and lifestyle on the islands call for casual and comfortable clothing. Pack loose-fitting, natural fabrics and plenty of shorts. Pareus and swimsuits can be worn during the daytime at the resorts, while casual shirts and walking shorts provide the most comfort during island explorations. For dinner, casual slacks and sport shirts are the best choice for men while cool sundresses are most appropriate for women.

What Are the Essentials to Bring?Sunscreen, brimmed hats, sunglasses, swimsuits, reef-walking shoes, bug repellent, prescription medicine, and a camera with plenty of film.

Is the Water Safe to Drink?Tap water is good in most hotels and restaurants. Bottled water is also available everywhere in stores, markets, and hotels. Do I Need Health Certifications?No shots or certifications are required from North America. Regardless of the traveler's nationality, entry from an infected area of the world as defined by the World Health Organization requires certifications.

Friday April 5, 2013www.fijitimescanada.com40 Autos

Driving In Bad Road And Weather ConditionsContinued From Last Week

2013 Cadillac Escalade The Cadillac Escalade, with its bold, super-size look, has become an American luxury icon--a symbol of excess, chromed splendor, and high-end executive transport. And with even a brief ride in one, it's easy to see why; the Escalade is surprisingly quick and responsive, while also boasting one of the most lavishly appointed interiors of any utility vehicle.For 2013, the Escalade remains offered in several versions, with three different body styles in all and two different powertrains--standard and Hybrid. The extended-length (ESV) variant provides a 21-inch increase in size with seating capacity for up to eight adults, while the EXT is the Escalade of pickups—top-lux version of the Chevrolet Avalanche, essentially. Escalade Hybrid models are offered in a short-wheelbase model and share much with the GMC Yukon Hybrid and Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid SUVs, but they erases much of the Escalade's gas-guzzler guilt, with EPA ratings of up to 20 mpg city, 23 highwayThanks to a strong, responsive powertrain and somewhat athletic chassis tuning, you can almost forget that the 2013 Cadillac Esclade is one of the biggest, heaviest luxury SUVs--and one with truck roots, at that. With a huge (and thirsty) 6.2-liter

V-8, making 403 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque, the Escalade can move quickly--to 60 mph in only about 6.5 seconds, according to some sources, even though its weight can total almost 6,000 pounds. Key to that is that the engine makes loads of low-rpm torque, and that the six-speed automatic transmission functions as a willing companion most of the time. And all the while, the V-8 has a rumbly, uncommon (for a luxury vehicle) muscle-car note.Even with the huge 22-inch wheels that many Escalades come with, GM

chassis engineers have managed to give this huge SUV a surprisingly responsive driving character thanks to Magnetic Ride Control, which is offered on most of the Escalade lineup and strongly recommended. .The 2013 Cadillac Escalade is huge and imposing from the outside, but that does pay off inside, translating to a roomy, comfortable interior that's also luxury-car plush and reasonably quiet. Just be aware that if you want cargo versatility and folding seats, this might not be the right pick.The Escalade's traditional body-on-

Skidding. A vehicle starts to skid when its tires lose their grip on the road surface. When this happens to your vehicle your first instinct is to slam your foot down on the brakes. This is a big mistake. Applying the brakes quickly will only cause your vehicle to skid faster. It will also make you unable to steer the vehicle because your front wheels will lock. The main thing to remember in a skid is to keep calm and not overreact.When your vehicle starts to skid the first thing you have to do is regain control. Keep your feet off the accelerator and brakes until you have regained the ability to steer the vehicle. Only then should you begin to apply the brakes - very carefully. Do not use them unless it is necessary.Keeping your car under control means you must turn in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Because you are already looking forward you have a definite guideline where you want to steer.Even though this may seem simple to do, it still requires skill -- and must be done quickly to be effective. A car can reach a "point of no return" very suddenly in a skid. This means the back of the car is going to come around no matter how much you try to steer out of it. You should start to counter-steer as soon as you feel a skid. But don't counter-steer so sharply that you skid again in the other direction.

The signs that it is time for emergency action by the driver in skid situations are different for front-wheel-drive cars and rear-wheel-drive cars.The first sign of control loss in a skid in a rear-wheel-drive car is usually a rear-wheel skid. The rear end of the car starts to slide sideways. It could start swinging at wide angles, either to the left or right.In a front-wheel-drive car, usually the sign is a loss of steering ability. This is because the front wheels are both the drive wheels and the steering wheels.Some owners of front-wheel-drive cars think they can come out of a skid by giving the car some gas and letting the front wheels "pull" the car straight. Driving experts say this works once in a while, but is not a good idea because it can make the problem worse.When you start to skid, you want as much steering traction as possible. The best way to do this is to let off of the accelerator and brakes so all your traction can be used for steering.Of course, it is best to avoid skidding at all. One way to stay in control is to use your brakes properly in winter weather. Not long ago, drivers were told to pump their brakes when they needed to stop on slippery surfaces. Pumping the brakes was supposed to keep them from locking, which causes loss of steering ability.But pumping the brakes -- on snow or ice -- can make the wheels lock for a

moment, causing a loss of steering. The rapid leg movements used in pumping the brakes can also keep you from noticing that they have locked.Instead of pumping, driving experts recommend the "squeeze technique." This simply means you squeeze the brake pedal down until you feel the brakes are about to lock up, let off the pedal, then squeeze again. Squeezing the brakes slows down the car quickly, while letting you feel if the brakes lock up. That way, you will keep your tires rolling, which is the key to steering.This is not a technique that you will master instantly. Driving experts recommend that you practice braking in a safe area, like a parking lot, so you will develop a sense of when your brakes are about to lock. The only time you should not use this method of braking is when your vehicle has four-wheel anti-lock brakes. In that case it is best to step on the brake pedal and hold it down until you stop the vehicle.Reacting to an emergency requires quick action, but it is important to avoid stepping too hard on the brakes. If you "stand" on them, you are likely to end up losing control and sliding into someone. By squeezing the brakes and keeping the wheels rolling, you might be able to steer around an object instead of hitting it. If you do panic and lock up the brakes, you can still regain control by backing off the brake pedal.

In many situations it is best to steer around trouble without trying to brake at all. As driving experts point out, if you do not have time to steer around something, you certainly will not have time to stop for it.Remember the leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents.Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter Driving. Preparing your vehicle for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are the keys to safe winter driving.Starting Your Car In Extremely Cold Conditions. Winter's frigid grip can drain the power from your battery, freeze the fluids in your engine, freeze your gas line and gel your engine oil.How to Handle Your Car on Snow and Ice. Not all cars drive alike. And in demanding winter weather, knowing how to handle your vehicle is critical.Preparing to Drive in a Blizzard. Before hitting the road, make sure your car is ready. Driving with a snow-covered windshield, windows, side-view mirrors or lights invites a crash.What To Do If Trapped In Your Car During A Blizzard?Do not leave the car to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. You may become disoriented and lost in blowing and drifting snow.

frame layout dates back to the 2007 model year and it hasn't seen any major structural changes since. But GM got this one right from the start; even with today's tougher federal crash-test system, the Escalade gets five-star categories in all frontal and side tests. All Escalade models are brimming with luxury features; it's simply a matter of how exclusive do you want it to feel, and how high you're willing to go. Base-model Escalade and Escalade ESV models cater to executives and VIPs who need a 'Slade in their stable, and the interior can reach a limo-like level of equipment that can focus toward either work or play.If you want all the tech features, plus a unique, no-holds-barred look, the Platinum is the way to go; it adds unique chromed 22-inchers, special Tehama anilene leather, heated and cooled cupholders, LED headlamps, a leather-trimmed instrument panel, and many other appearance and trim upgrades. Other features worth note individually include an eight-inch touch-screen navigation system with real-time traffic, a Bose 5.1 Digital Surround Sound system, cooled front seats, and power-actuated running boards.Call Sunil Desai at Northshore Carter GM to test drive one.778-868-5757




604.909.4088


Lifestyle

Some Reasons You Feel So TiredWhy are you so tired?

Feeling tired all the time is becoming one of our most common ailments, and it can be the most frustrating as well. Even if you live a fairly sensible lifestyle and don’t have any serious health problems, you may still find yourself weighed down with constant fatigue. "A lot of people confuse fatigue with sleepiness—it’s not the same thing," says Doug Cook, a registered dietitian and nutritionist at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. Sometimes a viral or bacterial trigger, or other serious illness is the culprit. But fortunately, most of the time there are simple causes that can easily be fixed. "A lot of it is just lifestyle related," he says. "I think fatigue really is a symptom of the way society is: too busy, burning the candle at both ends. It’s has though what used to be confined to university students as become the norm for all stages of life."Here are some common reasons that you might be feeling a lack of a spring in your step and what you can do to feel more energized.1. You don't exerciseIt may seem counter intuitive, but exercising produces all kinds of helpful biochemicals that ward off fatigue and help you feel upbeat the rest of the time. Think of it as positive feedback: the more energy you put in, the more you get out.2. You keep poor sleep patternsSleepiness is not the same as fatigue (which is a general lack of energy), but one of the most common causes of feeling tired is simply not sleeping enough. In addition to too little shut-eye, keeping irregular sleeping patterns and even sleeping too much can also make you feel tired. To get back on the right track, try to get into a routine of sleeping at consistent times—while only getting as much sleep as you really need—and you’ll be surprised how much better you will feel.3. You're carrying extra weightIn addition to making your bones and body bear a greater burden of weight, obesity can result in sleep apnea, which is horribly disruptive to your sleep. According to the Canadian Lung Association, individuals who suffer from sleep apnea can experience pauses in their breathing dozens—or even hundreds—of times in a single night. Sleep apnea can also potentially result in heart problems. If you are concerned about sleep apnea, be sure to speak with your doctor.

4. You might be pregnantOne of the first changes to your body when you're pregnant—and the most noticeable—is a sudden change to your sleeping habits and energy levels. Pregnancy has a serious impact on your body and feelings of fatigue during your first trimester are very common. If you normally stay up past midnight, then suddenly find yourself wanting to crash out at 9 pm, pregnancy could be a factor. Sleep can also be challenging for new moms, who suddenly have to adjust to the sleep schedule of their baby.5. You drink too much coffeeIf you rely on caffeine to get through your day, you can develop a dependence—so without it you can go into withdrawal, needing several cups of coffee or tea just to feel "normal." And the worst point of withdrawal? Right in the morning. To make matters worse, caffeine can still course through your system when you’re sleeping if you’ve had any coffee or tea in the evening, which can interfere with normal REM sleep and leave you feeling even more tired. An easy solution is to cut back on the amount of caffeine you consume during the day and steer clear of caffeinated beverages within hours of your bedtime.6. You don't eat breakfastThere's a reason that breakfast is called the most important meal of the day, and everyone has told you not to forget it—from your doctor to your mother, to probably every teacher you’ve ever had. And yet so many of us still skip it on a regular basis, or just cram down a few pieces of toast before heading out the door. Take the time to fit in breakfast every morning and it will

help you avoid that mid-afternoon crash.7. You suffer from iron deficiencyA diet low in iron is often to blame for feeling tired—a lack of red meat in the diet of vegetarians and vegans can result in iron deficiency, but it’s unfair and untrue to assume that people who cut out animal products from their diet automatically have low energy levels. People who eat meat can still suffer from low iron as well, especially if they skimp on wholesome—though sometimes unappealing—foods like spinach, organ meats, and eggs. Women in particular are prone to anemia because of menstruation, as heavy periods can easily lead to anemia in combination with a low-iron diet.8. You may be depressedFatigue is a common side effect of depression, along with other well-known symptoms such as lack of appetite, weight gain or loss, anxiety and lack of interest in sex. If you are concerned that you may be experiencing depression, speak with your healthcare provider. You may also want to try incorporating mood-boosting foods into your diet.9. It could signal the onset of diabetesDiabetes is reaching epidemic levels in Canada, and according to the Canadian Diabetes Association, extreme fatigue or lack of energy are symptoms of the

condition. However, many people who develop type 2 diabetes will show no symptoms. The Canadian Diabetes Association recommends everyone over the age of 40 have their blood sugar levels tested at least every three years as a precautionary measure.10. You've started a new medicationFatigue is one of the most common side effects of pharmaceutical medications, with anti-hypertensives, narcotics, anxiolytics and antidepressants being the most common culprits. When you first begin a new medication, give your body some time to adjust. However, if drowsiness persists for several weeks and begins to interfere with your daily life, it's time to see a doctor.11. Boost your energy the healthy wayBy and large, the best things you can do to stay healthy and energized are pretty simple: eat well, sleep regularly, don’t drink too much alcohol (hangovers aside, the by-products in alcohol can make you feel tired), and get some fresh air and exercise.“I often tell my patients that the fatigue may be their body's way of telling them to slow down,” says Dr Rhonda Church, a family physician in Nova Scotia. "Many people experience fatigue because of overwhelming life stresses. Keep your stress in check: set limits, make time for yourself and the people you love.”12. More sleep solutionsDid you know that the way you sleep can affect your weight, mood, energy, memory, and IQ? And that getting a good night of shuteye can even slow the signs of aging and protect against cancer and heart disease? Sleep to be Sexy, Smart and Slim is bursting with advice on how to get a better rest—without resorting to sleep aids. Learn how the foods you eat and medications you take can affect your sleep, and how taking a nap can actually reset your heart rate and blood pressure. With tips and tricks that are easy to integrate into your routine, you’ll be vibrant, sharp, and on your way to better health in a wink.

Friday April 5, 2013www.fijitimescanada.com42 For Women


Fiji Business Pages



2013

5 Easy Tips To Reduce Hairfall Problem

Do you often face one of those mornings where your bathe drain is blocked because of all the hair you’re shedding? It is true that losing hair is really heart breaking and the sight of seeing yourself going bald during your heydays is really a nightmare.Hair fall is a common problem that people face these days. Now, hair loss can be due to various reasons as in this hectic life we hardly get any time to maintain a beauty regime. Further, our unhealthy lifestyle and bad food habits add to the problem. Don’t worry much for we bring to you some easy ways and measures that you can implement daily and weekly to reduce hair fall. Say no to junk food:

Your first step towards healthy hair is to switch to a healthy diet and exercise regime. Include protein rich food like wheat, oats, barley, maize and brown rice in your palette. Kidney beans, black beans, chickpeas and green peas are another great source of protein. Also, drink a lot of water as it not just keeps your skin healthy but also makes hair roots strong. Another important tip is not to indulge in crash dieting or starving yourself to reduce weight as it has a very harmful effect on your hair.Get a hair massage:

A good hot oil massage is the best treat that you can give to your hair. Rub hot oil into your scalp for at least one or two hours to restore the moisture of your tresses as this will replenish the hair roots and provide them intense nourishment. You can use massage your scalp with coconut, almond, neem, amla or olive oil.Beat stress:

Yes, you heard it right. Stress is a major factor that leads to hair fall. So, try to control it with meditation, yoga and breathing exercises. General hair care:

Avoid taking hot water baths as hot water opens the pores, making your hair follicles brittle leading to hair fall. Another thing to be kept in mind is to use a thick hair brush and not to comb your hair roughly if you are facing hair fall. It is also suggested that if you have long hair, then avoid tying your tresses in a bun all the time as this can also lead to hair fall as well. And finally, if you really love your hair then please avoid indulging in a lot of hair styling as it damages your tresses.Choose a healthy lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle is the key to keep you fit overall. So, please get ample amount of sleep as insufficient sleep may aggravate the problem. Also, say no to smoking and alcohol as they aggravate the problem of hair loss.

Texts You Must Never Send to Your Ex

Whether your ex has started seeing someone else or not, here are a few texts he must never receive from you. In the interest of sanity; his and yours:1) The lovelorn text: I still love/miss youWhy not? People love to hear that, goes the common counterargument. Maybe, but it isn’t a good idea in the ex zone, unless there are chances of a reconciliation. If even one of you is in a relationship again, such texts are a huge no-no. 2) The nostalgic text: No one compares to youWhy not? Really? Get a grip on reality, girl. Why on earth would you have broken up then? It’s human tendency to conveniently forget the negatives and focus on the (few) positive aspects after a fresh break-up.3) The over-apologetic text: I’m really, really sorry. It was my fault. Please come back. Let’s start afresh.Why not? This has got desperate written all over it. And no, in all likelihood, you’re not the only one to blame. Can’t clap with one hand, can you bow?4) The flirty text: Wanna go for a drink?Why not? Just because your charm worked on him for the first time, that doesn’t mean you need to reprove its effect (to yourself?). Venture into fresh territory; try it on somebody more deserving instead.5) The slutty text: Your place or mine?Why not? If you’ve always been the direct kind, it’s time to “direct” all that energy away from your ex and towards a rebound perhaps. Or enjoy some

good o’ singleton time.6) The 3 am drunk text: Hey, what’s up?/Can we talk?/Just wondering what you were up to…Why not? The content of your text is secondary here. The fact that you’re getting in touch with your ex at an unearthly hour under the influence of alcohol isn’t a good sign.Don't miss: Why You Should Unfriend Your Ex7) The non-text text: Hi…Why not? The three little dots after the greeting say it all. You’ve probably got something to say, but aren’t going to say it and simply beat around the bush. Or, you just don’t have anything to tell him but simply want to stay in touch out of habit. Get a hobby, will you?8) The non-stop text(s): Hi, what’s up?/You Busy?/In a meeting?/Can you call me back?...Why not? Do you really need a reason to stop text-stalking him? Why, It’s hardly acceptable even in a relationship. Out of it, definitely not. Unless he’s being a pile-on and you’re trying to beat him at his own game.9) The over-“emoticonned” text: :-) ;-) :D 8-) <3Why not? Because he’s your ex. Period. Snap out of the past, emoticons aren’t cute anymore.10) The friendly text: Wanna hang out… as buddies?Why not? Because the transition from lovers to friends isn’t that easy. Especially if you’ve spent a lot of time together and been physically intimate. Give it time.

Fiji Canada Association 13629 - 108 Avenue, Surrey BC V3T 2K4 778- 395-0903

Now Accepting Membership Applications

Kash Dosangh 604.430.1358 or Surendra Prasad 604.572.8817

19 years of age or older, a descendant of / Citizen of Fiji

F-C-A SENIORS BRANCHGathering Schedule

Subhas Chandra 604.433.4298 N. Tezram 604.540.7009

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HOURS OF OPERATIONMonday 5:30pm–9:00pm Tuesday 7:00pm–9:00pm Sunday 10:00am–12 noon

SANATAN DHARM CULTURAL SOCIETYSHIV MANDIR

5600 DORSET STREET, BURNABY BC PH: 604-254-2624

For Pooja Booking Contact:Aiyaar Shivachariyar Sada Shiva

604.274.7906

SUBRAMANIYA SWAMY TEMPLE OF BC8840 No. 5 Road, Richmond, BC 604.274.7906

Sunday 10am to 3pm Monday 10am to 1pm, 5pm to 8pm Tuesday 10am to 1pm, 5pm to 9pm Wednesday 1pm to 7pm Thursday 10am to 1pm, 5pm to 8pm Friday 10am to 1pm, 5pm to 9pm Saturday 10am to 1pm

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COLEBROOK UNITED CHURCH5441 - 125A St, Surrey B.c.Affiliated with Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada

GOOD NEWS ASSEMBLY FOR JESUS

James Kumar 604-581-3191 (res) 604-599-9518 (work) cecil Labon 604-572-4854

SRI VENKATESHWARA MAHA VISHNU TEMPLETemple hoursMonday to Sunday Morning 8:00am–10:00am Evening 6:00pm–8:00pmDaily Aarthi 7:00pmRamayan Katha Friday 6:00pm–10:00pm

pooja/special prayer sessions/Temple/hallPT. Shiu Madri 604.582.4899PUJARI Soma Sundaran 604.363.7180

president: H.C. Gopal 604.290.1114

Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam Educational and Cultural Society, BC, Canada (EST. 1982 – Incorporated S176969)

secretary: Ganesh Murti 604.315.3166 Treasurer: Muniappa Naidu 604.576.4529

maathar sangam Activities & VolunteersShakuntala Naidu 604.576.4529

9326 - 116th Street, Delta, BC

ASIAN cHRIST cHURcH OF cANADA

We pray for sickness, demon possessed & family problems.We have testimonies, come and see God’s great work.

Rev. Emmanuel Cheema 778-241-9066 [email protected] 88th Ave. Surrey, B.C. V4N IH5

You are the light of the world, a city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5: 11)

Sunday Service @ 5.30 p.m. (Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi & English)

(Registered under the Society Act Of BC. Registered Charity # 891336349) ARYA SAMAJ SOCIETY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

Join for Hawan, Pravachan and Satsangh followed by Preetibhoj Every Sunday 10:00 a.m.–12:00 noon

Yoga, Pranayam & Meditation classes every Wednesday 7:00 p.m - 8:30 p.m.Contact Shobha Rae 604.874.9856

Hindi Classes Sunday 12:30 p.m. -1:30 p.m. Contact Madhu Varsney 604.222.1444Hall rental also availabale. Contact Kushwakant Singh 604.328.5454

Madhu Varsney, President 604.222.1444, Jack Sundar, Secretary 604.541.9359 Kushwaha Kant Singh, Treasurer 604.328.5454

FIJIAN METHODIST UNITED CHURCH 12371 96 Avenue Surrey BCSunday Service @ 6:00PM

Ph: 604.593.5663

Arya Samaj Centre, 6884 Jubilee Ave., Burnaby, B.C.

NAYA JEEWAN cHURcH38868 - 128th Street, Surrey Bc

Service Sundays 2:00pm Bible Study (Hindi & English) Wednesdays 7:30pm

Prayer, counselling & visitations Available

Pastor Eileen Reddy 604.543-8339

HINDI CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP#4-6468 King George Blvd, Surrey BC

Sunday Service @ 2:00PMUplifting Worship | Prayer for healing | music (cD) Available

Shailendra (Shal) Singh604-596-7353 or 604-323-6506 | [email protected]

Hindi Punjabi Fraserview GosPel CHaPel14630-107a avenue surrey bC v3r 1v1

Serving the community since 1972sunday service 10:30 am–12:00 noon 6:30PM - 7:30PM

service in Hindustani & Punjabi • sunday school for Children

Pastor Santosh Raj 604-582-2650 [email protected]

Pastor Sakaraia & Rev. Ema Karoi

Places of Worship

abhishek pentecostal assemblyIf you’re looking for a place to belong or have been searching for answers to life’s questions or healing,

come to our services or contact us. Allow us to introduce you to Jesus Christ and help you come into a full relationship with him.

Sunday School/Worship Service: 1pm11601-82nd Ave, Delta BC (604) 590-8836

[email protected] www.abhiskhekassembly.comServices are in Hindi and English Senior Pastor Rev. Samuel Krishna

GLOBAL FIJIAN ASSEMBLIESPastor Isimeli Lesi Korobasaga

Affiliated with Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada

Phone: 604.592.9001 • cell: 778.938.2734 • Email: [email protected] - 104th Ave., Surrey, Bc

Every Sunday 2–5Pm @ People’s Full Gospel

FIJI SENIOR’S SOcIETY OF cANADASocial Gatherings at 1pm - Last Sunday of each monthat SHRI vENKATESHWARA mAHA vISHNU TEmPLE

9326 - 116th Street, Delta, Bc

Thakur Kuar Singh 604-587-5439Bhan Pratap 604-839-5106

Bhan mati Raj 604-581-9859 James Kumar 604-599-9518chand Lakhan 604-5880361 Satya Nand 604-590-5303

HOSANNA TABERNACLEAffiliated with Pentecoastal Assemblies of Canada

6075 Inverness Street, VancouverSunday Services in Hindi/English 2:00pm

Pastor Silas Naidu [email protected]


2nd Tuesday

Shree Mahalakshmi Temple467 E 11th Avenue, Vancouver BC V5T 2C8

Phone: 604-874-0175 [email protected]

11 Thursday 6:30 pm Gudi Padva Chitra Navaratri Begins

6:30 pm Shree Lakshmi Vinayaka Japa

18 Thursday 6:00 pm Ashtami Kanya Puja

19 Friday 7:00 pm Ramnavami

20 Saturday 6:30 pm Dashami Kanya bhojan

25 Thursday 7:00 pm Hanuman Jayanti Shree Mahalashmi Japa

Programs in April 2013

14 Sunday

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27 Saturday 7:00 pm Shree Hanuman Japa

Date Time Program

Friday April 5, 2013www.fijitimescanada.com TImes sporTs

45

TImes

Alifereti Dere Wants Serevi And Cama In Moscow

Alifereti Dere plans to invite Waisale Serevi and Tomasi Cama Senior to help during the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow in June.The Digicel Fiji 7s coach says he will talk to the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) on the issue when the team arrives from Tokyo.“We will look into this once we are in the country and this will be up for discussion as well,” Dere said.“I will take up the issue with the FRU. We need to have the best team for RWCS in Moscow.”Serevi and Cama assisted Dere in Fiji’s

victory at the Hong Kong 7s two weeks ago.They played a big role in Hong Kong. But the FRU will decide”Serevi and Cama have both declared that they were willing to help.“I’m ready to serve if Fiji wants me,” Cama said after the win in Hong Kong.Serevi said that winning in Hong Kong was important for Fiji.“Hong Kong is an important tournament for Fiji,” Serevi said.“Winning the HK 7s is like winning the Melrose Cup.“And its important Fiji starts getting the winning rhythm before the battle for the Melrose Cup in Moscow in June.“I’m always ready to help.”The national 7s side however could not continue their winning run at the Tokyo Sevens over the weekend losing to Australia 21-12 in the quarterfinal and then lost to USA in the Plate semifinal.Meanwhile former Fiji 7s coach Peni Veidreyaki blamed lack of fitness for the loss.“The team was physically unfit after delivering their toughest performance in the Hong Kong 7s a week ago,” he said.“They lacked the expertise of a trainer and when Cama left, the team did not have a trainer who could look after fitness.“It will also be great if Serevi and Cama are both recalled to help the team for the RWCS.”

Ex-Fiji U21s Rep Killed In Car Crash

Former Fiji U21 rep Samueli Dawai Nauli of Narewa in Nadi died in a car crash in France as confirmed by the local police and his French club. AFP reports the 31-year-old, who was playing for fifth division side Bergerac, lost control of his car and hit a tree

some 20km south of Bergerac.Naulu joined Perpignan in 2005 where he was switched to the wing from flanker upon arriving. He left for Limoges a year later and after just a season there moved onto Bergerac.

Roberto Luongo Admits Huge Contract Prevented Him Being

Traded

Roberto Luongo wasn’t traded, and neither was Miikka Kiprusoff. So nothing materialized with the two goalies the Maple Leafs had pursued leading up to the NHL trade deadline Wednesday. That deadline passed at 3 p.m. with 10 moves made. The Leafs, though they did not acquire Luongo or Kiprusoff, will likely re-approach their goalie situation in the off-season. Luongo, in a candid and emotional press conference shortly after the deadline, said he was relieved that all the trade speculation was ending, and admitted his monster contract was the sticking point in him being moved out of Vancouver. “My contract sucks,” said Luongo, who is on the books for nine more seasons with a cap hit in excess of $5 million (U.S.) “That’s what the problem is . . . unfortunately it is a big (factor) in trading for me. I’d scrap it right now if I could.” The Leafs were confirmed to be one of the three or four teams seriously in the Luongo sweepstakes. Other teams were said to be Washington and Tampa, but Tampa swung a deal (sending Cory Conacher to Ottawa) that brought them a solid young goalie in Ben Bishop. Luongo admitted he’s been frustrated and emotional leading up to trade deadline day, and ever since he arrived at a decision to ask out of Vancouver last spring when Cory Schneider

upstaged him as the club’s top goalie. “I’ve had a whole year to think about it,” Luongo said. “It’s (contract) been good for some things, not good for others. That decision (to sign the deal) was made when we signed it and we will have to find a solution now. It’s a tough situation for everyone, we’re all trying to make the best of it and make something that is best for both sides. The time wasn’t now, so we’ll have to wait.” Luongo was also asked if the difficulties in getting out of the contract were fully explored when he signed the deal, and he was asked if he had personally changed his stance since, several months ago, he said he could dictate a trade out of town on his own circumstances. “That’s a good question and a tough one to answer,” Luongo said. “I was never approached with a trade somewhere else . . . obviously, other teams were interested but nothing ever materialized to the point where I would have to waive off or not (no trade clause). “If I’d taken a different approach as to the way I conducted myself things might be different. I’m not disappointed in the way I handled myself, I didn’t create negative energy around the team. I don’t regret the way I handled this. “I’m 100 per cent dedicated to this team the rest of the year, I love this team and I love this city, and the goal is the Stanley Cup and I will give myself 100 per cent to that.”


TImes

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Vancouver Canucks Acquire Derek Roy From Dallas Stars

In an effort to keep up with the rest of the NHL's Western Conference, the Vancouver Canucks have made a trade with the Dallas Stars to acquire center Derek Roy.Roy had played 30 games this season in his first year in Dallas after spending the previous eight years of his career with the Buffalo Sabres. The veteran is known as one of the best distributors in the NHL. Before the trade, he was leading his team with 18 assists to go with his four goals on the year.From 2006 to 2010, he totaled at least 20 goals and 40 assists every season.While his production has slowed down a bit in recent years, he is still a talented center with valuable experience, and he will help create plenty of depth on the Canucks.Roy is expected to come in and contribute right away in an effort to help improve this struggling offense. Roy has four goals and 18 assists in 30 games for the Stars this season, and will be counted on to inject some offensive depth into a struggling Vancouver attack. The Canucks rank 20th in the NHL in scoring, with 2.50 goals per

game, and rank 29th out of 30 teams in power-play success rate at 12.8 per cent.Vancouver is currently in second place in the Northwest Division with 44 points. The Minnesota Wild — also with 44 — are ahead because they've played one less game than the Canucks.The Canucks are without the services of No. 2 centre Ryan Kesler due to a broken foot suffered in late February and have been in need of some help to complement top-line forwards Henrik and Daniel Sedin.Roy, a 29-year-old native of Ottawa, Ont., has 165 goals and 284 assists in 579 career regular-season games with the Buffalo Sabres and Dallas. He was selected 32nd overall by the Sabres in the 2001 draft.In return, Dallas receives a solid draft pick, as well as Connauton, who was a third-round pick in the 2009 entry draft. The 23-year-old defenseman is currently playing for the Chicago Wolves in the AHL and has seven goals and 18 assists in 60 games. It appears that the Stars are ready to begin a rebuilding process while struggling to contend this season.

Canucks Will Be Better Off With Relocated AHL Team

Vancouver Canucks general manager Mike Gillis believes his National Hockey League team is doing just fine developing prospects, and will be even better after purchasing the Peoria Rivermen from the St. Louis Blues.The Canucks will relocate the American Hockey League team from Illinois to an as-yet determined city nearer Vancouver.There have been reports the Calgary Flames may give up their prime minor-league base in Abbotsford, which would thrill taxpayers in the Fraser Valley who have had to pay the Flames $3.58 million in the first three years of a sweetheart agreement in which the city must cover the NHL team's AHL losses.Regardless of where the Canucks move the Rivermen, Gillis feels the autonomy of owning and operating a minor-league franchise will produce more NHL players for Vancouver.The Canucks' two-year player-development agreement with the Chicago Wolves expires after this season.“It allows our organization to focus on what we think is really important,” Gillis said before the Canucks' game here against the San Jose Sharks. “Sometimes what we think is important

is divergent from what an independent owner thinks is important for his minor-league team.“We get to make the decisions now. It allows us to plan and make decisions … to stock the team as we see fit to help our players.”Two years ago, the Canucks explored the possibility of putting a team in Abbotsford but the Flames, one year into their favourable contract with the city, had no interest in moving.The Canucks need to do better developing prospects, although Gillis bristled at the idea that suspect drafting and the trading of draft picks has left Vancouver with few grade-A prospects.“When you look at our young players, we're really happy with Nicklas Jensen,” Gillis said. “We're really happy with Eddie Lack and Chris Tanev and Zack Kassian and Brendan Gaunce and Frankie Corrado.“We've got lots of prospects. But if you ask people who comment on this, a lot of them would have no idea what the names are of these guys.”Jensen, the 2011 first-round pick from Denmark who is considered the Canucks' best prospect.


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