Hullo readers.
In The Fiji Times edition of Thursday, February 18, 2021, we are continuing our coverage of the controversial deportation of Professor Pal Ahluwalia, and we continue to receive reactions as this story develops with stakeholders now engaged in a series of meetings to rectify this situation.
Also, by now, we’d presume that our readers in Fiji, and surely from around the world too, would have learned of the tragic house fire at Nadele in Sabeto, Nadi, and a family that lost three loved ones in that most devastating incident. Our team was at the scene so we have those personal stories to share with you.
For now, here’s your briefing of what to expect in The Fiji Times of Thursday, February 18, 2021:
PM Bainimarama takes a hit at Prof Biman
Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama makes some claims against NFP leader Professor Biman Prasad suggesting the Opposition MP “sucked up” to the former VC of USP Prof Pal Ahluwalia so “his wife could get promoted” at the university.
Related:
USP bodies call it “thief in the night”
Following the meeting of the USP Council on Tuesday, the Association of the University of the South Pacific and the University of the South Pacific Staff Union has finally expressed its sentiments – via a joint statement – on the deportation of former VC Prof Pal Ahluwalia. It noted that the Government did not live by its own principles in the lead up to the deportation of the professor and his wife Sandra Price.
No mud-slinging business
Prof Ahluwalia Pal has reacted to public commentary by former and present USP academics in the local press denouncing the “defamatory remarks” made against him. He says is not in the business of “mud-slinging”.
Three killed trapped in burning home
Shock and disbelief ripped through the often quiet community of Nadele in Sabeto, Nadi, and of course the whole country as reports surfaced that a couple and their infant grandson died trapped inside their burning home. The baby’s parents and the older sibling managed to escape. Neighbour Mitieli Cagilaba was among the first ones at the scene, and he shared his witness account with The Fiji Times.
Related:
Mother’s heartbreak
Western Reporter Repeka Nasiko tells the story of the mother who lost her five-month-old baby boy in a fire at their Nadele home in Sabeto, Nadi. Mum Rital Ritika Prasad also sustained burns to her body but as Nasiko writes, that physical pain was nothing compared to losing her son.
Ash Wednesday
Believers of the Catholic faith marked the beginning of the Lent period today – 40 days before the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Loving oneself and loving people around you was the main message from the pulpit.
Call to teachers
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is in the Northern Division, touring schools that were affected by cyclones and flooding in the last two consecutive natural disasters that hit our island nation. Noting that those disasters could have an impact on children’s education, he still urged teachers to assist the kids access the best education possible.
Human trafficking
International Organization for Migration Chief of Mission in Fiji Solomon Kantha says trafficking of human beings does not respect borders and is one of the worst forms of violence that impinges on the fundamental rights of human beings.
Violence and harassment at work
Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Acting Permanent Secretary Manasa Lesuma did not mince his words when he addressed the International Labour Organization (ILO) validation workshop of Convention 190 (C190); violence and harassment in the world of work. He pointed a finger at ‘silence’ as a contributor.
Expensive housing contractors
Minister of Infrastructure Jone Usamate has assured villagers of Vunivutu in Macuata that he will look into the concerns regarding the high costs charged by housing contractors in Labasa. Villagers claim being charged exorbitantly by contractors in the North.
Walking time-bomb
The High Court in Suva sentenced a man to five years imprisonment after he was convicted and sentenced for causing the death of a Bangladeshi tourist in a fatal accident. The judge described Saimoni Ubitau as a “walking time bomb”.
IN SPORTS:
Nadroga campaign
Nadroga Rugby Union’s campaign to regain its provincial dominance in the sport got off to a flying start last week. After the dismal performance of the past season, the union said the first event on its 2021 calendar, the Nadroga 10s at Lawaqa Park last weekend, was a success.
Rugby talents
The people of Namena, Dawasamu, Burewai and Burelevu in Tailevu North are banding together to help utilise the rugby talents of their young men. Villagers are organising a 10s rugby tournament for the first time this weekend to help expose rugby talents in their communities.
MGM athletics
Mahatma Gandhi Memorial High School (MGM) is trying to find its best form ahead of the Fiji Secondary Schools Athletics Association’s Cola-Cola games. Sixty athletes have been identified to represent them in the Suva Zone Two competition.
Fijiana XV team
The Fijiana XV team will be putting up two teams in the Fiji Rugby Union Super 7s series this Friday and Saturday at the Prince Charles Park in Nadi.
Kaiviti Silktails
The Kaiviti Silktails rugby league team management is working overtime to prepare the players well for the 2021 Ron Massey Cup competition in Australia. The team left Fiji for Australia last week.
FRU boost
Fiji Rugby Union received a timely boost with participating teams playing in the Super 7s Series to be outfitted by Jack’s Fiji starting this weekend.
