fijitimes_june 28 2013

7/28/2019 FijiTimes_June 28 2013

1/48

Ph: 604-591-5824www.mkco.ca

Mumtaz Khan

We are an experienced and fully qualied

team of Immigration experts.

Immigration consultant

you can trust

Trusted in the community

for almost 20 years

Immigration made easySuite 213-8334 128th St.,

Surrey, BC

. an ompany

Immigration Counsellors Ltd.

@mkcoca

www.jitimescanada.com Phone: 604.909.4088

Continued On Page 3

CANADA'S WEEKLY NEWSPAPER SINCE 2006 June 28, 2013

Phone: 604.909.4088

WelcomeFiji Airways- GoodbyeAir Pacic

Fiji Airways soared in the sky, carrying with it the Fijian identity.

Dance and free Fiji Airways giveawayswere some of the few things offered bythe FBC and Fiji Airways crew at theIvi Triangle.At the rebranding ceremony held at the

Sheraton Fiji Resort, Attorney-Generaland Minister for Civil Aviation AiyazSayed-Khaiyum applauded the effortsof the Fiji Airways team for thissuccessful transition, which has beenin line with the rebranding of Fiji.Tonight, we say goodbye to AirPacic after 42 years.But that goodbye is more than offset

by the thrill of rediscovering our rootsin Fiji Airways the name of ournational airline from the mid-1950suntil 1971.Our national carrier is no longer ageneric Pacic brand but becomes anintrinsic part of Brand Fiji the way inwhich our country presents itself to the

world, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.Fiji Airways joins Tourism Fiji, FilmFiji and Investment Fiji as Brand Fiji

that denes Fiji, its aspirations anduntapped opportunities.The new uniforms:As part of the rebranding, which

included the new look A330s and therepainting of the 737s, new uniformsfor the crew have also been designed.The local design team responsible forthe new look have been AlexandraPoenaru-Philp, Savitri Rae and theteam at United Apparel.In a world that craves authenticity,Fiji Airways has delivered in spades.This is truly Fijian crafted, Fijianmade. And I think I can speak for everyFijian in saying how proud we all areof the new look, the Attorney-Generalsaid.As weve seen, it extends to thenew aircraft interiors, vibrant coloursset against muted cabin tones and

the cushions, duvets and accesechoing Makaretas original exdesign.The staff:Mr Sayed-Khaiyum paid parttribute to the Fiji Airways staff fmanner in which they have handl

reform process of the past few yeThey have helped us rescue the afrom almost certain disaster and it soar again.The way in which you have embthese reforms has been an act ofthat is already bearing dividends.For the rst time next year, the stFiji Airways will receive a share

prots.Such collaboration and partnersthe rst of its type in Fiji. It will lsuccess individually for its emplofor the company as a whole and efurther investment, employsecurity and job creation.


2/48

www.jitimescanada.comFriday June 28, 20132

Calgary (403) 250 6851 (ai)

Edmonton (780) 292 0701 (Pksh)

www.jfreght.a [email protected]

- We are here just

to do that for you

- No Weight

restrictioN 1kg - 1000kg +

- We provide service

With coNfideNce

- No gimmicks

- oN time shippiNg

thiNkiNg of

seNdiNg bags or

boxes to fiji!!

VanCoUVEr (778) 995 7418 (Kanta)

Office: 15695 80A Av., Surry Bc

PhOne: (604) 724 5941KAMLESH RAM

Speci offerDelver your boxes to our ofe ad

reeve 20% DiScOUnT

BC CUtoFF: Juy 20h 2013

alta CUtoFF: Juy 13h 2013

Eta: augus 28h 2013


3/48

Friday June 28, 2013www.jitimescanada.comFiji News

Continued From Page 1

FijiPagesCom

ingSoon

Fiji Business Pages

To Advertise in The Fiji PagesCall 604.909.4088

A Business Directory For Everyone!

2013

Fiji Airways staff has set the standardfor successful employer/employeerelations in Fiji.Fiji Airways, he said, has also set a new

standard for state-owned or partiallystate-owned enterprises.Indeed, this standard applies to allcompanies.Historic moment:Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said it was ahistoric moment, not only for theairline, but for all Fijians.As the PM said in his address tothe nation on the Golan Heightsdeployment: we are building a betterFiji and have ambitious plans for ournation.And nothing is more ambitious moresymbolic of our aspirations than whatwe are celebrating here tonight.Fiji Airways ofcially soars into anew era with the rst wide-bodied

planes our country has ever owned three brand new A330-200s.

He said that the investment in theA330s have been an investment inFijis future. Because already, AirPacic has played a vital role in oureconomy by bringing just under 70

per cent of international visitors to ourshores.With this new product and thatswhat it is those travellers have evenmore reason to choose Fiji Airways.The airlines chairman Nalin Patelsaid the modernization process wasessential to ensuring Fiji Airways

maintained a competitive edge.We restructured our eet, our facilities,our debt, our leases, all of that. Weve

been modernizing our product inevery way. We are now strong, witha competitive cost structure. So now

is really the time to turn the page andmove the company forward with itsnew name, livery and logo.This momentous day is a capstone ona tremendous amount of work to makesure Fijis national airline ies with thestrength, pride and recognition of thecountry we are honoured to represent.Our team has worked incredibly hard toensure our airline will be in a positionto do the name Fiji Airways justice.Its a great honour, and we know thatwith it comes a great responsibility, toserve as Fijis ying Ambassador to theWorld.Acting chief executive ofcer AubreySwift also said they had developed new

products for their clientele which theywere proud to offer.From tomorrow we will be introducing

a range of product and service changes.Our new, enhanced website jiairways.com with new, user-friendlyfeatures, along with streamlinedReservations processes, will make iteasier and faster for our customers to

book your travel with us.Our airports will have a new look withupdated and clearer signage reectingour new brand.New on-board service a range ofimproved amenities, food choices andservice routines."

Goodbye Air Pacic - WelcomeFiji Airways

Fiji Airways celebrations continued in Suva with Fiji BroadcastingCorporation Crew at the Ivi Triangle in Suva.

Chile Interested In Fijis Poverty

ProgramThe Chilean government is keen toassist Fiji in poverty alleviation anddisaster relief efforts.In a discussion in Suva with FijisMinister for Foreign Affairs RatuInoke Kubuabola, the Ambassadorof Chile, Isauro Torres, expressed hisgovernments support.Discussions also included areas of

bilateral co-operation in the tourismand the public health sectors.

Kubuabola also extended an invitationto the Chilean government to attendthe Pacic Island Development Forummeeting scheduled in August.Fijis Mission in Wellington willwork closely with Torres on furtherengagements with the Republic ofChile.Torres also acknowledged FijisChairmanship of the G-77 plus Chinagroup at the United Nations.

Penang Mill Leads Way For CanCrushing

Penang Mill workers watch as the rst batch of cane is tipped over focrushing in Rakiraki

The cane crushing season ofciallybegan at Penang Mill in Rakiraki.Fiji Development Bank chief executive,Ratu Deve Toganivalu, was the chiefguest to tip the rst batch of cane forcrushing.He commended the efciency of millworkers and stakeholders in ensuringPenang Mills excellent seasonal

performance despite its capacity as thecountrys oldest and smallest mill.Ratu Deve, who is also a member ofthe Fiji Sugar Corporations Board ofDirectors, said the challenge for themill was to increase its yield each yearand get new equipment.He said the Fiji Sugar Corporationwould be looking into the provision ofmore support services for Penang.Target this year

Fiji Sugar Corporation executivechairman Abdul Khan said they areaiming for Penang Mill to produce atonnes cane to tonnes sugar (TCTS)ratio of 9.5, similar to last year and togradually improve.For Penang Mills rst week ofcrushing, we are hoping to crush close

to 26,000 tonnes of cane, he saidMr Khan said the beginning of cruwould also see close to 1800 seaworkers at the countrys four who are to also be deployed toareas in the cane entry and procesites.Mr Khan also conrmed that theof engineers from India assignhelp prepare the mills for cruwould stay on into the new mainteseason.New technologyAlso tted into place at Penang mthe new near infra-red technolomeasure the amount of sucrose sugar cane.This is part of a trial run for a new

payment system that is expectcome into effect next year.

This is when farmers will be pathe amount of sugar extracted their cane instead of the tonnes othey supply.The Rarawai Mill is next in li

begin crushing in Ba.It will be followed by the Labasa MJune 27 and nally Lautoka on July

Penalty For Casino Delay SaysAG

Fijis casino is expected to beoperational by October 1.Attorney General and Minister forTrade Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum told thereporter that the deadline is in line withthe original license.However should works continue afterthe deadline, One Hundred Sands,the US company licensed to carry outthe construction, will have to pay thegovernment US$ 100,000 per monthfrom October 1, 2013 until the casinoresort on Denarau is completed.As far as the license is concerned they

needed to have the casino operaby October 1 and the original termconditions are still in place, SKhaiyum said.Meanwhile, works have started $290 million casino site.

No timeline has been given as toworks will be completed, but accoto media reports Claunch in a statement was said to have annouthe opening pushed back until mlate next year.One Hundred Sands was grantelicense in December 2011.

Read the Fiji Times Canada onlinewww.jitimescanada.com


4/48


Tel: 604-593-5165 evenings & weekendappointmentsavailable

Dr. Shivani VoraMDS. BDS

Certifed Invisalign Provider

The Smile chain

FRaSeR SmileS DenTal clinic

SurgeryClear braces

(Invisalign)

I.V. Sedation

(Sleep Dentistry)

Braces (Orthodontics-

straighening)

Dental implants

#102-15925 Fraser Hwy, Surrey BC V4N 5P7

weoffernointerestpayment

open 7 daysaweek

FleeTWOOD lOcaTiOn


5/48



Losing Skilled WorkersLABOUR mobility has evolved overthe years with highly skilled workers

leaving our shores for greener pastures.Between the years 1987 to 2001,about 75,800 people emigrated and11 per cent of those were highlyskilled workers including healthcare

professionals.Speaking at the opening of a workshopon public sector partnership to createemployment opportunities in theglobal labour market in Suva, Ministerfor Labour Jone Usamate said thiswas a great loss to Fiji because those

professionals were trained in Fiji andmigrated later."This is like planting dalo and whenit is matured, you take the dalo andgive it to someone else. This is whathappens in this country. Just when theyreach the age where they should begiving you nutrition and benet to the

country, they go offshore," he said."Government has done a lot of thingsin providing expenditure in terms ofeducation and health, reducing taxationrates for people so that they can havemore money to spend and reducingtaxation rates for companies so theycan invest."All of that is designed to produce ahealthy environment for people can

be employed and highly skilled peoplecan stay in Fiji.

"In the short-term, we are not theand we need to nd the opportuni

people to be employed offshore."a population of more than 850,00three universities, he said the equdid not match."We are producing so many pthat are highly skilled but there aenough opportunities for them. now we are giving opportunitie

people offshore."On the issue of brain drainCommerce and Employers FedeCEO Nesbitt Hazelman said ifrustrating when businesses unable to retain local professiona"Our ability to grow as a natilargely dependent on our abiliretain quality skilled professwithin Fiji. The reason is that wnot competitive in terms of profesopportunities, career developmen

on salary levels. Our people are hsought after and that shows wecommodity in our human resothat is highly marketable

provides Fiji with a unique opporto continue to improve on our tracapability to enable us to aopportunities abroard for Fijians.He said this would improve remiinows and reduce unemploywhich had a direct correlatioreduction in poverty.

Egypt Ready To Share AgricultureResources

The Egyptian Government is readyto share its technology and expertisewith Fiji to improve agricultural

productivity here.Egypts Agriculture and LandReclamation Minister, Dr Ahmed

Mahmoud Ali El-Gizawy, has relayedthis message to Fijis Ambassadorto the State of the Arab Republic ofEgypt, Robin Nair.Dr El-Gizawy said: Egypt is anintensive user of modern technologiesto improve agricultural productivityand we are ready to share the technologyand expertise with Fiji.Egypt has also welcomed developmentco-operation in agricultural sectors

between Fiji and Egypt.These are particularly in areas of landuse and reclamation, irrigation andfarm management, fresh agricultural

produce, sugar production, livestockfarming, seeds production, bananaand rice farming and research and

development.Dr El-Gizawy also welcomed Mr

Nairs suggestion to establish amemorandum of understanding as theguiding principle to expedite this newarea of development.

Strengthening relationshipMr Nair said Fijian agriculture sectorwill continue to build and strengthenits relations with the Egyptian Ministryof Agriculture.Fiji will further explore areas ofcollaboration and co-operation,including in areas of mutual interest infood security and self-sustainability,he said.Mr Nair said the Fijian Government iscurrently exploring opportunities withother countries in the area of sugar

production and marketing.He said the Fijian Government wouldcertainly welcome any contributionand advice on the advancement andmarketing of sugar from Fiji.

Air Pacic Ranks As Top Five InRegion

Our national airline, Air Pacic, hasonce again ranked fth Best Airline inthe Australia Pacic Region.The good news was announced duringthe prestigious 2013 Skytrax WorldAirline Awards held during the ParisAirshow in France.Air Pacic, which is being rebrandedFiji Airways, was behind QantasAirways, Virgin Australia, Air NewZealand and Jetstar Airways.More recognition for Air Pacic as italso grabbed fth spot for Best AirlineStaff Service in the Australia PacicRegion.The airline also moved up one in theglobal airline ranking claiming 95th

spot.The World Airline AwardsThe awards are the most prestigiousaccolades for the world airline industryand are a global benchmark of airlineexcellence.It is managed by the aviation researchorganisation, Skytrax Research ofLondon, UK.The survey operated during a 10-month

period, with more than 100 nationalitiesof customer from over 160 countriesaround the world participating.The 2013 awards are based on18.2 million completed customersurveys, and include over 200 airlinesworldwide.

PM In Russia For Historic TalksThe Prime Minister, CommodoreVoreqe Bainimarama, left Fiji as thehead of the rst ever ofcial FijianGovernment delegation to visit theRussian Federation.The visit, which begins later this week,will see the Prime Minister hold talkswith his Russian counterpart, DmitryMedvedev, at his ofcial residenceoutside Moscow.While the Prime Minister meets seniorRussian ofcials, other members ofthe Fijian delegation will hold sidemeetings designed to foster relations inthe areas of trade, education and otherareas of cooperation.The Government says the meetingsunderline Fijis robust foreign

policy, which is aligned with otherPacic island nations and seeks newopportunities beyond its traditionalregional partners.The visit it says also demonstratesthe expanding relationship betweenFiji and Russia since the two countriesestablished diplomatic relations in1974 and especially since an exchangeof ambassadors in 2010. Fijisresident Ambassador to Japan, Isikeli

Mataitoga, is accredited to the RussianFederation as Fijis non-residentAmbassador.The relationship has also strengthenedsince the Russian Foreign Minister,Sergei Lavrov, visited Fiji in February2012.Following the Prime Ministers ofcialvisit, Fijis Defence Minister, JoketaniCokanasiga, and two senior ofcialswill attend the International MaritimeDefence Show 2013 to be held in StPetersburg from July 3rd to July 7th.

The Prime Minister, CommodoreVoreqe Bainimarama


6/48


Email: [email protected]

Surrey BCTel: 604-909-4088Fax: 1-888-528-(FIJI) 3454

www.fijitimescanada.com

M. David LingamPublisher

Fiji News

The Fiji Times Canada Ltd

All materials used in this paper is the

property of Sun-Times Media Group

(2010) Ltd and cannot be copied or used in

part or whole, without the written consent

of Sun-Times Media Group (2010) Ltd.

Sun-Times Media Group (2010) Ltd

will not be responsible for any material

supplied by the advertiser(s) for errors.

In the case of any errors caused by the

publisher, Sun - Times Media Group (2010)is limited to the advertising cost for the issue.

It is entirely the choice of the consumer

to do business with the advertisier

and Sun_times Media Group (2010)

Ltd is not responsible for any loss or

damages caused by the advertiser to the

consumer.The Fiji Times Canada is an

independant newspaper published weekly

for the entire community in Canada &

parts of USA. The paper is not being

subsidized by any single community.

6

JAMESTRAVELSERVICE

Years of experience in travel industryProvides professional,hassel free service

Specialized in fares to:FIJI

AUSTRALIA

NEW ZEALAND

SOUTH PACIFIC ISLANDS

BC R#227

Email:[email protected]

Cruises

also

Available

604.599.9518#202B - 8556 120th Street, Surrey BC

New Tax Initiatives Announced

From left: World Bank Group global programme manager, business taxRichard Stern, International Finance Corporation senior investment po

ofcer, Jonathan Kirkby, Pacic Financial Technical Assistance Centrevenue administration advisor, John Anthony Hayes and Fiji Revenue

Customs Authority chief executive,Jitoko Tikolevu during a press conferat the Westin Island Denarau Resort and Spa in Nadi

Businesses will now be given blankettax clearance for twelve months.Fiji Revenue and Customs Authoritychief executive Jitoko Tikolevuannounced this new initiative for

businesses around the country.The beneciary of this exemptionwould be banks, insurance companies

and the 38 gold card holders of FijiRevenue and Customs Authority.Hotel managements would also be ableto make the most of this initiative.However, to begin with the initiative,the 38 gold card members would beone of the rst beneciaries of thisexemption, before it is rolled out forother businesses.Mr Tikolevu explained that instead of

providing tax clearance for 12 monthswould allow them to free up theirresources to be utilised elsewhere andwould also allow business houses moreease.Warning not to abuseMaking the announcement at WestinDenarau Island Resort and Spa, MrTikolevu warned that people shouldknow better than to try to abuse thisnew exemption.Just to reinforce our need to servicestakeholders more efciently, we haddecided to launch this initiative, hesaid.All gold card members, banks,

payment for superannuation, paymentof various fees all would be given a

blanket tax clearance.Meaning, these people would needto visit us every month or every sixmonths. They will only visit us once in12 months.Companies would only need to providetheir reconciliation and payment detailsof tax to FRCA every month and inreturn, they would be given blanket taxclearance.Automated tax return payments

A second initiative that Mr Tikolevuannounced was the automatic paymentsof tax returns to tourists under theTourist Vat Refund Scheme.Under this scheme, tourists who shop inthe country are eligible to get their VATcharged on the purchase reimbursed,

before they leave the country.Currently, tourists are refunded theirVAT amount manually, where theyhave to pick their returns from theANZ Bank tellers at Nadi InternationalAirport and before departing fromSuva Kings Wharf.Mr Tikolevu said now, when anytourist would make a purchase from

the licensed retailers, the details wbe loaded up with the authority.When they leave the countrymoney would be deposited into

bank accounts.This would mean that tourists wnot need to queue up and wait forefunds.Mr Tikolevu also said they had across some instances wherescheme was abused.However, with the software tha

been bought would ensure that cafraud are a thing of the past.The initiatives come into effect next month.

Come Back As Heroes, PM Tells SoldiersWork as a team and come back as ateam, Fijis Prime Minister CommodoreVoreqe Bainimarama told soldiers whowill be deployed to the Golan Heights.Addressing the 171 army personnelin the i-taukei dialect during a churchservice at the QEB Barracks in Nabua,Bainimarama told the soldiers they

need to work together in order toachieve their target and they mustreturn as heroes.He said they represent their familiesand the country hence must perform to

the best of their abilities.The contingent which includehealth ofcials and serve for adepart Suva following a farmilitary parade at the Albert Park



7/48



Fijian Crafted Will EmpowerCitizens

The launch of the Fijian Crafted brand,is focused on empowering Fijiancitizens said Permanent Secretary forIndustry and Trade Saheen Ali.He highlighted this as the ministrytook to the streets to launch the brandas part of the Governments brand ofFiji Made-Buy Fijian campaign since2011.It is focused on empowering ourcitizens, especially the grassroots, and

providing them with an avenue forincome generation, Mr Ali said.Our artisans and crafters form partof the micro, small and mediumenterprises sector, which contributesapproximately 10 per cent towards theFijian economy.But the exact contribution of this

segment has not been fully captured inthe national statistics.And in doing so the campaign and thelaunch of the Fijian Crafted logowill provide the platform for craftersto be mainstreamed and share in Fijiseconomic growth, he said.Fijian Crafted is a brand that identiesand benchmarks Fijian quality,standards, skilled craftsmanship, hesaid.The logo differentiates our authenticFijian crafts and contemporary

pieces from handicraft made in othercountries.The brand represents authentic Fijiancrafts, made by Fijian crafters with

Fijian materials.Tourism benetsThe brand would enable our smamicro entrepreneurs to benet frotourism market he added.For the rst time, visitors to our swill be able to identify authentic made arts and crafts by looking fFijian Crafted logo before purchaThe success of the Fijian C

brand is dependent on the supporall stakeholders, especially from

private sector and Fijian public atThese areas can be from construsector and interior designers once again revive the authentic motif in their designs and construhe added.

I Will Run If People Want Me -Rajesh Singh

Controversial former Minister of Statefor Youth and Sports Rajesh Singh sayshe will come back to Fiji when the timeis right.He said: If the people want me to runin the election I will come back.But for the time being, the 2014elections are the last thing on his mind,claimed Mr Singh. His focus is on

business, he said.Mr Singh has an interesting political

background. He ran unsuccessfully forthe National Federation Party in the2001 elections and successfully for theSoqosoqo ni Duavata ni Lewenivanuain 2006.He was a member of the Soqosoqoni Duavata ni Lewenivanua partywhen he won the Cunningham Openseat in 2006. The Laisenia Qaraseled-government was ousted in the2006 takeover but by then Mr Singhhad already lost his minister of state

position.It followed his repeated questioningof the accounts for the 2003 Pacic

Games in Suva.Mr Singh currently resides and worksin New Zealand, where he founded achapter of the so-called Fiji Democracyand Freedom Movement.Current occupationSpeaking from New Zealand, Mr

Singh said: I am a business directorand Im working with some investorsto do some projects in Fiji.We have sent our proposal to thePrime Minister.Mr Singh is one of ve directors ofMajestic Fiji Corporation, a NewZealand-based consortium.The consortium is especially interestedin fostering tourism and the international

prole of Fiji to enhance commercialoutcomes and opportunities in Fiji.Mr Singh said the consortium plans toestablish a Community DevelopmentFund that will provide fundingfor a diverse range of community

programmes.He added: I can still serve peoplethrough my business.Fijian electionsMr Singh also said that Fijians livingin New Zealand have yet to registerunder the Electronic Voter Registration(EVR).The Elections Ofce is currentlyworking on a system to register Fijian

citizens living overseas. Registrationof overseas voters is expected to takeplace this year.The Elections Ofce will beginoverseas registration after Phase III ofvoter registration ends this Saturday.To date 525,756 voters have registered.

The former Minister of Youth and Sports, Rajesh Singh

Fiji Trade ImprovesFIJI'S overall trade performanceimproved marginally in 2012, as themerchandise trade decit (excludingaircraft) narrowed by 2.2 per cent tomore than $1.87billion.

And according to the Reserve Bank's2012 annual report, domestic exportearnings rose by 3.7 per cent to morethan $1.04b."This was underpinned by higherearnings from sugar, mineral water,timber, ginger and textiles which morethan offset the decreases in fruits andvegetables, gold, garments and otherdomestic exports," the central banksaid."Earnings from re-exports rose

signicantly by 26.2 per cent tomore than $1.14b while total exports(excluding aircraft) grew by 12.1 percent in 2012 compared to 19.2 per centgrowth in 2011.

"Over the same period, growth inimports (excluding aircraft) slowedto 4.9 per cent to more than $4.02bcompared to a growth 10.8 per cent in2011."It said all broad categories of importsnoted increases. Meanwhile, RBFsaid the continued improvement inthe investment climate should sustaincredit growth and support broadeconomic activity into the medium-term.


8/48

www.jitimescanada.comFriday June 28, 20138 Fiji News

R A G Driving School

$350Contract Basis

(12 hour lessons includecar for road test)

Special Discountfor

New Immigrants

4 Hour LessonIncludes Car for

Road Test$150

ICBC CERTIFIED DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

ALI - 604.618.2567Former High School Teacher

Mel Gibson Visits Fisheries AnForests Department

American celebrity, Mel Gibson, wasat the Department of Fisheries andForests last week.He was discussing agriculture and

sheries-related proposed projectshe wishes to undertake on his Island,Mago.Mr Gibson, a frequent visitor atthe Takayawa building in Toorak,discussed his interests with Ministerfor Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests,Lieutenant-Colonel Inia Seruiratu.In early 2005, Mago Island was

purchased by the Hollywood actor/director Mel Gibson for $15 millionfrom Japans Tokyu Corporation.Lieutenant-Colonel Seruiratu saidthe involvement of private sectorcompanies whether overseas or localthat wish to drive the industry forwardis highly valued.The ministry appreciates the factthat private sector players like himare involved and can be drivers in

the industry, Lieutenant-CoSeruiratu said.And in the hope that more ofinvestments can be attracted th

governments investment initiativAreas of interestAreas of interest in the sectors wMr Gibson talked over withminister were native forest spand in the sheries departmen

particular, clam breeding.Mr Gibson visits the ministry asas he can, Lieutenant-Colonel Sersaid.He does visit the ofces of AgricuFisheries and Forests whenevcomes into Fiji for discussions oactivities and projects undertakhis farm on Mago Island, he saiThe Fisheries, Forests and Agricare all involved in their respectiveassisting in the coconut repla

program, sheep and goats ancontrols.

Laisenia Qarase Discharged InNLTB Case

Fijis former Native Land Trust Boardchairman Laisenia Qarase who withtwo others were charged with abuse ofofce and fraudulent conversion has

been discharged.

Qarase was discharged when the FijiIndependent Commission AgainstCorruption (FICAC) led a nolle

prosequi after considering severalfactors including Section 49 of theCriminal Procedure Decree.

He was charged alongside formerNLTB general manager KalivatiBakani and former NLTB director KeniDakuidreketi who appeared beforeJustice Janaka Bandara.

Dakuidreketi was represented byWylie Clarke whilst Filimoni Vosarogorepresented Bakani.The case has been adjourned to July 18to check on the status of subpoenaeddocuments for the defense.

8.6 Per Cent Unemployed In FijiFijis Labour Ministry plans to sendFijians to work overseas as part ofefforts to reduce the unemploymentrate.Minister for Labour Jone Usamatesaid they hope to decrease theunemployment rate to 4.2 per cent intwo years.The unemployment rate increasedduring the period 1996-2007 from 3.7

per cent to 8.6 per cent (Fiji Bureau ofStatistics, 2009), Usamate said.This is a substantial 43 per centincrease in a span of 10-11 years. AsI speak, there are 28,006 unemployed

persons registered with the NECwhich is approximately 99 per centof unemployed captured in the 2007census, he said.Speaking at workshop on public sector

partnership for overseas employmentcreation for Fijians in Suva, Usamatesaid over the years many skilled workershave left the country and created a lot ofgaps for other people to join.He said there was a huge demand forFijian workers in the United Emiratesand this brought a lot of economic

benet for the country.Between the years 1987-2001, Fijisaw about 75,800 people emigrate

and 11 per cent of these people werehighly skilled workers, which includedhealthcare professionals, Usamatesaid.Over the years economic developmenthas grown to encompass many aspectsof the global economy. A by-product ofeconomic development in expandingeconomies is the inux of migrantworkers from underdeveloped to

developing nations.As these industrialised economiesdeveloped and ourished, theirdevelopments created gaps forunskilled, low-skilled or semi-skilledworkers - workers which the domesticlabour markets were not able to supply.The exodus of skilled workers is alsolinked to higher earnings opportunities,

prospects of career development orsimply the quest of a better lifestyle,climate and general conditions.Usamate further said they continue toencourage and promote the circularmigration policies especially for highlyskilled professional workers who cancontribute to economic growth whenthey return.Meanwhile, more than 25 participantsfrom various ministries and statutoryorganisations attended the workshop.

69 Yr Old Woman Released On$1000 Bail

A 69 year old woman charged with 103counts of obtaining money by false

pretence and obtaining advantage bydeception and 11 counts of making falsedeclarations and other false statementswithout oath has been released on a$1,000 bail by the Suva Magistrates court.

Unaisi Marama Yavala of NamadiHeights allegedly obtained a total of$61,061.88 cents from the Ministryof Finance between February 2005 toJanuary this year.The case has been adjourned to the30th of August.


9/48

Friday June 28, 2013www.jitimescanada.com

Fiji-Sun Times Canada

To Get The Best Value For Your Dollar

Advertise In

604.909.4088

Fiji News

Start Your Own Business

Starts September 9th 2013MORNING classes

BC College of OPTICS#208-10070 King George Hwy., Surrey

604.581.010

$4M For Ginger ExportKAIMING Agro Processing Limited(KAPL) continues to improve its solidreputation as one of Fiji's leadingagricultural exporters.And with export sale of processedginger and root crops totaling about$4million, the company has come along way from its initial sales gure

of $600,000 in 2006 when it beganoperations.Managing director Kaiming Qiusaid the Secretariat of the PacicCommunity, through its EuropeanUnion-funded increasing agriculturalcommodity trade project, played a

big part in the success of his companywhich now employed more than 100workers at its Navua-based processingfactory."Through IACT's assistance, weventured into producing nished ginger

products like ginger confectioneryfrom the semi-processed ginger thatwe used to supply."This has helped us make bigger prots,as nished ginger products don't needto be processed further and are ready to

be sold directly on the export markets,"he said in a statement yesterday.He said about 350-400 farmers in theCentral Division beneted from thecompany's operations.Mr Qiu, who came to Fiji from China in1996, fell in love with the 'untouched'

beauty of the environment in Fiji.

He spent close to $2m for the upgradeof his factory which now suppliesmarkets in New Zealand, Australia andthe US."Fiji's ginger is renowned for its lowbre content and spectacular taste."We expect to export to other regionsin the near future," he said.Meanwhile, the main aim of the IACT

project was to strengthen the exportcapacity of Pacic countries andterritories in the primary industries ofagriculture, forestry, aquaculture andlivestock.Project team leader Samu Turagacati saidexpansion would increase the number ofFiji farmers producing for those hugeexport markets, and hence consolidatethe ginger industry in the country.

New $1.5M Vessel From Tahiti

Goundar Shipping, owner of LomaivitiPrincess, has purhcased another vessel

this time from Tahiti.The vessel which has 300-passenger

capacity with 700 tonnes of deck cargocapacity, has meant a $1.5 millioninvestment for Goundar Shipping.Mr Goundar said the vessel currentlynamed Pupaa Pae II, left Tahiti and will

be in Fiji by July 4 or 5.The vessel will be renamed in Fiji andMr Goundar said all the paperworkwill be completed soon for their new

vessel.Routes for new vessel

Mr Goundar is looking into the vessel for Kadavu, Lau and mostly and would also lookRotuma as a possibility..The vessel is smaller thanLomaiviti Princess and is ideawhere there are jetties, he said.This vessel also has dual purpovehicles and cargo.Canadian vessel on holdThe news of this Tahitian vessome may come as a surprise along Mr Goundar had mentabout buying a vessel from CanaBut Mr Goundar said the purchanot been called off although dea bit from the sellers end.The company wanted to use another year but we will hopefulthe vessel by this November or Ja

next year, he said.Mr Goundar said the vessel looked at in Canada will be biggethe Lomaiviti Princess.What will Lomaiviti Princess dMr Goundar said for Lomaiviti Priwhich has been carrying the burdenumber of routes, it will now conceonly on Savusavu and Taveuni.

Goundar Shipping managingdirector, George Goundar.

Fiji Presents Credentials To NepalFiji strengthened its bilateralrelationship with Nepal through the

presentation of credentials by FijisHigh Commissioner to India andAmbassador to Nepal, Mr YogeshKaran to the President of Nepal.The ofcial ceremony was held in thePresident's Ofce in Kathmandu.The President, His Excellency, RightHonorable Dr Ram Baran Yadavin accepting Mr Karan as FijisAmbassador to Nepal, said bothcountries could work together to furtherstrengthen its diplomatic relations.Mr Karan, while conveying his messageon behalf of the Fijian Government

said Fiji is keen to work closely withNepal.During the meeting, Mr Karan also

briefed Dr Yadav on Fijis politicaland economic development and

international relations.Mr Karan also had meetings with topleaders of Nepals private sector anddiscussed investment opportunitiesavailable in Fiji.Mr Karan said economic poweris shifting to Asia and Fiji neededto capitalise on such opportunitiescompetitively.He invited the Nepalese entrepreneursto invest in Fiji as the Governmenthas provided attractive incentives forinvestments.Mr Karan further explained that Fiji isopen for foreign investments and hasefcient systems in place for business

registrations.He also discussed with Dr Yadav thepossibility of establishing an agreementon development Cooperation betweenFiji and Nepal.

FijiPagesCom

ingSoon

Fiji Business Pages



2013


10/48


FIJI SPECIAL

FARE

$950 CDNVancouver - Nadi

Return + Taxes

NEW ZEALAND

SPECIAL FARE

$1040 CDNVancouver - Auckland

Return + Taxes

AUSTRALIA

SPECIAL FARE

$1040 CDNVancouver - Sydney

Return + Taxes

AGENT FOR: AIR CANADA, AIR IND

LUFTHANSA, SINGAPORE AIRLINES

MALAYSIAN AIRLINES, CATHAY

PACIFIC, EMIRATES AIRLINES, GUL

AIRLINE, SRI LANKAN AIRLINES,QANTAS, AIR PACIFIC,

AIR NEW ZEALAND

CONTACT: SALOSHNA

Vancouver - Surrey9476 - 120 Street (Scott Road) Toll Free: 1-800-311-1404

Calgary: (403) 263-8500 Edmonton: (780) 448-1191

MULTI

CULTURETRAVEL

www.multiculturetravel.ca

SERVING YOU IN FOLLOWING LANGUAGES: ENGLISH HINDI GUJRATI MALAYALAM PUNJABI URDU BHANGL

Specializes in all South Pacifc destinations - Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and many more

Your Travel Agency

for Western Canada

Flying Anywhere

Call us rst for theBEST FARE & PROMPT SERVICE

(604) 580-1311email: [email protected]

(604) 580-131email: [email protected]

10

Fiji's Airline Bows To Pressure On Shark Fins

Fiji's national airline has announcedit will stop bringing shark ns fromunsustainable sources to Hong Kongand other destinations after a campaign

by green groups to stop it carrying the

controversial cargo on ights from thePacic island.Air Pacic - which is being renamedFiji Airways this week - announceda review of its policy after the mediareported in May how environmentalistssuspected large quantities of shark nswere being carried on its twice-weeklydirect ights to Hong Kong.The airline said the ban applied toall but sustainable shark products

but green groups said this effectivelymeant a ban on all shark ns as there

was currently no source recognisedby environmental monitors assustainable.The airline's acting chief executiveofcer, Aubrey Swift, told the

reporter that the carrier had held talkswith freight forwarders, suppliers,conservation groups and members ofthe shing industry since the protestserupted."We believe a ban on the shipment ofunsustainably-sourced shark ns is theright thing to do, and have implementedthis policy with immediate effect," hesaid. "We understand the sensitivityand importance of this matterand we recognise and accept ourresponsibilities. As a result of our

review, it is clear that stricter policiesare required in order to ensure thatAir Pacic only accepts and carriesveried sustainable shark and shark-related products."This is consistent with our overridingcommitment to environmental

protection and conservation efforts in

Fiji."Air Pacic's decision follows a similarmove by Cathay Pacic to ban sharkn cargoes following a long campaign

by environmentalists.Air New Zealand has also suspendedshark n cargoes from its ights toHong Kong.Alex Hofford, executive directorof MyOcean and instigator of thecampaign to ban shark ns from AirPacic ights which was backed byabout 60 green groups, said: "I wouldlike to sincerely congratulate FijiAirways for taking the right path in

banning shark n from all their ights- especially their route to Hong Kong."I am sure that as this ugly shadow lifts

from the airline's image, many toand underwater enthusiasts who have thought otherwise will soon ocking to Fiji."Hofford plans to extend his camto other airlines carrying shark Hong Kong. He said the gesture wallow the Fiji airline to "move fo

as a responsible player in the gaviation industry"."Fiji's shark dive tourism is worth US$422 million a year

believe their economy will start sdividends from this commendecision soon," he said.He said that his group and others wclosely monitor the situation oground to make sure the airline

by its pledge.Last year Air Pacic sponsocompetition by the Hong Kong Foundation for couples hosting a n-free wedding and gave the wifree honeymoon ights to Fiji bthe foundation realised its sponsocarrying shark ns back to Hong K

Accused Alleged Of CausingDeath Charged With MurderThe 27 year old accused alleged ofcausing the death of a 42 year old manover a fatal stabbing has been chargedwith one count of murder.The accused who appeared in the NadiMagistrates court has also been orderedto undergo a psychiatric examination atthe Saint Giles Hospital before he willappear on the 8th of July at the Suva

Magistrates Court.He remains in police custody.Meanwhile the 27 year old allegedly murdered the 42 yeastore man at a shopping compl

Nadi last Friday.Initial report revealed that the suallegedly approached the manstabbed him with a kitchen knife


11/48


Phone: 604-591-5824Suite 213-8334 128th St., Surrey, BC

E-mail: [email protected] www.mkco.ca

Many Professions in DeManD

Provincial Nominee prorams for all Provinces

British Columbia

Sasketchewan

Manitoba

Famil Class Sponsorship;

Temporar Status(Super Visa, Work, Stuent

an Visitor Visa);

AEO/LMO Applications

IRB Hearins, Refuee, Sponsorship an

amissibilit Appeals;

Skille Workers;

Applications incluin entrepreneur an

Investor classes

ALL OTHER TyPES OF IMMIgRATION

ANd CITIzENSHIP MATTERS

We are an experienced and

fully qualified certified team

of immigration experts.

We Kn oW immigration matte rs!

M. K & CompImmigio Cosellos L

MuMtaz Khan, CMEMbEr Of ICC

@mkco

s uper Vis a

Float Parade Entertain Crowd

Labasa Town came to stand still asthousands lined the main street towitness the last procession of the Kingsand Queens of the Crime PreventionCarnival.Led by the ever entertaining Fiji PoliceBand the contestants added glamour in

the oat parade as the crowd cheeredon their favourite Kings and Queens.As the contestants made their way tothe ground, the anxious look on their

faces gave them away as to who willbe crowned.Speaking to media Duavata Carnivalchaperone TJ Loloma said it has beena tough week for them but they pulledthrough.Despite the rain and hot sun, the

organisers and committee made thingshappen, Mr Loloma said.This years Duavata contestants areone of the best.

16 Year-Old Tells Of RapeA 16-year-old rape complainant toldthe High Court in Suva that she agreedto accompany the accused after a nightout because they were from the sameneighbourhood.The teenager appeared before JusticeSalesi Temo and gave evidence ofevents leading up to May 6, 2012when she alleged she was raped by theaccused at his home.The accused is charged with a countof rape and an alternative count of

delement.On the evening before the allegedincident, the complainant told the courtthat she went to Village 6 cinema withher aunt and cousins to watch a movie.Later, the court heard that thecomplainant then went to several Suvanightclubs in search for her cousinwhom she never found.At about 12:15am the complainantexited the former Deep Sea nightclubto nd the accused standing outside.He offered to give her a lift home that

early morning and she agreed so theyboarded a taxi which took them to theaccusers Kalabu home.At Kalabu housing the complainantsaid they got off the taxi near theaccusers home and he told her toaccompany him to his home.The complainant told Justice Temo thatas soon as they entered the bedroom theaccused pushed her onto the bed andforcefully removed her clothes beforehe allegedly raped her.

Defense lawyer Seremaia Waqainabetequestioned the complainant if she hadbeen drinking that night at the nightclubto which she said she had a few drinks.Mr Waqainabete then questioned her ifshe had lied to the Police in her cautioninterview on May 7, 2012 when shesaid she met the accused at the Village6 ticket booth and not outside thenightclub.The complainant responded saying shedid not lie to Police.The trial continues.

Bus Catches Fire Near Suva BusStand

The National Fire Authority is investigatingthe cause of a re that engulfed a RaiwaqaBuses Company Limited near the SuvaBus Stand.

The bus caught re a little before midday onMonday just outside the Suva Flea Market andwitnesses said there were a few passengers inthe bus, but they all escaped unhurt.


12/48

Friday June 28, 2013www.jitimescanada.com12


13/48


ICBC/ MOTOR VEHICLE

ACCIDENT CLAIMS

Ajit S. Hare Nav S. Parmar

If you or your loved one has been injured,

call or e-mail me for help.

Free, no obligation consultation

Services in English and Hindi

Condential

Emphasis on the client

I will deal with ICBC while you focus on getting better

Experience in various complexities of injuries, including brain injury, PTSD, depression, spinal injury, bone fractures,

thoracic outlet syndrome, TMJ, vestibular dysfunction, soft tissue injury and chronic pain

Have one of the largest and most established personal injury law rms in B.C. in your corner

I look forward to ghting for your rights and obtaining fair compensation on your behalf. Schedule an in person meeting at our

ofces in downtown Vancouver, Delta, or in the convenience of your home.

MEL AJAY CHAUDHARY

Phone: (604) 697-3251

Fax: (604) 684-1881

E-Mail: [email protected]


14/48

Friday June 28, 2013www.jitimescanada.com14

FijiPagesCom

ingSoon

Fiji Business Pages



2013

Fiji News

Levuka Country's First World Heritage SiteThe announcement that Levuka Fijisrst capital has been listed as thecountrys rst World Heritage Site has

been described as historic and awonderful day for Fiji.Levuka is among 14 new sites declared

by the World Heritage Committee

of UNESCO the United NationsEducational, Scientic and CulturalOrganisation at its current meeting inCambodia.The committee described Levuka

with its low line of buildings setamong coconut and mango treesalong the beach front as a rareand outstanding example of late 19thcentury Pacic port settlements.It said the combination of development

by the indigenous community andintegration of local building traditions

by a supreme naval power Britain had led to the emergence of a uniquelandscape.At a press conference held at theAttorney-Generals ofce, the Ministerfor National Heritage, Filipe Bole, andthe Attorney-General and Minister for

Tourism Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, said ittook only two and half years for Fijisapplication on Levuka to be successful.Mr Bole said they lodged theapplication in 2011.The announcement on last Saturdaynight is the beginning of Fijisapplication for other sites around Fijito be declared a World Heritage site,Mr Bole said.As Minister for National Heritage, MrBole said a large part of the credit forthe listing rested with the National Trustof Fiji and he thanked the chairman,Robin Yarrow, who was in Cambodiafor the announcement.This has been a wonderful exampleof co-operation between the citizensof Levuka, the National Trust and theBainimarama Government, which has

supported this nomination from thestart.

All stakeholders the Government,the Trust, local government in Levukaand local businesses will now beworking hand in hand with the citizensof Levuka to fulll the obligations thatwe now have to preserve and protect

the town for future generations. Levukahas a wonderful future ahead of it.The Attorney-General said workwould now be carried out in Levukato prepare for tourists coming in to seeFijis World Heritage.We have to increase the rooms to caterfor the tourists as in the last count therewere only 120 hotel rooms in Levuka,Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.The declaration is a tribute to the

people of Levuka, who have workedhard and lobbied tirelessly for theWorld Heritage classication.This means that Levuka in its presentstate will remain as a snapshot,frozen in time, of a crucial part of ournations development and a permanentreminder of our unique history. It is aday for every Fijian to celebrate.

The Attorney-General said Levukacould now look forward to a brighter

economic future because the listing wasbound to generate more internationalinterest in the town.The World Heritage Committee,inscribes Levuka Historical Port Town,Fiji, on the World Heritage List on the

basis of criteria (ii) and (iv).Criterion (ii): Levuka HistoricalPort Town exhibits the importantinterchange of human values andcultural contact that took place as partof the process of European maritimeexpansion over the 19th century inthe geocultural region of the PacicIslands. It is a rare example of a latecolonial port town, which illustratesthe cultural hybridity of non-settlercommunities in the Pacic, with anurban plan that merges local settlementtraditions with colonial standards. Assuch, the town exhibits the processesof the late, industrialised stage ofcolonization, which was based onmaritime extraction and export

processes.Criterion (iv): The urban typology

of Levuka Historical Port Townreects the global characteristics and

institutions of European colonisatthe 19th century. As a specic tyPacic port settlement, which rethe late 19th century stages of macolonisation, Levuka provides into the adaptation of European

powers to a specic oceanic s

cultural and topographic environThe combination of colonial settltypologies with the local butradition has Nominations to the WHeritage List WHC-13/37.COM/26 created a special type of Pacitown landscape.THIS IS THE CITATIONLEVUKA THAT ACCOMPANTHE WORLD HERITLISTING ANNOUNCEMENTThe town and its low line of buiset among coconut and mangoalong the beach front was thecolonial capital of Fiji, ceded tBritish in 1874.It developed from the early century as a centre of commactivity by Americans and Eurowho built warehouses, stores,

facilities, residences, and religeducational and social instituaround the villages of the South PIslands indigenous population.It is a rare example of a late co

port town that was inuencits development by the indigcommunity which continuedoutnumber the European settlers.Thus the town, an outstanding exof late 19th century Pacic settlements, reects the integratilocal building traditions by a supnaval power, leading to the emerof a unique landscape.Qatar and Fiji had their rst WHeritage sites inscribed dthe afternoon session of the WHeritage Committee last Satuas the intergovernmental body

six properties to UNESCOs WHeritage List.

Public Farewell Soldiers Bound For Golan HeightsThousands of people braved thedrizzling rain and strong winds to jointhe President His Excellency Ratu Epeli

Nailatikau and Prime Minister VoreqeBainimarama to ofcially farewellFijian troops leaving for Syrian GolanHeights at Albert Park.Ratu Epeli reminded the soldiers thatthey will be working in a volatileenvironment.The situation calls for dedication,teamwork and courage and the highest

level of discipline both regimental andpersonal, Ratu Epeli said.He encouraged them to be professionalin carrying out their duties.We have always risen to the occasionand earned the respect of those aroundus. I am condent that on this missionyou will do the same, Ratu Epeli added.Ratu Epeli also commended relatives

of the soldiers who braved the rain tofarewell their loved ones.Your strength in keeping the home

base safe and secure will contribute ina big way to the success of our troopson deployment. It is heartening to seeyou turn out in numbers today. This isa reassuring sign of your support. Thenation thanks you, Ratu Epeli said.Fiji Ex-servicemen Association vice

president Mr Panapasa Vakacegu saidthe association wished the troops well

for their deployment in Golan Heights.It was a wonderful site watching our

brave soldiers marching during theparade this morning. On behalf of ourassociation I am wishing them the bestin trying to keep peace in the SyrianGolan Heights, Mr Vakacegu said.The soldiers departed Fiji onWednesday.


15/48

Friday June 28, 2013www.jitimescanada.com Fiji News


Talks Continue On ConrmationOf New Australian High

CommissionerThe Australian High Commission saidthey are still in talks with the FijianGovernment on the conrmation of thenew Australian High Commissioner toFiji.Acting Australian High CommissionerGlenn Miles told the reporter that thereare ongoing discussions regarding theAustralian Governments nomineeMargaret Twomey.Miles said once it is worked out,hopefully the new high commissionerwill arrive.Australia and Fiji agreed last year toexchange high commissioners.

Australian Foreign Affairs MinisterSenator Bob Carr subsequentlyappointed career diplomat MargaretTwomey to the role and hoped shewould begin in February.It was earlier stated by the Fijiangovernment that Twomey wasnominated by the Australiangovernment and the nal decision isyet to be made by Fiji on whether thenomination will be accepted.The last Australian High CommissionerJames Batley was asked to leave in2009 after he was accused of meddlingin local politics.

No More Politics For PratapChand

A former Labour Government ministerand one time leading trade unionistsays count him out of next yearselections. Hes had his time, he says,and there are plenty of other peoplenow who can run.Former Minister of Education PratapChand said: For politics, there aremany people who can do the job. Iretired in 2006 Im almost 69.Mr Chand, who now lives in Australia,added:With a lot of time on my hand, I walka lot, play tennis before my knees gaveup on me and swim. Now Ive got timeto do the things I missed.A lot of people are asking me, whatabout the next election? I say No. There

are dozens who can step into my place.For my family and children there isonly me, only I can be their father andgrandfather. So thats the principle Ithink about, so I might as well do whatIm doing now.Mr Chand ran on the Fiji Labour Partyticket and contested in the NasinuIndian Communal Constituency duringthe 1999 and 2001 general elections.

In 2006 he did not contest the electionsbecause his wife had become seriouslyill. Mrs Bira Chand passed away in2008.Before entering politics Mr Chandserved as a primary and secondaryschool teacher, teachers collegelecturer and a curriculum developmentadviser.He served in various positions in theFiji Teachers Union. He became itsGeneral Secretary in 1980.He also served as the National Secretaryof the Fiji Trades Union Congress. As

National Secretary, Mr Chand wassuccessful in uniting the trade unionmovement, which successfully forcedthe then government to revoke its

unilaterally imposed wage order.After the 1999 election, he wasappointed the Minister of Education.He escaped being taken hostage duringthe 2000 coup because he was on avisit to Australia.Pratap Chand continues to maintain aninterest in education and the unfoldingevents in Fiji. But he stresses it is froma distance these days.

Former Minister for Education, Pratap Chand

North Farmers Hope For Best ACrushing Begins

Farmers in the North are hoping forthe best this crushing season as the FijiSugar Corporation Labasa Mill opens.Parmesh Pillay of Wailevu said theyhad started harvesting the sugarcanesfrom Tuesday and began loading.

We are facing a shortage of labourersas many have opted for other jobopportunities.Last year we started harvesting caneearlier then the mill had opened butthis year we began late, we just hopethe weather will be on our side.Lorry drivers were also spotted parkedat the Labasa mill.Ratu Wiliame who is also the new

board member will be accompby government stakeholders, thSugar Corporation executive chaAbdul Khan and Labasa Mill maKaria Christopher.As the cane harvesting began e

this week for most cane farmerLabasa Mill began its rst test ruMr Khan speaking to the repsaid plans were being put into for the mill to basically ensurthe mill is ready for the cane cruseason.He said last years technical probor the stoppage last year had nothing out of the ordinary.

Health Care On WheelsRELIEF is on its way for those who areunable to make it to health centers andhospitals around the country becauseof nancial constraints.

Ministry of Health has launched thecountry's rst mobile medical servicesbus.This is the ministry's pilot projectaimed at providing a range of medicalservices to the general public who havenancial or other problems with gettingto health centers and or hospitals."What we are doing is taking theservices to grassroots people, to theirdoorstep because we know that it's atime constraint and money-wise too,"explained ministry spokesman ShalvinDeo.Mr Deo said the bus carried a numberof different facilities which allowed

anyone to access."That bus has different compartmDentists, nurses and doctors andhealth inspectors can all sit ins

and work."Essentially, we could park the ba village and all the health sercan then be provided to anyone fcharge."On Wednesday after the launch

bus left Toorak and toured thparts of Suva, including RaiRaiwai, Sports City, Nabua, SuvMarket and through Valelevu, it promoted health and wellness communities."There is only one bus and it's a

project in Suva and if it goes we'll be taking it to the Wester

Northern divisions as well."

2 Emergency LandingsTHE Nadi International Airportreceived two unscheduled ights thatwere caused by emergencies over the

past two weeks.Airports Fiji Limited general managerLawrence Liew conrmed that on June16, an Air Canada Boeing 777 aircraftwas diverted to Nadi while en routefrom Sydney to Vancouver after ightcrew detected an electrical burningsmell in one of the washrooms.The aircraft with 263 passengers and18 crew landed at 5.49pm."The aircraft was declared groundedafter the crew had run out of ight timelimitations," Mr Liew said."After a lengthy series of checks, New

Zealand engineers and ight did a run-up around 2am on Juchecking the aircraft out and decit serviceable."Mr Liew said the ight departeVancouver at 9.57pm on June 17In a separate incident, a RAustralian Air Force Lockheed PC3 landed safely at 11.18am on24 after experiencing an elecmalfunction on the number engine.The aircraft, which had 17 mi

personnel on board was en rouAdelaide from Faleolo in Samoa.The aircraft will depart after aengine is retted later this week.


16/48

Friday June 28, 2013www.jitimescanada.com16 Fiji News

Attracting and retainingthe best international talentto fill skills shortages in key

occupations is critical toCanadas economic success.

- Hon. Jason Kenney, P.C., M.P.Minister of Citizenship, Immigration & Multiculturalism

Become a RegulatedImmigration Consultant

Ashton College | Vancouver, BC604 899 0803 | 1 866 759 6006

www.ashtoncollege.com

Speak with our adviser today. Contact CairrieWilliamson at [email protected].

Full-time

Part-time Online

Respond to Canadas needfor immigrants.

Fiji Envoy Meets EgyptianAgriculture Minister

Fijis Ambassador to the State of theArab Republic of Egypt, Mr Robin

Nair last week paid a courtesy visitto Egypts Agriculture and LandReclamation Minister, Dr AhmedMahmoud Ali El-Gizawy in Dokki,

Cairo.The visit was a day after Mr Nairpresented his credentials to thePresident of Egypt at the PresidentialPalace in Cairo.Dr El-Gizawy congratulated Mr Nairon his achievements and welcomedany development cooperation betweenthe two countries in agricultural sectorssuch as land use and reclamation,irrigation and farm management,agriculture fresh produce, sugar

production of from sugarcane andbeets, livestock farming, seedsproduction, banana and rice farmingand research and development.Dr El-Gizawy also welcomed Mr

Nairs suggestion to establish aMemorandum of Understanding as theguiding principle to expedite this new

area of development in relations andcooperation between the two nations.Mr Nair said the Fijian Government iscurrently exploring opportunities withother countries in the area of sugar

production and marketing and willcertainly welcome any contributionand advice on the advancement andmarketing of sugar from Fiji.He highlighted the importance oftechnology in agriculture and indicatedthe MOU cover such technicalassistance for Fijis fresh produce

sustainability.Dr El-Gizawy said Egypt is ready toshare technology and expertise with Fijito improve agricultural productivityEgypt is an intensive user of moderntechnologies to improve agricultural

productivity and they are ready toshare the technology and expertisewith Fiji, Mr El-Gizawy said.Mr Nair said Fiji agriculture willcontinue to build and strengthen itsrelations with the Egyptian Ministry ofAgriculture.Fiji Agriculture will continue to

build and strengthen its relations withthe Egyptian Ministry of Agricultureand it will further explore areasof collaboration and cooperation,including in areas of mutual interest infood security and self-sustainability,Mr Nair said.The Government of Egypt prioritizesinvestment in the agricultural sector

because it supplies 44 per cent of itslocal food demands and contributes 20

per cent to its national income.

The Egyptian Ministry of Agricultureand Land Reclamation is consideredto be key especially when agricultureis still the most important source ofgrowth in their GDP.Egypt is an important actor in thecontext of South-South Cooperationsupporting development projects inmany developing countries. Egypt isalso initiating innovative modalitiesof cooperation on the South-Southcooperation with the implementationof trilateral cooperation.

Nurses Receive Certicates OnKidney Patient Care

Fourteen nurses received certicatesafter completing Fijis rst ever RenalNursing training conducted by expertsfrom Singapore.A renal or dialysis nurse is responsiblefor the care of patients with kidneydisease.Dr Jemesa Tudravu of the ColonialWar Memorial Hospital presentedcerticates to participants on behalfof the Minister for Health Dr NeilSharma.Dr Tudravu said the Renal Nursing

program was made possible throughcollaboration between the Ministry ofHealth, Singapores Ministry of ForeignAffairs, the Kidney Foundation of Fiji (KFOF) and the Ngee Ann Polytechnicof Singapore.We are thankful to the Government

of Singapore and the three trainersfor taking their time and sharing theirknowledge with our nurses here inFiji. To the nurses it is the hope of theMinistry of Health that you will makeuse of the depth of knowledge that youhave gained from our friends from

Singapore, Dr Tudravu said.KFOF acting chairman, Deven Sharmasaid this is the rst time for Fiji to haveconducted a Renal Nursing program.This is an important occasion and is amilestone in Renal nursing training inFiji. We all have been fortunate to havethis world class training right here inFiji, Mr Sharma said.Mr Sharma thanked the 14 nurses fromvarious hospitals around Fiji for their

participation and congratulated themfor their achievements.To all the successful participantscongratulations we are proud of you.Well done. Fiji needs you more thanever. Be true to your training and your

profession and be true to our belovedFiji, Mr Sharma said.Mr Sharma said KFOF will alwayswelcome future initiatives on the issue

by the Fijian Government.According to the latest World HealthOrganisation data published in 2011,kidney disease deaths in Fiji reached4.88 per cent of total deaths for theyear.


17/48


Kevin Rudd Sworn In As Australian Prime Minister AfterOverthrowing Gillard

Kevin Rudd was sworn in as Australianprime minister for the second timeon Thursday, a day after topplingJulia Gillard and three months outfrom scheduled elections with pollssuggesting the ruling Labor Party is

staring at a devastating defeat.Rudd's resurrection as prime ministercomes after three years of bitteringhting within the Labor leadershipand as the world's 12th largest economyfaces challenges from a slowdown intop trade partner China.Late on Wednesday Rudd, a Mandarin-speaking former diplomat, highlightedthe difculties associated with "theend of China's resource boom" andsaid he would work to rebuild thegovernment's strained relations withthe business community.He made no mention of whether hewould change policy or bring forwardelections due on September 14.Australian business was scathing of the

political instability and called on Ruddto abandon laws which strengthentrade union access to the workplaceand which tighten rules for temporaryskilled immigration."Our tolerance factor with instability

in the leadership of Australia'sgovernment is at breaking point,matched only by a swathe of anti-

business policies which have broughtbusiness frustration to boiling point,"said Australian Chamber of Commerce

and Industry chief executive PeterAnderson."The economic challenges facingAustralia, especially our decliningcompetitiveness, high cost structureand low condence, are serious."Rudd's rst task will be a majorcabinet reshufe after a string of seniorministers loyal to Gillard resignedfrom the cabinet, including formerdeputy prime minister and treasurerWayne Swan, Trade Minister CraigEmerson and Climate Change MinisterGreg Combet.Immigration Minister Chris Bowen wassworn in as Treasurer and TransportMinister Anthony Albanese was swornin as deputy leader on Thursday, afterRudd won an internal party ballot to oustAustralia's rst female prime minister.Financial markets see few implicationsfor the $1.5 trillion economy, whichis struggling to cope with the end ofa historic mining boom as commodity

prices fall and a record pipeline inresource investment starts to falter.Manufacturing has been hurt by astrong Australian dollar and othersectors of the economy are strugglingto pick up the slack as the mining

bonanza fades.

"While some bounce in the and possibly condence is expthe political games will be la sideshow to deeper issues iAustralian economy," Nomura inrate strategist Martin Whetton sRudd's re-appointment.

Us Supreme Court Quashes Law Denying Benets To Gay CouplesClears Gay Marriage Path In California

Supporters of gay marriage in theUnited States are celebrating after theSupreme Court overturned a law thatdenies government benets to same-sex couples, as well as clearing the wayfor gay marriage in California.In a 5-4 decision, the court rststruck down the Defence of MarriageAct (DOMA), which denied federal

benets to married gay and lesbiancouples by strictly dening marriage asa union between a man and a woman."DOMA is unconstitutional as adeprivation of the equal liberty of

persons that is protected by the FifthAmendment" of the Constitution, saidthe majority opinion written by JusticeAnthony Kennedy.US President Barack Obama hailed thedecision."We are a people who declared that weare all created equal - and the love wecommit to one another must be equalas well," Mr Obama said.Anthony Romero form the AmericanCivil Liberties union said when thedecision came, there was celebrationand relief."We are thrilled at the prospects before

us, we truly stand at a tipping pointtoday for winning the struggle forLGBT equality," he said.Defence secretary Chuck Hagel saidspouses of gays in the military wouldget the same benets as their straightcounterparts "as soon as possible".And former president Bill Clinton, whosigned DOMA into law but later calledfor its reversal, applauded the ruling."Discrimination towards any groupholds us all back in our efforts to forma more perfect union," he said.Same-sex marriage in CaliforniaThe court also said a case on Proposition8 - a 2008 voter initiative in California

that prohibited same-sex marriage inthe nation's most populous state - wasnot properly brought before them.That 5-4 decision enabled the justicesto dodge the thornier issue of whethersame-sex marriage is a constitutionalright throughout the United States.Twelve US states plus the Districtof Columbia now recognise same-

sex marriage, but about 30 stateshave decreed marriage can only existbetween a man and a woman."Now we will be married and be equalto every other family in California," saidKris Perry, a plaintiff in the Proposition8 case, alongside her partner SandyStier on the Supreme Court steps."Thank you to the Constitution ... butit's not enough," Ms Stier added."It's got to go nationwide. This can'twait decades" for marriage equality to

be legalised in all 50 states.California governor Jerry Brownindicated that same-sex marriagescould resume in a matter of weeks."After years of struggle, the USSupreme Court today has made same-sex marriage a reality in California," hesaid.

Mr Obama is the rst serving USpresident ever to come out publicly infavour of marriage equality.White House spokesman Jay Carneysaid the president telephoned 83-year-old Edith Windsor, the plaintiff in theDOMA case, and "congratulated her onthis victory, which was a long time inthe making".The ght against DOMA wasspearheaded by Ms Windsor, a NewYorker hit with a $US363,000 estatetax bill after the 2009 death of herlifelong partner, Thea Spyer, who shehad married in Canada.Mr Obama also called Chad Grifn,

head of the Human Rights Campaign,the leading LGBT civil rights group inthe United States, and the plaintiffs inthe Prop 8 case to congratulate them ona "tremendous victory".But there was outrage among socialconservatives."The DOMA ruling has now madethe normalisation of polygamy,

paedophilia, incest and bestialityinevitable," said Bryan Fischer, directorof issue analysis at the American

Family Association."Today's decision is certainly a sefor the traditional values that mathe backbone of our country," saiGoodlatte, the Republican chairmthe House of Representatives judcommittee."They (the decisions) do not chanBiblical or timeless truth of the n

of marriage as between a man woman," Reverend Rob Schenckthe evangelical Church alliance s

Mcdonald's Rang Cops OnDisabled Woman In Taiwan

MCDONALD'S Taiwan has apologized after one of its outlets called polremove a Down's syndrome woman, triggering protests from disabled gr

According to Taiwanese media, thecustomer, identied by her family nameWang, was trying to buy ice cream lastweek when a store manager called the

police claiming that a homeless personwas causing a commotion."I think it's very improper that therestaurant contacted the police to

handle the matter in this isolatedcase," a spokeswoman for McDonald'sTaiwan told reporters on Wednesday inthe southern Kaohsiung city where theincident took place."I apologise that this caused anunpleasant dining experience for MsWang and I thank Ms Wang and herfamily for accepting our apology,'' shesaid in footage aired by TVBS cablenews channel.The restaurant reportedly asked the

police to escort Ms Wang out or takeher to a hospital, but police found thatshe was not behaving inappropriatelyor bothering other customers.

The incident provoked a public oafter local media reported itseveral protests were staged ouMcDonald's headquarters in Tthis week demanding the comapologise for discriminating amentally disabled people.On Wednesday, about 50 prot

held placards reading "Don't bulUncle McDonald," and "We wantwe want an apology," as they routside the company."We are saddened and we regreMcDonald's which usually the impression of 'customers treats disabled people in this said Taiwan's Foundation for DSyndrome.

World News


18/48

Friday June 28, 2013www.jitimescanada.com18 Chai Time

AriesDo not to be too arrogant this week. Ifyou remain immersed in yourself, youmay end up in trouble. Even with your

juniors at work, you need to deal withsome amount of compassion. You need tomake allowances for certain weaknessesthat people may have, as nobody in thisworld is perfect. On your own, youshall be preoccupied with business and

professional matters, which means youmay not be able to devote sufcient timeto your near and dear ones. Don't worry,they will understand. Your planningand execution of tasks in professionalmatters shall be impeccable. You wouldhave the ner points worked out indetail. However, you may not workvery well as a team member. Workingindividually shall being out the best inyou though.TaurusThis week you shall be somewhatmoody, getting irritable over pettymatters and picking up ghts that

you can very easily avoid if you juststay cool. Instead of spoiling yourequations with people around you

both in your personal and professionallife, you need to be looking at waysof strengthening them. At the timeswhen you are not moody, though, youshall be the epitome of a balanced andmature person. You will also be rmin your decisions and no matter howmuch people may try to persuade you tochange them, you shall not be moved.If you are looking out for another job,you may have to be very alert so as notto miss out on opportunities that may

present themselves.GeminiYou are bound to benet greatly duringthe course of the week regardless ofwhether you are a professional or a

businessman. On the domestic front,things will be hunky-dory and yourintimacy with your spouse will onlyincrease, and you shall be sharing yourinnermost feelings with him/her. Thestars are very much in favour of singles,as you are likely to nd your soul mate,and if you are in a relationship, you maywant to take it to the next level. Clearup the clutter in your house. Thingsthat you have not used for more thana year need to be removed. This weekis auspicious even if you are looking atselling off your house or vehicle.CancerThe fact that you have good multi-tasking skills shall come in very handythis week, as you shall have your platefull. Your workload is likely to betoo heavy, but given your skills and

the fact that you are positive aboutworking hard, you shall accomplishall your tasks within the stipulateddeadlines. And the fact that you shallaccomplish all your weekly goals shallin turn increase your self-condence.

Nothing succeeds like success! Yourperformance at this stage is bound tohave a positive long-term impact onyour career also. However, take goodcare of your health by sleeping welland getting enough exercise. Also,keep your distance from all the nastygossiping that may be doing the roundsin your work-place.LeoBe prepared for a mixed bag of fortunes

this week. Some things might turn outwell for you, but others, on which youmay well have rather high stakes moral, material or otherwise may justnot work out in your favour, leading toa lot of frustration and disenchantment.

The chances of ego clashes are high,and they would take a heavy toll onyou mentally. Under the circumstances,the last thing you want is domesticdisputes; you would, therefore, dowell to avoid any arguments eitherwith your parents, spouse or even yourchildren. Of course, this shall call forgreat maturity. Try to be positive and

balance the setbacks at the ofce withsome cordiality and joviality at home.VirgoIf you happen to be a big shot in yourorganisation this week you shall be inyour elements. Your man-managementskills shall come to the forefront, andyou shall be able to delegate all thework in an extremely judicious manneraimed to produce the maximumresults, which it will. This shall alsogo a long way in enhancing your own

professional reputation in the industry.As for businessmen, you will have nodearth of ideas, and no lack of resourcesto implement them. Your partners shallrepose full trust in you and you shallnot disappoint them. However, work

pressure means your family is bound toget neglected, which may not go downtoo well with your near and dear ones.LibraYour intellect and skills shall peakthis week, and you are bound tomake remarkable headway in thecourse towards fullling your long-term ambitions. Since your analyticaland deductive skills are famous, youmay be called upon to resolve many

prickly issues both in the personal

and professional spheres. Financiallyyou are likely to be comfortable,but when it come to spending, youshall be very judicious; that is, youshall avoid wasting any money onunnecessary things, which maywrongly be construed by some peopleas miserliness, but you know that youare just being wise and it is exactlythis habit which shall come in mosthandy during the rainy day. The furtive

behaviour of some of your colleaguesmay now become clear to you.ScorpioThis week, dissatised with the progressyou have been making in your career,you are likely to start thinking in termsof starting your own business, eitherwith the resources that you have beenable to accumulate in the last few years,

or even by tying up with a partner.Your business prospects are auspiciousthis week, but not in partnership withsomeone else. So start out in a smallway, instead of being too ambitiousfrom the very beginning, and gradually,

perhaps by pumping your prots backinto your business, let it grow. You shall

be immensely popular among yourcircle of friends, and even inspire someof them who may be facing the blues tolook at the silver lining.SagittariusAs the week progresses and you shallmake a slow but conscious effort to getout of the clutches of the pessimisticoutlook which has been holding you

back, and you will begin to make aneffort to look at the brighter side. Asfor your domestic life, you may beoverwhelmed by the load of yourresponsibilities, and may think ofevery trick in the book to evade them,

but as you become more positive, youshall realise that nothing can give youmore satisfaction than completing yourduties, whether they are personal or

professional in nature, and you shallstart going about complying with themin right earnest. However, you maynot take on additional responsibilities,

because you wish to have enough timeto meditate in solitudeCapricornYour work deadlines may be so tightthis week that even a slight interruptionfrom any quarter other colleaguesor phone calls from home couldmake you lose your temper, and quite

possibly you may end up having a nastyscrap with someone or spoiling yourequation with your near and dear ones,something you are bound to stronglyregret later. Therefore, stay cool andcalm even under severe pressure, anddeal with distractions in a mature way

or ignore them altogether. Amidstall the work frenzy, though, you shallmanage to squeeze out some time forentertaining your family and friends. Achange of residence or ofce is in theworks too.AquariusThis may be a stable week for you.You will be successful in maintainingcordial relations with superiors. Your

pleasant and refreshing ideas will

help you to improve the efcThere will be friendly relationsco workers also. It is better ican initiate search for new eaopportunities. Students may normal results for their perform

Mother may be aggressive and anthroughout this week. She mayconicts with close relative for a sreason. Children will enjoy decenThey may improve the standaliving. Spouse will have considgrowth in earnings. He/she wihesitate to spend for lavish lFather may have indifferent heaspite of his hygienic nature. Hesuffer with piles or vertigo probElder siblings will achieve succ

business. Younger siblings mayinvolvement in some illegal activPiscesYour imagination and creativitysurface this week. And, if yoinvolved in a career that calls forqualities, the stars shall favour ythe full extent. But be warned nwear your heart on your sleeve, asmay be many crafty elements invicinity out to exploit this tenof yours. Try to discriminate beyour genuine well-wishers an

pretenders. The planets are in fof purchasing land and property,you have been contemplating suidea, you may go ahead withouhesitation. On the personal frontrelationship with your spouse is to get a boost. If you are unmarriein a committed relationship, youdecide to take it to the next level

Grilled Southwestern Potatoes

Ingredients: About 3-4 pound of spuds 1/4 cup of olive oil 3 TBSP of cumin 2TBSP of garlic powder 2TBSP of chili powder Optional, a dash or 2 of cayenne

pepper Salt to tasteRecipe-Cut the potatoes into large bite sizechunks.-Here is where I cheat. Place the chunksin microwave safe bowl and nuke 'emfor 10-12 minutes. The time may varydepending on your microwave andthe quantity of spuds you're blazing.The idea is to get them done or neardone. Another option is to use left over

baked potatoes. This actually works

great, just cut up the left over bakeds.I mainly use the grill for crisping theoutside and searing in the avor.-Coat the spud chunks with the olive oil.Any vegetable oil will work just ne.-Stir the potatoes up really well so thatthey are all coated with the oil.-Sprinkle with the cumin garlic powder,chili powder and the cayenne. You canmix these together before hand too.-Add salt when they are done.-Stir, mix or toss all the stuff in the

bowl. Whatever method works best foryou.-Heat the grill to 350 degrees - Mediumheat or ame.-Place the seasoned potatoes in a

grilling skillet. These thingsincredibly handy and work well. spray the skillet with a non-stickrst. Potatoes have a tendency todue to their high starch content. Idon't have a grilling skillet use ashallow pan you don't mind kefor grill use.-Place the skillet on grill.-Cook these for about a half Tossing or stirring fairly regularlyto get as many potatoes roastecrispy as possible.-These have a tendency to causeups due to the oil. Keep a spray of water handy. cooking on the topis always a solution too.-Cook until all or nearly all are e

browned.-Remove from the ame, add s

needed and...-Eat 'Em Up. They go great anything from hot dogs to let.-


19/48

Friday June 28, 2013www.jitimescanada.comWorld News

Nelson Mandela On Life Support As South AfricanPresident Calls Off Trip To Mozambique

Former South African president and anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela is

on life support, an elder from his clan says.

Napilisi Mandela conrmed thatMr Mandela was using life supportmachines to assist his breathing."Yes, he is using machines to breathe,"he told AFP after visiting Mr Mandelain hospital.

"It is bad, but what can we do."The news comes as South African

president Jacob Zuma cancelled ascheduled trip to Mozambique afterhe found Mr Mandela to be "still in acritical condition", a statement fromthe presidency said.Emotional crowds have gatheredoutside the hospital where Mr Mandelaremains in a critical condition.Mr Mandela, the hero of black SouthAfricans' battle for freedom during 27years in apartheid jails, was rushedto hospital on June 8 with a recurringlung infection.Despite intensive treatment atPretoria's Mediclinic Heart Hospital,the 94-year-old's condition appears tohave dramatically deteriorated.A group of preschoolers and theirteachers sang the South Africannational anthem and chanted MrMandela's name as they rallied at themain entrance.A prayer was read out by a SouthAfrican archbishop to wish the anti-apartheid icon a "peaceful, perfectend".The archbishop's prayer seemed toecho a growing feeling of inevitabilityabout Mr Mandela's condition that isincreasingly voiced by South Africans."Grant Madiba eternal healing and

relief from pain and sufferingprayer said, referring to Mr Manclan name."Grant him, we pray, a quiet nigha peaceful, perfect end."Proteas, the national ower of

Africa, and red and yellow rosesalso placed at the bottom of adecorated with messages wishinMandela well."We have been so united - blackwhites together. That's the thougMandela in us," said Lerato Bou35, who was singing hymns aentrance of the hospital.Journalists from across South Aand around the world remain caoutside the hospital waiting fofurther news on his condition.Mr Mandela, who became Africa's rst black president in is due to celebrate his 95th birthdJuly 18.He has been hospitalised four since December, mostly for

pulmonary condition that has plhim since his time in an apartheidMr Mandela has a history of

problems dating back to his timewindswept Robben Island prison near Cape Town.He was released in 1990 after 27

behind bars and went on to serpresident from 1994 to 1999.Although Mr Mandela has long left the political stage and has noseen in public since 2010, he rea towering symbol in South A

public life.

Texas Executes 500Th Inmate Since Death Penalty ReinstatedThe US state of Texas has executed its

500th convict since the death penaltywas reinstated in 1976, a record in acountry where capital punishment is indecline elsewhere.Kimberly McCarthy, 52, was declareddead by lethal injection at 6:37pm(local time) in the Walls Unit, a red

brick prison in the small town ofHuntsville, prison ofcials said.After 14 years on death row, timestopped for the former drug addict whowas condemned to death for the savagemurder of 71-year-old retired college

professor Dorothy Booth in 1997.

McCarthy, who is black, receivedtwo last-minute reprieves in Januaryand April due to allegations of racialdiscrimination during the selection ofwhat became her all-white jury.But after a Texas appeals court refusedto reopen the case, she ran out of bothoptions and time."If there was something to appeal, Iwould," her attorney Maurie Levin saidshortly before the execution."For procedural reasons, the claimswere never reviewed on the merits."

Some 1,336 people have been executed

across the United States since theSupreme Court lifted a moratorium onthe use of the death penalty in 1976.More than a third of the executionswere carried out in Texas."It's very sad, horric - like in the middle-ages," Gloria Rubac of the Texas DeathPenalty Abolition Movement said."At some point, Texas has to come tothe 21st century, the world is watchingus."Ms Rubac was among around 30 death

penalty opponents gathered outside

the prison for a vigil as McCa

execution time approached.They held signs declaring "penalty is racist", "end executioTexas" and "execute justice not peas they stood behind yellow tapspecial zone set up across the stre

prison ofcials.McCarthy is the 13th woman exec

fijitimes_june 28 2013

Documents