Hullo.
In The Fiji Times edition of Saturday, February 20, 2021, our follow up on the situation at the University of the South Pacific continues.
Aside from the major issue of grant being withheld from the university, details of which is in tomorrow’s newspaper, the controversial award-winning academic, Dr Rajni Chand, has also spoken to The Fiji Times.
This, too, a few days after her name was mentioned in a defamatory manner by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, with associations made to her husband – NFP leader and Opposition MP Prof Biman Prasad.
But for now, here’s your briefing of what to expect in The Fiji Times of Saturday, February 20, 2021:
Grant withheld
Despite setbacks, which include Fiji withholding its multi-million dollar grant to the University of the South Pacific, the institution continued to function because there was financial stability. And that financial stability has been attributed to the deported former vice-chancellor, who has been said to have taken measures to ensure of this.
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Hard work is key
Dr Rajni Chand whose name was defamed by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says she believes in hard work if one was to achieve success in life. Dr Chand was responding to public remarks made by Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama that she was appointed the director of the USP’s Centre of Flexible Learning because her husband – NFP leader and Opposition MP Prof Biman Prasad – “sucked up” to deported VC Prof Pal Ahluwalia. This award-winning academic has spent 25years at USP as a student, teacher, researcher and course coordinator.
Fondness for lashing out
National Federation Party president Pio Tikoduadua says Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is fond of lashing out with personal attacks on people who criticise Government. In an online article published earlier today, Mr Tikoduadua said the PM’s approach to those criticisms were childish and that he needed to grow up.
Reconsider plans
The chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum, Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, has called on the Micronesian State leaders to reconsider their plans to leave the forum. A few controversies too surrounds the leadership position of the PIF, and he has urged the leaders of those island countries to stand in solidarity with their counterparts. PM Bainimarama impressed on the shared history, culture and tradition while making his call.
Employer want Fijians back
Some 70 Fijian seasonal workers who had just returned from Australia under the Pacific Labour Scheme have already our shores against for the Land Down Under. Those workers were specifically requested by their Australian employer to return.
First-time home
Depending on the national budget allocation for the next financial year, some people who are on the waiting list of the first home grant assistance program will be assisted. It has also been noted that refunds from people who had shelved their projects will be used to assist pending applicants.
Stumpage
Landowners are being offered a stumpage payment of as high as 40 per cent but Fiji Pine says that after this payment is made, the company will not have much left.
Immigrants
It has been revealed that in 2015, Fiji had the second-highest number of immigrants among Pacific Island countries – according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
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Human trafficking
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has also revealed that since 2010, at least 25 incidents of human trafficking have been investigated or prosecuted in Fiji. And it es reported that most irregular migrants in Fiji were visa overstayers rather than people who entered without a visa.
Lautoka ratepayers
The Lautoka City Council says ratepayers will pay up to 16 per cent more in rates this year after the completion of a sexennial evaluation on properties in the Sugar City last year. The sexennial valuation around Lautoka was carried out from August 2020 to October 2020.
they carry out a survey to find a way to address traffic congestion. Picture: FT FILE
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Financial obligations
The Council has also reported that only 28 per cent of Lautoka ratepayers have met their financial obligations to the Lautoka City Council. As of January 31 this year, the Council has received rates from 2261 out of 8163 ratepayers.
Drainage assistance
Fijian Agriculture Minister Dr Mahendra Reddy says that the Government support in terms of drainage assistance has resulted in increased agriculture activity on farms in Nadi.
Voters
The Fijian Elections Office says it will recommend increasing the number of voters at a polling station from 500 to 650 in the 2022 General Election. This decision has been attributed to the increase noted in the number of voting-aged population.
Mother Language Day
A renowned local researcher and now a principal cultural officer with the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, says if the iTaukei people do not speak their language and share it with their children, they will lose it.
Taking advantage
The Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) says many employers are taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to restructure their businesses by attempting to reduce wage and benefits to workers that were negotiated and agreed upon over many years.
IN SPORT
Players suspended
Three rugby players who competed in the Super 7s Series held at the Prince Charles Park in Nadi have been suspended for three matches. The players cited for indiscipline on day one of the Fiji Rugby Union Super 7s Series.
Super 7s Series
Eastern Saints created the first upset of the Fiji Rugby Union Super 7s Series after they defeated tournament favourites CK Tabadamu during pool play at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.
Suva Rugby AGM
Suva Rugby Union has postponed its annual general meeting to next weekend. Get more details in tomorrow’s paper.
