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You will be glad you did!www.amexrealty.ca#200-6325 Fraser St., Vancouver, BCPh: 604-322-3272Requests that for unsurpassed service and proven results phone my realtors.You will be glad you did!Fraseridge realtyPh: 604-322-3272#200-6325 Fraser st.,Vancouver, BCwww.amexrealty.caNOTARY PUBLICPhone: 604.583.6070 Fax: 604.583.6073Email: info@surreynotary.comUnit 1B-9200 120th Street Surrey, BC V3V 4B7 REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS WILLS & POWER OF ATTORNEYS SPONSORSHIPS ALL NOTARY SERVICESNo Appointments Are NecessaryWALK-INS are Always WelcomeOPEN MOST SATURDAYSwww.surreynotary.comAnnounces the LUCKY DRAW to win2 FREE tickets to India*Please visit one of our three offces to enter into the draw.Last date to enter is April 13, 2011.The grand draw will be held on April 23, 2011During the annual Vaisakhi Parade in Surrey at the stage of radio Sher-e-PunjabBains Travel on the 60th anniversary of their business SURREY604.584.1411#303-8128 128th St.(Payal Business Center)VANCOUVER604.324.22776550 Fraser St.ABBOTSFORD604.854.6088#2-2488 Clearbrook Rd.BC Reg #3376-2*Terms and conditions apply HAPPY VAISAKHIFijis tax-back scheme to attract touristsA Fijian tax refund scheme, to return value-added-tax to tourists at the end of their stay, is expected to boost the countrys attractiveness for overseas visitors.If tourists spend at least $US275 at approved shops, they will get the value added tax back when they leave.President of the Fiji Islands Hotel and Tourism Association Dixon Seeto told the media that the new refund scheme will boost the number of tourists coming to Fiji and encourage them to spend more.Fiji used to be the shopping mecca of the South Pacifc due to the duty free but now most countries seem to have duty free, he said.Here itll mean that people who come on holidays will buy things they would not normally buy because it would be much more competitive in terms of pricing.The government will experience tax losses but Mr Seeto said they were considering the bigger picture.One should look at how it affects Fiji economically and thats what the purpose of the scheme is.That one, it attracts more people to Fiji to do shopping while they are on holiday and two, it creates more economic activity for the country, he said.He said the tax refund scheme would increase investment and employment opportunities.M. 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CALL NOW!604-785-3198TO GET FREE LESSONSIsland Driving SchoolFREESign-up now to qualify for Lessons!!Good Newsfor People of Vancouver & SurreyPanditji can tell your past, present & future Relationship problems Children problems Divorce Money matters Business problems9791-120th Street, Surrey BC (bsmt)Delta side (corner of 98 & 120th)See full ad on page 25Ph: 604.376.2544DURGA DEVI JYOTHISHAMPANDIT DAS PRAKASH Spiritual HealerANJEENIHelps all problems of lifeNever fails Fast results Guaranteed(Reading by phone)If Anjeeni cannot help you, no one canSee page 36 for full ad1.800.515.3799First ReadingFREE(toll free)Friday April 8, 2011 Fiji Times Canada V5 No182PICK UP SERVICE AVAILABLE---WE SUPPLY BOXES AT A MINIMUM COSTCALGARY (403) 250 6851 (Ami) EDMONTON (780) 292 0701 (Prakash)www.fjifreight.ca info@fjifreight.ca- WE ARE HERE JUST TO DO THAT FOR YOU- NO WEIGHT RESTRICTION 1KG - 1000KG +- WE PROVIDE SERVICE WITH CONFIDENCE- NO GIMMICKS- ON TIME SHIPPINGTHINKING OF SENDING BAGS OR BOXES TO FIJI!!Kamlesh RamOFFICE: 15695 80A Ave., Surrey BCPHONE: (604) 724 5941GET 1 EMPTY BOX WITH SHIPMENT OF 3 OR MORE BOXESAn adult passenger is allowed 50lbs whiletravelling to FijiSend your excess travel baggage with us - Fiji Canada Freight SystemsFREEFriday April 8, 2011 Fiji Times Canada V5 No183www.discountrealestatebrokers.caFiji NewsiNcrease iN kaVa ProDuctioNNew market set to oPeN For Fiji exPortersFiji busiNesses atteND aFbc ForumiNDoNesia oFFers FarmiNg tiPsboND issue DiscussioNsROKO Tui Cakaudrove Ro Aca Mataitini says there are plans to engage Agro Marketing Authority to deal with kava sales.His comments come after an increase in kava production last year compared to the previous two years.According to the statistics provided by the Agriculture Department during the Reserve Banks maritime micro-fnance expo in Savusavu last month, kava production for 2008 was 692 tonnes, 2009 was 549 tonnes and 1434 tonnes last year.The people were engaged in a lot of comprehensive farming program which resulted in doubling the production of kava in Savusavu, Ro Aca said.We would like to engage the AMA into this sector because it will provide the farmers a stable market and a better market than dealing with individual dealers.Ro Aca said the increase in kava production was a positive sign, it indicated peoples changed mind-set.People are beginning to change their means of livelihood from planting only one crop such as dalo to diversifying their farming crops, Ro Aca said.They have access to resources such as land and its encouraging having people in rural areas make use of it.Planting more than one crop will better chances of getting a better income and this will better livelihoods.Exporters in Fiji have a chance to enter a new market after the visit of a 24 member Chinese delegation last week.The Wenzhou Trade and Economic delegation is in Fiji on a fact fnding mission. The delegation, led by Xia Lin Hong, comprises of representatives from the wholesale, electronics, and import & export sectors.Speaking on behalf of Fiji Trade and Investment Bureau Ravuni Uluilakeba, President of the Fiji China Business Council William Situ said the FTIB was working on nurturing Fijis links with China.As we are all aware, China is one of our most important trading partners and together with the embassy of the Peoples Republic of China and the Fiji China Business Council, FTIB has been fervent in its endeavor to nurture these links, said Sito.Our periphery vision in the past has been restricted to our main trading partners who are closer to home and in this trying time we have been strengthened by the support and cooperation of the Chinese government.Head of the Wenzhou Trade and Economic Delegation Xia Lin Hong said that while the visit of the delegation was short, they looked forward to sending more delegations to Fiji.In his closing remarks at the meeting, Ambassador at the Peoples Republic of China Dr Han Zhi Qiang added that Fiji was the frst country in the South Pacifc to establish diplomatic relations with China.Fiji is a regional hub of the South Pacifc and has abundant resources in fshing trade and other resources, he added.This is a golden opportunity to exchange with our Fiji counterparts.As ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China, I sincerely hope that this will bear more fruit for our booming economic and trade relations.The visit was coordinated by the Fiji Trade and Investment Bureau, the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China and the Fiji China Business Council.The delegation was hosted to a dinner at the Holiday Inn on Friday by the Fiji Trade and Investment Board.Fiji had four representatives in a forum hosted by the Australia Fiji Business Council at the Menzies Hotel in Sydney.Participants at the forum include ANZ, Fiji Development Bank, Fiji Trade and Investment Bureau and Williams and Gosling.Fiji Trade and Investment Bureau said the invitation to participate in such an event was an excellent opportunity to network into business and government in both countries and to help further their business goals in Fiji.The AFBC marks its 25th anniversary.Indonesia has a lot to offer to Fiji in terms of agricultural ideas and farming methods. During a rice farm visit in Jutiliwah, Bali Indonesian Ambassador to Fiji, Chandra Salim said, What we want to show Fiji and the Prime Minister during his visit here this week that we have lots of ideas and methods of farming, which can be very well adopted by Fiji. Fiji has same land types as some areas are mountainous with slopes which can be utilised for rice farming as done here. We did propose to the Prime Minister about this farming community here to see how the farmers are able to use this centuries old system of rice farming, he said. Due to a tight schedule the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama wont be visiting the sites but Mr Salim said he had shown keen interest in knowing about the agricultural methods used here. The system here is known as subak which is an irrigation system where farmers living on the upper half of the slopes share water to farmers living on the bottom of the slopes. The rice farms are small and narrow and they run horizontally around the slopes of high mountains in large scales. Jatilwih is located close to the National Park border of Mount Batukaru around 65 kilometers from Denpasar. Apart from a shopping haven and surfers paradise for millions of people around the globe, the vast rice felds have become a great tourist attraction and are situated 700 meters above sea level. Jatilwih was recently listed as UNESCO World Heritage site for its preservation of traditional and organic Balinese farming techniques. This method was adopted in Dreketi in Vanua Levu on a small scale after few local farmers were sent by the Indonesian Embassy to study and observe this system. We also plan to introduce more varieties of rice which will help in producing more rice in Fiji, he said.An open panel discussion on Fijis Second International Bond Issue on March 30, 2011 at the Marine Studies Lecture Theater has revealed implications of the international bond issue of US$250 million or roughly F$500 million- in terms of its coupon price and interest charged. The open panel which consisted of University Of the South Pacifc Acting Head of Economics Dr Sunil Kumar, Associate Professor, School of Economics Dr T. K. Jayaraman, Permanent Secretary Finance Mr Filimoni Waqabaca, Dean of College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism, Fiji National University Dr Mahendra Reddy, CEO, ANZ Mr Norman Wilson and School of Economics Professor Wadan Narsey thrashed out the hot topic of discussion on the evening. Dr. T. K. Jayaraman noted the advantages of the bond. He said it resulted in an increase in foreign reserves and real resources for Fiji and that it could lead to higher growth rates if used wisely. Dr Jayaraman pointed out however, that part of the new bond was to repay the earlier bond, but at a higher interest rate of 9% compared to the 7% earlier. He stressed that there were cheaper loans possible from IMF and ADB, but the Fiji Government probably did not intend to satisfy the harsh conditional ties aimed at implementing reforms (balancing the budget, reducing public debt, trimming the civil service and cutting recurring expenditures) that are normally attached to their loans. Observing that bond is not a magic wand, he said the need for reforms has not vanished. Fiji should now implement the needed reforms on its own and without any outside goading. Dr Jayaraman also emphasized that it was important to evaluate the success of the frst bond issue; and the lessons learnt be incorporated while using the proceeds of the second bond issue. Further, he also stated that this should be the last bond and the bond repayment fve years hence, should be from Fijis own foreign reserves and not by another bond in 2016. Friday April 8, 2011 Fiji Times Canada V5 No184Laser WhiteningDental ImplantsI.V. SedationOral & Gum SurgeryCLEAR (invisible) BracesCosmetic DentistryWE OFFER DENTAL SERVICESIN VANCOUVER, SURREY & BURNABYFAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRYwww.voradental.ca www.surreydental.ca604.321.1869604.930.0755Serving PROUDLY with Clinical Experiences NEW PATIENTS, WALK-IN, EMERGENCY ACCEPTEDFor special offers visit our website6145 Fraser St.Vancouver BCV5W 2Z9 (Fraser & 45th)Dr. Kashyap P. VoraFDS RCS (England)UBC InstructorDr. Shivani VoraMDS. 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Sedation (Sleep Dentistry)Braces (Orthodontics-straighening)Dental implants#102-15925 Fraser Hwy, Surrey BC V4N 5P7we offer no interest paymentopen 7 days a weekFriday April 8, 2011 Fiji Times Canada V5 No185Fiji NewsDalo export price increasesDelicious Duruka in seasonHope For aDVanceD MeDical serVicesnew passports to arriVe soonFiji eMbassy in inDonesiaTHE Agro Marketing Authority has announced an increase in dalo export price.Chief executive offcer Ilaisa Cavu said the authority had increased the minimum farm gate price from 70 cents per kg to $1.20 for the A-grade tausala species.He said AMA had secured a buyer from New Zealand who was willing to offer a better price.The new increase came into effect from March 7, said Mr Cavu.The exporters through the Fiji-Agro Producers Association have announced a new minimum farm gate price of $1.20 per kg for A-grade tausala to be effective from April 15.He said the authority was aware of the high number of farms ready to be harvested.A plea to dalo farmers around the country is to be patient and accept the arrangements provided by the authority.The AMA is also working diligently in trying to fnd additional buyers of dalo within the Australian and US markets.He said there was a situation of overproduction in dalo producing areas around the country.We are trying to address the situation of fnding additional markets for our farmers but the situation is that everyone wants their dalo sold and the authority can only handle a certain level of purchase at any given time, said Mr Cavu.The representative Nalawa district in Ra, Tevita Nakaba, said the increase in dalo prices would encourage rural farmers to invest in dalo farming.He said most farmers in rural Ra depended on dalo as a source of income and the increase in price would beneft them and those who depended on them.One of the things I love most about Fijian produce is its uniqueness.The fruits here are amongst the sweetest in the world; especially paw paw, watermelon and pineapple.The new crops of pineapples are the size of watermelons which is very very sweet. We dont have the same root crops in Australia, so seeing organic cassava, kumala, yams and dalo being farmed everywhere has inspired me to use these in my western dishes.The most unusual vegetable in season at the moment is Duruka. Popularly known as Fijian Asparagus, its scientifc name is Saccharum Edule, the unopened fower of the cane shoot which is closely related to sugar cane.It is believed that early settlers brought the plant from Papua New Guinea in the late 1800s, but it is also prevalent throughout coastal areas of South East Asia and other Pacifc islands where it is known as Pit Pit.Fiji is blessed with both the red and green varieties. I prefer the red shoot with its crumbly nutty favour, compared to the softer green shoot.The most popular way of cooking duruka in Fiji is in lolo or curry (like most things!), but I wanted to fnd other ways of cooking this unique delicacy for our international guests to try.So I enlisted the help of one of my senior Fijian chefs, Salimone Ralulu, who showed me how it is traditionally prepared in the village.The favours were interesting but quite boring. Good food should awaken the taste buds with explosions of different favour and texture in the mouth, so we came up with two different ways of cooking this delicacy.PLANS are in the pipeline for Fiji to set up a facility within the next fve years to allow local specialists to conduct kidney transplants, open heart surgeries and improve cancer treatment.The Ministry of Health says there is a need to have a medical team capable of performing kidney transplants within the next fve years.Health permanent secretary Dr Salanieta Saketa made the statement during Vanuatu Prime Minister Sato Kilmans visit to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.She took the opportunity to thank the private and public sector for helping the ministry establish of a dialysis unit adding that the ministry hoped to have a medical team.Dr Saketa said the dialysis centre for kidney patients was attracting a lot of former Fiji residents and tourists with kidney problems because it was cheaper.It has been revealed that former Fiji residents living in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, England and parts of Europe seek treatment at the centre. Dialysis is still very costly and most locals are not able to afford it, the ministry is hoping to do kidney transplants locally which would help a lot of people.Our doctors face a lot of diffculties in treating their patients who are victims of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and the Ministry of Health wishes to develop this area, she said.Weve been doing open heart surgeries for a long time with the assistance of special medical teams from Australia however; but within the next fve years we want our doctors and specialists to be able to do this on their own.Dr Saketa said major reforms were implemented in the past two years which included the decentralization of the General Outpatients department at the CWMH and the upgrading of their ambulance feet as well as the decentralization of the countrys mental health services.Dr Saketa said Fijis health services capabilities in terms of cancer treatment would be improved beginning with an increase in staffng and the improvement of chemotherapy.NEW passports will arrive soon into the country as the number of people waiting for new and renewed passports has increased. Immigration director Major Nemani Vuniwaqa said a total of 17,500 passports are expected to arrive later this month.The new batch is expected to ease the backlog of citizens applying for passports.Major Vuniwaqa said the new passports would be issued to the 4000 new applicants who applied from January to March.The department was able to issue 700 new passports to people from the 4000 applications theyve received.The remaining 3300 applications will be issued after this months shipment.Major Vuniwaqa said those that had applied early this year from January to March would be the frst to receive passports.He said the demand for new passports varied and the department was adamant that after clearing the pending applications, the process would return to normal.The Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama and his wife Mary Bainimarama joined the opening ceremony of the new Fiji Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia on Wednesday.Besides opening the Fiji Embassy in Jakarta, the Prime Minister is expected to also attend the Fiji Trade Show and a meeting on the Indonesia Pacifc update.Indonesia was one of two countries that were observers at the recent Melanesia Spearhead Group Summit Leaders meeting. *2.20%5 Years VariablePrime-0.80% Prime@3.00%*3.42%3 year Fixed Rate Closing in 90 days* 3.74% 5 year FixedSaggi Financial Solutions Inc.604-767-5050www.mortgagebazar.caEmail: rajan@mortgagegrp.com* First Second Mortgages* Refinancing, Debt Consolidation, Renewals* Construction Mortgage, Private Financing* Solutions for Self Employed, New Immigrants, , ThirdAccredited Mortgage Professional 604-518-4180Protecting your dreams . . .* Insurance: Life / Mortgage / Critical / Disability* Long Term Care Insurance,RRSP,Investments* Choice of products available from Canada Life, Manulife, RBC Insurance, The Edge, Sunlife, Transamerica and others*Guaranteed Limited Payment Plans for Life and Critical Insurance available.One Stop Shop For Your Mortgage And Insurance NeedsEmail: sonika@dccnet.com www.sonikasaggi.comRAJAN SAGGI Mortgage BrokerSONIKA SAGGI Saggi Financial Solutions Inc.Member MDRT 2002/06/07/08/11B.Com, M.Ed*Comprehensive Financial Planning for Business OwnersCERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professional .$25Per HourCar Rental for Road Test$504 Hour Lesson Includes Car for Road Test$150$300Contract Basis(12 hour lessons includes car for road test)ALI - 604. 618. 2567Former High School Teacher/Masters of Road TestDriver Training Since 1985R A G Dri vi ng SchoolFriday April 8, 2011 Fiji Times Canada V5 No186Rev. Netani GUCAKE, MBA/USPRick MILLIKANDr. Krishnan RAMANATHANDr. Carolyn TAYLORChristina GOPALDr. Sunil SACHDEVAContributing writersPublisher (Canada) Ltd.Chief Editor#200 - 8232 120th Street, Surrey BC V3W 3N4 - Tel: 604-909-4088 Fax: 1-888-528-3454Dr. Savitri SINGH-CARLSON Assistant Professor, BScN, MSN, PhDPeter LALLocal Sportswww.fijitimescanada.comAsuad ALISalesSanjay SHARMASara BROWNAssociate EditorAll material used in this paper is the property of Fiji Times (Canada) Ltd. and cannot be copied or used, in part or whole, without the written consent of Fiji Times (Canada) Ltd. Fiji Times (Canada) Ltd. will not be responsible for any material supplied by the advertiser(s) for errors.Email: info@fijitimescanada.comJ. Lingham Chief EditorChris Jones Editorcontributing writersDr. Savitri SINGH-CARLSONAssistant Professor, BScN, MSN, PhD Salma ALI Alan SAMuELThakur R. SINGH, Auckland, NZusa correspondentVimla BisessarGraphicAndrea - Graphic DesignerYana - Graphic Designersurrey bc Tel: 604-909-4088Fax: 1-888-528-(Fiji) 3454 www.fijitimescanada.cawww.fijitimescanada.comDavid linGHaMPublisher Asuad aliSenior Writer GAIBJAMES TRAVEL SERVICE604.599.9518# 202B - 8556 - 120th Street, Surrey, BCE-mail: jamestravel@shaw.caFares To:AND OTHER SOUTH PACIFIC DESTINATIONS Fiji Australia New Zealand Cruises Also AvailableFiji police Force siGns aGreeMent witH Vanuatu police HinDus start raM nauMi prayersThe Fiji Police Force signed an agreement to assist the Vanuatu Police Force in certain areas of its operations which will see a closer working relationship.The signing was between the Fiji Police Commissioner, Brigadier General Iowane Naivalurua, the acting Vanuatu Police Commissioner, Colonel Job Esau and the Fijian Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emosi Rakai.This follows bilateral talks carried out by both countries during the 18th MSG Leaders summit.Brigadier General Ioane Naivalurua said that it was a blessing for both countries to sign such a bilateral agreement.Its a wonderful occasion for both of us to be able to meet and to work out plans on the establishment of the formation of working groups so that we have an idea of where things will move to from here, he said. In response Colonel Esau said the signing was a historical one for both Pacific islands and also a first for the Melanesian group of islands.We need to share resources, and I believe that Vanuatu and Fiji have the ability to come together and work as peacemakers in their own counties, he said.Working together in the same culture, same environment and same spirit will enable us to achieve a successful implementation of our plan.Commending the signing, Police spokesperson Inspector Atunaisa Sokomuri said the Fiji Police Force was pleased to assist Vanuatu.Some areas that the two Police Forces have identified include areas such as Community Policing and the development of human resources, he said.The Vanuatu Police Force is very interested in the Community Policing concept that Fiji has.Inspector Sokomuri said the Vanuatu Police Force was quite impressed with presentations by the Fiji Police Force during the Melanesian Spearhead Group Police Commissioners meeting. Hindu devotees all around the world started the nine days celebrations to mark the birth of Lord Rama.Ram Naumi celebrations started from Monday tonight at various temples in the country as devotees are expected to fock in numbers.Ram Naumi is marked by continuous recitals of the Ramayan and lasts nine days.During the nine days, Hindu devotees will refrain from consuming meat and drinking alcohol.On the last day idols of Lord Rama are placed on cradles and rocked by devotees.The nine days of rituals will include singing of religious songs and various activities.This year the celebrations will end on April 12.Fiji NewsFriday April 8, 2011 Fiji Times Canada V5 No187navaca women's Group in taveuni receiving the sewing machines from Minister for women, Dr jiko luveni.In efforts to boost educational facilities in the country, Government has provided free text books and free bus fares to ensure all children have access to education and better career paths. Now efforts are made to facilitate school uniforms.This will be possible through initiatives by the Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Allevation Dr Jiko Luveni who distributed more than 44 sewing machines to 22 women groups in Taveuni and Qamea Island. These groups had requested the ministry for sewing machines, particularly to facilitate the sewing of school uniforms for children and to supplement the income of women in villages.Dr Luveni while handing over the sewing machines reiterated on Governments commitment to education development and women empowerment in the country.These sewing machines will be an ideal tool for economic growth in your villages particularly in making school uniforms for the children. The machines will also serve as a source of income for the women groups to earn money and save it for future investment, she said. The intention is for children to have proper school uniforms, especially in remote and isolated locations.It is Governments vision to see that by the year 2014, all the villages in Fiji have two sewing machines each. Accompanying the minister during the offcial visit, Mr Ilivasi Finau, District Offcer Taveuni reminded communities on Taveuni to make proper use of the assistance given by the Government.I urge all the women groups and communities to work together in ensuring that the assistance given by Government must be satisfactorily achieved and put to good use. The minister has come up with the distribution of sewing machines with the view to facilitate the sewing of school uniforms and to fnancially empower the women, now the onus is on communities to ensure machines are used properly to get the monetary value, Mr Finau said. Lamini Womens Group leader Mrs. Dranivesi Driver could not hold back her joy when she received two machines. She said it was a timely gift for the women on Taveuni.Most women do farming and voivoi weaving, masi farming and most of us plait mats. We have been requesting for the sewing machines for past few years and we are glad that our prayers have been answered and we are thankful to the minister for not only giving us the machines but taking out time to meet us, Mrs. Driver said. Somosomo District School is nearby and most women have sewing skills, so with the machines we can now make school uniforms for the children. We are looking at some 200 school children and the minimum costs for the uniforms are $4. We thank the Government for assisting us not only with the bus fares for the children but now with the school uniforms, Expressing similar views, Lovonivonu Village representative Alisi Bogiva said the sewing machines would be a great boost for the community. About 50 women in our group will beneft from this assistance. This assistance encourages the women to utilise their sewing skills to make school uniforms and clothes for their families. We are really happy that she is visiting us and she is the frst minister to visit us, Ms Bogiva said. Lovonivonu Village headman Mr Sevanai Watikini applauded the ministers visit. He said people on Taveuni were happy with the developments carried out by the Government particularly in terms of empowering women to alleviate poverty. This is the frst minister to visit us and talk to us so openly we feel happy and appreciated Dr Luvenis message to the women to be self-independent is inspiring. It provides a positive direction to women development, Mr Watikini added. Earlier this year, a total of 400 sewing machines were given to the Fiji Womens Federation (FWF) by All China Womens Federation (ACWF). 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St Giles Hospital medical superintendent Dr Shishram Narayan said the visit by the PMs Offce shows that Government of the day is not neglecting the staff and patients of St. Giles hospital.They can see for themselves how we are managing. There are so many patients here who have retardation or we call it intellectual disable. They are like that from birth. All they need is safe and secure place to be housed, Dr Narayan said.Since we dont have such a place people bring them to St. Giles when they run into problems.Dr Narayan said this can fll up the space for other patients and the purpose of the hospital would be affected.The real purpose for this hospital is treating people with mental disabilities and disorders - stabilizing them and sending them back home.With these clients we cannot send them anywhere else so they are left here and well get flled up.Dr Narayan said government should look into how to house these people better as they need to be treated with expertise care and not to be supervised as other mental patients.Their families sometimes dont have the means to manage them as there may be one parent to look after and they have to work and earn money to look after them.They end up tying them to a post or keeping them in a confned room but these people need a special place to be housed.A BULB said to be the worlds frst solar-powered bulb is now available in Fiji thanks to the efforts of Savusavu-based distributor Bamboo Fiji.The Nokero light bulb is the creation of Stephen Katsaros, a Colorado, United States of America native, whose career is centered on innovation ranging from product development to intellectual property.More than one billion people burn kerosene and other fossil fuels for their lighting needs, spending an average of fve per cent of their income on lantern fuel according to a United Nations report from the Framework Convention on Climate Change.Katsaros later created Nokero International Limited to market and sell the Solar and LED (light-emitting diode) technology with the intention of tackling these problems.The company is now working with non-governmental organisations around the globe that are in need of an inexpensive, easy-to-use, durable, lighting option for the one in four people worldwide that live without electricity.This has allowed the inventor to deliver the worlds only solar powered light bulb at a quality and price point that cannot be met by traditional methods.Its one thing to design a solar light bulb, Katsaros said.Its quite another to design an international company capable of making that bulb affordable to someone who makes pennies a day.It must be affordable to those who make less than $1 a day.The product also reportedly proved its reliability and ingenuity in Japan where the recent earthquake and tsunami knocked out the traditional power grid and left millions without electricity.Friday April 8, 2011 Fiji Times Canada V5 No188WORLD RENOWNED SPIRTUAL HEALER READER AND ADVISORPSYCHIC HEALERtells past present and futurepalm tarot card and psychic readingsFLEETWOOD, SURREY778-868-3162By Appointment Only 10am-9pm 7 Days a WeekCALL TODAY FOR A BETTER TOMORROW100% GUARANTEED3 READINGS $25There Is No Problem Too Big Or SmallREUNITES LOVED ONE ONE VISIT WILL CONVINCE YOU OF HER GOD GIVEN POWER TO HEAL BY PREY. 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WITH OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN REMOVING KALA JADOO BLACK MAGIC NEGATIVE INFLUENCES.CANADAS LEADING PSYCHIC WILL HELP GUIDE YOU IN THE RIGHT PATH OF LIFE SHE HAS HELPED MANY IN THEIR QUEST FOR HAPPINESS SHE WILL SUCCEED WHERE OTHERS HAVE FAILED RESULTS IN 24 HRS life love marriage business fnance health jealous lost love court case immigration alcohol drugs addictions divorce family matters children Helps in all matter of..Free ConsultationAll Readings Private & ConfdentialFriday April 8, 2011 Fiji Times Canada V5 No189FIJI SPECIAL FARE$950 CDNVancouver - Nadi Return + TaxesNEW ZEALAND SPECIAL FARE$1040 CDNVancouver - Auckland Return + TaxesAUSTRALIASPECIAL FARE$1040 CDNVancouver - SydneyReturn + TaxesAGENT FOR: AIR CANADA, AIR INDIA, LUFTHANSA, SINGAPORE AIRLINES, MALAYSIAN AIRLINES, CATHAY PACIFIC, EMIRATES AIRLINES, GULF AIRLINE, SRI LANKAN AIRLINES, QANTAS, AIR PACIFIC, AIR NEW ZEALANDCONTACT: SALOSHNAVancouver - Surrey 9476 - 120 Street (Scott Road) Toll Free: 1-800-311-1404 Calgary: (403) 263-8500 Edmonton: (780) 448-1191MULTICULTURETRAVELwww.multiculturetravel.caSERVING YOU IN FOLLOWING LANGUAGES: ENGLISH HINDI GUJRATI MALAYALAM PUNJABI URDU BHANGLASpecializes in all South Pacifc destinations - Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and many moreYour Travel Agencyfor Western CanadaFlying AnywhereCall us frst for theBEST FARE & PROMPT SERVICE(604) 580-1311email: mctrvl@shaw.ca(604) 580-1311email: mctrvl@shaw.caFiji Newswestpac Fiji introDuces new proDuct no tsunaMi tHreat to Fiji GroupHotel takes aDVantaGe oF GeotHerMal enerGyjason stephens, General Manager A NEW product by Westpac Fiji is expected to fnancially include more people.Choice Basic has been designed to meet the needs of customers who have low transaction volumes and want a simple transaction fee structure.In designing the Choice Basic account, we incorporated learnings from our microfnance program and have a tailored product to better service the needs of the micro customer segment, Jason Stephens, the general manager of Westpac Fiji said.We are confdent that the Choice Basic account will help improve access to fnancial services through the affordable fees based on a user-pay model.Additionally, customers who open a Choice Basic account have a fee-free introductory period until the end of this month.These customers will also have access to telephone and Internet banking and Westpacs suite of savings products if they choose to start a savings plan.Financial Inclusion adviser and project manager, UN Pacifc Financial Inclusion Program, Tillman Bruett said studies showed that low income clients needed low-cost savings accounts, with a very low or no minimum balance or monthly maintenance fees.We are very happy to see Westpac adopt such an approach in Fiji and applaud all of their efforts to bring social welfare benefciaries into such accounts, he said.Westpac Fijis microfnance team and selected staff at all branches throughout Fiji have been accredited to deliver basic fnancial literacy training, called Financial First Steps, which is a core ingredient of Westpacs fnancial inclusion program.Financial First Steps teaches participants basic fnancial management and savings skills. To date the Bank has delivered 75 training sessions benefting 2600 people.The 6.4 magnitude earthquake that was registered Monday morning did not require a tsunami warning to be put in place.Seismologist Sefanaia Seru said no tsunami warning was issued as the earthquake occurred deep within the earth.We recorded the event but since the earthquake was deep within the inner mantle, we did not send out a tsunami warning, said Seru.Normally when the event is at depth, there is no tsunami warning, it is the earthquakes that are closer to the surface of the earth that require tsunami warning, added Seru.The earthquake was recorded at 2.07 am at a depth of 551 km and occurred 252 km west of Labasa.Hot Springs Hotel has recently taken advantage of the geothermal energy surrounding the hotel property by using a heat exchange process to supply hot water for all hotel requirements believed to be a frst for Fiji.After much tanoa talanoa, (discussions) it was decided something must be done to harness this wasted resource, and at the same time, reduce hotel operating costs or in this case, eliminate the gas bill, so a simple heat exchanger was designed and built.The concept is the reverse of its marine application where sea water is circulated to cool hot engines or in aircraft where cold fuel is warmed by hot engine systems.The hotel water supply is heated by being circulated through the heat exchanger buried in a geothermal hot spot on the hotel property.The town water supply enters the heat exchanger at the outside temperature of approximately 25 degrees and is heated to 50 degrees prior to entering the hotel reticulation system.The process is all gravity-fed, so avoiding the need for any additional pumps.Ian Lilo, hotel maintenance manager oversaw the whole process.Mr Lilo said the beauty about geothermal energy was that it was a 24-hour, seven-days a week supply. This he says beats the challenges of solar systems which are only useful during daylight hours on good sunny days or consistent wind for windmills.Friday April 8, 2011 Fiji Times Canada V5 No1810Fiji NewsPhone: 604-591-5824Suite 213-8334 128th St., Surrey, BCE-mail: khan@mkco.ca www.mkco.caMANY PROFESSIONS IN DEMANDNO WIN - NO FEE*Provincial Nominee programs for all Provinces;Immigrant Investor Program; Work permits, Student Visas and Visitor Visas;Canadian Experience Class Immigration;Federal Skilled Worker Applications;Family Class Cases;All Immigration Appeals and Judicial Reviews**Services;ALL OTHER TYPES OF IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP MATTERS(*Conditions apply)(**Conjunction with lawyers)PRIORITY PROFESSIONS:Cooks, Chefs, Registered Nurses, Family Doctors, Plumbers, Welders, Electricians, Dental hygienists, Physiotherapists, Dentists, Architects and Restaurant and food service managers.WE ARE AN EXPERIENCED AND FULLY QUALIFIED CERTIFIED TEAM OF IMMIGRATION EXPERTS.FOCUSED PRACTICE, FOCUSED KNOWLEDGE, A CLEAR VIEW OF THE SOLUTIONSM. Khan & Company Immigration Counsellors Ltd.Mumtaz Khan, CEO* Member of CSIC*Fiji PM congratulates india PM on World cuP cricket Winnew roving ambassador/High commissioner & special envoy to the Pacifc Island Countries kids Festival Marks just Play ProjectPsc launcHes service excellence aWardsFijian Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama congratulated Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Indias win in the 2011 World Cup Cricket fnal.The people of Fiji join me in congratulating the victorious Team India in winning the Cricket World Cup, Commodore Bainimarama said.The victory is a show of strength, discipline and team spirit resulting in a historical win. Congratulations. With the assurances of my highest consideration.India beat Sri Lanka by six wickets to win its second World Cup title in 28 years. It last won in 1983 against West Indies. India beat Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to win the fnal.The Public Service Commission (PSC) with the concurrence of the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has appointed Mrs. Litia Mawi as Roving Ambassador / High Commissioner and Special Envoy to the Pacifc Island Countries.Mrs. Mawi is no stranger to the Public Service or the Ministry as she had served in various capacities and ministries during her thirty-seven (37) years of being a civil servant.She began her career as an Executive Cadet for the Public Service Commission and rose through the ranks reaching her pinnacle career as a Permanent Secretary in 2007.During Mrs. Mawis stint as a civil servant, she also served as Fijis First Secretary then Counselor at the Fiji Embassy in Tokyo from 2000 through to 2004.Upon her return to Fiji, she was retained at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Deputy Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Trade so her posting to the Ministry is not new.Mrs. Mawi retired from the Service in October 2009 and has travelled extensively both for personal and professional reasons. Shes just returned from Tuvalu on March 31, 2011 where she had undertaken a one-year consultancy work with the UN as an International UN Volunteer Specialist in Aid Management and Coordination assigned to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Funafuti, Tuvalu.Mrs. Mawis appointment as Roving Ambassador / High Commissioner and Special Envoy to the Pacifc Island Countries is for three (3) years effective from April 1, 2011 through to March 31, 2014.The Fiji Football Association in partnership with the Oceania Football Confederation (POFC) and the Australian Governments overseas aid program (AUSAID) kicked off the Just Play project in Suva with a football festival held at the national stadium.Close to 200 students between the age of six and 12 years old from 13 primary schools located in and around Suva was part of the festival.The Public Service Commission permanent secretary, Mr Parmesh Chand offcially launched the 2011 Service Excellence Awards (SEA) journey at the PSC.PSC is one of 34 agencies participating in this years Service Excellence Awards and its involvement is crucial because the commission is the secretariat of the awards process.Mr Chand said the awards process was a component of the Civil Service Reform initiatives that were spearheaded by the PSC.The launching of the SEA process signifes the strengthened commitment from management and the need for a more dynamic approach as to how we implement the Service Excellence at PSC, Mr Chand said.Five teams have been formed and are being led by senior offcers to implement the awards process and analyze the feedback reports from the previous years.Apart from compiling the allocated category submissions, these teams will also have a look at the feedback reports presented to us from the previous years and suggest strategies that PSC could implement to improve our services, Mr Chand said.In addition, we will also attempt to identify some good practice happening within PSC that could be shared throughout our organisation.The permanent secretary encouraged all to play a more active role and fnd out about the SEA and all other initiatives that were being initiated by the commission.Capacity building programmes will be conducted to create awareness on the Service Excellence Awards framework and more importantly on what the process means for everyone at PSC, Mr Chand said.He also highlighted that the Training Division of the PSC had launched its Service Excellence journey and was in the process of applying to participate in the Fiji Business Excellence Awards.Other divisions are also in the process of implementing productivity tools that will assist PSC in its effort to become a more productive and excellent organisation, Mr Chand added.Currently, there are about 27,000 civil servants in the country. Friday April 8, 2011 Fiji Times Canada V5 No1811PRADIP ANAND604.808.6595Listings Wanted Have Cash Buyers Call Now!Associate Broker anandpradip@yahoo.ca AMEX FRASERIDGE REALTY#200-6325 FRASER ST. VANCOUVER V5W 3A3Ph. 604.322.3272MEDALLION CLUB MEMBER AMEX GOLD AWARD WINNER AMEX DIAMOND AWARD WINNERMEDALLION CLUB MEMBER AGAIN FOR 2010KILLARNEY BUILDING LOTIN VANCOUVER$879,000NEW LISTING5580 198TH STREETLANGLEY6672 KNIGHT STREETVANCOUVERGreat development potential. RM1 zoned lot backing onto Brydon Creek in the heart of Langley City. Great location. Hold and/or develop. Property sold as is where is.Renovated house 4 yrs ago, with 3 bdrms up, two full baths plus two suites in the basement currently rented for $1500 per month. Newer roof, new boiler, new drain tile. Close to David Thompson High School and bus.Solid bungalow with 3 bdrms up and 2 bdrms suite down. RT-4N Zoning. Great potential. Build a duplex-front + back or side x side. Make all verifcations with the City of Vancouver before making any offers. Great price-wont last.7888 THORNHILL DRVANCOUVER$559,000$438,000 $759,000830 ALPHA AVE BURNABY2 YEARS OLD / GREAT BUY7206 11TH AVE BURNABY$1,188,000 $559,000$649,000$649,000$869,0002 years old - Quality built, 3 level row house on a free hold non-strata lot. Very spacious 3 bdrms up with 2 full bathrooms. Main foor has a family rm, living, kitchen and two piece powder rm. Fully fnished basement with a self contained suite rented. Good quality, laminate hardwood fooring. granite counter tops and lots of detailing. Shows very well! Must see, priced to sell.$479,900 Brentwood area 3 Bedrooms up, 3 bedroom suite down Excellent condition View of MetrotownTop quality custom built. hardwood foor and granite entire house. The owner has spent a fortune to upgrade the whole house. Radiant heat, granite countertop. Dream kitchen with coustom built cabinet & stainless appliances. This beautiful, solid house with view is a gem, located at a corner lot in the desired Fraserview area.Quality built 1/2 duplex in a good location. 2 bdrm up w/2 bdrm suite down/or use one bedroom down for upstairs. Comes w/all modern features & more. Must see - wont last. Priced to sell.Quality built 1/2 duplex in a good location. 2 bdrms up with bdrm suite down/space one bdrm down for upstairs. Comes with all modern features and more. Must see. Wont last. Priced to sell.2 bedrooms up, 2 bedrooms down. Corner lot. CD1 zoning. First time buyers, investors or builders. Wont last. Please call Pradip.7216 11TH AVEBURNABYCOLLINGWOODVANCOUVERCOLLINGWOODVANCOUVERFRASERVIEW LOTDUPLEX LOT FOR SALE IN BURNABYCALL PRADIPNEW LISTINGNEW LISTINGNEW LISTINGNEW LISTINGNEW LISTINGNEW LISTINGASKING$868,0007772 145A STREET SURREY 7212 11TH AVE BURNABYNEED MORE LISTINGSCALL PRADIPFOR QUICK SALE CALL PRADIPSOLD$689,900 $559,000SOLD7430 MUIRFIELD DRVANCOUVER1544 E PENDER STVANCOUVER491 - 497 E 11TH AVVANCOUVER658 E 65TH AVVANCOUVER271 E 36TH AVVANCOUVER9111 PINEWELL CRRICHMOND# 205 3624 FRASER STVANCOUVER7210 11TH AVBURNABYSOLDSOLDSOLDSOLDSOLDSOLDSOLDSOLDSOLDSOLDSOLD$1,698,000$598,800 $748,000 $659,000 $688,800$783,000 $338,000 $559,000$559,000$559,0007208 11TH AVE BURNABY7218 11TH AVEBURNABY$588,0001546 E PENDER STVANCOUVERSOLDIN 1 DAYSOLDIN 1 DAYJUSTSOLDJUSTSOLDSOLDIN 1 DAYFriday April 8, 2011 Fiji Times Canada V5 No1812ANNAPOORNESHWARIJYOTISH MANDIRGood News for people of Surrey & VancouverAstrologer and Palm ReaderIf you are suffering from evil infuences, struck by unknown diseases, bad luck, problem in career or exams, court cases, business diffculties, loved ones have left you or separated from you without giving any reason, I can help you to bring him/her back to you and help with any other problems.Indian Famous AstrologerSpeaking Languages: Hindi, English, TamilHealth, Money, Love, Marriage, Family, Relationship, Job, EducationOPEN 7 DAYS 9:30 am to 8:00 pm call for appointment12620 96A Ave, Surrey BC V3V 2B4CELL:604.617.4124HOME:604.588.6002Pandit Jai Dev100%GUARANTEEDRESULTS100%GUARANTEEDRESULTSFriday April 8, 2011 Fiji Times Canada V5 No1813WHILE SUPPLIES LAST The management reserves the right to limit quantities11960 - 96TH AVENUE, N. DELTA, BC V4C 3W8Direct importer of dry goods from Fiji, Thailand, Australia, NZ, Chile & wholesaler of Colonial Corned Mutton, Fiji Ocean, Ramesh brand canned & frozen products.For wholesale inquiries contact:Ramesh 604-589-4169 Jr. Ramesh 604-306-68201 DAY SALE ONLY SATURDAY APRIL 9, 2011QUALITY PRODUCTS FRIENDLY SERVICE AFFORDABLE PRICES SERVICE WITH A SMILECHECK EXPIRY DATE BEFORE YOU PURCHASE$3.49 EA $2.47 LB$3.69 LB6 FOR $1.99 $8.99 EA $1.99 LB6 FOR $5.99 $.99 EA $15.99 EA IN STORE SPECIAL100% NZ SPRING LAMB CHOPSGOAT STOMACHAUSTRALIAN GOATFROZEN MATURE CHICKENONLY GREEN PACK NZ SPRING LAMB AT RAMESH ISLAND TOWN FOODSNZ LAMB NECKLAMB SAUSAGE AUSTRALIAN MUTTON100% NZ LAMB SHANKBONGO& PEANUT PUFFS ONLYFARINE ATTA FIJI PUMPKINSABINA PIGEON PEASRAMESH JACKFRUITRAMESH MANGO PICKLE100%FRESH LOCAL GOAT398ML 565G 1KG$2.99 LB $2.99 LB $1.29 LBIN STORESPECIALIN STORESPECIAL(BULK)LIMIT 1 ONLY(EXPIRY DATE JUNE 2011)6 WAY CUTFriday April 8, 2011 Fiji Times Canada V5 No1814Fiji NewsTHE Fiji Red Cross Society is accepting donations to help people in two countries recently rocked by earthquakes.It has received numerous enquiries from members of the public on how to assist people in Japan and in Christchurch, New Zealand.The societys director general, Christopher Ho, said in a statement that the society was accepting donations for earthquake affected people in the two places.The attention on these two recent disasters is already beginning to wane but the needs of the survivors are still great, he said.In Japan, the combination of inclement weather, logistical challenges and a large proportion of the survivors being elderly people are combining to make the continued response diffcult.Mr Ho said the Japanese Red Cross Society and New Zealand Red Cross continue to work tirelessly as they scale up assistance to those in need.We must support their efforts, he said.Your solidarity and generosity in these challenging times will be appreciated by both the people of Japan and New Zealand.Mr Ho said people could drop their donations at the societys national offce in Suva and state which country they wish to donate to.He said receipts would be issued to people making the donations and all donations are tax deductable.All contributions would be channeled to the societys sister societies in Japan and New Zealand through the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Cross Societies.Meanwhile, Save the Children Fiji and Fiji Broadcasting Corporation were still counting the money raised at a street appeal and the Concert of Hope.The two organisations jointly held the concert and the street appeal to raise money for children affected by the earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand.A group of 14 friends from Hamilton Island, Australia visited Fiji last week. Hamilton Island is the leading island resort destination in the Whitsunday Islands on the Great Barrier Reef. The friends chose Fiji because it was one of the places which they can enjoy each others company. The group is made up of representatives from the Hamilton Island Hair and Beauty Salon, Audio Visual and Photography, and included the executive chef of Hamilton Island and Reef View Hotel Restaurant and Convention Centre. Lindsay Palmer, the executive chef, looks after 82 chefs and 25 kitchen stewards in his restaurant. The group stayed at the Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji resort in Sigatoka and Mr Palmer was impressed with what Fiji offered, especially in the food and beverage department. He believes the standard of food in Fiji is fantastic and he enjoyed all levels of service provided to them during the visit. We visited Biausevu Village and were provided with a big feast and a kava ceremony by the locals. We were really impressed and happy with their culture because Fiji seemed to have a lot of natural surroundings and the food and entertainment were also excellent, he said. The group enjoyed many Fijian highlights last week like watching the Digicel Cup rugby match between Nadroga and Rewa and also the monthly staff awards at the resort.The Only Sure Way Is to Not DrinkThe only certain way to prevent hangover symptoms is to not drink any alcohol at all, but if you do plan to drink there are steps that you can take to reduce your chances of getting a hangover. Most of the unpleasant symptoms experienced during a hangover are caused by alcohols diuretic effects, causing the body to become dehydrated, and the toxins that are produced as the liver metabolizes alcohol. With a little planning, the effect of these processes can be greatly reduced. Preventing a HangoverThe best cure for a hangover is to not get one in the frst place. Here are some tips for preventing a hangover. Drink Moderately - It bears repeating, if you do not drink to the point of intoxication, your chances of getting a hangover is nil. Although there are exceptions, only people who drink to excess will experience hangover symptoms. Water - Because dehydration is one of the main causes of hangover symptoms, drinking water along with alcohol beverages can prevent those symptoms. Drinking a glass of water before you start drinking alcohol, alternated with alcoholic beverages during the evening and before going to bed will go a long way toward relieving hangover discomfort. Eating Fried or Fatty Foods - Eating any food prior to a bout of drinking will slow the absorption of alcohol into the body. Eating fatty or greasy foods will help coat the lining of the stomach and slow absorption. In some cultures, people will take a spoonful of olive oil prior to drinking to slow down the absorption process.Avoid Congeners - The chances of getting a hangover can be reduced by drinking alcoholic beverages that contain fewer congeners, or other chemical compounds that contribute to the taste, smell and appearance of the beverage. Pure alcohol drinks, such as vodka or gin, contain few congeners, while drinks such as whiskey, brandy and red wine contain more. Over-the-Counter Remedies - There are many over-the-counter products that are marketed as hangover cures. The ones that contain carbon that works as a toxin flter in the body may have some affect on reducing hangover symptoms, if they are taken prior to drinking. Because most of these remedies are supposed to be taken several times over the course of the evening, each time with a full glass of water, it may be the water that has the actual preventive qualities. The Bottom LineIf you drink any alcohol at all you can experience some negative effects the next morning. Generally, the more you drink the greater the chances of experiencing severe hangover symptoms. If you drink moderate amounts or alternate during the evening between water and alcoholic beverages, you can reduce alcohols dehydration and toxic effects and reduce many of the unpleasant symptoms of a hangover.Suva Funeral Directors Limited has opened its doors and is operating from 57 Knolly Street in Suva. The company is ready to provide funeral service for all religions and has adopted a concept that is used in Australia and New Zealand. Families of the deceased now will not need to stress out and run around to organise for funeral. Suva Funeral Directors will organise all from getting death notifcation to the last rites. We have a specialised hearse and this is a frst for Fiji, managing director Diven Prasad said. Families of the deceased now can have coffns of their choice and all can be done within 24 hours. We also have specialised persons to do the dressing up. He said customers would be greeted at their offce reception and lounge by a funeral director who will then organise everything needed to be done in a funeral. Therefore, families of deceased can be in comfort especially in time of the loss of a loved one. This is a frst for Fiji and will soon have our own morgue, Mr Prasad said.Likuliku Lagoon Resort, which opened its doors in April 2007 offering a couples only retreat and the countrys frst over-water bures, has been awarded Best Overseas Resort. This is its second-year running in the prestigious annual Luxury Travel Magazines 2011 Gold List. Likuliku was among many other companies in the running for this award including Four Seasons Bali, Ayana Resort Bali, Taj Exotica, Maldives, and Four Seasons, Bora Bora. Group GM of Likuliku, Steve Anstey said: We are delighted and humbled to be acknowledged in this way once again by the readers of Luxury Travel Magazine - many of whom have visited Likuliku and some on more than one occasion. We thank them for their testaments which contributed to this award. Since opening in 2007, Likuliku has welcomed over 70,000 guests to the resort from all over the world, with the majority coming from Australia, North American, Italy and other parts of Europe, Asia, United Kingdom, and New Zealand. Likuliku has also welcomed back over 1200 returnee guests - including several couples on their 7th and 8th stays. Fijian owner and managing director Tony Whitton said: Being only four years old, we are delighted that we have managed to continue to deliver on our promise of offering a uniquely Fijian holiday experience. We are a Fijian company with strong ties to the Fijian land-owning community. We are proud of our ancient Fijian traditions and cultures and sharing these with our guests. We thank the readers of Luxury Travel Magazine for again voting Likuliku as best overseas luxury resort and our agent selling partners who continue to recommend Likuliku to their clients. Situated in the Mamanuca group of islands in west Fiji, Likuliku Lagoon Resort is located 25km/16miles from Nadi International Airport. Guests can arrive at Likuliku by helicopter, seaplane, private speedboat, or fast catamaran transfer. There are 45 bure homes, all air conditioned and offering mesmerising views of the coral lagoon and ocean, with the over-water thatched roof homes suspended over the magnifcent Lagoons reef edge. The beating heart of the resort is the Central Facility housing the magnifcent Fijian canoe house designed reception, signature restaurant, guest lounge, boutique and main bar. Guests can relax in the horizon-edge pool, rejuvenate in the gym or spa or watch the sun set at Masima Island Bar in the middle of the Lagoon in a very special piece of paradise. To celebrate being voted Best Overseas Resort and the resorts 4th Birthday this month, Likuliku is offering a F$1000 resort credit for any fve night stays during April and May 2011. Whatever the season, honeymooners staying a minimum of fve nights will receive a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne upon arrival and a one-hour couples massage.Fiji red cross society For quake victiMsFiji Has lots to oFFerHow to Prevent getting a HangoverneW Funeral service For suvalikuliku lagoon voted best overseas resort Friday April 8, 2011 Fiji Times Canada V5 No1815JOIN ALL SAINTS UNIVERSITY, DOMINICA* LICENSED GRADUATES IN THE USA AND CANADA* SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE* ACCREDITED MD (MBBS) DEGREE PROGRAM* NO MCAT OR UTME REQUIRED* AFFORDABLE TUITION FEEFor more information visit: www. allsaintsuniversity.org or call:416-743-9222, 773-467-7467 OR 767-440-52204-yearMD-degree program (for B.Sc. Degree Holders)5-yearMD-degree program (for High School Graduates)Medical School AdmissionsMay and Sept. 2011 Admissions in progress for:Fiji NewsChandrika Narayan was counting his lucky stars as he lay on his Colonial War Memorial Hospital bed in Suva.The 57-year-old, now offcially the frst local to undergo a successful angioplasty operation at the hospital, relayed his death and the miracle that has given him back his life. I was at home (Monday night) when I suddenly fell so feverish, with sweat all over me. I felt weak and I suddenly blacked out. I suffered a heart attack. The next thing I realised I was in hospital, Mr Narayan said. He was rushed to hospital in an ambulance from his Kalabu home. He was admitted and monitored, with doctors confrming that he had a blockage in the coronary artery. The doctors decided that they needed to perform angioplasty on Mr Narayan, if he was to survive. Local consultant at the Cardiac Catheterisation Unit of the CWM Hospital Dr Tevita Baravilala said they decided to go ahead with the operation after consultation with a team of cardiologists from the Auckland-based Ascot Hospital. We received this case of heart attack and we had to make a decision as a matter of life and death, Dr Baravilala said. We had to place a stent in the blocked artery so that blood can fow again. The stent dilutes the blood and helps in the blood fow. A stent is a wire metal mesh tube used to prop open an artery during angioplasty. The stent is collapsed to a small diameter and put over a balloon catheter. Its then moved into the area of the blockage. When the balloon is infated, the stent expands, locks in place and forms a scaffold. This holds the artery open. The stent stays in the artery permanently, holds it open, improves blood fow to the heart muscle and relieves symptoms (usually chest pain). Dr Baravilala said it was a moment he and the CWM Hospital team would cherish. This is history for us and Fiji. This is the frst successful angioplasty operation and we are so excited, he said. Now we can continue with this and we are so thankful to those who had the vision to set up the Cath Lab here at the hospital, he said. Fiji could see its frst ever foating hospital if a proposal being put together by Health Minister Dr Neil Sharma gets fnancial backing. The hospital on a boat is expected to cost about $10 million to have it up and operating. Dr Sharma, who has made positive changes within the health system, wants the foating and mobile hospital to service the maritime islands. This will be a ship built and ftted with medical services similar to a major hospital. The idea is to take hospital services only available at the divisional hospitals in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa to maritime islands. This is because of the recurring transportation problems islanders face daily. This is something I am working on with my think tank and interested individuals and organisations, Dr Sharma said. I have had discussions with some possible funding agencies and things look good. We will have to sit down and discuss things further before we fnalise when they can eventuate. Dr Sharma said he was personally touched by stories and personal accounts of patients who tell of the diffculties they face when there is an emergency on the islands. The Ministry of Health is here to provide healthcare services to everyone, he said. He said the maritime islands were disadvantaged because of transportation problems they faced. Although the Ministry has health facilities on islands in Lau, Lomaiviti, Kadavu, Rotuma, Cikobia and Rabi, emergency services offered at the major hospitals are not available there. The Ministry has had to foot bills for emergency fights to the islands. A single fight could cost $30,000. Dr Sharma said he was hopeful things could materialise in the next fve years.Mr Narayan could not agree more. I am so thankful for the timely help. I could be dead by now but this has helped, he said. I was not sure whether I would die or live. I am thankful to the team here at CWM Hospital and the team from New Zealand for their help. Dr Albert Ko and his team from Ascot Hospital said the event now marked the turning point for Fijis healthcare service. This now means that the local team can start doing this operation, which is a big step forward for Fiji, Dr Ko said. We are here for a week and we have been working with the local team here at the hospital. They are learning quickly and the frst angioplasty operation is a big thing for Fiji. There is a need for specialists to come in and help and we hope that Fiji will reap the full benefts of such a service in place.First angioPlasty For FijiFijis First Floating HosPitalFriday April 8, 2011 Fiji Times Canada V5 No1816Fiji FisH queries eu exPort criterialevuka toWn aWaits World Heritage listingWHILE the list of fsh exporting companies to the European Union market by the Ministry of Healths Food Unit is being considered, one stakeholder believes they should be given a complete list of what to improve on in order to be selected.Fiji Fish Marketing Group Limited managing director, Grahame Southwick said they had raised the issue with Food Unit offcers.The unit is in charge of monitoring compliance levels for the EU.Mr Southwick said they spent over $1 million upgrading their factory plant, jetties and trucks but they needed to know if there was any point to that.Fiji Fish was the frst company to export to the EU and we did so successfully for four years before Fiji was struck off, he said.At that time, our orders were quadrupling each year, and our buyers were saying the product was the best that they had ever seen, he said.Mr Southwick said as Fiji has to fght its way back to re-inclusion, Fiji Fish had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in maintaining and upgrading its factory to HAACP, Japanese and EU standards and had gone through several EU audits.He said the audits resulted in demands for more improvements and the company had complied.Meanwhile, additional demands have risen with regard to our vessels, which were not previously an issue and are now made part of the certifcation process our trucks, our jetties, our ice machines, he said.We are not sure yet where this is going to end. We are told this may involve the airport holding facilities also.If it is not already there, the point may be fast approaching where the costs of becoming EU compliant are well beyond any reasonable return on investment. As such, we would stay with the Japanese and US markets and forget the EU, he said.So far only two Fiji companies have met the requirements set the European Union to export fsh there.According to Mr Southwick only two vessels and their company had access to the EU market which was only about 1 per cent of the Fiji feet.In a nutshell, Fiji has received approval for one out of seven of its factories, and fve out of 180 of its fshing vessels, he said.We have asked for a complete list of compliance factors. We will review the cost of this compliance and decide whether it is worth the exercise or not.Much will depend on their demands concerning the vessels, as we have pretty well covered all the other requests.We are not going to allow ourselves to be led along a never ending trail of demands. We are not dependant for our survival on the EU, he said.THE former capital Levuka on Ovalau Island in the Lomaiviti Group is awaiting word from the World Heritage Council on whether it will be included in the global heritage listing.Levuka Town Council had submitted its dossier last December and was anticipating a response from the World Heritage Council in March.Once that is confrmed, they (World Heritage Council) will come and conduct their own inspection, Levuka Town Council chief executive Sailosi Qalilawa said.The frst inspection will be done around September this year. After a series of inspections, the confrmation will be in 2014 by which time we will know whether we can be included in the World Heritage listing or not.Under the United Nations Educational, Scientifc and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), a World Heritage List is based on the World Heritage Convention which requires that member states identify potential sites and their roles in protecting and preserving them. By signing the convention, each country pledges to conserve not only the world heritage sites situated on its territory, but also to protect its national heritage.Mr Qalilawa said this was where the councils main concern lies the need to upgrade the towns infrastructure, landscape and other essential services to meet expectations of the world body.And this is what we are doing right now. Were just concentrating on the landscape development and normal works like beautifcation and cleanliness.Mr Qalilawa said road- works was scheduled for June later this year.Another major concern was drainage works, which the town council was asking for Government to assist.Mr Qalilawa said there was also the other small things like the omnipresent odor from the Pacifc Fishing Company (canned tuna company) and the sound from the Fiji Electricity Authority facility.The works required in order to meet World Heritage Council prerequisites (for listing) will be costly, he said, estimating it into the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars.Fiji NewsLevuka Town is awaiting word on whether it will be included in the global heritage listingFriday April 8, 2011 Fiji Times Canada V5 No1817BURGERS * PASTAS - SALADSFISH & CHIPS * MEXICAN * SEAFOOD14989 Marine Drive, White Rock, BC604 531 5444OPEN EverydayBreakfast Lunch DinnerMondayRib night TuesdayBurger & Beer Wednesday2 for 1 Schnitzel Thursday2 for 1 Fish & Chips FridayCurry nightSpecialsOcean View Updated Patio & BarWide variety of vegetarian dishes availableCHEAPEST BEER ON THE BEACHBEERPITCHER$15.00BEER PINT$3.95Friday April 8, 2011 Fiji Times Canada V5 No18183rd battalion inFantry regiMent told be a soldier Firstelectronic PayMents For navua reciPientsFour cuban Medical scHolarsHiPs For Fiji studentsMore than 300 members of the 3rd Battalion Infantry Regiment (3FIR) were told to be soldiers frst before excelling in other aspects of their lives.The Commander Land Force, Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga as reviewing offcer made the order 3FIR soldiers during a parade at Queen Elizabeth Barracks.Col Tikoitoga told 3FIR soldiers: We need to rethink who we are.We need to keep in mind that we are soldiers more than anything else.There are many duties and activities that need to be carried out for the betterment of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.As members of the 3FIR, you need to create and establish a platform for other units in the military that will bring about reliable reputation to the institution.All other units of the military play a supporting role while your role is to uphold the integrity of the RFMF, Col Tikoitoga said.Soldiers of the 3FIR were reminded of the need to remain physically, mentally and spiritually ft. He also made a call for soldiers to be proud of the unit they are part of and the uniform they wear.This will enable us to serve our country and other nations well when called for peace keeping duties, Col Tikoitoga said.Commanding Offcer of 3FIR Lieutenant Colonel Jone Kalouniwai was also at the launch of Sub-unit training programme.The programme is a three-month highly intensive training the unit will conduct periodically in order to elevate basic soldiering skills, unit cohesiveness and its level of preparedness, Lt Col Kalouniwai said.This is to lift our performance and our preparedness in case of any situation that may arise the dress worn by the troops will be battle-order.Social welfare assistance recipients in Navua who were previously serviced by Navua Post Offce can now access all their social welfare allowances through the Westpac EFTPOS agent in Navua says Ministry for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation permanent secretary Mr Govind Sami.Mr Sami said recipients in Navua can now also access their allowances through EFTPOS at the designated food vendor, which is Morris Hedstrom in Navua.We will continue to expand electronic payments and Westpac will be opening a number of new EFTPOS merchants to service our clients in all districts, Mr Sami said. He advised recipients that social welfare funds were deposited only by the 2nd working day of each month and recipients should check their bank balances before withdrawing any funds. For the Family Assistance (FA) recipients living in areas, which are not serviced by Westpac ATMs, withdrawals from EFTPOS facilities operated by authorized food vendors will not include any service fees if they redeem their food vouchers at the store, Mr Sami said. Clients in Navua and Taveuni can have their cash withdrawals from MH without paying any service fees, provided they redeem their food vouchers at the store. The authorised food vendors for the Governments food voucher programme are New World, MHs, J. Santa Ram and Waimaro Cooperative Limited.The Cuban Government has offered four medical scholarships to the Fijian Government for local students to study Bachelor of Surgery and Medicine (MBBS) in Cuba beginning this September.The Public Service Commission permanent secretary Mr Parmesh Chand says the Cuban medicine scholarship programme covers six years of study and one year learning the Spanish Language. The programme covers tuition, lodging, meal allowance, book allowance, monthly allowance and medical and dental allowance. These costs are essentially met by the Cuban Government as part of its scholarship offer. The Fijian Government on its part through PSC facilitates the scholarships and covers the return airfares in addition to supplementary allowance to help students settle in and effectively pursue their studies in Cuba.Mr Chand said Government continued to explore opportunities in increasing the number of doctors in the country given the current shortage faced by the Ministry of Health.He adds this offer by the Cuban Government is a huge boost to the Fiji government and the Ministry of Health.Last year, Fiji sent its frst four medical students to study at the Latin American School of Medicine (Escuela Latinoamericana de Medicina [ELAM]).Both countries established diplomatic relations in 2003 and medicine was identifed as one area of cooperation that could be explored given achievements in the provision of medicine training by the Government of Cuba. Fiji NewsWANT TO EARN 15% ANNUALLYAnd Want to get paid every monthInvest in Rogers Oil & Gas DebenturesCONSIDER INVESTING IN A TORONTO DOWNTOWN BUILDING5 Floors are rented now bringing in $946,000They are planning to build 40 foors.Four year project. Minimum Payment of $25,000Cash investment, or RRSPINCOMEa. 10% annually, paid quarterlyb. 40% of the proft when completed and soldContact: Brahma S. Varma: 778-888-7677President, PRO-Financial Planners Ltd.Or Call: Pawan Varma at 778-808-8378Please learn about the details before making an investing decisionFriday April 8, 2011 Fiji Times Canada V5 No1819201A-8356-120 St.Surrey, BC V3W 3N4At your service AnytimeAny DayCall Today for the Best Deals onAIRFARESCRUISESHOTELS TOURSINSURANCEPACKAGESComplete world wide reservations and airline ticketing serviceTravel with a name you can TRUSTSpecialized to South PacifcBus. 778.565.3454604.327.1131 Fax. 778.565.3454Cell. 604.512.0006E.tomkhan-fijitravel@hotmail.comFIJIANA TRAVEL LTD.YOUR TYPE OF PEOPLEIN BUSINESS SINCE 1978TOM S. KHAN, CTCPRESIDENTSEAT SALEFIJICDN$850.00+ TAXESSEAT SALE NZ OR AUSTRALIACDN$895.00 + TAXESFIJI, NZ AUSTRALIACDN$999.00 + TAXESFiji NewsFOR PROFESSIONAL, FAST & RELIABLE SERVICE WITH REASONABLE RATESGanesh Murti, Inc.GENERAL ACCOUNTING & TAX SERVICEST: 604.502.9906C: 604.315.3166F: 604.507.4561gmurti@dccnet.comGanesh MurtiAccountant202-8556-120th StreetSurrey, BC V3W 3N5PERSONAL & CORPORATE TAX RETURNSACCOUNTING & BOOKKEEPINGPAYROLL, T4GST, PST, WCBMONTHLY & YEARLY FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCASH FLOW PROJECTIONSANNUAL RETURNSINCORPORATION OF FEDERAL OR BC COMPANIESNON PROFIT SOCIETIES & ASSOCIATIONSSUGAR cane farmers can expect a better price for their crop this season, says a senior government official.Permanent Secretary for Sugar Lieutenant Colonel Manasa Vaniqi said the sugar industry was expected to bounce back this year.I think we are moving in the right direction and there is a good indication that the price will increase, he said.Its a collective responsibility of everyone involved in the industry to work together as we have a very strong indication that the price will increase.Asked if farmers could expect a better price for their crop, he replied, yes, farmers can expect a better price this season and we are hopeful that the income will double.Lt-Col Vaniqi met with the Fiji Sugar Corporation board members last Wednesday and discussed various issues.He said the major issue discussed was for FSC to stand on its own feet and become a real commercial entity.The move for FSC to stand on its own feet instead of relying on Government assistance was mooted by the corporations board.Lt-Col Vaniqi said general issues discussed at the meeting included the reforms that were in progress and improving milling efficiency.The milling problems have been there for many years and its a big issue now for all the sugar mills, he said.We also had discussions on the sugar price as FSC has an obligation to growers.Only 130,000 tonnes of sugar was produced last year and we couldnt supply the international market with the 132,000 tonnes required.These problems have been inherited and some people have opted out of farming and there was dirty politics in the industry for long.Lt-Col Vaniqi said some people were confused because the land leases were not being renewed by the landowners.But, he said, with leases being renewed and other initiatives in place, there should not be any complaints.He reiterated that the sugar industry was moving in the right direction and all stakeholders should work together for its success.The second primary health symposium in Fiji was opened at Studio 6 with the theme To revitalize the healthy islands concept.AusAID counselor, Sarah Goulding said the symposium over the next three days would have a comprehensive update of all primary health programmes in operation nationally.The concept of Healthy Islands is a Pacifc-driven initiative adopted as the unifying theme for health promotion and health protection in the island nations of the Pacifc, counselor Goulding said.It was frst drafted by the Ministry of Health of Pacifc Island Countries in 1995. In Fiji the focus has mainly been on environmental health and health promotion initiatives. Ms Goulding said this years symposium would support Fiji in achieving UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG) 4 to reduce child mortality and MDG 5 to reduce the maternal mortality ratio by delivering comprehensive updates of programmes that improved the lives of women and children.The symposium will also focus on most pressing issues in primary health care in Fiji today such as Typhoid outbreak and the burden of NCDs on the overall population.The Public Service Commission permanent secretary, Mr Parmesh Chand launched the 2011 Service Excellence Awareness process.Speaking to the fve divisional heads and staff of PSC, Mr Chand said the launch signifed the strengthened commitment from management and the need for a more dynamic approach on how the commission would implement its Service Excellence initiatives at PSC.As the Central Personnel Authority for Government he added PSC needed to take the leading role in implementing Service Excellence initiatives and be an example to the rest of Governments ministries and agencies.This year, fve teams comprising of established and unestablised staff have been formed to research past years feedback reports and suggest innovative strategies as well as identify best practices, the commission can implement to improve its service delivery.Mr Chand added that capacity building programmes would be conducted for all staff on the need to create awareness on the Service Excellence Awards Framework.PSC is one of the 34 agencies participating in this years, Service Excellence Awards programme.sugar cane FarMers can exPect a better PriceHealtHy islandsParMesH cHand cHallenges staFF to coMMit and serve WitH excellence Friday April 8, 2011 Fiji Times Canada V5 No1820World NewsMAJOR Banks and credit-card issuers Capital One, Barclays Bank, US Bancorp and Citigroup have joined the list of companies warning customers that hackers may have learned their email addresses. The companies all use a Dallas-based company called Epsilon to manage their emails to customers. Epsilon said on Friday that its system had been breached, exposing email addresses and customer names but no other personal information.The hackers also gained access to the email addresses of customers of JPMorgan Chase & Co, Best Buy C., TiVo Inc, Walgreen Co and Kroger Co.The affected companies said the email addresses could be used to target phishing attacks - seemingly legitimate emails that try to coax account login information from victims.JAPAN internet conglomerate Softbank Corp says its CEO, Masayoshi Son, will donate $US120 million ($A115.78 million) of his personal wealth plus his salary until he retires to help tsunami victims. Softbank, the only Japanese mobile carrier offering the iPhone, will also give away mobile phone handsets to tsunami orphans and pay their phone bills until the children turn 18, said company spokeswoman Makiko Ariyama.Sons Y10 billion ($A115.78 million) donation to the Japanese Red Cross Society and other nonproft organisations is the biggest by an individual to quake and tsunami victims, Ariyama said.Son, 53, will also donate all of his annual salary each year to aid organisations until he retires.His salary was Y108 million ($A1.23 million) in the fscal year through March 2010. Apart from Sons personal wealth and salary, Softbank said the company will give one billion yen to the Japanese Red Cross to support the disaster victims.The March 11 earthquake and tsunami decimated much of northeast Japan, killing up to 25,000 people. The government recently launched a study to track the number of tsunami orphans.Softbank is the latest in a string of Japanese companies offering fnancial support for tsunami victims.The founder of Japans casual clothing chain Uniqlo has announced he would donate 1 billion yen (about $11 million) from his personal wealth to the Japanese Red Cross Society. The popular clothing chain will also give away Y400 million ($A4.57 million).Sony Corp will donate around Y900 million ($A10.28 million). Toyota Motor Corp will give Y300 million ($A3.43 million), with Honda Motor Co Ltd donating the same amount.A TEXAS mother was sentenced to 20 years in prison for putting faeces in her daughters feeding tube while she was in the hospital. Emily McDonald, 25 of Austin, pleaded guilty to recklessly causing serious bodily injury to a child.McDonalds three-year-old daughter was admitted to Dell Childrens Medical Centre in Austin in April of 2009 with high fever and a long history of chronic diarrhea, according to the arrest affdavit.Blood tests came back positive for bacteria commonly found in faeces.Hospital offcials set up a hidden camera in the childs room after she struggled to recover.On May 31 hospital staff reviewed the tape and saw McDonald putting faeces from a diaper on her fnger and placing it in the childs IV tube.Her lawyer, Bob Phillips, said McDonald was under extreme psychological stress at the time of her crime, and she was suffering from fatigue and depression, the media reported.US federal investigators say inspectors have found subsurface cracks in three more Southwest Airlines planes. Similar cracks are suspected of triggering a fuselage rupture that forced a Boeing 737-300 to make an emergency landing in Yuma, Arizona.The 15-year-old jet in the Arizona incident had about 39,000 take-off and landing cycles.The airline had said earlier that it found such cracks in two of their planes.A National Transportation Safety Board member says a third plane was discovered to have the cracks as well.Board member Robert Sumwalt says Boeing is developing a service bulletin strongly suggesting immediate checks on all similar models with comparable fight time and age.The cracks found in the three planes developed in two lines of riveted joints that run the length of the aircraft.A MODERATE 5.7-magnitude earthquake has shaken the Nepal-India border region with tremors felt as far away as the Indian capital of New Delhi. The epicenter of the quake was in the border region between Nepal and India, a seismologist at the Indian Meteorological Department said.The quake struck at a depth of 10km, he said.It was a moderate quake ... with a shallow to moderate focal depth, said the offcial, who asked not to be identifed.No damage or casualties were immediately reported.The tremor was also felt in two towns in far wes