Hullo,
Leading the headlines in today’s The Fiji Times edition of Thursday, February 25, 2021, we continue with our follow up on the situation at the University of the South Pacific.
This time around the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission director Ashwin Raj has broken his silence on the issue and has said that there should be an independent investigation into all issues arising out of the University of the South Pacific.
The investigations should include complaints raised by staff on the ongoing governance issues at the university, and also against the vice-chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia.
RELATED:
Never again says Aingimea
Never again should a University of the South Pacific staff be treated in the manner vice chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia was deported from Fiji . These were the words of chancellor Lionel Rouwen Aingimea as he hinted at the possibility of Prof Pal “continuing in his role from one of the university’s other member countries.”
Here’s your briefing of what to expect in The Fiji Times, Thursday, February 25, 2021:
Fijian made license
Fijian made license provided a great opportunity for small and medium enterprises to capitalize on the Fijian made brand, says Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Faiyaz Koya.
Call for investigation into USP saga
Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission director Ashwin Raj has called for an independent investigation into the University of the South Pacific saga.
Exclusive breastfeeding below six months is at 40 per cent for Fiji – report
According to the 2019 State of the World Children’s Report, exclusive breastfeeding below six months is at 40 per cent for Fiji, compared to a regional average total of 57 per cent. UNICEF Pacific Representative Sheldon Yett said there was a need for basic interventions to facilitate breastfeeding during emergencies including prioritizing mothers with young children for shelter, food, security, water and sanitation.
Pal in Nauru
University of the South Pacific vice-chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia is in Nauru to witness first-hand the challenges that face countries in Micronesia and the South Pacific.
Fiji facing a dilemma
Fiji is facing a dilemma at the moment regarding the University of South Pacific(USP) saga and the recent election of the new secretary general of the Pacific Islands Forum.
Fiji records 10 suspected leptospirosis deaths
Fiji has recorded 10 suspected leptospirosis deaths, says Health Minister Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete. And according to Ministry of Health statistics, most of the dead were young men. “What we tend to say is that it is common in young men,’ he said.
Chaudhry says Government needs to come clean
Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry says Government needs to come clean in terms of the USD$50 million (FJD $100 million) natural disaster stand-by loan it took from Japan in 2019.
Controversies like “free marketing” – Mishra
Controversies surrounding the deportation of the University of the South Pacific’s vice-chancellor has had a positive impact on the regional learning institution, says Professor Sudesh Mishra. He said the controversies were like “free marketing” for the university.
Deportation conflicts will not affect studies – USP lecturer
The conflicts regarding the deportation of the University of the South Pacific’s Vice-Chancellor and the appointment of staff will not affect the education of students, says USP’s School of Biological and Chemical Sciences Senior lecturer in Biology Ketan Christi.
PM assures Nabavatu relocation
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has assured Nabavatu villagers in Dreketi, Macuata, that they would be moved to safer ground. He told the villagers this week relevant stakeholders would assist in the relocation and rebuilding of their homes.
COVID-19: Clear messages must be developed and disseminated, says UN resident coordinator
Clear messages must be developed and disseminated widely before and during the COVID-19 vaccination exercise. This would help allay fear, doubts and suspicion in the community over the medicine, which is expected to arrive in the country soon. And United Nations resident coordinator Sanaka Samarasinha has encouraged Fijians to get vaccinated when the COVID-19 vaccination becomes available.
Cooler trucks to ensure delivery of vaccines
The two nine ton cooler trucks donated to the Ministry of Health by the Japanese Government will ensure the delivery of vaccines, medical supplies and laboratory reagents to the allocated health facilities in the country.
Weight restriction on Nadarivatu road
The Fiji Roads Authority says it has placed a five tonne weight restriction on a section of the Nadarivatu Road, Tavua, after a crack on a subsection was detected.
Electoral Amendment Bills 2021 amendment
The amendment of the Electoral Amendment Bills 2021 will allow electoral authorities to take action to prevent further publication of false information. While making a submission to the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights , Fijian Electoral Commission chairperson Suresh Chandra said the provisions promoted fairness in elections and also protected voters.
CCTV unreliable during trials: Justice Temo
CCTV footage in Fiji is notorious for being unreliable during court trials, says Suva High Court judge Justice Salesi Temo. He said this during a case involving Kilioni Vatutaqiri, Samisoni Rokoya and Lemeki Baleitavua who allegedly robbed an elderly couple of cash and belongings at their Pacific Harbour villa in September 2019.
High Court order for drugs destruction
Any destruction of drugs has to be done under the orders of the High Court – and not the Magistrates Court.
Lami residents fear meeting outcome
Lami residents fear the outcome of a meeting between them, the Department of Environment, clinker transport companies and the cement factories was just ‘a slap on the wrist’, says Evironment Management Committee (EMC) member Sydel Whippy.
Mangroves can make money: Wycliffe
Mangroves can make money, says permanent secretary for environment and Waterways Joshua Wycliffe.
IN SPORTS:
Nawaka 7s to kick off tomorrow
The 34th Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s is set to kick off at Prince Charles Park in Nadi tomorrow with a total of 90 teams featuring across three categories making it one of the biggest tournaments in the country. Top teams including defending champions Police Blue, Police White, Warden Green, Raiwasa Taveuni, Uluinakau, Yamacia together with the two shadow national teams Fiji Barbarians and Fiji Warriors will battle it out for the top prize purse of $10,000.
Flying Fijians switch to different positions
Flying Fijians superstars Josua Tuisova and Levani Botia could soon add to the list of rugby reps packing in on different positions apart from their specialised berths. The France-based centre and wing recently played in different positions in a match lately.
Ikanivere plays touch to keep fit
Flying Fijians hooker Tevita Ikanavere plays touch rugby as he works on his off-season preparation. He joined Suva Rugby Union teammate Enele Malele for the Vunivola touch rugby side.
Boost for Muaniweni College
Muaniweni College principal Sanjelesh Nand believes allowing his students to enjoy their inter-house meet at the ANZ Stadium was in itself a boost for the rural-based school. “This is the first time for Muaniweni College to come out to have their athletics competition at the stadium, and I feel that alone is a big boost,” Nand said.
