A poem about Ofa-Atu

from w

Sepia photo

I watch the boy sitting with his grandfather,

both at ease on the pandanus mat,

the boy with familiar eyes, black pebbles.

A question, who is in the photo?

The bent man seems reflective.  Her name is Ofaatu

The portrait was made by a vavalagi visiting our village,

Wrapped her in barkcloth,  sandalwood  dust in her hair.

Undressed for the photo, a breast  revealed,

not a missionary cover-up.

The vavalagi wants to dream,  we are exotic natives.

But who is she, insists the boy. Is she related to our clan?

The lined hands stretch out. Yes, your great grandmother.

The  boy discerns a tremble in the air, looks at the sinnet plaiting

as he leans against the kingpost, shrugs and settles into ease.

I drift away, unseen, to reside once more

in the upper arms of the banyan.

The sea level is certainly rising around Vanua Levu

from w
Here is an example of what can happen when the sea rises. It's a village in Vanua Levu and not the only one who will have to be relocated higher up because of the sea level rising. Story is from the Fiji Times today.

Rebuilding Vunidogoloa

Solomoni Biumaiono
Sunday, December 15, 2013

+ Enlarge this image

The sea shore at the old Vunidogoloa village site shows how serious the damages, caused by rising sea level, has done to the village. Picture: SOLOMONI BIUMAIONO

Tevita Tuimalawai's tall, lean frame has weathered many storms and shaped by the rigours of village life.

The grey streaks on the temples of his head signifying that the 68-year-old has seen a lot of coming and goings in his village of Vunidogoloa at Koroalau in Cakaudrove.

He betrayed the anguish that he and his fellow villagers had been facing for many years when his eyes welled up with tears as he recalled how his village was decimated by nature.

He recalled days as a young boy in the 1950s when Vunidogoloa was a thriving village on the shores of Natewa Bay with many big and well-built houses.

Sadly those days are now gone as the sea and the river near the village are quickly reclaiming parts of the village.

Speaking in the iTaukei language, Tuimalawai cannot contain himself as he explained how much the villagers had to go through because of rising sea level.

"The long time I have been in Vunidogoloa, the village used to be well above sea level and used to have big houses. If you guys go to the village to the place where the sea meets the river, that used to be where some of the houses used to sit.

"Now there is only a small portion of the village left which is this side of the village. It is because of the washing away of the land by the sea and the river because of change in climate patterns, the waves and the winds.

"We are thankful for the hardships we have faced. Many of our elders who have passed on know the hardships they faced because of the change in climate patterns," Tuimalawai said.

He adds that not many years ago when a villager wants to dig for water, he would have to dig at least 20 feet before he would get a few drops of water in the hole but that has now changed, as the villagers would only have to dig only two feet deep before water starting seeping in like a fountain.

The middle of the village is riddled with holes, caused by the rising water and sinking foundations mark the places where houses once stood.

"Four months ago one day when we attended church the sea level was at our knee level, you will see the hardships we used to face at the old village site

Sometime ago the villagers received help from the Japanese government which funded their seawall building program but that too was destroyed by the waves and rising water levels.

Tuimalawai was regailing us with this story from a hilltop under the shade of a vakatunuloa where the villagers of Vunidogoloa are rebuilding their new village.

With government help, the villagers all agreed to relocate to this site, not more than a kilometre from their soon to be old village site but on higher ground and better yet, right next to the road to Savusavu.

"When I was a young boy, in 1952, the first house right down there (pointing to the house), this is the place where our elders had first thought of relocating the village. They had actually prepared the place to relocate the village to.

"At the time the road only ends at Matakunea and at that time too, we did not know that the road would run by the very place our forefathers had suggested the village should be relocated to.

"But that idea was soon lost. We are just thankful that we are relocating now and we are happy that it has happened," Tuimalawai said.

The village relocation project has been going on for the past nine months, and the villagers with the help of government agreed to provide the wood which the houses at the new village site will be built with.

The old village site has 19 houses but the villagers are now building 30 houses at the new village site and according to village headman Sailosi Ramatu, this was after the villagers decided that older and younger couples should be allowed to own their new homes.

The relocation project cost government more than $300,000 which is directed towards buying building materials, constructing fish ponds, building livestock paddocks and providing support for the village's pineapple farm.

Apart from this, government has also built a new water source and water tanks at the new village site and the second phase of the project is the building of a community hall and a church for the village.

The wood that the villagers of Vunidogoloa provide is cut down by Bhadur Ali and milled with the money given straight to government as means of their contribution to the relocation project.

The new village sits on a five acre parcel of land that belongs to the Mataqali Nadawa which is part of Vunidogoloa Village.

Christmas letter from Geelong

from w
It's a bit personal about family life here, but anyway this is a catch-up letter for the Christmas season from the Ratawa family - in Geelong.

       

Websites: http://geelong-visual-diary.blogspot.com         http://babasiga.blogspot.com

Hello

Greetings for the Holy Season of Christmas as we once again welcome the Christ Child. The year 2013 has been mainly a good year.  We seniors are slowing down a lot though with a few health issues to attend to, but God continues to keep us safe and optimistic. Our church connection is still East Geelong  Uniting. we have an excellent minister who is originally from Tonga.  I play the music most Sundays – piano or organ, and the grandsons are in the Sunday School. Peceli is still connected with Altona Meadows/Laverton and now the small Fijian group have joined the morning (English language) congregation. Peceli and I enjoyed some weekends early in the year at Colac when Peceli helped there with pastoral visits and Sunday services. Lovely meeting with the country people there.

Our house is still full with Peceli, me, George, Bale when she’s not working at Lorne, grandsons Jordan (16) and Andrew (14) who go to Geelong High School, Epa pops in occasionally and Andrew Senior who normally lives in Nukualova with his wife Eka and daughter  Linlay, came over for the Masters and throwing events and has stayed on a couple of months. We take turns in cooking and tidying up.  There are two guinea pigs as well, Izzie named after the Hawaiian guitar player,  and Fuzzie who has a white ruff like Geelong’s new mayor. Our Fiji Friendship Club continues to meet in the homes of members – and this means kava drinking, a delicious shared meal, stories and music.

We don’t see much of my extended Lay/Collins families though we did get together at Bacchus Marsh for the scattering of the ashes – a year since Auntie Mary Collins had passed away. In Swan Hill the City Council there put up a plaque to honour Dad in the George Lay Park.

Early in the year we went to Airey’s Inlet for five days – a Rotary dinner silent auction treat.  A beautiful quiet place where I  took photos and made some drawings.  Our second holiday for the year was to Fiji and Tonga – one week for a family wedding in Nadi,  where it was a delight to have one to one talks with younger relatives that I hadn’t seen for a long time. Then we flew to Tonga to stay with Andrew, Eka and Linlay in Nukualofa. That week was relaxed and  with perfect weather.

Regarding sports and hobbies – most of our family play tennis nearly every day.  Andrew plays Aussie Rules footie also and Jordan has recovered very well from his second surgery regarding his knee problem at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne -  crutches for about four months. He’s allowed to play tennis, swim, and touch but not footie yet.

We are still volunteers at the Rotary Donation in Kind but containers to Fiji are fraught with difficulties at the other end.  There’s more stories and pictures about our family and concerns on facebook and two blogs. We are disappointed with the Uniting Church in Victoria which meant the loss of our church tennis courts to help pay a huge debt caused by incompetence in Melbourne. But life goes on with good surprises and grace.

Loloma levu yani and best wishes,

Wendy  and Peceli Ratawa

December 10 2013

Is Fiji secular or religious?

from w
The journalists of course select what they write when observing a debate or event. Here is how Fiji Sun saw such a situation at a conference. I sometimes alter paragraphing as journalists tend to use only one sentence per paragraph which isn't necessary.   So what are the differences in the viewpoints?

Churches speak out

December 7, 2013 | Filed under: Fiji News | Posted by: newsroom

By JYOTI PRATIBHA

The Catholic and Methodist Church still do not think Fiji is ready for a secular state. Their reason is that Section 4 (1) of the 2013 Constitution reads that religion is personal.Archbishop Father Peter Loy Chong and Reverend James Bhagwan were speakers during Day One of the Attorney-General’s Conference, where they spoke about Religion in a Secular State.

Archbishop Chong said while the Catholic Church was not against a secular state, Fiji was too religious to become a secular state.

The Methodists, on the other hand, have already started discussing what they believe is the worst that can come out of a secular state.

Reverend Bhagwan, who is the secretary for communication, Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, in his presentation said that when secularism was taken to an extreme, it could lead to several scenarios which included even banning religious education. He said that the church could not be confined in a private space. “A Fijian with his or her religious or non-religious conviction is at the same time a member of society and a citizen of the state,” Reverend Bhagwan said.
“The Constitution dictates that as a secular state there ought to be a sort of neutrality on the issue of religion. However, public institutions work according to a set of values whether they acknowledge them or not. So when they claim to be  neutral with regards to religious or other beliefs, that is a myth at best and a lie at worst,” he said.

Archbishop Chong also shared his sentiments, which were along the same lines. He said faith-based organisations needed to have a say in the society.

When the floor opened for questions, former High Court judge Nazhat Shameem attempted to debunk some misconceptions of the two church leaders. She informed them that being a secular state would not stop anyone or any religious organisation from praying wherever they wanted. “If they want to pray in Albert Park, they can. The role of a secular state is to have no interference by religious bodies; not to curtail their prayers,” Ms Shameem.

Another lawyer also clarified to the two that Section 4(1) is not read and interpreted in isolation and that years down the line, the interpretation of private would not be changed to mean the confines of one’s home.

After the session, both leaders still chose to stand their ground.

--------------------------- And also:

Arya backs secular state

December 7, 2013 | Filed under: Fiji News | Posted by: newsroom

By JYOTI PRATIBHA

The Arya Pratinidhi Sabha is willing to keep an open mind about provisions in the Constitution which reads that state and religion are to be separate.
Sabha patron and University of Fiji pro-chancellor, Pundit Bhuwan Dutt, says it is good to maintain a degree of privacy where religion is concerned.
“Some benefits of a secular state are that people feel free to practice their religion which is very close to their hearts. This brings about a feeling of unity and removes distrust in the community.
“Secular state also ensures equal treatment of all faiths. All faiths have some common goals such as spreading their faith in the community.
“Therefore, all faiths should be given equal treatment so that they are free to do what they have set out to do. Of course, what each faith does must not cause problems for other faiths or the community,” he said.
Pundit Bhuwan is also of the view that having a secular state would encourage interfaith gathering for building better understanding.
“The existence of a secular state provides a free and healthy environment for citizens to do what they are happy with for their spiritual development,” he said.
---------------- And in the Fiji Times we read:

Archbishop maintains public view

Felix Chaudhary
Saturday, December 07, 2013

ARCHBISHOP Peter Loy Chong maintained yesterday that as a theologian, he could not compromise on his belief that religion was a public matter.

Speaking at a panel discussion on religion and secular state at the 15th Attorney-General's Conference in Natadola, the head of the Catholic Church in Fiji said his response to the argument mirrored that of the head of the global Catholic faith.

"We do not have a problem with Fiji being called a secular state," he said. "The church supports the separation of State and religion, that priests and the clergy cannot be involved in politics.

"However, faith and religion should not be a private matter. It cannot be a mere personal event, it calls for public expression. We have a contribution to society based on divine truth and religion should be an essential part of society. The biggest issue here is we look at it from a theological point of view while others look at it from a legalistic point of view."The archbishop said he would encourage his flock to continue discussions on this provision in the Constitution and he hoped the government would hold more dialogue on the issue.

Reverend James Bhagwan, secretary for communication for the Methodist Church, said the issue lay in the definition of a secular state in the Constitution. He said this meant the church must speak the truth, in love, and responding to the issues of injustice and poverty.
--And also:

Academic defends separation of church and state

Felix Chaudhary
Saturday, December 07, 2013

THE 2013 Constitution clearly defines the separation of religion and State for the first time ever in Fiji's independent history.

Speaking at a panel discussion on religion and secular state at the 15th Attorney-General's Conference, Professor Vijay Naidu from the University of the South Pacific said in his view, countries such as Fiji, where there were a multiplicity of religions and those with no adherents at all, the best form of government was a secular state that was neutral with respect to religion but, at the same time, defended religious freedom.

"Past constitutions did not make the separation crystal clear, although none sought to privilege a religion or religious denomination over others," he said. "So since independence, over four decades ago, Fiji's constitutions have maintained the separation of religion and the State. However, in terms of the country's recent history, there was a strong campaign to make Christianity the State religion.This was especially so during the period immediately following the 1987 and 2000 coups."

Prof Naidu said submissions to the Professor Yash Ghai Constitution Commission in 2012 included pleas to make Fiji a Christian state."However, the Ghai draft constitution made explicit provisions on the separation of religion and the State. These have been further clarified and detailed by the 2013 Constitution on the secular State."

---------------And then Fiji Village journalist has a different take.

Priest or clergies cannot be involved in Politics-Archbishop

Publish date/time: 07/12/2013 [09:27] Print this page Email this page The Catholic Church together with the Methodist Church of Fiji has urged for a much more clear meaning of a secular state which has been stated in the new constitution. This has been raised during the 15th Attorney General's Conference in Natadola yesterday. Archbishop of Suva Father Peter Loy Chong said the Catholic Church will maintain a clear stand and priest or clergies cannot be involved in Politics. There is an audio file attached to this story. Please loginto listen. Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the Methodist Church Reverend James Bhagwan said matters of dealing with the church and the state is not an issue for them as the church deals with the society and they will work towards building a positive society. Bhagwan added he is grateful of this kind of discussions and the Methodist Church looks forward to continue an open dialogue with the government in the future. Story by: Aliki Bia

Remembering Nelson Mandela

from Peceli,

World grieves for hero Mandela

AGENCIES
Friday, December 06, 2013

Update: 2:17PM A wave of grief has rolled across the world today following news of the death of anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela. Leaders and South Africans have paid emotional tribute to the man dubbed "a colossus".

"We've lost our greatest son. Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father," South African President Jacob Zuma said in a televised address that aired around the world.

 "Although we knew that this day would come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss."

Although Mandela had been frail and ailing for nearly a year,President Jacob Zuma's announcement today of the death of the former president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate shook South Africa.

Tributes began flooding in almost immediately for a man who was an iconic global symbol of struggle against injustice and of racial reconciliation

Former South African president Nelson Mandela, one of the greatest freedom fighters and political leaders of the 20th century, has died aged 95 surrounded by family at his Johannesburg home.

"Our nation has lost its greatest son. Our people have lost a father," South African president Jacob Zuma said in a live TV address to the nation.

"Although we knew this day would come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss. This is the moment of our deepest sorrow."

Hundreds of South Africans gathered outside the house in the middle of the night for an impromptu vigil, dancing the "Madiba jive", singing anti-apartheid songs and shouting "Viva Mandela!". Some were draped in flags, others still wore their pyjamas.

South Africa's archbishop emeritus Desmond Tutu said Mr Mandela had healed a divided nation. "We are relieved that his suffering is over, but our relief is drowned by our grief. May he rest in peace and rise in glory," he said.

I remember him on the day he was in Melbourne - October 1990, eight months after his release from prison in South Africa, three-and-a-half years before he would be elected the country's president. After 27 years as a political prisoner of South Africa's apartheid government, he was on an international tour to thank those whose pressure finally led to his release. Australia's unions, then under Bob Hawke, had been among those supporters and now Mr Mandela had come to thank the man who became prime minister.

Wendy and I went up to Melbourne to the gathering to welcome Nelson Mandela to Melbourne. It was at the building that once was the Olympic swimming pool. There was an African concert first, then Nelson Mandela arrived. I was excited and jumped up and down and people cheered and cheered. We sat upstairs and downstairs could see some of our relatives – a cousin married to a Gyana man. It was an event I will always remember.

Vatuadova children and their Christmas breakup

from w
One of the Ratawa girls posted many photos on facebook of their Christmas breakup at Vatuadova village and what a good time the children had.

A rugby win for Fiji

from Peceli
Excellent win for the Fiji team.

Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens: Fiji romp to maiden triumph in Dubai

Argentina win Plate, Australia Bowl and France Shield titles

By

• Staff

Published Saturday, November 30, 2013

Joe Webber of New Zealand is tackled by Ramiro Moyano of Argentina during the Emirates Dubai Sevens Cup quarter-final at The Sevens stadium on November 30, 2013 in UAE. (GETTY)

Fiji clinched the Emirates Dubai Rugby Sevens for the first time defeating South Africa 29-17 in a pulsating Cup final at The Sevens on Saturday night.
The Pacific Islanders turned on the style to give former England coach Ben Ryan his third triumph in Dubai.

It was a sweet triumph for the Fijians who have been five times runners-up since Dubai became an event in the HSBC Sevens World Series.

Having swept aside England on Friday night, they were overwhelming favourites going into the final after handing New Zealand their heaviest defeat 44-0 in the semifinals.
Fiji were not only dazzling in attack but were superb in defence enjoying a 19-0 lead in the first half.

Benito Masilevu set them on the way by shrugging off a few tackles to race away from the halfway to score under the posts in the second minute.

Thereafter it was a dingdong battle with both sides committing a litany of errors before Fiji surged ahead a couple of tries in quick succession.

Masilevu touched down after strongman Pio Tuwai sold a couple of dummies on the left flank while Samisoni Viriviri sneaked across almost with the restart to score an unconverted try in the right corner.
Mulevoro scored a runaway try after Osea Koliniasu stole the ball from a South African scrum to give Fiji a 24-0 advantage.

South Africa staged a fightback of sorts with Fiji being down to six men scoring a couple of tries in quick succession.

Chelsin Kolble got South Africa on the scoreboard with an unconverted try in the left corneer while Sampie Mastriet added another soon after the restart.

But Fiji sealed victory with a minute remaining with Kolinisau jinxing his way through before Leo Naiksau put the finishing touches with Mulevoro adding the extra points.

New Deaconesses in Fiji

from w
Congratulations to all of the new deaconesses in Fiji on their graduation, especially Amaleini from Mali Island.

She writes on Facebook as follows:

BELOW ARE SOME OF THE PHOTOS OF COMMISSIONING AND GRADUATION OF AMALAINI ROKODOLO, ASENACA SIGABALAVU, MERENAISI MAOPA, SAINI ROGADI, UNAISI TUVOU. WE WERE GLAD THAT GOD PROVIDES THE WEATHER DURING THAT GREAT DAY. I WOULD LIKE TO CONVEY MY THANKS AND APPRECIATION TO THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTES TO ME PHYSICALLY AND THE MOST TO MY SPIRITUAL UPBRINGING, IT WAS UNFORGETTABLE DAY IN MY LIFE AND I WOULD LIKE TO THANK GOD ALMIGHTY THAT GIVES ME POWER AND STRENGTH TO ENCOUNTER CHALLENGES IN MY 3 YEARS TRAINING. FOR ME IT WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE TO WALK WITH GOD AND TO SEE WHO HE IS IS IN MY LIFE. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK GOD ALMIGHTY FOR HIS PROTECTION AND GUIDANCE IN 3 YRS OF TRAINING, THE MCIFR FOR ITS ACCEPTANCE AND SUPPORTIVE FOR MY 3 YRS. THE COLLEGE, METHODIST DEACONESS TRAINING AND DAVUILEVU THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE STAFFS FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND TEACHINGS THAT HELPS ME TO LEARN GREAT THINGS IN LIFE, TO ALL MY FAMILIES AND FRIENDS WHO MEET ME AND SUPPORT ME WHEN I AM IN NEED AND NOT FORGETTING THE NAULUVATU CIRCUIT CONGREGATIONS AND THE WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP FOR PROVIDING REFRESHMENT DURING GRADUATION THEY WERE LIKE MOTHER TO US BECAUSE OF THEIR LOVING AND CARING, MY PRAYERS THAT ALL WILL BE RICHLY BLESSED BY OUR GOOD LORD THE ALMIGHTY IN OUR DAILY JOURNEY WITH CHRIST.

Judge overules assessors in Driti case

from w
Most peculiar, most strange. Three assessors found Driti not guilty, but the judge did whatever he wanted. News just in from the Fiji Times.

Driti trial: Judge overturns assessors' not guilty opinion

By TEVITA VUIBAU
Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Update: 1:01PM FORMER land force commander Pita Driti has been remanded in custody after High Court judge Justice Paul Madigan overturned the assessors not guilty opinion.

Driti has been found guilty of the inciting mutiny charges. 

He will sentenced on December 10.

Kava tablets on sale and are they any good?

from w
I think kavakava tablets have been around for some time but a new one is being promoted a lot on Ausralian TV at present. It is just called Kava tablets and I thought this was really funny because the 'real thing' is so different. I wondered how much kava is needed for just one bottle - which sells for about $26 on the TV I think.
They say that this one can do marvellous things!  Hmm I wonder or is the placebo effect - believe in it and it will work.

General Information

Promotes calmness and alleviates anxiety. Sedative and relaxant Helps to relieve symptoms of nervous tension Assists to relieve symptoms of stress Helps to manage and relieve symptoms of mild anxiety Helps to relieve anxiety associated with menopause Assists to produce physical and mental relaxation Aids to relieve sleeplessness"

Warnings

Use only as directed and always read the label. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare practitioner

Common Uses

Suitable for individuals who suffer from or prone to symptoms and feelings of nervous tension, stress and anxiety Suitable for those who have difficulty sleeping Suitable for women who may be experiencing symptoms of increased anxiety as a result of menopausal changes

Ingredients

Piper methysticum (kava) extract equivalent to dry root and rhizome 2.4g Standardised to contain Kavalactones 60mg

Directions

Adults - Take one tablet daily with food, or as professionally prescribed

Adi Senimili Dyer has passed away

from Peceli
Adi Senimili is the same age as me and I knew her during childhood years when she went to St Mary's School.  Some people are special in life, and to me she was one of them. and a helpful person to the community and the vanua of Macuata and Fiji as a whole. Our condolences go to the yavuso Namara and the family in Naduri.
from Fiji Times today:

Province prepares for chiefly burial

Serafina Silaitoga
Monday, November 18, 2013

+ Enlarge this image

The late Adi Seinimili Dyer, in blue, with Adi Samanunu Katonivere. Picture: SUPPLIED

THE condolence gathering for the late Adi Senimili Dyer will begin today in the village of Naduri in Macuata.

Her younger brother, Taukei Namara Ratu Peni Sogia, said the vanua of Caumatalevu would head the gathering.

He said the body of the late chief would arrive in the village on Thursday for burial on Friday.

Ratu Peni described his sister as a woman of great courage and determination.

"She only reached Class 8 at Saint Mary's Primary School but she was determined to achieve high goals which included becoming the interim Minister for Women in the interim Qarase government," Ratu Peni said.

"She always helped everybody and did not differentiate anyone.

"Whoever came to her for help, no matter their race, she always went out of her way to help.

"The women in this coastal area of Macuata have also been assisted by her with community work and she always made sure the women were happy at the end of the day."

Ratu Peni said Naduri would certainly miss the advice and guidance always given by Adi Senimili during traditional functions.

"Whenever there is a village function I will have to inform her because she lives away from the village and she always advises us what to do," he said.

"And when she comes to the village during the function, I step back and let her take over. We will surely miss her."

Adi Senimili died in Vatukoula after a short illness. She was in the West visiting her children.

Fiji plays Samoa

from w
The family woke me up about 3 a.m. with their cheers from the lounge room. Fiji was playing Samoa rugby. And the winners were.....  Sorry if this is a spoiler for some keen rugby fans!

Rugby League World Cup 2013: Fiji beat Samoa in quarter-finals

SAMOA (0) 4

• Tries: Winterstein

FIJI (14) 22

• Tries: Groom, W Naiqama, Rociqa
 
• Goals: W Naiqama 5

Fiji will meet Australia in the World Cup semi-finals at Wembley next Saturday after a battling win over Samoa in Warrington.

Aaron Groom and Wes Naiqama both scored first-half tries while Vitale Junior Roqica went over later in the game.

Naiqama converted all three tries and kicked two penalties for the Fijians, who played with greater composure.

Antonio Winterstein scored the only try for Samoa, who lost Penani Manumalealii to injury in a disappointing display.

Semi-final line-up

New Zealand v England

Australia v Fiji

Ties to be played on 23 November

Fiji will now hope to do better than the 54-0 drubbing they received from the Kangaroos in the 2008 semi-finals.

Akuila Uate played a key role in the opening try, breaking through the Samoa line and passing inside for the supporting Groom to cross. Naiqama converted and added a penalty three minutes later.

Samoa were dealt a blow when half-back Manumalealii was forced off and they struggled with their shape thereafter.

Fiji enjoyed the better of the possession in a bruising encounter and extended their lead eight minutes before the break when Groom's kick was missed by the Samoa defence and Naiqama went in for a score he also converted.

Samoa found it hard to test the Fiji line but finally got their challenge up and running on 58 minutes when the ball was played across the line for Winterstein to dive in out wide, but Anthony Milford narrowly missed the touchline conversion.

The try lifted Samoa but Fiji inched further ahead 12 minutes from time when Tim Lafai was penalised and put on report for a high tackle on Jayson Bukuya and Naiqama kicked the penalty.

And Roqica ensured Fiji go into their semi-final on a positive note by crossing with two minutes remaining after a darting run from Akuila Uila and an offload from Apisai Koroisau.

A Fiji wedding in Melbourne

from w
Last night we attended a lovely wedding reception at Sunshine - (Melbourne) at St Bernadette's Hall for the son of our friends Sam and Doreen Naidu from near Werribee to a very nice young woman from Suva. They had their wedding in Nadi and now it was the turn to share with friends and relatives in Australia where they will be living. About 250 people were there, dressed in finery and saris and with lights flashing, and a smoke machine it was an interesting night. There were speeches, and Peceli, dressed in his alb, led some prayer and Christian words. The food of course was delicious even three kinds of pilau, puri, curries, chutneys and plenty of drinks. We shared a table with a woman who originally came from Labasa so there was plenty of talk, and three girls from Adelaide. Items such as an Indian girl dancing, and two groups of Fijian young men performed mekes, and invited some of the guests to join in a tuiboto which was entertaining. The music was very loud, but that's how it is with the DJ's running the shows these days. My photos weren't very good because of the flashing lights and smoke but here are a few.

Eseta's beautiful stole designs

from w
I had noticed these lovely stoles in photos taken at the time of the Methodist Conference. Now the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania magazine 'Crosslight' has highlighted this beautiful gift to Fiji. The upbeat story is rather different from the stories of the pathetic manner of dealing with church people byp the head office in Melbourne planning to sell of about 56 church properties in Victoria to repay a huge debt owed to Uniting Financial Services in Sydney because of mismanagement of a school building project.

Stoles for Fiji

BY CROSSLIGHT ⋅ NOVEMBER 3, 2013 ⋅ POST A COMMENT

Methodists gather in Fiji

One of the most striking images of the new look of the Methodist Church in Fiji are the elaborate stoles unveiled as part of the church’s first national gathering for seven years in August.

Designed and made by Uniting Church ministers Rev Chris and Rev Eseta Meneilly, the stoles were unveiled at the national conference’s induction service and will be worn by the President Dr Tuikilakila Waqairatu, Vice President Ratu Eroni Volavola, General Secretary Rev Tevita Banivanua and Assistant General Secretary Rev Dr Epineri Vakadewavosa.

Each stole is unique in design and the project took about four months to complete. The Meneillys have been designing stoles for several years including having some displayed in the Immigration Museum in Melbourne. They also have a long association with Fiji which is Eseta’s homeland and where Chris studied and was ordained as a minister of the Methodist Church in Fiji.

Both are currently in full-time ministry in Bendigo, about 150 km north of Melbourne.

During a visit to Australia earlier this year, Dr Waqairatu and Mr Banivanua were made aware of Eseta’s work and commissioned her to make the stoles for the office bearers.

The stoles incorporate a new logo as well as Christian and Fijian symbols in an artistic design and include a Fijian traditional tapa design which identifies with water, mountain, the sea, the ‘vanua’.

Coconut fibre sinnet (magimagi) encircles and binds everything together and also forms a Trinitarian representation. The red or blue yoke is a sign of office and the call to ‘carry the load’ of leadership. Symbols of Christian identity are balanced throughout the design with dove, cross, and Bible.

For Eseta, making liturgical stoles depicting Fijian and Christian symbols is the story of her faith journey.

It has been a journey formed primarily in the Methodist Church in Fiji then encouraged into ordained ministry in the Uniting Church.

The highlight of this work for Eseta is the recognition that the stoles are unique and now worn with appreciation by the leaders of the Methodist Church in Fiji.

Reconciliation was a key part of the Fijian conference as the Methodist Church seeks to forge a new direction in the country.

Planting trees in Seaqaqa

from w
What a good idea, to think ahead and plant 40 mahogany trees so that they will be ready to harvest in several years - for retirement.  Not many people think about the future like that.  Here's a man from Seaqaqa who's doing that  A member of our family has planted pine trees and some mahogany also thinking ahead, but his plan is for education of the family.

40 'twilight' trees

Lote Raboila
Friday, November 01, 2013

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Amkar Prasad with one of his sandalwood trees. Picture: SUPPLIED

AS a sugarcane farmer, Amkar Prasad 55, of Lalakoro in Seaqaqa knows all too well that when the time comes to give up farming, he has no retirement fund on which to lean on to take care of himself in his twilight years. It was with this in mind he, three years ago, set about putting into motion a back-up plan that includes 40 sandalwood (santalum) of the paniculatum species which he planted as investment for when he retires.

"I don't have superannuation deducted from my income like most working people so I planted the sandalwood trees as my retirement money because sandalwood fetches a good price," Amkar said.

Sandalwood is a class of fragrant wood tree valued for the essential oils extracted from its core. Depending on the species, the trees are harvested anywhere from seven to 20 years of age. Both the wood and the oil produce a distinctive fragrance that has been highly valued for centuries. Sandalwood was a much sought after commodity in the area of Bua Bay, Vanua Levu in the early 19th century.

Locally, sandalwood fetches up to $200 a kilogram or $200,000 a tonne. According to the Department of Forestry, last year sandalwood exports amounted to $2.59million. This was an upward shift from $1.57m in 2011 and $2.27m in 2010.

While Amkar waits for this sandalwood plantation to bear fruit, he continues to work his 33-acre farm of which approximately half is under sugar cane of which he harvests between 300 and 400 tonnes annually and 10,000 pineapples.

He also does a mixed crop of vegetables for his family's subsistence.

His farm is also diversified to include 20 heads of cattle and 25 goats.

Sugar cane is doing well this year with the price at $62.58 per tonne which is expected to increase to a record $80.74 per tonne by the end of the year. Last year, the cane price was $58 per tonne.

Amkar took over the farm from his mother-in-law Indra Wati in 2002 with her permission acquiring power of attorney after she relocated to Suva. Indra is a client of the Fiji Development Bank and by proxy, Amkar as well. Amkar has since taken steps to take over the lease, the transfer of which is in progress.

The farm has been financed under FDB's all-purpose sugarcane product since 1998. The product offers financial assistance for land development, land purchase, construction of farm house, farm vehicles, machinery, equipment, implements and working capital to eligible sugarcane farmers.

* Lote Raboila is the media and community relations officer of the Fiji Development Bank.

Remembering Doug Brown

from w
I remember Doug Brown and his family, but it was a long time ago when they lived in Fiji - at Navuso Agricultural College and then Lakena. Below is a Fiji media story about Doug. A longer excellent tribute is on the blog of Graham Davis. Check it out as http://www.grubsheet.com.au/?p=4261&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=doug-brown-a-tribute

Former minister dies

Harold Koi
Wednesday, October 30, 2013

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Douglas Walkden Brown and his family in 1965. Picture: COURTESY OF WALKDEN-BROWN FAMILY

FORMER Minister for Agriculture Douglas Walkden Brown died in Armidale, NSW, Australia. He was 92.

Mr Brown played a significant role in the development of Fiji's agriculture sector, once the country's main backbone earner.

He also managed the national rugby team that toured England, Wales and France in 1964. After graduating from Hawkesbury Agricultural College and serving in the Australian Air Force during WWII, Mr Brown sought to do mission work with the Methodist Overseas Mission.

In late 1946, he was offered positions in Tonga, Samoa, Fiji and India.

He accepted a teaching position at the Navuso Agricultural School in 1947 and became principal in 1948.

In 1949, he married Barbara Curtis and started his family at Navuso, retiring in 1960 for health reasons to farm on his own.

In 1966, he was elected to the legislative council and became the parliamentary secretary for agriculture under the leadership of Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.

In 1971, Mr Brown became Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries after independence.

He retained his post until 1980 when he resigned for health reasons.

Mr Brown continued his role in Fiji's political arena as a backbencher until 1981 when he became Fiji's consul-general in Sydney.

He returned to Fiji in 1983 as consultant for the Department for Lands and finally retired in 1994.

"Things that impressed me were his sense of humour and a wonderful singing voice," said daughter Angela.

"He was both stern (I was a bit lamu!) but also very warm-hearted."

She said in his political days, she was proud that he could speak the iTaukei language well enough to do radio broadcasts and speeches at political rallies

She said she felt good that he could speak the lingo of the land.

Alf Taylor, who worked with Mr Brown at Navuso, recalls: "Doug is a man who means a great deal to me. He was a talented planner and we enjoyed many hours working on ideas for how to improve things at Navuso".

Mr Taylor added Mr Brown was not as strong in the "practicalities" department and well remembers the latter's wife, Barbara, asking him for help in fixing various household breakdowns.

Mr Brown was a former resident of Navuso, Nausori, Suva and Nadroga.

He is survived by his children Jenni, David, Angela, Stephen, Andrew, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.