May 2 2014

Friday May 2, 2014www.fijitimescanada.com The Fiji Times Canada 1 ARE YOU IN DEBT? WE CAN HELP!!!! REDUCE YOUR DEBT Tahir Malik FREE CONSULTATION Advice you can count on Open 7 Days a Week By Appointment 75 by up to % High Commissioner of Fiji HE Mr Solo Mara has been shortlisted out of 70 candidates this year for the 2nd Grassroot Diplomat Initiative Award. The award recognizes UK-based politicians and diplomats who are representing civilian interests at the highest level in areas of policy, social and business overall. The High Commissioner is nominated for promoting the cultural identity of Fiji to over 30,000 Diaspora Fijians in the UK. Fiji is a small island, northeast of New Zealand with a rough population of 850,000 people. Considering the staggering distance between Fiji and the UK, the physical distance of 17,000 kilometres has kept many second and third generation Fijians feeling disconnected from their home island. 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When returning to Fiji on holidays, the High Commissioner noted that many of his British-Fijian constituents told him that they felt embarrassed to know so little of their culture and history and felt misplaced when visiting. This feeling of disconnectedness is an overarching problem for Pacific islanders on getting their voices seriously heard by the international community, even if their case on the mitigation of climate change is a strong one. Mr Mara has a very strong sense of mission to promote Fiji’s cultural identity in the UK and has planned very successful exhibitions, cultural shows and seminars to cities across the UK since becoming High Commissioner in September 2011. His cultural shows had sparked great desire from young people to learn the language. Mr Mara planned a major exhibition in PAFCO: 50 Years On NEARLY 70 per cent of the world's annual tuna harvest comes from the Pacific. And according to Pacific Fishing Company chairman Ikbal Jannif, a large part of that was sourced from the western and central regions of the ocean, the home fishing grounds for PAFCO suppliers. Speaking at the company's recent 50th anniversary celebration in Suva, Mr Jannif said PAFCO had come a long way since it was first registered on February 19, 1963. He said operations began a year later in 1964, almost a decade after the idea of a Fiji tuna processing company was born in the late 1950s. Origins The idea to begin PAFCO operations was seen as a way of helping to fill the economic gap that was created by the declining copra industry in the Lomaiviti Group. Mr Jannif said this idea was taken up and implemented prior to independence. "When the possibility of a tuna processing plant was first mooted, several Levuka residents were able to influence the decision-makers to encourage the Japanese investors to build the plant in Levuka," he said. "With only a trans shipment depot and a 2000-tonnes capacity freezer, the Pacific Fishing Company or PAFCO began to make a name for itself as a supplier of premium Pacific Ocean tuna to international markets." Venu Shipping Limited owner Ben Naidu also shared a bit of PAFCO history with his peers, saying the copra industry in the Old Capital began to slump about the same time the colonial era started fading. He said the rhinoceros beetle played a part in the copra industry's demise on Levuka. "The copra industry itself was moved to Suva and there was nothing much for the people of Levuka to do. Some had moved on after. "The colonial secretary called everyone into the town hall and said they were free to go so quite a lot of people moved out of Levuka and those that remained including Ratu Mara and some prominent Levuka people worked together. "They went to Japan and asked that a pineapple and lolly factory be erected in Levuka. The Japanese investors said there were a lot of sweet factories in Japan already and thought of opening PAFCO, a fish factory to act as a transit point in the Pacific, where fish could be transferred from there to Japan." PAFCO was initially owned and managed by a Japanese company and many theories had been offered as to why the company was not profitable or paid no taxes. Mr Jannif said this resulted in a change of ownership in the late 1980s, with 99.5 per cent owned by the government, and local investors owning the remaining shares. This shareholding, he said, remained the same today. Contribution to Levuka's economy PAFO means a lot to Lomaiviti and is the mainstay of Levuka's economy, paying about $8million in wages to families who reside in the Old Capital and those who had come from the outer islands of Lomaiviti to work in Levuka. "With nearly 1000 employees at the peak of the season every year, PAFCO certainly is the largest employer on Levuka and our local staff members are the company's best workers because they are honest and loyal to PAFCO," Mr Jannif said. "Even after 50 years, PAFCO continues to invest significantly in its operations. We had a meeting and quite a large amount of investment was listed but we will need to take this through the board to our shareholders before anything can be confirmed." He said the local workforce comprised line supervisors, leading hands and skilled and general workers. collaboration with the British Museum and a number of universities in the UK on Fijian culture and is currently plugging into Fiji’s history of rugby to develop outreach programmes ready for Rugby World Cup in 2014. The High Commissioner has plenty of spark and energy to see his commitment through and his accessibility to his constituents make him an ideal grassroot diplomat. Talyn Rahman-Figueroa, Director of Grassroot Diplomat, said: “The award illustrates that we do have government representatives that actively work on meeting the people’s needs and we must focus on bringing more positive role models into society and diminish negative news – that is the grassroot diplomacy way”. The awards ceremony will be a public event at the Mayfair Hotel in Central London on May 15. It will be hosted by TV Psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos. As the former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry awaits his sentencing, his lawyer asked the court to dismiss his charges without recording a conviction as Chaudhry wants to contest the elections. Chaudhry’s lawyer, Matthew Hutchings told High Court Judge Justice Paul Madigan that Chaudhry is the leader of the Fiji Labour Party and elections are to be held in which the party will field candidates. Hutchings said that his client intends to stand for the elections and a conviction will mean that Chaudhry will not be able to stand as a candidate. Hutchings also presented a local doctor’s medical report stating that Chaudhry is suffering from diabetes, heart diseases and cardiac conditions. The High Court Judge then asked Hutchings on Chaudhry’s means to pay a fine and whether his ability to pay a fine will be a problem. Justice Madigan also asked Hutchings to ask his client about the value of his house and other assets. Chaudhry through his lawyer informed the court that the value of his house is not more than $300,000 and the only other property is his vehicle. The penalty for such charges range from two years imprisonment to fines amounting to three times of the value of the original amount in the offence. The first count against Chaudhry is in relation to failure to surrender foreign currency, where Mahendra Chaudhry between November 2000 and July Mahendra Chaudhry’s Lawyer Asks For No Conviction Recording 2010 retained the sum of 1.5 million Australian dollars for his own benefit without the consent of the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji. The second count is in relation to dealing in foreign currency without permission. The third count relates to Chaudhry having the right to receive a sum of $1.5 million Australian dollars from the financial institutions in Australia and New Zealand, caused the delay of payment of the sum, in whole or in part, to himself by authorizing the continual investment of the sum together with interest acquired back into financial institutions without the permission of the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji. $80,000 Hotel Upgrade ONE of the Capital City's renowned landmarks will soon boast a stylish restaurant, karaoke bar and spa centre when refurbishment works are completed in about three months. Noble House, soon to be renamed as Yue Lai Hotel, has been under renovation since late January, and according to office manager Arveena Devi, the project would boost the tourism industry and provide employment opportunities. "We are investing about $80,000 on the renovations and bought the building for $2million," she told this newspaper. "We've got some professional workers coming in from Thailand and Philippines. There will be opportunities for locals and we'll also have a trainer from China come in to teach locals skills at the restaurant." She said the completion of renovations on the three-storey building would attract tourists and visitors to the Capital City and provide much-needed employment for people. "The owner's reason for investing in Fiji is because he feels safe and secure, and says the stability in the country is the driving force for investment and growth. "At the moment, we have workers from the Philippines and others are coming in from Thailand. "There will be professional workers as cooks and staff members." She said management was trying to contact the owner of the run-down building beside the landmark as its deteriorating state would not complement the look of the revamped Noble House. es m T I THE FIJI CANADA 4 Friday May 2, 2014 Fiji News www.fijitimescanada.com Business and tourism sector excited with the return of this Fiji Airways service Business and tourism sector “They might prefer to stay in hotels 4 the closer to Suva because Suva is just representatives are overjoyed with introduction of Fiji Airways’ Suva- the entry point but the surrounds even Sydney-Suva flights from Friday. as far as Pacific Habour, the Navua Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association attractions and going to Tailevu etc. president, Dixon Seeto, said when “So Suva will become the base for the previously the service was operating, it Eastern parts.” had quite a strong following. Development and revival “It had a very strong following Mr Seeto further believes the Suvaespecially by the business sector and Sydney-Suva service might also see 4 the diplomatic sector who wanted to more development along the Korovou come to Suva which is the capital for to Rakiraki corridor which is more 4 their business,” he said. accessible from the central side. “With this new direct service, it would “Government already has tax free surely develop traffic other than incentives in place for development in business. some of these areas,” Mr Seeto said. “There are a lot of people who come “So this new service can be a catalyst to Suva and we hope to develop some for a lot of good things and a lot of tourist traffic as well.” development for this part of Fiji and As part of government’s pledge to Mr Seeto is confident this service will also going into the future.” bring in more tourists, not only to Suva, Mr Seeto feels the service can also improve service delivery, a total of $110,000 was awarded as grants but also Pacific Harbour, Korovou- revive tourism in Pacific Harbour. Rakiraki and the greater Eastern area “You have Nanuku Resort coming up to established institutions for older overall. and you have the Pearl of the South persons by the national council of older “It is not only Suva – it is the area Pacific development already in Pacific persons (NCOP). around the capital and extending out Harbour and it would develop more The Minister for Social Welfare, into the country that will become once the demand starts to build up,” he Women & Poverty Alleviation Dr Jiko Luveni said during the handover accessible,” he said. said. ceremony that this assistance is due to government’s commitment towards promoting an inclusive, protective, healthy and enabling environment for older persons. She highlighted that the assistance will ensure that those elderly Canada persons living in various institutions will continue to be looked after. Suva-Sydney Flight Welcomed Institutions Welcome Grant Allocation For Elderly Assistance The Fiji Times Suva Relief Trust and Pearce Home chairperson Linley Barrack acknowledged the government for placing importance in the elderly and for setting up of NCOP. “It shows government values old people communities and also sends a message to the wider society,” said Barrack. The seven institutions who have signed the grants agreement include Channel Home of Compassion; father Law Home, Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS), Housing Assistance Relief Trust (HART), Society of Saint Vincent De Paul, Senior Citizens Ba Community Centre and Suva Relief Trust and Pearce Home. 0% Line dit www.fijitimescanada.com Fiji News Friday May 2, 2014 5 or 1 Yr) 1.Insured Mortgages only (when you pay less than 20% down) 2.Fixed maturity date- September 1, 2017 3.Regular mortgage with all features 4.120 days rate commitment 5. RENEW your mortgage provided you bought with less than 20% down. Fiji Eyes Emirates For Sugar Export Market 39% r Fixed Fiji will export sugar to the United outcomes for the sugar industry as a Arab Emirates if negotiations with whole. 3 Year Fixed stakeholders are successful. Over the past 20 years, the ISO has Fiji Sugar Corporation executive evolved from an almost irrelevant 2.69% chairman Abdul Khan said the decision commodity organisation with a to pursue new sugar markets was questionable future into the largest because of stability in market trends. inter-governmental commodity “These are markets like in the Middle organisation in the world. East, Bangladesh and China. The issue The group has now 87 member for us at the moment is the premium countries, including, most recently, we are getting at the moment from the Sri Lanka, which joined us a couple of European Union, the market prices are months ago. reasonable,” Mr Khan said. On the ground farmers like 50-year-old change 5 in Nadi has praised “The UAE’s position as a new economic Please Kanti Lal ofthe Solovi fixed rate for to 3.04% player on the global stage augurs well years government its efforts to improve for Fiji as a sugar-producing nation. (30 and sustain sugar industry. days quick the close) “There are two things that we got to no“I thank Government for introducing other change look at because the industry is capital the CBUL programme for farmers to intensive a lot of costs are fixed costs. utilise idle land. Most farmers have “At the last International Sugar capitalised on this initiative,” Mr. Lal Organization meet held in Nadi said. the Prime Minister, who heads the “The cane payment system has Sugar portfolio, said we needed more improved,” Mr. Lal said. engagement, more co-operation, more A carpenter by profession, he left understanding of each other’s positions his work to become a sugarcane and points of view.” farmer after witnessing the changes Prime Minister Bainimarama is Government implemented to improve confident the ISO will deliver better the sugar industry. Years *
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YEARS RATE 2.54% 2.74% Miss World Fiji named their top 10 finalists to compete for the Miss World Fiji title. Selected are Shayal Esther Kumar, Liku Gucake, Charlene Tafunai, Bulou Rokotuiwai, Salanieta Koro, Christina Sharndil, Vasiti Radekedeke, Kelera Rokovereni, Teresia Weeks, Asena Weleilakeba. The final is scheduled for July 26 at Pearl South Pacific Resort. “This is a golden opportunity to impress upon the world that Fiji is well qualified to host the Miss World event so we are going all out to make the Miss World Fiji unforgettable,” said Pearl South Pacific Resort’s general Miss World Fiji Names Top 10 Finalists manager Natalie Marletta. National director Andhy Blake said choosing the top ten was a challenge. “We are fortunate to have a country with so many beautiful girls, so the ones chosen really had to stand out. Natalie and Aisea Konrote, the two other judges, were unanimous on those selected,” said Blake. In the lead up to the finals, the chosen contestants will undergo eight weeks of training in presentation and appearance. They will also participate in events hosted by the pageant sponsors. The 2014 Miss World will be held in London in November. Firefighters For UN Mission Fijian firefighters are ready for United Nations peacekeeping duties when required. National Fire Authority board chairman Commander Francis Kean has confirmed their readiness. He said he would arrange a meeting with the Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), Brigadier-General Mosese Tikoitoga, to ask for one or two places for NFA to fill in peacekeeping duties. RFMF Land Force Commander Colonel Ratu Jone Kalouniwai said that one of the requirements by the United Nations for peacekeeping duties was to have firefighters. He said currently the Fiji Naval Division had qualified firefighters and they were fulfilling this requirement. However, he said for the future they would look to the NFA as they also had professional firefighters. He said another requirement for peacekeeping duties was for medical people to be included. Before, he said, the RFMF was responsible but now they had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Health to fulfill this requirement and it had started with the troops to the Golan Heights. Colonel Ratu Jone said if firefighters from the NFA would be used they would also sign a MOU. Commander Kean said the firefighters had undergone professional training which would be useful in peacekeeping assignments. He said this was part of their expanded role. He alluded to this expanded role when he spoke during the graduation parade for the 35 NFA recruits last Friday. But he did not mention the peacekeeping assignment. He said the NFA had expanded its role from its traditional firefighting capacity to a more encompassing emergency provider. This included the provision of road accident rescue, flood water rescue, hazardous materials rescue, urban search and rescue, emergency ambulance service, oil spill incident response, hazard response and assistance in natural disaster response. “This means that the role of a firefighter is now more complex and involves multi-emergency rescue operations,” Commander Kean said. Corrections Service and Police officers are already part of peacekeeping duties overseas. Overseas Training Go with an open mind and grasp all you can learn to strengthen the leadership in the public service. Acting deputy secretary at the Prime Ministers office Naipote Katonitabua conveyed this message to participants who will attend the China Executive Leadership Academy Pudong this year. Mr Katonitabua was a part of a 45-member senior official delegation that was trained at the academy last year. "There are different areas of responsibilities in China that is similar to that of Fiji," he said. "Although the magnitude of China is bigger than Fiji, a small nation such as ours can learn so much from how they conduct their leadership and relationship amongst themselves and other international nations." He said the training was an eye-opener and he learnt significant lessons that had helped him in his professional career. mes T I THE FIJI The Fiji Times Canada is now Available online www.fijitimescanada.com CANADA 6 Friday May 2, 2014 Fiji News www.fijitimescanada.com Landowners Collect $33M In Rent 6 More than 1600 landowning units have Toko and Vatia in Tavua. earned about $33.27million in rent Mr Naiceru said they successfully subsidy since 2008. renewed more than 80 leases with This is after the establishment of 189 sugarcane farmers leasing the Committee on Better Utilisation Navusabalavu land. of Land (CBUL) initiated by Prime Ministry of Sugar permanent secretary Minister Rear Admiral Josaia Voreqe Manasa Vaniqi said more than 6000 Bainimarama. cane farmers in the Western and After the formation of CBUL the rate Northern Division have benefitted of Agricultural Landlord and Tenant 6 under the CBUL. Act (ALTA) lease renewals increased “A total of 7864 cane leases expired to 80 per cent in 2013 from 43 per cent since 2008, out of which 6241 were 6 renewed. As for non-cane farming in 1997. The objective of CBUL is to ensure leases such as dairy and other expired ALTA leases are renewed agricultural leases, 1190 were renewed for sugarcane farming and to allow out of 2308 leases,” Mr Vaniqi said. landowners and farmers achieve a “The total leases expired since 2008 higher return through the conversion were 10,132 and total renewals done of land into productive agricultural and amount to 7431. Our target for 2015 is commercial use. 2000 renewals to 85 per cent. ” The Prime Minister said more ITaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) agricultural leases than ever were general manager, Alipate Qetaki now being renewed with landowners said the CBUL, landowners were realising the advantages of re-leasing encouraged to renew land leases. their land. Sugarcane farmer, Ram Ratan of One of the biggest landowning units in Veisaru, Ba said the lease renewal of Tavua, Navusabalavu has seen better his three acre land gave him a new returns from their land after re-leasing hope to continue farming. it to tenants (farmers) for sugarcane “My family of four relies on farming. sugarcane farming for income and Navusabalavu landowning unit head, survival. If it had not been for the Manasa Naiceru said they have 100 lease renewal, I would have to vacate per cent renewals for their sugarcane the land and find a new place to start farming land in Tagitagi, Yasiyasi, all over again. I applied for my cane land lease renewal in 2012 and it was approved in 2013 for 30 years,” Mr Ratan said. “I praise the Bainimarama Government for their efforts and especially, the Prime Minister for thinking about us farmers. I believe the land is the only thing in the world worth working for because it’s the only thing that lasts.” Mr Vaniqi highlighted the Fijian Government’s political will to revive and sustain the sugar industry as it supported the livelihoods of around 200,000 Fijians. “Government raised the unimproved capital value (UCV) to 10 per cent from 6 per cent and subsidized 50 per cent of the increased UCV. The other half is paid by the tenants and it was a substantial benefit to the landowners. It also encouraged farmers to come back to sugarcane farming.” PS Vaniqi said Fiji’s dairy industry also took advantage of opportunities provided through CBUL. “The dairy industry, such as Tailevu North and Waibau in Naitasiri and some other agricultural farming areas also capitalised on CBUL initiative,” he said. “At the same time for sugar sector, we are now able to produce around two million tonnes of cane with the mill capacity at 4.2 million tonnes. David Lingam Publisher 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. The Fiji Times Canada Ltd Email: [email protected] www.fijitimescanada.com Surrey BC Tel: 604-909-4088 SUVA lawyer Richard Naidu made an application for a judicial review on the case of the 11 former students of Labasa Sangam College who were awarded zero marks in their biology paper during the 2012 Fiji Seventh Form Examination. Mr Naidu appeared before Justice Kamal Kumar and said the judicial review concerned the bad process that led to an unjust result. He said the Ministry of Education acted on suspicions, using a "socalled standard operating procedure" that they even accepted they did not Judicial Review follow to mark the biology papers zero. "The Ministry of Education bureaucrats assembled a set of facts and drew unsafe conclusions from them, which condemned the nine applicants as examination cheats, without giving them an opportunity to be heard on these adverse conclusions," Mr Naidu said. He said education was a basic right and for students with modest means, it was the only way they could get a better future. J A M E S T R A V E L S E R V I C E BC Reg. #22736 Years of experience in travel industry Provides professional,hassel free service Specialized in fares to: Cruises FIJI also AUSTRALIA Available NEW ZEALAND SOUTH PACIFIC ISLANDS Email:[email protected] #202B - 8556 120th Street, Surrey BC 6 0 4 . 5 9 9 . 9 5 1 8 www.fijitimescanada.com Fiji News Friday May 2, 2014 7 Australian and Deputy Supervisor of Elections, Michael Clancy has expressed confidence in Mohammed Saneem's ability to lead ahead of the September 17 election saying he is "very well qualified." He is also confident the Elections Office could meet set deadlines based on work that has been done so far. Addressing the media in Suva, Clancy said being a local, Saneem knows what has been done and what is left to be done thus far. “I think we have a really good mix, because Saneem is the local expert and is very well qualified in the position he’s undertaking whereas myself and Robin (Boyd- Director Operations) are very experienced in elections," he said. Mohammed Saneem Is Very WellQualified: Clancy “As I’ve only been here, I’m just getting my head around that what I’ve seen the planning is on track, at this stage I don’t see any reason why we can’t have the election at the time stated," he said. He is no stranger to the conduct of election in Fiji having running courses for the Electoral Commission for the 2006 Election. “I can say that we have a very effective team and every elections has its challenges but the directors and all the staff that I met are very committed to making sure that every citizen has the opportunity to vote in a free and fair elections,” he said. Meanwhile, the Fijian Elections Office released a provisional list of polling venues for the 2014 Election. Australia To Head Observers FIJI has approached Australia to head the team of observer groups during the September 17 general election. Attorney-General Aiyaz SayedKhaiyum said this after meeting the visiting Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Brett Mason, in Sigatoka. "They have agreed to do so on the basis that there should be a co-leader as far as observer groups are concerned," Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said. "So it will be Australia together with another country leading the observer groups. We'll figure out which country very soon." Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said there would be some regulations to follow while selecting the second co-leader. "We will prefer to have a country from perhaps a growing democracy. We hope to get some momentum on that next week and work out the terms of reference for the country. "I understand that some political parties, possibly for the sake of gaining your attention, have been making comments about why there should be a terms of reference. "Any observer group that comes along to Fiji has a terms of reference. All we are saying is that the terms of reference for the observer groups needs to be something fairly practical and needs to have some definitions in terms of credibility. "The other point is when you talk about the observer groups, basically we want assessments. These are assessments from which we can all learn from." Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said bringing in observer groups was the best way to ensure capacity building for Fijians. From left: Michael Clancy, Mohammed Saneem and Robin Boyd Water Ambassadors TWO students from University of Fiji were selected to represent the country for the inaugural World Young Water Ambassadors Assembly meeting in Istanbul, Turkey, later this month. Assistant lecturer at the university's School of Science and Technology Dhrishna Charan said they received an invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to submit nominations for the meeting. "After sending five names and resumes of science students between the ages of 16 to 20, two of our students, Jennis Naidu and Patricia Morgam have been selected," he said. "The students will be leaving in the last week of the semester." According to a statement from the ministry, the water ambassadors project is aimed at raising awareness among users about the effective utilisation and protection of water resources. Help Wanted We have an immediate opening for kitchen HELP. Must have a minimum of 2 years experience and be fluent in Hindi and English. Must be able to handle pressure. Please fax resume to: 778-593-0519 The Fiji Times Canada 8 Friday May 2, 2014 Fiji News www.fijitimescanada.com Administrator Chandu Umaria have been shelved. 8 says the market will have more stalls, supermarkets, retail shops, accommodation, conference centre and other "I can stand as an independent amenities candidate but it will just split the votes and you will not be able to show the The Suva Market and the bus station - Traffic congestion – To ensure that world whether you support dictatorship will be redeveloped at a cost of $60 the market and bus station do not of parliamentary democracy." million. contribute to the congestion now and Mr Rabuka has called on his supporters And according to Suva City special in the future with provision for a two to stand up for what he stood for in administrator Chandu Umaria floor bus station. value for the people. the council was working with the Mr Umaria said members of the public 8 "…They stand up for what I stood for Government on this project. could inspect the design plan displayed in value for the people, good values “It will have more stalls, supermarkets, at the weekend at the vendors’ and racial harmony. retail shops, accommodations, accommodation room. He has also 8 "Racial harmony is acknowledging our conference centre, a new air appealed to ratepayers and the public differences but working together as conditioned fish market, cool storage to make the most when shopping in the and other amenities,” Mr Umaria said. Suva Market since it is almost weather AFTER being sacked by the Social one nation." He claimed that he was sacked by He said some of the objectives of the friendly. Democratic and Liberal Party SODELPA executives last week new Suva Bus Station and Suva Market Before the end of the year he said executives, former prime minister projects are as follows: members of the public would see a new Sitiveni Rabuka says he will enjoy his because of a move initiated by the party's women and youth wing. - Market vendors – To ensure that look Raiwaqa Market and new mini- life as a non-politician. Mr Rabuka said the women and the market needs are catered for. markets in the capital city. "My best plan is just to do nothing youth were not happy with his role in - Economic – To ensure the market will He said the council in partnership and enjoy the rest of my life as a nonthe 1987 coup. cater for the rural and urban economy, with the Ministry of Health and World politician," Mr Rabuka said. create more employment. Health Organisation (WHO) had He claimed Fiji had a different political "They were not happy with my role in the coup 27 years ago. They went to - Future expansion – To ensure that the declared Suva as smoke-free city. landscape — one where people are the party leader with their complaints space is available for future expansion. “The market and bus station have been against military dictatorship and and I was told to go," he said. - Parking spaces – Provide sufficient declared as smoke-free zones.” second where people are champions of "Just like that I was sacked. But I have and accessible parking spaces for all For smokers, the council will provide parliamentary democracy. patrons. smoking booths in all designated areas. "I have been dropped from SODELPA no ill feelings towards anybody. The women are the pillars of our society which means it is also untenable for me and the youths are the future. to be with the sympathising parties like "So it was only right for me to adhere NFP, FLP and PDP," Mr Rabuka said. to the demands they had." CHINA Railway First Group spent "Since they started work with us, they He said all the "blokes" who had In a statement, SODELPA said Mr around $NZ1million ($F1.57m) to have changed a few things, mainly previously taken part in Fijian politics Rabuka was no longer with the party. contract OPUS International as a those dealing with the specifications of consultant adviser for its Dreketi- field materials used in the project. Nabouwalu highway project. "They are using the American standard Speaking during a media tour of of engineering and that will now be Immigration Counsellors Ltd. the Dreketi-Nabouwalu highway, used throughout the project." the company's Dreketi-Nabouwalu Mr Peng said since the project started, project engineer Jeff Peng said it had been relying on New Zealand Opus International would carry out and Australian engineering standards. consultant works mainly dealing with "However now we will rely greatly on WE KNOW IMMIGR ATION MAT TERS! the standard of materials used for the the advice of the consultant agency who project. will give us a direction for engineering WE ARE AN EXPERIENCED AND Mr Peng said about $F285,000 would standards. FULLY QUALIFIED CERTIFIED TEAM be used for bridge designs along the "OPUS International will only be OF IMMIGRATION EXPERTS. highway. involved in the project as an advisory "OPUS International is a world agency. “SUP ER VISA” renowned engineering consultant "They have also been engaged by • Provincial Nominee programs for all Provinces company that has its own team CRFG to specifically design the • British Columbia of engineers, designers, planners, 14 bridges intended for the road • Sasketchewan @mkcoca researchers and advisers," he said. refurbishment project." $60M Upgrade Set For Suva Market, Bus Stand Sitiveni Rabuka, A NonPolitician $1.57M To Contract Consultants M. Khan & Company “Many Professions in DeManD” FIJI Fashion Week will celebrate 100 years of fashion in Fiji at its annual fashion week event this month. And what's more appropriate is that this historical feat coincides with the 100-year birthday of the crown jewel of the Pacific, the Grand Pacific Hotel —the venue of the 2014 FJFW. GPH, which opened on May 23, 1914, was the fashion hub of the Pacific. The Governor at the time, Sir Ernest Bickham Sweet-Escott, stood by to conduct the formalities of the day as women in their Edwardian heavily embellished finery arrived. When the FJFW gets underway on May 26, the modern contemporary fashions will be showcased both on the catwalk and on fashion show that Dress For Success • Manitoba plan their wardrobe very carefully for this event. Fiji Fashion Week managing director Ellen Whippy-Knight said there would never be another moment like this in Fijian history. "You only turn 100 once and Fiji Fashion Week is giving Fijians the opportunity to celebrate 100 years of fashion by purchasing your tickets to Fiji Fashion Week and experiencing the historic ambience that is the Grand Pacific Hotel," she said. "We are the first event there that has full access to the hotel." It has been exactly 22 years since the Grand Pacific Hotel closed its doors in 1992 and now it is the home of the 7th Fiji Fashion Week. • Family Class Sponsorship; • Temporary Status(Super Visa, Work, Student and Visitor Visa); • AEO/LMO Applications • IRB Hearings, Refugee, Sponsorship and admissibility Appeals; • Skilled Workers; • Applications including entrepreneur and Investor classes ALL OTHER TyPES OF IMMIgRATION ANd CITIzENSHIP MATTERS Suite 213-8334 128th St., Surrey, BC E-mail: [email protected] MuMtaz Khan, CEO MEMbEr Of ICCrC Phone: 604-591-5824 www.mkco.ca www.fijitimescanada.com Fiji News The Fiji Development Bank has reviewed the Export Credit Facility (ECF), an initiative geared towards assisting export oriented businesses that fall under government’s priority sectors for economic development. FDB acting chief executive officer Nafitalai Cakacaka highlighted that the reason for the review was the underutilisation of the facility. “We have reviewed the facility as there has been no movement in the allocation of funds put aside for this facility. We believe that some of the initial terms of the loan facility may have been counterproductive for exporters so we are making the necessary amendments,” said Mr. Cakacaka. In 2008 the bank received a grant of $1.5MM from the Ministry of Industry and Trade to administer a loan product that would assist in the priority sectors of agriculture, forestry, marine products, mineral water products, ICT and audio visual. ECF fund can assist new and existing exporters in raising short term working capital requirements for exporting. “This facility is very suitable for exporters. When products are exported, FDB Reviews Export Credit Facility payments are not received up front as the process takes time. ECF provides fast money for meeting the exporting costs and allowing borrowers to repay these once proceeds are received from their exports.” Some of the amendments to the facility include; - Increase in the loan term from 6 months to 1 year; - Increase in maximum loan amount to $500,000 from $200,000 - Funds can be used as working capital for equipment purchases and expenses related to export; financing of both tangible and intangible assets in the ICT and Audio/Visual sectors. Tangible assets refer to those that provide/facilitate an enabling environment in the production of a movie or documentary product for export for example copyrights and training. “These are some of the features that have been agreed to with the Ministry of Industry and Trade which we hope will improve the attractiveness of this product.” The revised ECF will be effective from 1 May 2014. SC ADVANCED DRIVING SCHOOL SC ADVA DR NCED IVING SCHO Friday May 2, 2014 9 OL “Car Available For Road Test” Govt. Certified, Licenced & Bonded Instructor We will match or beat any competitor’s price Package deals also available $25/ Lesson Lessons for Class 5/7 Spring Ahead For A Licence In Summer Satish 604.644.3937 “Learn To Drive The Advanced Way” Post Fiji chairman Lawrence Tikaram has been appointed to the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB). His appointment is to next January. Of his appointment, Tikarama said he was humbled by the opportunity to be able to contribute to the welfare of iTaukei. "I'd like contribute to the best of my ability," Tikaram said. "I'm also very humbled to join a board with very capable people also the staff of TLTB. "I'm looking forward to putting what little contribution I can make for the benefit of the Itaukei for now and for the future." His appointment into the board is hoped to inject a business-minded Lawrence Tikaram Joins iTaukei Land Board approach in the running if TLTB. "So hopefully I'll be able to contribute to ensure that the welfare and status of the ordinary iTaukei people are put to the best of use for them and the future generation. At the end of the day I see a lot of opportunities which I can discuss first with the board. "From my personal opinion, key stakeholders who manage the affairs of the iTaukei people in Fiji need to be synchronized. They need to have one platform. I think that is the way forward. We need to have a business plan that encapsulates all different needs and areas and opportunities of the iTaukei." Fiji Shuns Pacific Forum Membership Unless Australia And New Zealand Expelled Fiji says it won't renew its membership in the Pacific Islands' Forum unless Australia and New Zealand are expelled as members. Fiji's interim Foreign Minister, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, has told local newspapers that the two countries' exit as members of the organisation is one of the conditions of Fiji's re-entry. The comments were made following the opening of the Pacific Islands' Development Forum (PIDF) secretariat in Suva last Saturday, where Fiji's interim Prime Minister Rear Admiral Frank Bainimarama said the PIDF better represents the region. "Fiji no longer believes that the Pacific Islands Forum -- in its existing form -- adequately serve the interests of all Pacific Islanders," he said. "Fiji wants a fundamental realignment of the Pacific Islands Forum before it considers rejoining that organisation." The PIDF was established in 2012, three years after Fiji's military-backed regime - which Rear Admiral Bainimarama has led since he staged a 2006 coup - was suspended by the Pacific Islands' Forum after it failed to return the country to a democracy in 2009. Refusal to join At the secretariat opening, Mr Bainimarama said the Fiji-based group has a single purpose. "It is not a question of prestige or establishing yet another talk fest, it is about creating an organisation that is more attuned to our development needs as Pacific countries. It is about creating an organisation that is relatively free of interference from outsiders." On PIDF's website, many member nations of the Pacific Islands' Forum -as well as the United States and French Pacific territories and protectorates -- are listed as being eligible for membership. Australia and New Zealand are notable emissions. Solomon Islands High Commissioner, Moses Kouni, says the PIDF must now meet expectations. "PIDF future will depend on its relevance, existing relevance to the stakeholders which it represents," he said. Australia and New Zealand recently dropped travel sanctions on all members of Fiji's regime and its military, which had been in place since the coup. The decision is part of efforts to restore relations with Fiji in recognition of its progress towards democratic elections, with the country heading to the polls on September 17. 1338 Proposed Polling Venues Identified For September Elections 1,338 proposed polling venues have used as polling stations in the last been identified by the Elections Office for the September 17th General Elections. Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem highlighted that the Elections Office has now compiled the provisional list of polling venues around the country as at 30th April. He added for the Central Division there will be 365 polling venues, Western Division will have 478, Northern 321 and Eastern Division will have 174 polling venues. Saneem said most of the venues were elections in 2006. He said the list of proposed polling venues will be published and posted in the Elections Office website. Meanwhile Deputy Supervisor of Elections, Michael Clancy and Director of Operations, Robin Boyd arrived in the country earlier this week. Saneem said they are experienced elections officials from Australia who are now assisting the Elections Office to prepare for the elections. 555,000 people have registered to vote so far. 10 www.fijitimescanada.com Fiji News Friday May 2, 2014 Court has rejected Mahendra Chaudhry's application to have the charges against him quashed. Earlier this month the Fiji Labour Party The defence had argued the charges leader was found to be in breach of the alleged absence of approval from the country's foreign exchange rules. Governor of the Reserve Bank, instead The breach was in relation to 1.4 of the Minister of Finance as is required million US dollars Chaudhry had under the Exchange Control Act. invested offshore without approval. Chaudhry, who is also a former prime High Court Judge, Justice Paul minister of Fiji, could face up to Madigan, found no merit in Chaudhry's two years' imprisonment and fines application that the information filed amounting to just over four million US against him was defective. dollars. Court Rejects Chaudhry's Application Drought Likely To Hit Fiji THE Works, Transport and Public Utilities Minister Captain Timoci Natuva says a medium to severe drought is likely to hit Fiji this year, which is caused by El Nino Southern Oscillation effect (ENSO). He said he was advised by weather experts and advisers from the Department of Meteorology that the severe drought would normally take place during the cyclone season from November to April each year. "Given this drought forecast by our weather experts, the understanding and operationalising of the Water Supply Management Plans as covered under the Government Rural Water and Sanitation Policy is critically important for Fiji and its people," Capt Natuva said. He said the workshop such as the water training management training provided the real opportunity for relevant experts, policy advisers and water stakeholders to discuss and network on key water-related issues and problems affecting Fiji. He said it was important to seek possible solutions so that the best way forward to tackling those problems could be mapped out for the benefit of our people in their sustainable development. "The understanding and having the required Standard Operating Procedures for this water supply management plan is essential." FALLING moral standards, the low value placed by many parents on education, high levels of absenteeism and student underachievement were identified as the main challenges facing Fiji's education system. And teacher training institutions must develop appropriate programs to help foster the development of teachers with integrity and sound character, who guide their students into making moral and ethical choices in their learning and living. During the opening of the Fijian Teachers Association 80th annual delegates conference in Suva, chief guest Doctor Priscilla Puamau, team leader and senior education adviser of Access to Quality Education Program (AQEP) Fiji, said a serious issue facing schools, which had implications for teacher education, lay in the falling moral standards that pervade society. Teachers Warned On Decline Of Morality "Adults, including parents and teachers, have been perpetrators of violence and sexual crimes against children; and teachers have been found guilty of professional misconduct," Dr Priscilla said. "What happened to the conviction that teaching is a noble profession infused into new teacher graduates? What has happened to make them break the teacher's oath and the PSC code of conduct?" She said the issue of making moral and ethical decisions was significant in these new times of rapid social, cultural, political, economic and technological change. Dr Priscilla said in this conception, teachers had to lead by example. FTA president Merewairita Moci said the association remained committed to carrying out its primary and secondary roles and the executives knew what it expected of them. 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Apply with Resume 303C - 1546 Derwent Way Tel : 604.540.1463 Vijay Sammy Delta BC V3M 6M4 (Annacis Island) C.T. Licensed Mechanic web:www.sammystruckrepair.com [email protected] 14 www.fijitimescanada.com Friday May 2, 2014 To learn about Fiji’s package of attractive trade and investment opportunities, please visit us at: Surrey International Trade Awards Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel 15269 104 Avenue, Surrey May 8, 2014 5:30pm-9:30pm www.fijitimescanada.com Fiji News Friday May 2, 2014 15 Dead Man Was Still Alive Dad Gets 14 Years High Court judge Justice Salesi Temo was able to clear the longest criminal case before his court last Thursday after sentencing Adriu Tuilagi to 14 years in jail for robbery with violence. Justice Temo found the father of two guilty on three counts of robbery with violence and one of unlawful use of motor vehicle. Tuilagi, who committed the offences on March 3 and 5 of 2008, pleaded not guilty to all four charges. Two of the three assessors delivered a not guilty opinion. The third assessor found him guilty of two of the four charges. Justice Temo overturned all not guilty opinions and sentenced the 39-yearold to 14 years for the robbery with violence charges and three months for the unlawful use of motor vehicle charge, all to be served concurrently. In his written judgment Justice Temo said the aggravating factors were that the violent robberies on the three complainants were all planned and executed, the level of violence inflicted on the complainants was extremely unpleasant. He said all three complainants were attacked by a group of men in the early hours of the morning in their own homes, they were physically and verbally abused and the accused and his friends showed no regard to the complainants' rights as human beings when they offended against them. "No member of society needed to be treated like this," Justice Temo said. Tuilagi and his accomplice violently entered the homes of three complainants in Navua and the Nasinu areas, stealing items worth more than $10,000. Jai Narayan, who was declared dead by doctors after he went into a coma following treatment for hernia, tells his story INVESTIGATIONS have started was covered. I kept on looking at him to determine how a man who was and suddenly noticed some movement being treated for a medical condition on his face," Ms Wati said. went into coma, declared dead and "After one hour of being pronounced pronounced alive hours later. dead, his eyebrow flicked." Jai Narayan, 55, of Omkar Rd, Narere In a letter of complaint to Health Minister in Nasinu, had sought medical attention Dr Neil Sharma dated April 22, 2013, at the CWM Hospital on March 19 last Ms Wati described the events leading year for a swelling in his genital. up to her husband's deteriorating health In an interview, Mr Narayan recalled condition. She asked for an explanation the day he was rushed to the hospital, on what happened on the day. seen by a doctor who took his blood She also wrote to the Fiji Medical pressure and injected him on his left and Dental Secretariat expressing her hand several times, which he claims concerns on how her husband was led to his unconsciousness state. treated and the subsequent effects. "I only had hernia. The doctor pushed It is now over a year and Ms Wati the needle one by one and within a said her husband, who used to be a fit minute, I yelled out loudly as I had chest van driver, continues to suffer from pain and my airways blocked," he said. breathing and walking difficulties. Mr He said his wife was with him that day Narayan said these started following and all he remembered was having his his treatment from CWMH. chest massaged before he collapsed. He has also approached the Small He said he went into a coma and Claims Trubunal claiming for alleged claimed medical personnel attending medical negligence by the CWM to him pronounced him dead when he Hospital. He is claiming $85,000. failed to respond after the treatment. Fiji Medical and Dental Secretariat CEO His wife, Nirmala Wati, said a few and registrar Dharmesh Prasad confirmed minutes after treatment, the doctor told receiving a complaint from Mr Narayan. her to move out of the ward because Mr Prasad said the matter was being her husband was dead. investigated and it was taking time She said she went outside to inform because of the complexity of the case. other family members who were left "We are getting all the records and this shocked. was the case where we directed him to She said she then informed her son and meet up with the hospital officials to daughter-in-law to prepare to take his sort it out." body down to the mortuary. He also confirmed they were talking to "When I went inside (the ward), my the doctors involved before they go back husband was lying on the bed and he to the victim for further consultation. A Fijian man wearing a hat, sunglasses and a scarf in a bid to ''disguise his appearance'' allegedly tried to leave New Zealand via Queenstown Airport on a false passport. Ro Verelevu Matiatini, 53, whose address was given as New Lynn in Auckland, appeared in the Queenstown District Court. He is charged that on April 13 he used an Australian passport he knew was obtained by false representation; and with injuring with intent in Massey on August 10 last year. He was remanded without plea to appear in the Invercargill District Court on May 21. Senior Constable Chris Blackford said the 53-year-old man had produced an Australian passport which had allegedly been dishonestly obtained. The man, listed as a welder from Auckland on court documents, Man Arrested After Allegedly Using False Passport was charged with possessing an Australian passport obtained by false representation. ''He's Fijian but the name on the passport is a very Anglo European name.'' Snr Const Blackford said the man was allegedly in New Zealand illegally, after having already been deported to Fiji in the past. He also faces an assault charge. Court documents show a charge of assault with intent to injure in relation to an incident in August last year, in which a man was punched in the head and ribs. Police said Matiatini was arrested as he tried to leave for Australia and was wearing a hat, scarf and sunglasses but a border alert was triggered. An Immigration New Zealand spokeswoman said it was aware of the situation and was investigating. es m T I THE FIJI CANADA R A G NOTICE TO RESPOND DIVORCE APPLICATION New Westminster Registry No.E045188 This is a NOTICE is for Anita Devi Shamin Respondent) from Muhammad Wasin (Claimant) for his family law proceedings in New Westminster Registry No.E045188. And that if she wishes to contest, should contact the court for next stage.Failure to do this stage with to oppose within regular time frame, the court will grant divorce (Government Certified Driving Instructor) Teachers: Theory & Practical Driving Instructor Since 1985 Former High School Teacher Driving School 604.618.2567 ALI OUR LOWEST RATES Includes 12 lessons x 1hr plus car supplied for ROAD TEST $350 PER HOUR LESSON Discounted rate after 10th lesson Plus Car Supplied For Road Test $30 PER HOUR LESSON $150 4 HRS TRAINING PROGRAM 16 www.fijitimescanada.com Fiji News Friday May 2, 2014 Chemicals have provided enormous benefits to the world community and are an indispensable part of daily life, says Minister for Labour and Industrial Relations Jone Usamate. Speaking at the 2014 World Day for Safety and Health at Work celebration in Suva on Monday, Mr Usamate said chemicals also constituted a great threat to occupational, public health and safety, and the environment. "The focus this year is on safety and health in the use of chemicals in the workplace. The ministry has focused its activities on this theme for this year with three key outputs being targeted including chemical audits. Labour Ministry Targets Safety, Health At Work Nadi became the first town in the Pacific to be declared tobacco free. It effectively embraces the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, of which Fiji is a signatory. This is also expected to set a platform for Nadi’s entry into the 1000 global cities part of the ‘WHO Healthy Cities’ initiative. Suva is already part of it by recently declaring certain areas of its central business district smoke free. The occasion was marked by the unveiling of a billboard declaring this new status by the President, Ratu Epeli President Declares Nadi Town ‘Tobacco Free’ "These audits will be undertaken for selective workplaces so that there can be greater level of impact across the nation. "Chemicals may cause damage to people's lives in the course of their production, or during transportation, handling, storage and in their disposal or treatment of waste chemicals." Mr Usamate said it was important for people to understand the dangers presented by new chemicals. He said the International Labour Organization was one of the pioneering organisations in the UN system that safeguarded workers' safety and health in the workplace. “Attracting and retaining the best international talent to fill skills shortages in key occupations is critical to Canada’s economic success.” - Hon. Jason Kenney, P.C., M.P. Minister of Employment and Social Development Nailatikau, and Dr Haik Nikogosian. Dr Nikogosian is the head of the convention secretariat for the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. According to Nadi Town’s special administrator, Robin Ali, this is the beginning of a number of phases towards having the whole town smoke free. “Most parts of the town are smoke free, including the handicraft centre, the municipal market, the bus stand, all restaurants, public bars and all night clubs, with more to be added to the list.” Respond to Canada’s need for immigrants. Become a Regulated Immigration Consultant ACTING Commissioner of Police Ravi Narayan has terminated the services of Deputy Commissioner of Police Isikeli Ligairi. In a statement issued yesterday, Mr Narayan said the decision to terminate Mr Ligairi was based on a case of insubordination against the office of the Acting Commissioner of Police. "As members of the disciplinary force, every police officer is expected to display loyalty and uphold the law Police Commissioner Terminates His Deputy and give their support to whoever is commanding the Fiji Police Force," he said. "This, however, was not the case for Mr Ligairi and I, as the head of the force, have made this decision for the good of the organisation and every Fijian." Attempts to obtain a comment from Mr Ligairi, the former regional police commander Northern in 2010, were unsuccessful. • Full-time • Part-time • Online Apply online at www.ashtoncollege.com or contact a program adviser at (604) 899-0803. Helping Hands For Temple Members of the Tuatua Gayatri Mandir in Labasa received $5000 worth of timber to refurbish their partly damaged temple. The items were given by one of the Northern Division's prominent businessmen Charan Jeath Singh. The temple was partly damaged by fire in September last year, prompting members to worship in a small building adjacent to the temple. Mr Singh said it was only proper for him to give such building materials to help them rebuild their temple. "I thought it was only fitting for me to donate to help the members reinstate their temple," he said. "It's about seven months now and the development process of the temple is very slow and I know my donation will boost such renovation works. "This donation is also to commemorate the lives of my late father Gurbachan Singh and mother Raj Kali who were pioneers and true worshippers in this town and I know they would really appreciate my assistance to the temple." Temple vice president Dewaak Prasad said they were very thankful to Mr Singh for his kind gesture. Ashton College | Vancouver, BC 604 899 0803 | 1 866 759 6006 w w w. a s hto n co l l e g e. co m www.fijitimescanada.com Fiji News Friday May 2, 2014 17 Australia Grants New Working Visas Fijians could work while on holiday for three months Fijians will soon be able to enjoy a working holiday for three months in Australia. The new initiative has been approved by the Australian government. Australian Senator Brett Mason conveyed it to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, in their meeting in Suva. Senator Mason is Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The working holiday visa was one of the main issues discussed. It is part of a reciprocal arrangement. It is different to the seasonal workers’ scheme like the recruiting of a group to work in farms as fruit pickers for a specified period. No other details were released in a Government statement announcing it. It is understood normal rules regarding visas will apply like an applicant’s financial ability to support himself or herself, unless they are sponsored. As far as jobs are concerned: - Is a job offer for three months required? - Does the applicant need to have appropriate qualification and experience? - Does the visa allow the visitor to do any type of work? - Can the visa be extended for those who are retired or self employed in Fiji? During the meeting, Ratu Inoke briefed Senator Mason about the developments in Fiji regarding the upcoming national democratic elections on September 17. He also conveyed the Fijian Government’s appreciation for all the assistance Australia is providing for the elections. The meeting also discussed a range of bilateral, regional and global issues. It is the first official visit by Senator Mason to Fiji in his current capacity. After her son was beaten and shot trying to fight off burglar Gerardo Canon Jr., 67-year-old Sushila Prasad was shot by the Richmond parolee as well, bleeding to death in front of her two grandchildren. Last Friday, in a nearly empty Martinez courtroom, Canon Jr. pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, attempted murder with the use of a firearm and infliction of great bodily injury and residential burglary in a plea deal under which he will serve 38 years and eight months in state prison. Prosecutor Molly Manoukian read a brief statement from the victims' family, who were not at the sentencing, asking Judge Terri Mockler to add 10 years to the negotiated sentence. "If he was 10 years older when he was released, he would pose less of a risk for others ... and they're concerned for their own personal safety," Manoukian said. Canon Jr., 24, said little during the Man Gets 38 Years For Killing Woman, Injuring Her Son proceedings, answering "yes" to some procedural questions. Canon Jr. broke into Dinesh Kumar's Richmond home on Aug. 26, 2011, and the pair fought furiously in the early morning hours, ending with Canon Jr. shooting Kumar multiple times. Prasad, a mother of seven visiting from Fiji, came out to check on the commotion when Canon Jr. shot her. Kumar's wife and two children, ages 14 and 16, were not injured, but the teens watched their grandmother die, Manoukian said. Police found Canon Jr. in a car near the house and arrested him. Richmond police Detective Hector Esparza, who attended the court hearing, said the family was chosen at random, and Canon targeted them to steal property. "He's the type of person you want to keep off the streets," Esparza said. After the shooting, Berkeley High School, where Kumar worked as a custodian, raised funds for the family. With only days to the sentencing of former Prime Minister and Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry, his lawyer Anand Singh, has made another interesting application in the High Court in Suva. Their submission was made pursuant to an application under section 239 of the Criminal Procedure Decree 2009 made in arrest of judgment. It reads “the accused person may, at any time before sentence whether on a plea of guilty or otherwise, move in arrest of judgment.” This was on the ground that the information does not, after any amendment which the court has made and had power to make, state any offence which the court has the power to try. The application was brought before Justice Paul Madigan. According to Mr Singh, the information files against Chaudhry for breach of sections 3, 4 and 26 of the Exchange Control Act, require in law the approval of the Minister of Finance. Their written submission, which was submitted to the court, stated that the provisions of aforesaid sections of the Act, the particulars of the information Suva High Court Receives Another Chaudhry Application Sub-contractors will soon be required to provide their services at a rate that allows contractors or companies to pay at least equivalent to the national minimum wage rate. And this will be in place once the implementation of the national minimum wage rate is gazetted by the government soon. Labour Minister Jone Usamate said New Wage Requirement set out incorrectly alleged the absence of the approval of the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji, instead the absence of the approval of the minister. He said the proper authority, as stated in the Act, is the Minister of Finance. “It is not the Governor Reserve Bank.” The charge, as laid therefore, is an offence not known at law as there is no prescribed or statutory requirement under sections 3, 4 and 26 for permission to be required from the Governor Reserve Bank. He said the charges were bad in law and defective and should be quashed. Justice Madigan then asked whether the Director of Public Prosecution could charge him again, to which Mr Singh replied yes and that there would be a fresh trial. When Judge Madigan asked Mr Singh why this matter was not raised during the trial, Mr Singh replied that this issue was discovered until after the trial. The assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Mosese Korovou, in reply informed the court that the application by the defence was not effective and that was something dealt with previously in the stay application. Tuesday (April 29) marked exactly one week until the official launch of the inaugural Fijian Tourism Expo (FTE) being held at the Denarau Island Convention Centre. But the business of FTE has well and truly begun. Already over 16,000 business appointments between local exhibitors and international buyers have been made via FTE’s online appointment booking engine. “FTE is the one time where the entire Fijian tourism industry has the opportunity to present their products and services to over 150 international buyers,” says Tourism Fiji CEO, Rick Hamilton. “That buyers and exhibitors have already confirmed 16,000 appointments is quite staggering and shows just how enthusiastic both exhibitors and buyers are about this event.” With one week until the expo commences, international buyers have already begun arriving in Fiji. One Week Until The Inaugural Fijian Tourism Expo Over 40 buyers will arrive in Fiji to commence pre-FTE familiarization trips, with more arriving over the next few days. “While the actual expo is hugely important to get international buyers in front of our tourism industry, it is equally important for these buyers to get out and actually experience our beautiful country for themselves,” says Mr Hamilton. A range of both pre and post-FTE familiarization itineraries have been put in place, including visits to the Coral Coast, the Mamanuca and Yasawa groups, Vanua Levu and Taveuni. Meanwhile on Denarau, work has begun constructing the 130 exhibition booths in preparation for the event commencing next Tuesday morning. The Fijian Tourism Expo has sold out, with over 260 properties and 150 international buyers attending the show, being held from May 5-8 at the new Denarau Island Convention Centre. such a wage rate had been agreed to but yet to be gazetted. "Say for instance, if you are subcontracting your security services to a security company, you should at least subcontract at a rate that allows the company to pay at least the required minimum wage rate," Mr Usamate said. "For a security company, the national minimum wage rate is $2.41." The High Court in Suva convicted a man of the rape of his four-year-old granddaughter. Three assessors retired to give their opinion and came back an hour later with an unanimous guilty opinion. Justice Janaka Bandara said the court, after assessing all evidence, concurred with the assessors' decision. "Having considered the entirety of evidence, especially the evidence given by the victim, coupled with the testimony of the doctor who examined her after the alleged sexual act, the court is pretty much convinced that the complainant being a six-year-old girl Grandpa Guilty Of Rape now, narrated the truth. "Nevertheless, the testimony of the complainant's mother is full of contradictions and improbabilities. "Her evidence does not shed any light to the prosecution case. "On the other hand, you admitted the presence of the child on the bed at the material time, even though in a different context. "Your wife had not seen this episode at all. "In the light of the above, this court concurs with the unanimous opinion of the assessors and finds you guilty to the count of rape." The man will be sentenced this week. 18 www.fijitimescanada.com Fiji News Friday May 2, 2014 FIJI AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND & SOUTHWEST PACIFIC DESTINATIONS SPECIAL SEAT SALE TO: YOUR ISLAND IN THE SKY Bula Mai Fiji Tour Packages, Cruises to all destinations now available at : www.sohivacations.com INDIA - PAKISTAN - EUROPE EAST ASIA - MIDDLE EAST Destination Weddings Sunil Sharma Dilbag (Dale) Sohi #152 - 12899 80th Avenue, Surrey BC V3W 0E6 [email protected] www.fijitimescanada.com World News Friday May 2, 2014 19 South Korea To Ask Japan, China To Watch For Bodies From Ferry Disaster South Korea will ask Japan and China nearby islands and shores, he said. to inform it about any bodies that wash up on beaches, an official said. The move comes as fears grow that some victims of the April 16 ferry disaster may never be found. Divers trying to search the wreck of the upturned Sewol, which capsized with 476 people on board, have been frustrated for a third straight day by atrocious weather and dangerous conditions. Despite more than 60 hours of operations since Friday, only two more bodies have been recovered, leaving 113 still unaccounted for. The confirmed death toll from one of the country's worst ever maritime disasters stood at 189 on Monday. Most of the missing and dead were high school students. Strong currents and stormy weather have hampered the search of the wreck and worsened fears that bodies could drift free and be scattered. A series of nets have already been thrown up in seas around the ferry, but no finds have yet been reported. Park Seung-Gi, a spokesman for the government's Joint Task Force which is co-ordinating actions, has vowed to redouble efforts to prevent bodies getting lost at sea. Special teams have been set up to search underwater around the sunken vessel, as well on the sea surface, Start Your Own Business! "We will try our best to find bodies by using all our resources including helicopters, warships, patrol ships and search personnel," Mr Park told reporters. The search will concentrate on an area within a radius of 40-60 kilometres from the wreck, an official in a special team who declined to be named told AFP. But inquiries will also be made further afield. Mr Park says officials plan to ask two neighbouring nations - China and Japan - to contact Seoul if they find any unidentified bodies on their shores. "It may be too early (to ask) as bodies can't drift that far at the moment... but I think we have to move pre-emptively," he said. In deeply Confucian South Korea, the proper burial of bodies - often in the deceased person's home town - is considered a way to show respect for the dead and to allow their soul to rest in peace. Twelve days on from the disaster, divers have only been able to search around a third of the 111 cabins on the sunken ferry. Waterlogged debris, cramped conditions and poor visibility is making their gruesome task very difficult, say officials, with several frogmen reporting injuries or decompression sickness. 6 - MONTHS MORNING class “Classes begin September 8th 2014” #208-10070 King George Hwy., Surrey BC COLLEGE OF OPTICS 604.581.0101 A PLANE has made an emergency landing at Perth Airport after a suspected engine fire erupted shortly after takeoff. Plane Catches Fire Over Perth South Korean prime minister Chung Hong-won has announced his resignation over the government's response to the April 16 ferry disaster which killed at least 180 people. The Sewol ferry sank on a routine trip south from the port of Incheon to the traditional holiday island of Jeju. "I offer my apology for having been unable to prevent this accident from happening and unable to properly respond to it afterwards," Mr Chung said. "I believed I, as the prime minister, South Korean Ferry Disaster: Prime Minister Resigns Over Government Response certainly had to take responsibility and resign." The Sewol capsized with 476 people on board. More than 300 people, most of them students and teachers from one high school on a field trip, have died or are missing and presumed dead. The children were told to stay in their cabins, where they waited for further orders. Rescuers have not found a single survivor since 174 people were pulled to safety on the day of the accident. The Cobham Aviation flight landed safely after the midair incident, a Perth Airport spokeswoman confirmed. Comment is being sought from the regional carrier. An investigation is underway after a plane caught fire just after it took off from Perth Airport. Fire crews are examining the circumstances of the blaze in one of the Cobham Aviation aircraft's engines. The plane managed to turn around and land safely. A police spokesman said emergency services have been stood down, but airport fire crews are investigating. Kewdale resident Craig Ablett witnessed the incident. "I saw this plane fly over and I noticed one of the engines was on fire," he said. "It had more or less just taken off. "Its not every day you see a plane with it's engine on fire flying over you. "The flames coming out of the engine would have been 10, 20 metres long." 20 www.fijitimescanada.com World News Friday May 2, 2014 US Tornadoes: Death Toll Rises To 21 As New Tornado Roars Through Mississippi Town A tornado has torn through the Mississippi town of Tupelo causing widespread destruction to homes and businesses, on a second day of ferocious storms that have claimed 21 lives in the southern United States. At least one person was killed on Monday (local time) in Tupelo, a city of about 35,000 in the state's northeast, according to local officials. Most of the deaths from the severe storm system occurred on Sunday when tornadoes tossed cars like toys in Arkansas and other states. Monday's twister in Tupelo, one of several to tear across Mississippi, damaged hundreds of homes and businesses, downed power lines and tore up trees, the National Weather Service said. "It was real bad. We're trying to pull people out," Tupelo police chief Bart Aguirre said, referring to emergency crews going house to house, searching damaged buildings. Power was out in much of the city, where officials imposed an 8:00pm curfew. Some residential areas were closed off as emergency crews checked downed power lines and gas leaks. "It's a very serious situation," Tupelo Mayor Jason Shelton said. "I am just encouraging everyone to stay inside and be weather aware. There is still a very real danger of another line coming through and people still need to be inside." Some residents whose homes were destroyed took refuge in a Red Cross shelter at a downtown sports arena. "I heard snapping and I said, 'Get down on the floor!' And then the trees started falling over," Tupelo resident Moe Kirk Bristow said. "I haven't seen a house yet that doesn't have a tree through it or on it, so it's bad." Another woman, Reginia DeWalt, said she was awakened when the tornado roared by. "It sounded like a big pressure washer - but worse," she said. The storm system later pushed into parts of Alabama, where emergency officials said at least two people were killed at a trailer park near Athens. Parts of western Georgia and Tennessee also were at risk as the system that spawned the tornadoes headed east toward the mid-Atlantic states. Rescue workers, volunteers and victims have been sifting through the rubble in the hardest-hit state of Arkansas, looking for survivors in central Faulkner County where a tornado reduced homes to splinters, snapped power lines and mangled trees. Family survived in bathtub Arkansas governor Mike Beebe said at least 15 people had died state-wide in the storm that authorities said produced the first fatalities of this year's tornado season. Nine of the victims on Sunday came from the same street in Vilonia, a town with a population of about 4,100. A new middle school set to open in August in the town was heavily damaged by a tractor trailer blown into its roof. A steel farm shop anchored to concrete was blown away. Mr Beebe recounted how one woman died when the door of her home's reinforced safe room collapsed, while a father and three daughters survived by seeking shelter in a bathtub that was flipped over in winds that levelled the house. Last Letter Written On Board The Doomed Titanic Sells For $210,000 Ms Hart later found it in a pocket of her husband's coat, which she had with her. The letter, headed "On board R. M. S. 'Titanic'", comes complete with an envelope embossed with the White Star Line flag. "My Dear ones all," Ms Hart wrote. "As you see it is Sunday afternoon and we are resting in the library after luncheon. I was very bad all day yesterday could not eat or drink and sick all the while, but today I have got over it." She described going to a church service with her daughter and the voyage so far. "Tho (sic) they say this Ship does not roll on account of its size. Any how it rolls enough for me, I shall never forget it. It is very nice weather but awfully windy and cold," she wrote. "They say we may get into New York Tuesday night but we are really due early Wednesday morning, shall write as soon as we get there." Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge, of Henry Aldridge and Son Auctioneers, said "the importance of this legendary item cannot be overstated". "(It is) the only known surviving example of its type to have been written on that fateful day, surviving the sinking, and having belonged to such a well-known survivor," he said. "The letter and envelope are in remarkable condition, with an impeccable provenance. "They represent a truly unique opportunity to own the finest example of its genre in existence. It is quite simply the jewel in the crown of Titanic manuscript ephemera." The last letter known to have been written on board the Titanic has sold for $210,000 at an auction in Britain. The letter was written by second class passenger Esther Hart just hours before the ocean liner sank. The price tag - paid by an unknown bidder - breaks the previous record for a Titanic-related letter, which had stood about $170,000, according to the auctioneers. Titanic sank on its maiden voyage with the loss of more than 1,500 lives. It struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic while crossing from Southampton to New York, sinking below the waves in the early hours of April 15, 1912. Emigrating to Canada, Ms Hart and her daughter Eva made it into the ship's lifeboats and were rescued by HMS Carpathia, but her husband Benjamin was among the dead. The letter, written on Titanic stationery and dated the Sunday afternoon before the sinking, was due to be delivered to Ms Hart's mother back in Britain, upon the ship's return to Southampton. es m T I THE FIJI CANADA www.fijitimescanada.com World News Friday May 2, 2014 21 OKLAHOMA officials have botched the lethal injection of an inmate — leaving him gasping and twitching in agony until he died of a massive heart attack 43 minutes after the execution began. Convicted murderer Clayton Lockett’s execution. He was still for almost five execution involved the use of a new minutes, then emitted a loud snort, as cocktail of drugs that included the if snoring, and continued to make that sedative midazolam as the first in a sound over the next several minutes. three-drug combination. He also opened and shut his mouth But the drugs did not have the intended several times without making a sound effect. as his stomach rose and fell. Mr Lockett grimaced, tensed his body The 53-year-old, sentenced to die for and raised his head and chest several the 1989 rape and fatal stabbing of a times during the three-minute period young pregnant woman, was the first that reporters were permitted to watch. inmate to be killed under America’s Local media present said Mr Lockett new lethal injection process. sat up and said “something’s wrong” Officials used intravenous doses of 14 minutes into the procedure. two drugs, the sedative midazolam and According to a New York Times report, the painkiller hydromorphone, to put the method of administration, rather McGuire to death. than the drugs themselves, appeared to Ohio’s never-tried lethal injection have failed. method was adopted after the maker The state’s Corrective Services director of the state’s previous drug put it off Robert Patton said he halted Lockett’s limits for capital punishment. execution about 20 minutes after the Some states that still carry out executions first drug was administered. have struggled to find drug supplies for “We’ve had a vein failure, in which lethal injections after companies refused the chemicals did not make it into the to supply the drugs for that purpose. offender,” Mr Patton told reporters. The execution process has been The planned execution of a second widely condemned by human rights inmate later on Tuesday was postponed. groups who argue all death penalty A similar scene: The gurney where punishments are cruel and inhumane. death row prisoners are strapped down Amnesty International Australia for lethal injection in Huntsville, Texas. spokeswoman Karen Trentini said this It was to be Oklahoma’s first double latest case showed state-sanctioned The executions of Lockett and Charles and dismissed the inmates’ claim that executions were cruel, inhumane and execution in nearly 80 years. A four-time felon, Lockett, 38, was Warner previously had been delayed they were entitled to know the source flawed. convicted of shooting 19-year-old after they challenged the secrecy of the drugs. “In the US some executions have lasted Stephanie Neiman with a sawed- behind the state’s lethal injection By then, Governor Mary Fallin had between 20 minutes to over an hour and weighed into the matter by issuing a prisoners have been seen gasping for off shotgun and watching as two protocol. accomplices buried her alive in rural They sued the state for refusing to stay of execution of her own — a one- air, grimacing and convulsing during Kay County in 1999 after she and a disclose details about the execution week delay in Lockett’s execution that executions,” she said. friend arrived at a home the men were drugs, including where Oklahoma resulted in both men being scheduled “Autopsies have shown severe, foot obtained them. to die on the same day. robbing. long chemical burns to the skin and Warner had been scheduled to be put to The case, filed as a civil matter, It wouldn’t be the first time this year an needles have been found in soft tissue.” death two hours later in the same room placed Oklahoma’s two highest courts execution was botched. She added medicalising an execution at odds and prompted calls for the Midazolam was among the same did not make them any less cruel. and on the same gurney. The 46-year-old was convicted of impeachment of state Supreme Court combination of drugs used in January According to Amnesty figures more raping and killing his roommate’s justices after the court last week issued this year to kill convicted Ohio murderer than 1000 prisoners in the US have been Dennis McGuire. The killer gasped executed by lethal injection since it was 11-month-old daughter in 1997. He has a rare stay of execution. The high court later dissolved its stay several times during his prolonged first introduced on December 7, 1982. maintained his innocence. Oklahoma Prisoner Clayton Lockett Dies Of Heart Attack After Botched Lethal Injection For the second time in as many months, online streaming giant Netflix has signed a deal with a major U.S. telecom firm for faster data transmission over its network. Netflix and Verizon Communications have signed a pact to speed up delivery of Netflix's high-definition video that gets streamed over the latter's FiOS broadband network. Although neither side is saying how much the payment might be worth, both companies made statements Tuesday confirming that a deal is in place. Spokesman Joris Evers said Tuesday Netflix hopes its deal with Verizon, "will improve performance for our joint customers over the coming months." Verizon spokesman Bob Varettoni said although, "the terms are confidential, this agreement is designed to deliver Netflix Signs Deal For Faster Data Speed With Verizon improved service for our combined customers." In February, Netflix signed a similar deal with Verizon rival Comcast to ensure speedy data transmission. Clogged pipes Although Netflix founder and CEO Reed Hastings has publicly complained about having to pay internet service providers for direct connections, it's not clear the deals will actually cost Netflix more money. That's because Netflix has already been paying content-delivery fees to third-party vendors such as Cogent Communications Group to transmit its data more efficiently, and faster. And even though they're business partners in a sense, Netflix and the major cable and internet companies aren't exactly on the same team. Netflix opposes Comcast's $45-billion takeover of Time Warner because it says it will consolidate too much ownership of content and broadcast transmission potential in one place. In a blog post last week, Comcast asserted that its deal will enable Netflix to reduce its expenses. Netflix didn't directly address that claim in its own blog post deriding Comcast last week, but rather accused Comcast of "double dipping" by charging to deliver content that many of its subscribers want to watch. Netflix has grown quickly to have almost 37 million digital subscribers. Its U.S. customers pay $8 a month for endless streaming of content from the company's vast database of television shows and movies. Netflix has become so popular that it generates nearly one-third of the evening traffic on the internet in the U.S., according to the research firm Sandvine. In March, after the Comcast deal, Netflix said video on its network was streaming at an average of 2.5 megabits per second, a 66 per cent increase from January. The higher speeds translate into a richer and steadier picture, but the extra quality can leave internet infrastructure groaning under the pressure of handling increased data. Netflix's video streamed at an average of 1.91 megabits per second on Verizon's internet service in March. The Netflix traffic is straining some networks and raising tensions with internet service providers who argue they shouldn't have to shoulder all the financial burdens for handling all the extra traffic. Netflix announced last month it will begin charging new customers $1 or $2 more per month starting in July, in part to deal with rising costs. 22 www.fijitimescanada.com Friday May 2, 2014 THINKING OF BECOMING A CANADIAN CITIZEN? peoples. B. People speaking English as a first language. C. British people. D. People speaking French as a first language. 4) What is the tower in the centre of the Parliament buildings called? A. Peace Tower. B. CN Tower. C. Peaceful Tower. D. Canada Tower. 5) Why is the Constitution Act of 1982 important in Canadian history? A. Canada can modify the Constitution without the approval from the British Government. B. It made changes to the Citizenship Act. C. The Queen has more power in Canadian Government. D. It lets Canadians to enjoy more freedom. Try This Practice Test - Discover Canada 6) What is a majority government? A. The party in power holds less than half of the seats in the House of Commons. B. The party in power holds at least half of the seats in the House of Commons and the Senate. C. The party in power holds at least half of the seats in the House of Commons. D. The party in power holds at least half of the seats in the Senate. 7) Who has the right to enter and leave Canada at will? A. Landed immigrants. B. Citizens of United States. C. British citizens. D. Canadian citizens. 8) What are the parties that are not in power called? A. Out of power. B. Candidates. C. Opposition parties. D. Without power. 1) Which two provinces produce more than three-quarters of Canadian manufactured goods? A. Alberta and Ontario. B. Ontario and Quebec. C. Quebec and Manitoba. D. British Columbia and Ontario. 2) What is meaning of the Canadian coat of arms and motto: "A Mari Usque Ad Mare"? A. From land to sea. B. From coast to coast. C. From sea to sea. D. From land to land. 3) Who are Anglophones? A. English speaking Aboriginal 9) When is the fixed election date of Canada's federal election? A. The second Friday in September every four years following the most recent election. B. There's no fixed date of Canada's federal election. C. The third Monday in October every four years following the most recent election. D. March 1st every five years after the last election. 10) Which of the followings are the founding people of Canada? A. French, American and Indian. B. Inuit, French and British. C. British, Asian and Aboriginal. D. Aboriginal, French and British. ANSWERS 3B 4A 8C 9C 1B 6C 2C 7D 5A 10D The government is warning prospective lovebirds to protect themselves against marriage fraud before tying the knot. The Department of Citizenship and Immigration has launched an ad campaign aimed at informing Canadians and newcomers on how to avoid becoming victims of immigration fraud involving so-called “marriages of convenience.” The campaign includes a video featuring real victims of marriage fraud — is part of Fraud Prevention Month, which focuses on a particular immigration issue each year. Last year’s campaign focused on informing Canadians about unauthorized immigration consultants. The Conservative government moved last October requiring some immigrant spouses to live with their sponsor for two years or risk losing their permanent resident status. The rule only applies to those who have been married less than two years and have no children together at the time of their immigration application. Citizenship And Immigration Launches Campaign Targeting Marriage Fraud “Many Canadians marry people from other countries, but sometimes marriage is a scam to jump the immigration line,” one of the videos intoned. “Marriage fraud, it could cost you more than a broken heart. Don’t be a victim,” said another. In the longest video, which runs for just over five minutes, victims of marriage fraud share accounts of their spouses using them as tickets into the country. “I have heard stories from victims across the country that have been left emotionally and financially devastated because of immigration fraud,” Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said in a statement. “Canada’s doors are open to the vast majority of newcomers who are hardworking and follow the rules, but Canadians have no tolerance for anyone who tries to jump the immigration line to gain entry to Canada or acquire permanent residency or citizenship through fraudulent means.” Ottawa’s new rules on marriage fraud were developed over two years of consultations during which the government heard concerns from dozens of groups that victims of domestic violence could be unfairly penalized. In implementing the new rules, the government said the conditional permanent resident status for sponsored spouses will be waived in cases where there is evidence of abuse or neglect, or where the Canadian spouse dies. Nonetheless, the government has still been criticized by groups like the Canadian Council for Refugees who say the new rules could allow an abusive sponsoring partner to use the threat of deportation to manipulate their spouse. The new rules are complaint-based, es m T I THE FIJI meaning it’s up to those caught up in fraudulent marriages to report possible violations to the Canada Border Services Agency. Immigration officers are also trained to detect marriages of convenience while going through immigration applications. In January, the CBSA charged seven people in the Toronto area in connection with a “marriage of convenience” scheme. The agency had said the accused acted as go-betweens who arranged for Canadian citizens to marry and sponsor Chinese nationals. A four-year investigation revealed the marriages were bogus and done to let the in-name-only spouses gain entry status in Canada for a fee of $30,000 to $35,000 dollars each. CANADA www.fijitimescanada.com Friday May 2, 2014 23 Dinesh Khanna khannabanquet.com [email protected] 201-11267-125A Street, Surrey BC 604.498.4411 Formerly Sangam Palace - Under NEW OWNERSHIP Book Your Weddings For Summer 2014 21 All Fijian & Indian Menus Fijian Chef on board to bring you the taste from the South Pacific Fully Renovated Bookings for 50 - 500 Seatings Weddings & Receptions Anniversaries & Birthdays Sports Events Meetings & Conference Fraser Foods Ltd Fraser Foods Ltd Habenero Sauce Habenero Sauce Imported in Canada & Distributed by GML Fraser Foods Ltd 604.277.0988 Green Pigeon Peas Net Wt 15 Oz 425g Imported in Canada & Distributed by GML Fraser Foods Ltd 604.277.0988 [email protected] www.gmlfraserfoods.com [email protected] www.gmlfraserfoods.com 24 www.fijitimescanada.com Friday May 2, 2014 COCONUT JUICE FARAON GML Fraser Foods Ltd 604.277.0988 Distributed by: www.fijitimescanada.com Friday May 2, 2014 25 NO Sugar Added - UNSWEETENED PURE COCONUT JUICE WITH NO ADDITIVES Straight From The Tropics Imported by: GML Fraser Foods Ltd 604.277.0988 26 www.fijitimescanada.com Recipe Friday May 2, 2014 Chicken Parmesan Ingredients 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 2 eggs 4 cups panko bread crumbs 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, or more if needed 1 cup olive oil for frying 1/2 cup prepared tomato sauce 1/4 cup fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil 1/2 cup grated provolone cheese 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 tablespoon olive oil Directions Preheat an oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Place chicken breasts between two sheets of heavy plastic (resealable freezer bags work well) on a solid, level surface. Firmly pound chicken with the smooth side of a meat mallet to a thickness of 1/2-inch. Season chicken thoroughly with salt and pepper. Beat eggs in a shallow bowl and set aside. Mix bread crumbs and 1/2 cup Parmesan in a separate bowl, set aside. Place flour in a sifter or strainer; sprinkle over chicken breasts, evenly coating both sides. Dip flour coated chicken breast in beaten eggs. Transfer breast to breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs into both sides. Repeat for each breast. Set aside breaded chicken breasts for about 15 minutes. Heat 1 cup olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer. Cook chicken until golden, about 2 minutes on each side. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven. Place chicken in a baking dish and top each breast with about 1/3 cup of tomato sauce. Layer each chicken breast with equal amounts of mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and provolone cheese. Sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese on top and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is browned and bubbly, and chicken breasts are no longer pink in the center, 15 to 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). What you need 2 lb. new red potatoes, halved 6 slices bacon , chopped 3 Tbsp. Kraft Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tuscan Italian Dressing 1/3 cup Miracle Whip Calorie-Wise Spread 1 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 clove garlic , minced 2 Tbsp. Kraft 100% Parmesan Finely Shredded Cheese 2 tsp. chopped fresh parsley Roasted New Potatoes Make It Heat oven to 400ºF. Combine potatoes, bacon and dressing; spread onto rimmed baking sheet. Bake 45 min. or until potatoes are tender and crisp around the edges, stirring after 25 min. Meanwhile, mix Miracle Whip, lemon juice and garlic until blended. Spoon potatoes onto platter; top with Miracle Whip mixture, cheese and parsley. www.fijitimescanada.com Canada News Friday May 2, 2014 27 Federal Employment Minister Jason Kenney announces immediate moratorium, citing 'serious concerns' Federal Employment Minister Jason Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Kenney has announced an immediate Accordingly, ESDC will not process moratorium on the fast-food industry's any new or pending LMO applications access to the Temporary Foreign related to the food services sector. In Worker Program. addition, any unfilled positions tied to he suspension, announced late a previously approved LMO will be Thursday afternoon, came shortly suspended. after the reporter told Kenney the Kenney issues warning CEO of McDonald's Canada had The employment minister is also branded recent criticism of its use of issuing a warning that program temporary foreign workers "bullshit" violations could be subject to criminal in a conference call to franchisees. sanctions. In a written statement announcing "Abuse of the Temporary Foreign the suspension, Kenney says "serious Worker Program will not be tolerated," concerns" remain following a the statement says. government investigation of the "Allegations of misuse will continue to be allegations raised about the program. investigated...and those employers who Kenney says the government are found to have lied about their efforts investigated and suspended Labour to hire Canadians could face potential Market Opinions (LMOs) that allowed criminal prosecution with sanctions that a few employers to hire temporary include fines and jail time." foreign workers. And he says the A study by the C.D. Howe Institute employers were also placed on a public found the program has increased the blacklist. unemployment rate by nearly four per "Despite these actions, there remain cent in British Columbia and Alberta, serious concerns regarding the use two provinces which have employed of the Temporary Foreign Worker more temporary foreign workers than Program in the food services sector," the rest of the country combined, in Kenney says. every year since 2007. "As a result, I am announcing an Kenney says the moratorium will immediate moratorium on the remain in effect until his department food services sector's access to the completes its review. Temporary Foreign Worker Program For Fast-Food Sector Suspended By Ottawa Pay-By-Plate Comes To Translink Parking Lots TransLink is switching its paid parkand-ride lots to a new system where drivers will enter their licence plate number instead of the parking stall number. The pay-by-plate system arrived in April at Surrey's Scott Road Station park-and-ride and at the expanded South Surrey Park and Ride. It will roll out to others in the months ahead, according to Sany Zein, TransLink's director of infrastructure and network management. "The long-term trend in the industry is it's expected to become uniformly payby-plate," he said. Staff use car-mounted automatic licence plate scanners to quickly scan the lot and determine if any vehicle is there that hasn't paid. For TransLink, there are minor savings from no longer having to periodically repaint stall numbers. Customers only have to remember their licence plate, not the stall number, Zein added. Motorists who park at the same lot more than once in a day now are assured their payment is good all day – in the past they had to pay again if their original stall was occupied on a second visit. Pay-by-plate parking is also in effect now for paid street parking in Vancouver and New Westminster. Thirteeen park-and-ride lots are directly managed by TransLink with a total of 4,700 parking spaces. Drivers are charged $3 at Scott Road and six West Coast Express station lots, while they pay $2 at South Surrey and at Carvolth Exchange in Langley. Other lots at SkyTrain stations run by Impark charge considerably more. Four TransLink-run lots are still free – South Delta, Ladner exchange, Phibbs exchange and Sexsmith – in part because Delta bans pay parking within its borders. The $4.5-million expansion area of the South Surrey lot has remained largely vacant since it opened last fall and pay parking took effect. Zein said TransLink is monitoring the situation there. He said some people using the transit exchange may now be catching their bus closer to home, instead of driving to the lot. The City of Surrey has considered enforcing resident-only parking restrictions on nearby streets. Five men have been taken into custody after several shots were fired into an empty car in Newton this week. On Tuesday night, at about 10:30, police were called to a report of shots fired in the 7500-block 144 Street. Five Arrested After Surrey Gunplay Waterloo Woman Collects 2,500 Roll Up The Rim Wins For Homeless Cec Joyal volunteers with Out of the Cold program es m T I THE FIJI (Roosters are ready now) After patrolling the area, police found a Black Jetta with five people inside, who were believed to be responsible for the gunfire. They were taken into custody, and charges are being considered. CANADA L i v e R o o s t e r s & D u c k s Very large glossy Red Roosters $17.50 ea. Live Muscovy Ducks $27.50 ea When Cec Joyal noticed she had a winning cup in Tim Hortons' ‘Roll up the Rim’ contest seven years ago, she decided to give it to a homeless person instead of claiming the prize of free food for herself. Joyal wondered if she could multiply this act of kindness and began collecting winning cups whenever Tim Hortons held the promotion every year. This year has been particularly successful after her project gained a lot of attention in the local media, she said “It just spread like wildfire, the most successful campaign to date,” said Joyal. So far, Joyal estimates she’s collected over 2,500 winning rims and over 70 Tim Hortons gift cards. “Someone actually sent me a rim that won a $100 gift card,” recalls Joyal. Joyal says cups have come in from all over Waterloo Region, Guelph, Hamilton and the Greater Toronto Area. A number of Catholic schools also adopted the campaign during Lent. “Everybody wants to help, but maybe don’t really feel comfortable enough approaching a homeless person or don’t want to give a homeless person money,” she said. “This is just such an easy thing to do and it really has an impact.” Fiji Canada Association Hall Rental For Small Parties Birthdays, Anniversaries, Engagements etc HALL RENTAL Way To Grow Products 14418 - 44 Avenue, Surrey BC 8:00 AM - 5 PM Monday - Friday 604.594.6755 Surendra Prasad (604) 572.8817 Cell: 604.928.1489 Hall Available To Members & Potential Members For More Information Contact: 13629 108 Avenue, Surrey BC 28 www.fijitimescanada.com Canada News Friday May 2, 2014 Fence requirement eliminated and spirits will be allowed to be served at events and sports arenas Parents will no longer have to leave arenas. their children outside cordoned-off Properly licensed events, including beer gardens in order to enjoy a drink music festivals and regattas, will now at some festivals and events in B.C. be permitted to sell highballs or mixed Changes to B.C.'s liquor laws, drinks. Sports venues, which had been announced by Attorney General restricted to serving spirits within Suzanne Anton last Saturday, mean private boxes and premium seats, will that at some events, adults who buy an also now be allowed to serve spirits to alcoholic beverage at a festival booth all patrons, no matter where they are don't have to stay in a fenced-off zone. seated. The buyers can instead take the drink John Yap, Parliamentary Secretary with them as they wander the festival for Liquor Policy Reform, said the grounds. changes come from requests made by "Allowing family-friendly festivals British Columbians during the liquor to license the grounds instead of policy review conducted last year. cordoning off beer gardens means The government notes that festivals families can stay together to enjoy the and public events still need to apply for music, fun and festivities," Anton said. a special occasion licence (SOL) and "At the same time, [it] will reduce set- their activities may also be subject to up costs for the many non-profits that local government or police approval. do such great work in our province." The government also says "festivals or The changes also apply to the sale special events that wish to have beer of spirits at public events and sports garden fencing may still do so." Free-Range Beer Gardens Now Allowed At Some B.C. Festivals North Vancouver Teenagers Sick After Eating Ganja Goodies Police issue warning about homemade brownies and Rice Krispies treats infused with THC Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts Not Seeking Re-Election Students in North Vancouver are being warned by police that eating sweets containing marijuana could give them far more than the munchies. RCMP Cpl. Richard De Jong says that over the past week, several high school students in North Vancouver became sick from eating pot-infused dessert squares. Two Grade 10 students in particular became dizzy, had heart palpitations and vomited, and one of them had to be taken to hospital. "More than two students took the product but only two got sick enough to either leave school or go to the hospital," he said. De Jong said police believe the Rice Krispies squares and brownies were bought at Vancouver's 4/20 event, an annual celebration of cannabis culture held on April 20. "They were selling them on school property, through word of mouth," he said. "The allure of these marijuana edibles, which taste and look like simple sweets, makes them especially risky." Mounties issued photos of the brownies wrapped in foil and the Rice Krispies squares wrapped in plastic affixed with a label listing the ingredients of cereal, marshmallow, vanilla and canna butter, which is made by boiling butter and marijuana. "There's certainly no quality control and drugs in general are not guaranteed to be what they should be." Police are working with school staff to educate students and parents to ensure such products don't end up at school, De Jong said. "Think of the negative consequences of taking something when you don't know where it's been, how it's made or how you will respond to it." At opening of new city hall complex in North Surrey, mayor announces 'new chapter' won't include her Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts announced this opening of this new city hall, the her departure from city politics last community plaza, signifies a new Saturday afternoon at the grand chapter for this city," she said. opening celebration for the new city Watts has been a popular leader for hall complex in North Surrey. B.C.'s second-largest city, and received Watts, who has served three terms as 80 per cent of the vote in the last mayor since first being elected to the municipal election, in 2011 position in 2005, said she will not Watts wouldn't say what she will be be seeking re-election in this year's doing next, but there has been some municipal elections. speculation she may enter federal "As your mayor for almost the past politics. nine years, my heart, my integrity and When asked whether she would my passion have been here for the consider running federally, Watts city, and for the people who live here would only say that she would examine and who raise their children here," she any opportunity that is presented to said. her, whether it involve politics or the "And, as in every book, there comes a private sector time to turn a page and to end a chapter, "It's got to fit into my life. It's got to and I feel that I have completed this make sense," she said. chapter in my life and it's time to Watts also wouldn't say who her Surrey pass the torch. Therefore, I will not First party would be supporting as be seeking re-election in the fall, and candidate for mayor in November. No service on Canada line between Bridgeport Station and Vancouver International terminal - Wednesday Gas Leak Shuts Down YVR Airport Skytrain Station A gas leak has been reported at YVR airport SkyTrain station, shutting down service between Bridgeport Station and Vancouver International terminal. The situation is ongoing at North Service Road and Aviation Avenue. First responders are on scene, and officials say there is no danger to the public. YVR officials say airport operations continue as normal. Buses will transport travellers to and from the terminal. www.fijitimescanada.com Canada News Friday May 2, 2014 29 Government agencies are asking telecoms and social media companies to turn over Canadians’ user data at “jaw-dropping” rates, with nearly 1.2 million requests in 2011 alone. Which government and law enforcement agencies are requesting the data from the companies remains shrouded in secrecy. And the companies themselves are refusing to disclose further details, according to Canada’s privacy watchdog. But privacy experts say the sheer number of requests, revealed Tuesday for the first time, is “staggering” in scale. “I would have been surprised at 100,000,” said David Fraser, a privacy lawyer with McInnes Cooper. “The numbers that we had before today were incredibly vague; the numbers that we have now are unsettling.” Information released by the federal privacy commissioner revealed that companies keep detailed records of access requests by government authorities, but do not report the numbers publicly. Nine companies representing a “substantial portion” of the Canadian telecom market responded anonymously to the commissioner’s request for information. Based on responses from just three of Government Agencies Seek Telecom User Data At ‘Jaw-Dropping’ Rates the nine providers, 784,756 users and accounts were subject to disclosure to government agencies in 2011. It’s not clear from the report what information was sought by agencies, how much data was released, or what judicial oversight — if any — was involved. The companies say they don’t inform their customers when their information is turned over to authorities, meaning the vast majority of those customers would have no knowledge of the transaction. When asked if the companies would consider releasing the information to the privacy commissioner’s office, the telecoms responded with one word: “No.” “We have tried, many times. We have sought out information from the telecoms to find out, and they’ve given us very general comments,” said Chantal Bernier, the interim privacy commissioner. “We would like there to be a provision in law that creates a framework, a legal framework, to let Canadians know exactly what is (the scope of) the warrantless access.” The reporter requested interviews with Bell, Rogers and Telus. All three companies, in prepared statements, responded that they take the privacy of their customers very seriously. “Any request for information about lawful access activities should be made to the law enforcement agencies involved,” wrote Jacqueline Michelis, a spokeswoman for Bell. “Bell will not do so without guidance from applicable government authorities, including the Office of the Privacy Commissioner, as to the level of disclosure we are permitted.” The Department of Public Safety declined an interview request by the reporter. Industry Minister James Moore, whose department is responsible for the telecom sector, refused to comment on the story when asked by reporters in the House of Commons. While the information released Tuesday gives no indication what data is being sought, documents tabled in Parliament earlier this month provide a clue. The Canada Border Services Agency made almost 19,000 requests for data between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013. The vast majority of those requests were for “basic subscriber information,” and did not require a warrant. Michael Geist, one of Canada’s leading Internet privacy experts, said “basic subscriber information” is actually a very broad term that allows police agencies to link Internet activity to a customer’s identity. Geist, who also writes a weekly column for the Star, said legislation currently before Parliament will actually expand the number of organizations that can ask telecoms and social media companies to voluntarily hand over their customers’ information, and protect those companies from civil or criminal lawsuits. “It is a structure that allows for the massive disclosure of personal information with no court oversight whatsoever,” Geist said. “It’s stunning to think that this is what the government is proposing.” Geist said most Canadians are not aware that their data is being passed from companies to the government and would have little choice in the matter even if they did. “What choice do you have, other than simply going off-line? The reality is your data is out there, it’s obviously being collected, and it can be used and disclosed many times without any kind of oversight,” he said. Surrey city officials hope to open up more parking space on crowded streets with a garage cleaning contest Too many Surrey garages are full of Parking has been a heated issue in East mountains of junk, creating parking Clayton Heights for years. Residents problems on city streets, so the city say it can be impossible to find a spot is launching a contest to spur some sometimes, mainly because many badly-needed spring cleaning. properties have illegal basement suites. The rules for the Give Your Car a Resident Mauro Hrelia questions why Home Contest are simple, according to the city has money for a contest, but Dave Harkness, the city's manager of not for inspectors to crack down on the parking services. illegal secondary suites. Simply take pictures of your garage "They tell us they have no money to before and after you've cleaned it, then get people to check on these illegal send your photos to the city by May 20. basement suites, but they have money "That's the spot you use for storage, but to put out little brochures on 'Hey, if you can have something to motivate clean out your garage.' Come on guys, you like this, maybe it does get some what a joke," says Hrelia. space freed up on the street." The city is also looking at residential The grand prize is a $2,000 shopping parking permits, letting residents use school spree at Home Depot, but not everyone lots during non-school hours and widening is a fan of the idea. streets to accommodate more cars. Is The Junk In Your Garage Creating Parking Problems? B.C. Launches Skills 'ReEngineering' The B.C. government has unveiled its plan to match up skills training with emerging jobs in resource development, by redirecting post-secondary funding and financial aid toward occupations in demand. The plan emphasizes industrial skills such as welding, pipefitting, heavy equipment operation, truck driving and concrete finishing, but ministers and officials stressed that it also includes engineering, health care and other occupations where jobs are projected to increase. The main shift for colleges and universities is that within four years, a quarter of their operating grants will be targeted to programs with identified demand from the job market. Employment data will determine post-secondary funding, instead of the tradition of block grants to postsecondary schools. Ministers avoided identifying areas that will lose funding, but have previously cited far more teaching graduates than there are jobs in the school system. Premier Christy Clark has lamented a system where students receive a bachelor's degree and then must take additional training to qualify for jobs. Education Minister Peter Fassbender outlined a plan for K-12 schooling that aims to double the number of spaces for high school students taking industrial training in high school to 5,000 in two years. Students in these courses get college credits while still in high school, allowing them to go to work more quickly. The ministry is also revamping its kindergarten to grade nine curriculum to give it more emphasis on "handson learning" and exposing students in earlier grades to the range of jobs they can expect when they graduate. Jobs Minister Shirley Bond said the Industry Training Authority will soon get a new board of directors and industry advisory councils to provide up-to-date information on job market needs. NDP leader Adrian Dix said the overhaul of the ITA to restore union representation on its board shows that the model set up 10 years ago has been a failure. He also questioned how the education system can be restructured without adding new resources. "We need investment in skills training," Dix said. "Instead what we have is a ministry of reallocation, which will cause considerable problems in the system and will not, I think, cumulatively give young people what they need." Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk said the student loan program will also be adjusted to market demand, with loans reduced or forgiven for students who graduate with in-demand skills and are willing to move to get work. 30 www.fijitimescanada.com According to Michael Aziz, regional vice president of Individual Insurance Business Development at Desjardins Financial Security, annuities can be an important part of a retirement plan. "Annuities have become more than just a source of life-time income," said Aziz. "Some can be used as a charitable donation, and that's a very smart tax and estate planning strategy." We asked Aziz to give us a tour through the different types of annuities: To start, what is an annuity? An annuity is a long-term savings contract designed to provide you with guaranteed regular income for a specified period. How does it work? An annuity allows you to convert your savings into regular income, which is paid out over a specified period of time or for life. For example, the funds are invested and then after a prescribed period of time the client receives an Financial Friday May 2, 2014 Retirement Planning With Annuities income at regular intervals for a predetermined period of time or until their death, depending on the type of annuity chosen. These payments are determined based on factors such as life expectancy and current interest rates. What kinds of annuities are available? There are four that are most common: A life annuity provides a guaranteed and predictable income for life. It's safe from market fluctuations and can be reversible meaning that when the insured person dies, the annuity payments continue and are paid to their beneficiary. Term certain annuity provides a regular guaranteed income for a specified period. If the insured person dies before the end of this set period, the annuity is paid to the beneficiary. Adapted life annuity, also called an impaired risk annuity, is designed to meet the needs of a person who has been diagnosed with a critical illness or whose life expectancy has been reduced. The payments the contract owner receives are higher than conventional life annuity payments because they factor in their special circumstances. A charitable annuity allows a person to support a favourite charity while still receiving a guaranteed regular income for a specified period or for life. The contract owner would also receive a tax credit for the donation.   To learn more about how to include annuities into your retirement plan, speak to your representative. Vicky V. Prasad Life and Health Insurance Advisor Desjardins Financial Security Independent Network Ph 604-306-6647. Email: [email protected] This article is for general information purposes only and should not be construed as insurance, investment or tax advice. The rates and information contained herein are based on sources and materials believed to be reliable, but are not guaranteed. Please refer to the policy for more detailed information. Question: What are the main Danger Signs for somebody to confirm that they are in DEBT? Tahir Malik: There are many danger signs for somebody to know that they are in DEBT. Following are some of details for our readers. General · Are you worried that you will never get out of debt? · Do you have any savings? · Is your income enough to cover your normal monthly expenses? · Have you had to borrow money from your family/friends to make it to the end of the month? · Are you fighting over money with your family? · Do you know exactly how much you owe? Bank - Cheques · Have you been in overdraft at your bank? · Are you unable to get a loan from a bank? · Have you bounced cheques? · Do you write cheques hoping to get money into the account before they are cashed? · Withdrawing from your savings? Credit Cards · Have you missed credit card payments? · Are your credit cards maxed out? · Are you only making minimum payments on your credit cards? · Are you using your credit cards to pay for groceries because you do not have the money? · Do you take out cash advances on your credit cards to put money on other credit cards? Collection Agencies · Have you been contacted by a collection agency? · Do you receive collection calls from more than one collection agency? · Are you afraid to answer your phone The Dangers Of Owing More Than You Can Afford To Pay for fear it is a collection agency? Loan Payments · Have you been late on any of your loan payments? · Are you paying off loans for items you longer have? Rent/Mortgage · Have you been late with your rent or mortgage payments? · Have you taken equity out of your home and not used it to pay off your debts? · Is your mortgage higher than the current value of your home? Payday Loans / Cheque Cashing Companies · Have you taken out more than one payday loan? · Have you ever taken out a payday loan – while you stilled owed money on another payday loan? Bills · Have any of your utilities been cut off for non-payment? · Do you have to put off paying bills because the money just is not there? · Do you not open your mail because you know it is bills - which you cannot pay? Legal · Have any of your creditors taken you to court for your debts? · Have your wages or bank account been garnisheed? Question: Why do people end up being in DEBT? Tahir Malik: DEBT is often triggered by two or more factors such as: · Loss of job/income · Break up of marriage/common-law relationships · Lack of money management (over use of credit – no/low savings) · Prolonged health issues · Business failure · Co-signing of loans · Tax problems · Addictions gambling/alcohol/drugs Question: Is taking a secured line of credit or refinancing the home good idea to get your debts go away? TAHIR MALIK : Here’s where debt consolidation can cause serious problems. Consolidating your debt onto a home equity loan or line of credit. While a reasonable approach in some cases—puts your home at risk. If you use a home equity loan, line of credit or cash-out refinance to consolidate your debts, recognize you are guaranteeing the loan with the pink slip to your home. It may seem like a good idea—especially with today’s incredibly low interest rates, but you’re going from unsecured debt to debt that’s secured by your most important asset: your home. If you’re considering leveraging your home’s equity to consolidate credit card debt at a lower interest rate, make sure you can make this extra payment. Also, make sure you still have at least 20 percent equity in your home by the time you take out your line of credit or second mortgage. If you default on the loan, you’re at risk of foreclosure—just like if you defaulted on your original mortgage. Question: What if someone is having stressful and sleepless nights due to debts? Tahir Malik : Relax Perhaps the easiest thing to say, but the hardest thing to do when you are attempting to crawl out of that pitfall of debt, is to relax. Financial burdens are extremely frustrating and cumbersome, but working yourself into a panic is not going to be of any benefit. In fact, it may end up drawing out the process by adding additional financial burdens. It is well known that stress is a major cause of many health ailments and conditions. Working yourself into a high level of stress may just end up adding medical expenses to your pile of debt. New Life Debt Solutions will reduce your debts by up to 75 %, lower & easy monthly payment, stop those harassing phone calls, and wave your interest. So lean back, relax, and realize that you are on your way to complete debt relief and financial freedom.Contact us at 604909-2277 to make free and confidential initial consultation. Tahir Malik The Fiji Times Canada www.fijitimescanada.com Friday May 2, 2014 31 Ask A Pediatrician: Toilet Training Boys Coloring Q. My son is four years old and refuses to go on the toilet. He did it twice last year on his own so I know he knows how, but he seems to want to go back to babyhood. He is very smart in every other way but he won’t use the potty. Any suggestions? He gets really upset if I try to put him on the toilet. -Joanne A. This can be a really frustrating issue for parents and can sometimes seem like it's easier to get it wrong than right. Some boys (boys usually train later than girls) are just not ready – even at age four – and others are engaging in a power struggle with their parents that’s played out around the training issue. Either way, I think it helps to remember that only he can decide when he's ready to consistently use the toilet. Your job is to show him how (which you've already done) and to respond positively when he makes progress towards training. What we know is that kids who feel “forced” often dig their heels in and delay even more. Some ideas to help encourage his progress: Make his bathroom space comfortable and interesting. Try keeping a box of fun books handy for him to look at when he’s in the room. Point out friends or cousins of his who are training and accomplishing "big boy" tasks. (Seeing others praised can be a big motivator). Give positive praise for the strides he does make; let him know you are proud of him growing up. Since children generally want to please, these ideas can often help jump-start training. That said, sometimes it takes backing off a bit and waiting for signs that he's ready. Good Luck! Boys Vs. Girls: Who's Harder To Raise Coloring Coconut Can we finally answer the great parenting debate over which sex is more challenging to raise? I often say that I spend more time and energy on my one boy than on my three girls. Other mothers of boys are quick to say the same. Forget that old poem about snips and snails and puppy dog tails, says Sharon, a mom of three boys. Somehow it's been changed to boys being made of "fights, farts, and video games,' and sometimes I'm not sure how much more I can take!" Not so fast, say moms of girls, who point out that they have to contend with fussier fashion sense, more prickly social navigations, and a far greater capacity to hold a grudge. And as a daughter grows, a parent's concerns range from body image to math bias. Stereotyping, or large kernels of truth? "I think parents use 'which is harder?' as an expression of whatever our frustration is at the moment," says family therapist Michael. "Boys and girls are each harder in different ways." Every child is an individual, of course. His or her innate personality helps shape how life unfolds. Environment (including us, the nurturers) plays a role, too: "There are differences in how we handle boys and girls right from birth," says David, a professor of psychology. "We tend to talk more softly to girls and throw boys in the air." But it's also true that each gender's brain, and growth, unfolds at a different rate, influencing behavior. Some parents raise girls and boys differently because girls and boys are so different from birth -- their brains aren't wired the same way. So, can we finally answer the great parenting debate over which sex is more challenging to raise? Much depends on what you're looking at, and when: Coloring Guava 32 www.fijitimescanada.com Your Health Friday May 2, 2014 Facts About The Brain That Are Not True The brain is a very or probably the most complicated organ of the body and so much has been said about it. Unfortunately, most of what is being said or we are meant to believe are true are not so. There are even cases whereby people have gone commercial with myths that with time have been proven not to bear weight. Here are some of the facts on the brain you should not stress up believing. The 10 percent theory This is probably the most common and definitely the most widely spread fact about the human brain. It states that you only use 10% of your brain and never provides any information on what the remaining part (90%) does. There is no science that proves this, and this fact is believed to emanate from a study that indicated only 10% of neurons fire in the brain at a point in time, which is a completely different thing all together. The human brain has approximately 100 billion neurons and each on them communicates with a maximum of 10,000 other neurons. This does not imply that we are only using a tiny bit of our brain. What the person who came up with the myth would have probably said is that most of us operate at only 10% of our capacity, which is way below our capacity. You are either right brained or left brained You have probably heard of this, and funny enough, some people have even gone to the extent of carry out tests to establish which sided they are. Some people may display a one side trait of their brain, but it does not infer that they are either right or left side. The truth is that you use both sides of your brain to solve issues or for mental functions. In the event one side of your brain gets damaged and no longer operates properly, the other side takes over and does all the work. The bigger your brain the smarter you are The size of your brain does not matter, what matters is how well you use it. In fact, most people believe that the reason why men are somehow smarter than women is because they have larger brains of the two. This is not true and no proof has been given of this. It is more about the ratio of your body to your brain. You learn best from subliminal techniques/messages This is a fact that a marketer came up with to promote his work and nothing that supports it has been proven since then. This has led to proliferations of some materials, CDs, tapes that you listen to as you sleep. The fact is that, we are all different and unique in our own ways, and thus learn differently. While others learn better with visual aids, others do so by participating, listening, or a combination of many techniques. A brain damage is permanent Most people believe that a brain damage is permanent, when it is medically known that the brain can self repair. This process of brain repair is called neurogenesis and scientists have managed to prove this using a sophisticated imaging technology that provides visible evidence. Hole in the brain The fact that sometimes damages to some parts of the brain are known as gaps or holes does not necessarily mean that our brains have holes. As a matter of fact, what we know as holes in the brain is precisely depicted as the inactive areas of the brain. Or in more complicated terminologies, areas of the brain that no neurons fire. We lose our memory the older we grow This is one of the most popularly held misconceptions regarding the brain, that loss of memory is inevitable as you grow older. Several factors affect your brain’s ability to absorb, store, and remember information, such as drugs, general health, disease, and genetics among others. It is also true that most people appear to remember less as they grow older, but it does not mean that it is inevitable. With a proper and healthy diet, rich in fish, vegetables, and fruits and regular exercise, you can maintain your brain in an active and good condition. Your brain can be compared to a computer This would have been true if at all we were robots, but unfortunately we are not. This is nothing close to the truth. Back in the days computer models were built bearing in mind what was known regarding the brain. However, even if the power of all the computers in the world was to be combined, they would never match the power of one human brain. As earlier mentioned, the human brain is very complex and sophisticated, and it would be absurd to match its power with that of a computer. The grey brain fact It is funny, but unfortunate that most people believe that the human brain is grey in color. Others even believe that it is as tough as a muscle. This is probably because of the images that they are exposed to from the books, television, and other types of media. Nevertheless, the brain would only appear like that once it is extracted from the body and stored in certain chemicals. Actually, our brains are very soft like jelly and deep red in color. Your brain resembles a sponge You have probably heard some people saying that your brain resembles a sponge, such that once it is saturated with information, you cannot absorb any more as there is no more room. In better terms, what it means that we have a specified amount of information that we can absorb. This is absolutely not true. The brain has no limit as to what it can absorb and learn. It is a matter of whether you want to bother or make the effort. Travelling inside a crowed Metro or a jam-packed public transport bus? Make sure that you raise your elbow to cover up that turbulent buoyant cloud your neighbourhood commuter is about to expel. Coughs and sneezes stay airborne for "You can have ventilation contamination long distances in gas clouds that keep in a much more direct way than we would their potentially infectious droplets have expected originally," added Lydia aloft over much greater distances than Bourouiba, an assistant professor in MIT. previously realised, the researchers The researchers used high-speed imaging of coughs and sneezes, as said. "When you cough or sneeze, you see well as laboratory simulations and the droplets, or feel them if someone mathematical modeling, to produce a sneezes on you. But you do not see new analysis of coughs and sneezes the cloud, the invisible gas phase. The from a fluid-mechanics perspective. influence of this gas cloud is to extend "If you ignored the presence of the gas the range of the individual droplets, cloud, your first guess would be that particularly the small ones," explained larger drops go farther than the smaller John Bush, a professor of applied ones, and travel at most a couple of mathematics at Massachusetts Institute meters," Bush noted. "But by elucidating the dynamics of of Technology (MIT). The smaller droplets that emerge in a the gas cloud, we have shown that cough or sneeze may travel five to 200 there is a circulation within the cloud times further than they would if those the smaller drops can be swept around droplets simply moved as groups of and resuspended by the eddies within a cloud and so settle more slowly," unconnected particles. The tendency of these droplets to stay researchers emphasised. airborne, resuspended by gas clouds, Basically, small drops can be carried means that ventilation systems may be a great distance by this gas cloud more prone to transmitting potentially while the larger drops fall out, said the infectious particles than had been paper published in the Journal of Fluid Mechanics. suspected. This information is provided for knowledge and educational purposes only. Individuals should visit their physicians for more information on their health. Dodge That Cough Cloud Entering Your Nose www.fijitimescanada.com Your Health Friday May 2, 2014 33 Watermelon Can Improve Sex Life Too! The summer just got hotter. The humble cardiovascular problems, the study watermelon in your neighbourhood fruit market not only helps you shed weight, improve circulation or lower blood pressure, it can also boost your sex drive! According to a recent study by Italian researchers, citrulline amino acid in watermelons improve blood flow and can alleviate erectile dysfunction. Our bodies use citrulline to make yet another amino acid called arginine, which has viagra-like effect. Arginine boosts nitric oxide which relaxes blood vessels - the same basic effect that viagra has. Extra nitric oxide can also help treat angina, high blood pressure and other noted. The juicy fruit is 92 percent water, eight percent sugar, a great source of vitamin C and only 71 calories per serving. Health Benefits Of Drinking Warm Lemon Water Lemons are vitamin C rich citrus fruits helps nourish brain and nerve cells. that enhance your beauty, by rejuvenating skin from within bringing a glow to your face. One of the major health benefits of drinking lemon water is that it paves way for losing weight faster, thus acting as a great weight loss remedy. Lemon water flushes out body toxins and is extremely beneficial for the body. Warm lemon water serves as the perfect ‘good morning drink’, as it aids the digestive system and makes the process of eliminating the waste products from the body easier. It prevents the problem of constipation and diarrhea, by ensuring smooth bowel functions. Lemon, a fruit popular for its therapeutic properties, helps maintain your immune system and thus, protects you from the clutches of most types of infections. It also plays the role of a blood purifier. Lemon is a fabulous antiseptic and limewater juice also works wonders for people having heart problems, owing to its high potassium content. So, make it a part of your daily routine to drink a glass of warm lemon water in the morning and enjoy its health benefits. Read on for more interesting information on the benefits lemon water. Health Benefits Of Drinking Lemon Water • Lemon is an excellent and rich source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient that protects the body against immune system deficiencies. • Lemons contain pectin fiber which is very beneficial for colon health and also serves as a powerful antibacterial. • It balances maintain the pH levels in the body. • Having warm lemon juice early in the morning helps flush out toxins. • It has a synergizing effect on the body as it helps soothe the digestive system. • It aids digestion and encourages the production of bile. • It conditions and clenches the liver. • It is also a great source citric acid, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. • It helps prevent the growth and multiplication of pathogenic bacteria that cause infections and diseases. • It helps reducing pain and inflammation in joints and knees as it dissolves uric acid. • It helps cure the common cold. • The potassium content in lemon • Researchers have found that drinking Montmorency tart cherry juice twice a day for two weeks helped increase sleep time by nearly 90 minutes among older adults with insomnia. For the randomized crossover clinical trial, seven older adults (average age 68) with insomnia consumed 8 ounces of tart cherry juice twice daily for two weeks, followed by a two-week washout period, then a two-week period when another beverage was consumed (placebo). Co-author Frank L. Greenway, MD, director of the outpatient research clinic at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center at Louisiana State University, and his colleagues studied their slumber in a controlled setting, using overnight polysomnography to evaluate sleep efficiency, such as sleep onset and duration. Participants also completed questionnaires related to sleep, fatigue, depression and anxiety. Additionally, blood work was conducted on each participant. Tart Cherry Juice Ups Sleep Time By Almost 90 Min In Insomniac Adults A new study has revealed that people exposed to takeaway food outlets around them are more to be obese, as they are more likely to consume more of these foods. The study conducted by University of consumed on average 5.7 grams more Cambridge found that individuals were takeaway food than those who were exposed to 48 percent more takeaway least exposed. outlets at work than at home and the The researchers also found that average exposure combining home, people most exposed to takeaway work neighborhoods and commuting food outlets were estimated to have a routes was 32 outlets. BMI 1.21 greater and twice as likely According to the study, people who to be obese than those least exposed were most exposed to fast food options to such food. Takeaway Food Doubles Obesity Risk The researchers found that those who drank the Montmorency tart cherry juice in the morning and at night were able to sleep more than an hour longer each night (averaging 84 minutes) compared to the placebo, and their sleep tended to be more efficient. The researchers believe the ruby red pigments in tart cherry juice, known as proanthocyanidins, also play a role. These natural polyphenolic compounds are especially abundant in Montmorency tart cherries. In the study, tart cherry juice helped to increase the availability of tryptophan, an essential amino acid and a precursor to serotonin that helps with sleep. The juice was shown in cells to inhibit an enzyme (indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase) that degrades tryptophan. Tryptophan degradation is a known predictor of insomnia and is also related to inflammation, said co-authors Jack Losso and John Finley, professors in the School of Nutrition and Food Sciences at Louisiana State University Agricultural Center. This information is provided for knowledge and educational purposes only. Individuals should visit their physicians for more information on their health. es m T I THE FIJI It liquefies the bile and also helps regulate the excess flow of bile. • It strengthens the liver by providing energy to the liver enzymes when they are too dilute. • It helps balance the calcium and oxygen levels in the liver. • It can help relieve the problem of indigestion and excess gas. • In case of a heart burn, taking a glass of concentrated lemon juice can give relief. • In case of pregnant and lactating women, lemon juice will help build strong bones in a child, due to its calcium content. • It helps dissolve gall bladder stones and other calcium build ups that are dangerous to the body. • It is of immense benefit to the skin and it prevents the formation of wrinkles and acne. • It helps maintain the health of the eyes and helps fight against eye problems. • It aids in the reduction of phlegm (mucus) produced by the body. • It has an alkalizing effect on the body. • It helps control the speeding of unhealthy bacteria in the gut. • Aids in the production of digestive juices. • It helps purify the blood. • Lemon juice helps replenish body salts especially after a strenuous workout session. • It can treat a sore throat. Gargle with warm lemon water to help ease a sore throat. Nutrition Value Of Lemons A glass of lemon juice contains less than 25 calories. It is a rich source of nutrients like calcium, potassium, vitamin C and pectin fiber. It also has medicinal values and antibacterial properties. It also contains traces of iron and vitamin A. Since it contains an elevated percentage of carbohydrates and sugars, avoid adding sugar to lemon juice. Packed with all the goodness, make it a point to begin your day with a glass of warm lemon juice. Its cleansing and medical effects will have positive effects on your health in the long run. However it is very important to note that lemon juice when comes directly in contact with the teeth, can ruin the enamel on the teeth. Hence, it is advised to consume it diluted and also rinse your mouth thoroughly after drinking lemon juice. CANADA 34 www.fijitimescanada.com Astrology Friday May 2, 2014 Aries The week is not very auspicious for businessmen to sign new partnership deals, so it would be good for you to maintain the status quo. Financial affairs will dominate. Spend your money wisely. Although your income may be sufficient, see to it that the outflow of cash does not exceed your budget. In the initial stages of the week, you may feel disturbed about certain matters, but gradually you will regain your focus and rhythm. Take up some spiritual activity to maintain inner peace. Avoid being rigid, as it will only harm you. If you try and make conscious efforts, you can be flexible and achieve your goals without hurting anyone’s emotions. Those of you looking to buy new property should wait for some more time, as a better deal may be in the offering. this is an excellent week for verbal as well as written communication and for giving your inputs on various matters. Try to look at the holistic picture. Some people are good at coming up with extraordinary plans, but those plans prove to be mere castles in the air in the absence of concrete actions. If you wish not to be one of those people, ensure that you don’t deviate from your path. Don’t neglect your health, and exercise to keep fit. Scorpio Leo Taurus This week will not be too favourable for businessmen to sign on new partnerships, or form new personal relationships. You shall give a lot of importance to what people think of you. While it is good to be conscious about your public image, it is equally important to ensure that you don’t end up sacrificing your precious resources in order to please people. Others may form unjustified opinions about you, or make sarcastic remarks, but don’t let all that affect your actions. Just be yourself. On the personal front, romantic relationship may quite likely take a negative turn. It seems to be a delicate period, so you better handle such issues with utmost care. Nevertheless, this appears to be a good time to start new friendship with someone you have been secretly admiring. A very favourable phase for businessmen, as sales and profits will increase. Professionals also have the stars in their favour, as they will not only increase their earning potential in their present jobs but will also get a few opportunities to make some extra cash on the side. If some tasks have been pending, the time is ripe to wind them up now. Use your talents to your best advantage. However, on the domestic front, things may be far from positive. Efforts to set things right may prove to be futile, so focus on work and utilize your talents better. Time, the great healer, will take care of your domestic problems. Respect your parents and superiors, and you will earn their support and good wishes. Travel is on the cards. The planetary configurations suggest that good times are ahead, though they may not manifest in the immediate future. The transformation has positively started. Even under tough circumstances this week, you will be in a jolly mood, and this kind of positive perspective will win half the battles for you. Matters under litigation will go in your favour. Settle things out of court as far as possible to avoid bad blood. Students of your sign who wish to apply for higher studies will have the stars in their favour this week. Even those who are not thinking of pursuing advanced studies shall have a smooth sailing. Romance is in the air, and you may look forward to a beautiful candle-lit dinner with your sweetheart this week. done a good, hard day’s work – and that too sincerely. This will be reward enough for you. On the personal front, you shall pay enough attention to your family members and friends, especially those of the opposite sex, with whom you will strike up a great rapport. Anyway, you will give work more priority than romance, and will spend time with your sweetheart only after all your work is done. However, that doesn’t mean you turn a blind eye to the issues in your relationship. Aquarius Sagittarius Virgo Gemini A very profitable week is foreseen for you especially if you are into business. However, if you happen to be a professional, things may not be moving too speedily for you, and your patience may be put to severe test. Do not rely too heavily on your fate, but instead try to make things happen by the sheer dint of your labour. You are likely to meet people who are on the same wavelength with you, and you will enjoy some good times with them. You shall be very communicative, and express your thoughts and ideas with great clarity. However, ensure that people don’t start interfering in your personal affairs. They are bound to offer unsolicited advice, but instead of getting irritated, you should quietly do your own bidding. Improve the quality of your products if you wish to increase your business profitability. At the same time, you also need to make your employees more efficient, for which you may have to streamline the whole organizational structure. No matter how challenging the task may seem, you should ensure that your confidence remains unaffected this week. Your path may be full of obstacles, big and small, but you will have to overcome them by the sheer dint of your courage. Investments will have to be made after due consideration. You are helpful by nature, but avoid lending money indiscriminately to others, because not all of them may return it in time. Be careful about the words you utter so as not to hurt anyone close to you. This week your shall be extremely determined to achieve your goals, and anybody trying to pose obstacles in your path will do so at his/her own peril, as you are likely to bulldoze your way through. You will deliver lots of quantities of work, but without compromising on the quality. Some people in your circle may harbour doubts about your abilities and the efficacy of your approach, but by the weekend you shall stand vindicated, so you need not pay much heed to what other may be gossiping about you. On the home front, though, children and matters related to them may cause some concerns. If you are inclined towards subjects such as spirituality or astrology, you shall move closer to your goals. You are likely to splurge on luxurious things and leisure activities. But know that some sort of financial planning would always help. People in the creative field will hit a purple patch this week, and you will experience success in every endeavour of yours. On the financial front, most of you will have a wonderful time as the stars are in favour on this front. However, on the work front, certain planetary positions indicate that there may be some annoying delay in the execution of your projects. The only options you have are to either try and hasten things or wait patiently for the stars to turn in your favour. Put the stagnant projects on the back-burner, and instead focus your attention on things that are moving forward smoothly, doing which you will also be utilizing your energies more productively. Things on the home front will be hunky-dory. Pisces Capricorn Libra Cancer The stars will favour businessmen this week, so if you wish to accelerate things, you may go ahead without any hesitation. You will get all-round support in your endeavours. This is a very good time to communicate your views and spread your knowledge. Share your ideas with others. In fact, The initial stages of the week you shall be pre-occupied with issues related to personal or professional partnerships. As the days roll by, though, the problems will either get resolved or will start appearing less and less significant. It is advisable that you focus on matters that have a positive ring about them rather than matters that are negative and cause you a great deal of anxiety. It would be futile to curse yourself for the mistakes you made in the past, because the past is one thing that you cannot change. Don’t develop preconceived notions about people and situations, and enjoy life to the fullest. Though this week is not favourable for kick-starting something new, if you wish to expand existing operations, you may go ahead. You shall be very meticulous this week because of which there is almost no chance of you going wrong in your tasks, and the fact that they will get accomplished perfectly will be greatly appreciated by your superiors. However, you may have to indulge in some multi-tasking, but at the end of the day you are yourself going to be extremely satisfied that you have This week you shall be in a very amiable and generous mood and you will do everything in your power to fulfill the desires of your family members. However, you may also be very curious – could be out of possessiveness – about the things happening in the lives of your dear ones. On the romantic front, you shall spend some quality time with your sweetheart and strengthen your bond, especially as you will decide to overlook his/her negative aspects and focus only on the positive aspects. This attitude, whether you are married or single, will endear you to your beloved, and he/she too will start taking extra care to understand your likes and dislikes and will try to please you. Know your relationship well right from the word goes. You will be in an unusually gregarious mood, but take care not to hurt anyone with your words. Mobile Makeup Artist Bridal Make-up, Proms, Birthdays Anniversaries etc Professionally Trained as a Make-up Artist Phone: 778-321-4003 [email protected] instagram is mua_deehayes Devina Hayes www.fijitimescanada.com Friday May 2, 2014 35 Had Kar Di Aapne: Govinda Will Ask His Wife Before Doing Sex Comedy Bollywood's undisputed king of comedy, actor Govinda, has nothing against sex comedies, which are a trend in tinsel towns nowadays. However, whether he will be part of such a project or not is a decision he would want to consult his wife for. Asked about his take on sex comedies, Govinda said here: "I feel whatever gives business...somewhere it is right. Something which is accepted by everybody cannot be wrong. Whichever comedy it might be, I think comedy is comedy." Is he open to sex comedies? Pat came the reply: "Well I will have to ask Sunita (my wife) about that," While he seems to be embracing the new twist to comedy films in the Hindi movie world, he is also happy about young and new talent in the industry. "Ranveer, Varun...everybody is doing well. These youngsters are working hard. We have never worked so hard. In our times, we were only actors, we were not body builders. "The youngsters are great, they are fantastic...May god bless them," he added. Govinda is here to attend the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend and Awards, with his wife Sunita in tow. After announcing their separation in December 2013, Hrithik Roshan and Sussane have officially filed divorce papers at Bandra family court. Both arrived at the court to file a divorce with mutual consent. No allegations have been made by both parties. The hearing will tentatively take place on October 31. Hrithik And Sussane Officially File Divorce Hrithik and Sussane, who were childhood sweethearts, tied the knot on December 20, 2000 after a four-year relationship. Earlier, Hrithik had said in a statement that it was Sussane who has decided to separate from him and end their 17-yearold relationship. The couple has two children Hrehaan and Hridhaan. AR AGGARWAL RAI ________________ ________________ LAW GROUP LLP Civil Litigation: Contract Disputes Builders Lien Family Law: Divorce Custody & Access Maintenance Property Division ide We Prov al n io s s Profe Most t A s e Servic ve ti Competi s Rate Wills & Estate: Probates Letter Of Administration Trust Drafting Wills & POA Property (Residential & Commercial) Sale, Purchase & Mortgage Business Sale & Purchase All Agreements, Contracts & Leases Real Estate: ICBC Injury Cases WCB & CPP Disability Human Rights Notary Services All types of Documentation & Attestation/ Notarization Barrister, Solicitor & Notary Public Naresh Aggarwal E:[email protected] W:www.aggarwallaw.ca #20 - 8430 128th Street, Surrey BC (Opposite Grand Taj Banquet Hall) 604.596.3366 We Speak Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi & English *First Consultation Is Free In Most Cases* Mon - Fri 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Sunday (By Appointment ONLY!) Barrister, Solicitor & Notary Public Amarvir Singh Rai 36 www.fijitimescanada.com Friday May 2, 2014 Director Anil Kumar, who has shot his upcoming Tamil travel romantic-drama "Serndhu Polama" in New Zealand, says he finds the place to be one of the most beautiful locations in the world to shoot in. "For the romance in my story, the locations in New Zealand were very apt. I fell in love with the place when I visited it, and I thought it would make sense to shoot here. I feel it's one of the most beautiful places in the world to shoot films," Kumar said. Kumar shot the film in Kiwi land because the film's producer Sasi Nambeesan is from there. "We wanted to shoot abroad initially, but since Sasi is from New Zealand, he insisted that we shoot there. While it was not easy to get permission from the Anil Goes Gaga Over New Zealand's Beauty authorities to shoot, we did manage to shoot without any hassles," he added. "Serndhu Polama" features Vinay Rai, Madhurima, Thambi Ramaiah and Thalaivasal Vijay in important roles. A popular filmmaker in Malayalam, Kumar makes his Tamil debut with the film. He says he doesn't find much difference in the various film industries in the country except for the language. "Except for the languages, I don't find much difference in the industries. I may belong to Malayalam industry, but I have been following Tamil industry for many years. Therefore, working in it was not a new challenge," he said. The film, which is left with some patch work to be completed, is eyeing a June release. Akki's Next Titled 'Singh Is Bling' Ekta Kapoor To Reunite With Milan Luthria After a zillion controversies erupted around Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Dobaara, producer Ekta Kapoor is set to reunite with director Milan Luthria. This time, however, the idea is not to make another gangster drama or a dirty picture. Buzz is, the filmmakers, along with writer Rajat Aroraa who penned The Dirty Picture, Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai and its sequel, are working on a contemporary love story with a young cast. The script is being worked upon and the cast will be locked in a couple of months. Rajat confirmed the news, "Yes, I'm writing a passionate love story for Ekta and Milan set in today's times." Tanuj Garg, CEO, Balaji Motion Pictures, added, "Milan and Balaji share a close relationship, we are conversing on what we can do next together." Akshay Kumar is all set to star and produce 'Singh is Bling'. The film, to be directed by Prabhudheva, will be produced by by Grazing Goat Pictures, which is Kumar and Ashvini Yardi's production banner. The title may turn out to be lucky for Akshay as his earlier film 'Singh is Kinng' was a big success. 'Singh is Bling' marks Prabhudheva's first film which will not to be a South remake and reunites him with Akshay after 'Rowdy Rathore'. "This film is going to be an outright entertainer and Akshay's character in the film will leave an everlasting impression on the viewers. There couldn't have been a better title for the film and we are extremely excited that Prabhu Dheva will be directing Grazing Goat Pictures' next Hindi feature film," Yardi said in a statement. es T Im THE FIJI CANADA Karan Malhotra will apparently steer the remake of the popular Hollywood sports film Will Karan Malhotra, director of project.` 'Agneepath' (2012), make the Hindi A the Tom Hardy-starrer, 'Warrior' is version of the American sports drama, a 2011 sports drama that was directed 'Warrior'? Sources say that Malhotra by Gavin O'Connor. It tells the story will helm the Indianised adaptation of of two brothers, their relationship and the film that will apparently be jointly how they are pitted against each other produced by Endemol and Dharma in a martial arts tournament. Productions. Not only has Endemol has bought the Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton in rights to this film, it seems that Karan 'Warrior' Malhotra may now direct this film, When contacted, Deepak Dhar, MD even before Shuddhi goes on the floors and CEO, Endemol, refused to say next year. much. He said, `We are still working Both Malhotra and Apurva Mehta, on Warrior; nothing has been finalised CEO, Dharma Productions, remained yet. We are yet to lock the team for this unavailable for comment. American Film 'Warrior' To Be Remade In Hindi www.fijitimescanada.com Friday May 2, 2014 37 With more than 3,000 people gathered to get a glimpse of Amitabh Bachchan in Chembur, Mumbai, the shooting of Anurag Kashyap’s TV series had to be cancelled When Amitabh Bachchan turned up the street.” on the streets of Chembur to shoot The shoot was scheduled to take place for an important sequence for Anurag near Ashish Cinema in Chembur. Kashyap’s television series, little did We also hear that the police just the megastar know that an unruly couldn’t manage the crowd. Around crowd of 3000 people will stall the 3,000 people had gathered to get a shoot. A disappointed Bachchan glimpse of the 71-year-old superstar. tweeted “The night shoot had to be Senior police inspector Dilip Yadav abandoned without a single shot; too of RCF police station reasoned that much of a crowd could not work. It lots of people had gathered and as the was the streets. Despite an entire posse location does not have an enclosure, it of security men and the police force, it was difficult contain the crowds at the became impossible to shoot a scene on aforementioned location. Was Amitabh Bachchan Troubled By An Unruly Mob Vijay Raaz Promotes 'Kya Dilli Kya Lahore' In Mumbai The remake will have Sharman Joshi teaming up with Kajal Aggarwal Director Ajoy Varma debuted in which is a rom-com. It is an interesting Bollywood with the film, Dus Tola, story and apart from featuring Sharman which starred Manoj Bajpayee and and Kajal, the film will have lyrics Aarti Chabria in lead roles. The film penned by Gulzarsaab, while Shantanu may have not done well at the box Moitra will compose the film's music. office, but now Varma is all set to If things go as per plan, we will soon make his comeback after four years make an official announcement about with a remake of the Iranian film, the project,` he says. Cease Fire. Sharman remained unavailable for Ajoy has been working on this project comment, but Kajal's spokesperson for a long time now and he has finalised confirmed that she has signed the film. Sharman and Kajal to play the lead Essentially, the story of a married couple roles. This film was a blockbuster in that is on the verge of separation, Cease Iran in 2006. He is currently looking at Fire shows them eventually realising finalising the rest of the cast. The film their follies and falling in love with will go on floors in September as by each other all over again. The film did then, he will have cast another actor to good business and is known to be one play a pivotal role in the film,` says a of the highest grossing movies in the source. Iranian film industry. It is referred to as Varma confirmed the news. `Yes, I the Iranian version of the Hollywood have got the rights of this Iranian film film, Mr & Mrs Smith. Iranian Blockbuster 'Cease Fire' To Be Remade In Hindi Vijay Raaz was recently spotted promoting his directorial-debut 'Kya Dilli Kya Lahore' along with actor Rajendranath Zutshi in Mumbai. Speaking about the movie, the actor said that his new flick talks about love, friendship and humanity. "It's about a soldier but soldier can also talk about love. It's just the setting of the film and since it's about a soldier so it becomes a little different also because we consider soldiers to be hard core but that's the beauty of the film as the people who we think have a rock heart and can only fire when they talk about love the message comes across very differently," Raaz said. Zutshi, who plays a lead role in the film, said, "This film is an effort to bridge the gap and spread love. There is no hatred in the film it's all about love." The movie is produced by Karan Arora and is scheduled to hit the theatres on May 2nd. 778.968.4900 Island Video & Music World Digital Video Recording Digital Photography Digital Albums Magazine Albums Complete Sound Systems With Spectacular light effects Hall Decorations Mandap Setups Large Video Screens Limo Service Now Available at Reasonable Rate! For Weddings, Parties Graduations, Birthdays etc. email:[email protected] www.islandvideoandmusic.com 38 www.fijitimescanada.com OPENING SOON MEGA WHOLESALE WAREHOUSE In Lower Mainland BC Canned Meat & Fish Friday May 2, 2014 Canned Juices Canned Beans Products from Fiji, India, Australia, New Zealand Thailand, Malaysia, Phillipines, USA etc Plus Many More Items will be Available THIS IS A WHOLESALE CASH & CARRY OUTLET ONLY SOLD BY CASE LOT BUY AT WHOLESALE PRICES 25% - 30% LOWER THAN GROCERY STORES Watch for Location & Opening Date www.fijitimescanada.com Sports Places of Worship Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 10am to 3pm 10am to 1pm, 5pm to 8pm 10am to 1pm, 5pm to 9pm 1pm to 7pm 10am to 1pm, 5pm to 8pm 10am to 1pm, 5pm to 9pm 10am to 1pm Friday May 2, 2014 SUBRAMANIYA SWAMY TEMPLE OF BC 8840 No. 5 Road, Richmond, BC 604.274.7906 Temple Hours SANATAN DHARM CULTURAL SOCIETY SHIV MANDIR 5600 DORSET STREET, BURNABY BC PH: 604 -254 -2624 HOURS OF OPER ATION Monday 5:30pm–9:00pm Tuesday 7:00pm–9:00pm Sunday 10:00am–12 noon Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam Educational and Cultural Society, BC, Canada (EST. 1982 – Incorporated S176969) 39 For Pooja Booking Contact: Aiyaar Shivachariyar Sada Shiva 604.274.7906 COLEBROOK UNITED CHURCH 5441 - 125A St, Surrey B.C. Affiliated with Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada GOOD NEWS ASSEMBLY FOR JESUS Service Time SRI VENKATESHWARA MAHA VISHNU TEMPLE Temple hours Monday to Sunday Daily Aarthi Ramayan Katha 9326 - 116th Street, Delta, BC Morning 8:00am–10:00am Evening 6:00pm–8:00pm 7:00pm Friday 6:00pm–10:00pm Pooja/Special Prayer Sessions/Temple/Hall PT. Shiu Madri 604.582.4899 PUJARI Soma Sundaran 604.363.7180 Maathar Sangam Activities & Volunteers Shakuntala Naidu 604.576.4529 Treasurer: Muniappa Naidu 604.576.4529 1pm Sundays (Hindi & English) James Kumar 604-581-3191 (res) 604-599-9518 (work) Cecil Labon 604-572-4854 President: H.C. Gopal 604.290.1114 Secretary: Ganesh Murti 604.315.3166 HINDI PUNJABI FRASERVIEW GOSpEL ChApEL Sunday Service 10:30 am–12:00 noon 6:30PM - 7:30PM Service in Hindustani & Punjabi • Sunday School for Children 14630-107A Avenue Surrey BC V3R 1V1 Serving the community since 1972 If you’re looking for a place to belong or have been searching for answers to life’s questions or healing, come to our services or contact us. Allow us to introduce you to Jesus Christ and help you come into a full relationship with him. ABHISHEK PENTECOSTAL ASSEMBLY Sunday School/Worship Service: 1pm 11601-82nd Ave, Delta BC (604) 590-8836 [email protected] www.abhiskhekassembly.com Services are in Hindi and English Senior Pastor Rev. Samuel Krishna Pastor Santosh Raj 604-582-2650 [email protected] ASIAN CHRIST CHURCH OF CANADA Rev. Emmanuel Cheema 778-241-9066 [email protected] Sunday Service @ 5.30 p.m. (Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi & English) We pray for sickness, demon possessed & family problems. We have testimonies, come and see God’s great work. You are the light of the world, a city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5: 11) 15964 88th Ave. Surrey, B.C. V4N IH5 Fiji Seniors Society Of Canada Social Gathering at 1pm - last Sunday of each month Bhan Mati Raj 604.581.9859 James Kumar 604.599.9518 Chand Lakhan 604.599.0361 Satya Nand 604.590.5303 Bhan Pratap 604.839.5106 Thakur K.Singh 604.587.5439 Bindi Lal 778.707.1015 Progressive Cultural Centre 126 - 7536 130th Street, Surrey BC HINDI CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP #4-6468 King George Blvd, Surrey BC Sunday Service @ 2:00PM Uplifting Worship | Prayer for healing | Music (CD) Available Shailendra (Shal) Singh 604-596-7353 or 604-323-6506 | [email protected] 2nd Tuesday GLOBAL FIJIAN ASSEMBLIES Pastor Isimeli Lesi Korobasaga Affiliated with Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada Every Sunday 2–5PM @ People’s Full Gospel 14455 - 104th Ave., Surrey, BC Phone: 604.592.9001 • Cell: 778.938.2734 • Email: [email protected] HOSANNA TABERNACLE Pastor Silas Naidu 604.352.1232 [email protected] NAYA JEEWAN CHURCH 38868 - 128th Street, Surrey BC Affiliated with Pentecoastal Assemblies of Canada 6075 Inverness Street, Vancouver Sunday Services in Hindi/English 2:00pm Service Sundays 2:00pm Bible Study (Hindi & English) Wednesdays 7:30pm Prayer, Counselling & Visitations Available Pastor Eileen Reddy 604.543-8339 F I JIAN METHODIST UNI T E D C H U R C H Ph: 604.593.5663 Pastor Sakaraia & Rev. Ema Karoi F C A Seniors Branch 13629 - 108 Avenue, Surrey BC V3T 2K4 (778) 395.0903 12371 96 Avenue Surrey BC Sunday Service @ 6:00PM Seniors Gathering Schedule April 12th 2014 1pm - 5 pm April 27th 2014 1pm - 5 pm May 11th 2014 1pm - 5 pm May 25th 2014 1pm - 5 pm Osoyoos Tour May 17th, 18th& 19th 2014 Phone for info: Subhas Chandra (604) 433.4298 N. Tezram (604) 540.7009 40 www.fijitimescanada.com Friday May 2, 2014 Brick Mansions (PG) *** Rough Hood! Detroit is in the news often these days. Apart from GM recalls motor city has literally Gone to the dogs. Inspired by a jarring French movie VVS films and Touchwood PR touch a raw nerve with Brick Mansions. Dynamic indeed is this action thriller. Besides being smart this stylish treat is co-Written by French master director Luc Besson. Put Besson's name Anywhere in The credits and expect fists to fly and tires to burn. Lucky audiences at any Cineplex Odeon theatre anywhere in B.C. will not be disappointed. Set in modern Detroit this city is plagued with crime. Shades of The original RoboCop emerge as corruption is everywhere . To keep the riff raff out of the way the authorities have closed off a big part of the city in a ghetto called Brick Mansions. Rules by gangs and drug lords just a mile high wall separates the animals for. The cleanliving folks of Detoit. In a bold effort to snuff out a master criminal/terrorist the government decides to send in a special officer to clean things up. In His second to last performance before his untimely death Paul Walker (The Fast and The Furious) puts his skills and charisma to awful good use as Damien. Behind enemy lines with no authorized help Damien turns to a convict named Lino to help get close to master crime czar Tremaine. Both David Belle and RZA are terrific in all respects as their characters are well written and their delivery as menaces jarring. Throw in a few sexy babes played deliciously by hot to trot and ready to fight Lola Catalina and Auisha Issa plus a real gritty gangster crime ridden atmosphere and this movie rocks. Explosive in all respects this 90 minute joy ride from director Camille Delamarre is an utter blast. By Robert Waldman Piggy Chops ruled IIFA this year. From interacting with the Usual Suspects star Kevin Spacey to walking the red carpet and performing with the soughtafter actor John Travolta, Priyanka was shining like a diamond at the gala affair. How did Bollywood celebrate its gorgeous asset, read on to find out… Priyanka Chopra has been having the time of her life. After releasing her third international single- I can’t make you love me- the Exotic babe hasn’t had the chance to step down from clod nine. And why would she if a Hollywood veteran like John Travolta praises her musical and acting talent at India’s biggest celebration of Bollywood! John Travolta was seen raving about John Travolta Is Priyanka Chopra’s New Fan Piggy Chops’ hit single Exotic. Priyanka was overwhelmed by the praise as the compliment came from Travolta who is equally talented musically as he is in terms of acting (remember Greece?) Hollywood might be warming up to Priyanka as she was also seen hosting an acting master class with Academy Award winning actor Kevin Spacey, where the two actors discussed about cinema. The actor who is ruling television currently with his show House of Cards also expressed his desire to work with PeeCee in a film! Looks like it’s Priyanka’s year in Bollywood and we just hope that the beautiful babe cashes in on the opportunities. George Clooney and his girlfriend Amal Alamuddin have fuelled rumours they're engaged. The couple have sparked speculation they're heading for the aisle after the 36-year-old lawyer was spotted showing off a diamond sparkler on her ring finger as they indulged in sushi at Nobu in Malibu. According to Entertainment Tonight, the couple, who are yet to confirm they are even dating, were joined by Cindy Crawford and actor Edward Norton. The website claims: "Multiple sources confirm that they saw Amal showing off a ring to Cindy, the wife of Clooney's business partner Rande Gerber." The pair - who were first linked after a dinner date in October - have been getting serious in recent months and were most recently seen at a special screening of George's movie 'Monuments Men' at the White House in February. An onlooker said at the time: "His arm was around her shoulder and she had hers around his. They just seemed very, very together." George's romance with Amal came shortly after he split from Stacy Keibler last July, who reportedly ended their George Clooney Finally Getting Married? relationship because the Hollywood hunk didn't want to settle down and have children. Meanwhile, the actress-and-model swiftly moved on, marrying Jared Pobre in a romantic ceremony in Mexico last month, and is already expecting a baby. The Fiji Times Canada is Now Available online www.fijitimescanada.com www.fijitimescanada.com Friday May 2, 2014 41 Canada’s Leading Psychic Healer t oo m e l rob p o ll N a m s big or Spiritual Healer, Reader & Advisor Most Problems Solved in 24 Hours All readin Tells Past, Present & Future gs and con private Palm, Tarot Card and Psychic Readings, Crystal Ball, Dream Interpretation. fidential Restores success and happiness back into your life Will succeed where others have failed. Will tell you your enemy by name. This god gifted healer will help and advice you on all of life’s many problems. Removes black magic(Kala jadoo) negative influences and bad luck. Helps in Love/Marriage • Business/Finance • House/Business Blessings Jealousy/Lost Love • Health/Depression • Court Case/Immigration Alcohol/Drug Addictions Specializing in Reuniting Loved Ones Over 20 years experience 778-868-3162 By Appointment only 10am-9pm open 7 days a week 72 hours guaranteed results - Call today for a better tomorrow FLEETWOOD, Surrey Free Consultation 42 www.fijitimescanada.com For Women/ Relationship Friday May 2, 2014 Miscarriage Symptoms Every Pregnant Woman Should Know Relationships Funds Available Pregnancy is that happy moment in days of pregnancy. The pain may even a woman’s life that brings with it a spread and will be felt in the lower number of questions and queries. But, back or pelvic region. Contact your sometimes a problem-prone pregnancy doctor and tell her all the symptoms. can lead to an unfortunate miscarriage. Preferably you should also go for a Medical attention during pregnancy is check-up just to make sure all is well. as important as a healthy diet and rest. Pain in the abdomen and pelvic regions Read on to know about the early signs could also indicate trouble. of miscarriage, so that you can get 4. Blood clots: When blood clots immediate medical attention. pass through the vagina in the early There are several signs of an impending days of pregnancy, it is a sure sign of miscarriage. However, these signs can miscarriage and if you are able to spot also indicate other unrelated problems this sign you should get medical help that are not connected to the pregnancy as soon as possible as it will help save itself. Therefore, when a pregnant lady the foetus. faces any problems out of the ordinary, 5. Movement of foetus: The foetus it is best that she report to her doctor to usually begins to move in the fourth establish a diagnosis. month of pregnancy. This is the A miscarriage is the loss of foetus time when the mother feels her which usually happens at the early baby moving and developing. If that stages of pregnancy. The first 20 weeks movement has stopped, and there is no of pregnancy are crucial and most further development, it can be a sign of miscarriages happen at that time. It miscarriage. Contact your gynecologist is a fast and spontaneous effect that immediately. enables the women to act against it. Timely prediction and awareness of If you are a first-time mom awaiting the symptoms of miscarriage can save your little bundle of joy, there are some the foetus and even help it develop early signs of miscarriage you should into a healthy child. About half of the be aware of. women who experience early signs of More than 80% of miscarriages miscarriage and get medical attention occur within the first three months of are able to carry the baby to the full pregnancy. Miscarriages are less likely term. Another well known fact is that to occur after 12 weeks gestation; women who go through one or two these are termed second trimester miscarriages can carry babies to their miscarriages. In addition, women may full term without any problem in future be at increased risk for miscarriage as too. they get older. Some studies show that It is a myth that most miscarriages the risk of miscarriage is 12% to 15% are preventable. Miscarriages can for women in their 20s and rises to be avoided only in certain cases. about 25% for women at age 40. The Irrespective of the treatment, some increased incidence of chromosomal miscarriages may still proceed and abnormalities contributes to the age- lead to an aborted baby. related risk of miscarriage. A very large majority of miscarriages Miscarriages seldom happen post the are due to chromosomal abnormality of second trimester and thus it is important the foetuses and since this genetically for the new mom to take good care in programmed into the foetus at the time the first few months of her pregnancy. of fertilisation, it is inevitable. Symptoms of miscarriage: 10-15 % miscarriages are in the second 1. Cramps: There can be signs of strong trimester and these may be due to cramping in your lower abdomen or the anatomical problems of the uterus or pelvic region and this is an early sign the cervix like cervical insufficiency of miscarriage. Cramps in the stomach where the mouth of the womb is weak during pregnancy are usually a sign and cannot hold the pregnancy back. of an underlying problem and must Corrective measures could be taken in be checked with the doctor. However, selected cases for these problems. slow cramping is normal. You should be Miscarriages happen due to hormonal careful if the cramping is accompanied changes, infection or any health by heavy breathing. If you face heavy problem with the mother. It can also cramping and bleeding you need to go be due to unhealthy lifestyle habits of see a doctor immediately. the mother like smoking, malnutrition, 2. Bleeding: Though many women drug use, mother’s age and many more. experience intermitted spotting all throughout the pregnancy, heavy bleeding indicates signs of miscarriage. This situation needs immediate medical ailable (Against Real Estate only) attention. The sign of miscarriage rtgages atcardinal competitive rates is bleeding per vaginum. The problem may not indicate that the woman r further information: is aborting or miscarrying but any [email protected] bleeding should be bought to the notice of the doctor. 3. Pain: A sharp pain in the abdomen is a sign of miscarriage in the early Is fighting good for your relationship? Even the happiest of couples argue. What makes some arguments beneficial to your love life? When you first meet someone and are getting to know one another there is not too much to argue about. As your relationship progresses and you grow closer that is when people let down their guards and may start to argue. Not to worry, it is healthy and normal for couples to fight now and again. Fighting occurs when there is a breakdown in effective communication. Even the nicest, most even tempered people will get riled up if they feel taken advantage of or if they do not feel heard. You must have realistic expectations of your spouse or person you are dating. You can’t expect them to read your mind. That is why effectively getting your needs across is essential to keeping both people happy. Here is a list of ways to be effective in your communicating. 1. Talk with an even temper. When you yell at someone it is possible that they will shut off their listening and not really hear what it is you want to convey. No one likes to be yelled at so think before you speak. If you are really angry, take a deep breath, exhale and then speak your request. Staying calm is crucial to being heard. 2. Do not make the other person wrong when stating what is bothering you. Instead, let them know how it is for you. Ex: Instead of saying, “I can’t believe you put the garbage out the night before in the rain, now it is all over the lawn and very wet. What a mess, are you stupid?” Say something like, “I was running late to work and when I went outside I noticed that there was wet garbage on the lawn. It was really frustrating to have to deal with cleaning up the yard at that time. Would you mind in the future not putting the trash out in the rain, wait until the morning to do it?” This way the other person is more likely to understand what you went thru and how to avoid this in the future. Why Arguing Is Good For Your Relationship They will probably feel really bad and apologize to you. 3. Do not use foul language directed towards one another. This is simply not ok. You would not talk to an employer or a teacher with bad words. Have the same respect for your significant other. It is abusive to swear at someone and it will not foster a healthy long lasting relationship. 4. Be Genuine, if you would like someone to do you a favor ask them if they have time to do whatever it is you need from them. Do not make it a demand. Ex: Do not say, “You need to go to the grocery store and pick up the laundry before 5pm.” Instead ask, “Would you be able to go to the grocery store and pick up the laundry today as I have a super busy day and we are out of food and I need the dry cleaning for work tomorrow, it would be really helpful to me if you can get to it today?” They are more likely to say yes and help you out if your delivery is nice and genuine. 5. Set time aside to go over your schedules. This way it is less likely that you will fight when one of you has a girl’s night out or a guy’s afternoon to watch football. Staying in sync with one another will lessen the likelihood of someone getting angry, let down or feel taken advantage of. Of course, there is one great aspect about fighting with your spouse or the person you are dating… the making up. A lot of people report that they feel more connected to their spouse/partner after a big fight because they have hashed out a lot of what they have been keeping bottled up. Make sure that on the occasions that you argue, you spend a good amount of time repairing your relationship. A good relationship does not mean never fighting, it just means that you value each other enough to listen to what the other person is saying and feeling and forgive each other. No one is perfect and having the ability to forgive is paramount to building a successful relationship. Private Mortgage Available !!! Private Mortgage available at low rates. 1st/ 2 nd /3rd Mortgages. Borrow up to 80% value of Property. Bank Rules not applicable here. Bad Credit/ Less Income- No problem… Call- Mortgage Consultant, 4-357-3477 Rajan Saggi, AMP The Mortgage Group Canada Inc. Saggi Financial Solutions Inc. 604-767-5050 www.fijitimescanada.com Lifestyle Friday May 2, 2014 43 Fruits For Diabetics According to various guidelines laid down by nutritionist and medical institutions, at least 4-5 servings of fruits needs to be consumed daily by every individual. a serving of different berries to keep If you are diabetic, we are sure that this 4: Starfruit their sugars in check. To name a question has popped up in your head, few: Strawberries, blueberries and "is it safe to have fruits?" To help all blackcurrants, raspberries, cranberries, diabetics with this question, we have a chokeberries, blackberries, and acai Nutritionist, to answer the question. berries are good for diabetes patients. Yes, diabetics can have fruits, provided the sugar level of the patient is in control, but these fruits must be consumed in a limited quantity. 13: Figs Diabetics need an equivalent serving Their richness in fibre helps with of fruits on a day to day basis. One insulin function in diabetes patients. needs to be careful about not going Similar to jamuns, starfruits are good 14: Oranges overboard with fruits like bananas, for diabics too as they help improve litchis, chickoo, and custard apples. To blood sugar control. But caution needs help diabetic patients, she lists down to be exercised in case the person has 9: Apples some fruits which will not affect blood diabetes nephropathy. sugar level, provided they're consumed 5: Guava in moderation. So here it is - a list of top fruits for diabetics... 1: Kiwi These citrus fruits can be consumed on a daily basis by diabetics, as they are rich in vitamin C. 15: Watermelon Many researchers have shown a positive correlation between kiwi consumption and lowering of blood sugar level 2: Black jamun Guava controls diabetes and it is good for constipation. Guavas are high in vitamin A and vitamin C and contain high amounts of dietary fiber. This fruit has a reasonably low GI. 6: Cherries Apples contain antioxidants, which help to reduce cholesterol levels, cleanse the digestive system, and boost the immune system. Apples also contain nutrients that help in the digestion of fats. 10: Pineapples Although watermelons have a high GI value, their glycemic load is low, making them good fruits for diabetes patients. However, consume in moderation. 16: Grapefruit Undoubtedly, this is one of the best fruits for diabetics. It is known to improve blood sugar control. Seeds of these fruit can be powdered and consumed by patients to control diabetes. 3: White jamun Their GI value is 20 (or even less in some varieties) which makes it a good healthy snack for diabetes patients at any time of the day. 7: Peaches Good for diabetics, pineapples also benefit the body as they are rich in anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. 11: Pears Diabetic patients can consume jamun fruit daily, to control their sugar levels. White jamuns are also high in fibre. These tasty fruits are a great healthy treat, with a low GI and good for diabetics. 8: Berries Numerous variety of berries are available throughout the world and almost all seem to be a rich source of antioxidants. Diabetics can include These delicious fruits are a good snacking option for diabetics as they are rich vitamins and fibre. 12: Papaya They are good for diabetics because they are rich in vitamin and other minerals. It is a good option for diabetics as it slows down the blood sugar peak. 17: Pomegranate These tiny red rubies help diabetic people improve their blood sugar statistics. 18: Cantaloupe This fruit is high in the Glycemic Index, but has a good amount of fibre. Therefore, within moderation, it can easily be included in the diet of a diabetic. 19: Jackfruit Jackfruit contains vitamin A, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, potassium, iron, manganese and magnesium among many other nutrients. Good for diabetes as they improve insulin resistance. 20: Amla A fruit loaded with vitamin C and fiber, Amla is a healthy addition to the diabetic diet. 44 www.fijitimescanada.com Automotive 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 soundtrack here as it does in the Chevy. Even without provoking the throttle, the 383 lb-ft of torque give an apologyworthy shove. We recently tested a Silverado LTZ crew cab equipped with the 5.3-liter, and it returned a 0-to-60 time of 6.7 seconds. We have no reason to doubt that a comparably equipped Sierra would accomplish the task in the same time. Cruising on the highway, the 5.3 switches to V-4 mode to help save fuel. In two-wheel-drive guise, the Sierra V-8 returns an EPA-estimated 16 city mpg and 23 highway. Four-wheel-drive versions with the V-8 manage 16/22 mpg. For those interested in a little more economy at the expense of some power, there’s finally a credible V-6 option from GM. GMC hasn’t released any EPA fuel-economy estimates yet for the six; we’ll let you know as soon as it does. Six Serious Cylinders The standard 4.3-liter V-6 has been thoroughly redone. Not just a light nip and tuck, the engine has undergone a Michael Jackson–grade transformation. It might be distantly related to the Vortec 4300 that powered Chevy Astros and GMC Safaris when “Thriller” was still a hit, but the performance and the refinement are in line with that of 21st century V-6s. The 90-degree bank angle remains—a reminder of the engine’s V-8 roots—but it has been enhanced from top to bottom with variablevalve timing, direct fuel injection, and cylinder deactivation. Power is up by 90 horsepower, and torque rises to 305 lb-ft, an improvement of 45 lb-ft over last year’s 4.3-liter V-6. Remember the Syclone and Typhoon supertrucks? The new naturally aspirated 285-hp 4.3-liter makes five more horsepower than the turbocharged 4.3-liter V-6s could muster. Even lugging the heavy crew-cab version, the V-6 provides what feels like sub-eight-second runs to 60 mph. Unlike the smaller-displacement V-6s from Ford and Ram, the 4.3-liter has good low-end grunt and consequently feels less strained than the competition. The car-derived Ford 3.7-liter V-6 and Ram 3.6-liter V-6 both make nearly 305 horsepower, but they fall short of the Sierra’s figure. The V-6 Sierra can tow 7200 pounds, which is 500 more than the V-6 Ford and 700 more than the V-6 Ram. This GM V-6 was designed from the git-go for truck use and is essentially a small-block Chevy V-8 with two fewer cylinders. The rest of the Sierra experience is, not Friday May 2, 2014 Identical twins can be hard to tell apart, but it gets easier when they’re wearing name tags. Maybe that’s why GM attaches big Chevrolet and GMC badges on its pickup-truck twins, the Silverado and the Sierra. The Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra aren’t quite identical, but engines, transmissions, chassis, and most of the sheetmetal are shared. What’s obviously different is the front-end styling. The Sierra replaces the Silverado’s stacked headlights with simpler, classier-looking small projector-beam units that are accented with LEDs on the top-dog SLT trim level. The grille, the front bumpers, the fenders, and the aluminum hood are unique to the Sierra. Black plastic trim around the fender wells and a chrome accent along the base of the side windows are more Sierra tells. Aside from the GMC badging, the interior décor of the Sierra is, again, nearly identical to that of the bow-tie truck. Aluminum trim on all versions of the Sierra replaces what’s silvercolored in the Silverado, and wood accents are peppered throughout the top-spec SLT interiors. Direct-Injected V-8 With those few differences, it’s not surprising that the Sierra acts just like the Silverado. The 355-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 broadcasts the same mellow V-8 es m T I THE FIJI surprisingly, pure Silverado. No matter what engine is under the aluminum hood, both pickups have a quiet demeanor, an occasionally choppy but otherwise soft ride, and a smaller feel from behind the wheel than that of those big-rig-emulating competitors. The Sierra’s steering is accurate and doesn’t require constant corrections. A firm and confidence-inspiring brake pedal is almost sports-car-like, and the braking distances recorded by the Sierra’s Chevrolet analog were classleading. Crew cabs are arriving at dealerships now, extended-cab models soon will follow, and the regular-cab version will debut by the end of the summer. Two-wheel-drive Sierra crew cabs start at $33,210; an equivalent Silverado opens at $32,710, but the Chevy lacks a few features, such as steering-wheel audio controls and an eight-inch touch screen, that justify the cost differential. Even discounting the small bump in standard equipment, the Sierra strikes us as the more attractive of the two GM full-size pickups. If you look hard enough, one twin will always be the better-looking one. CANADA 2 0 1 4 YO U T H TALENT SHOW CANADIAN FEDERATION OF FIJI ORGANIZATIONS Youth Ages 25 and under are invited to perform Saturday, May 31, 2014 @ 5:00 pm Bonsor Banquet Hall 6550 Bonsor Avenue, Burnaby, BC Tickets: $15 for Adults $5 for youth 12 and under (Veg. & Non-Veg. Dinner Included) Artist, Scholarship, and Volunteer Award Applications are now open on our website! www.cfofo.org [email protected] www.facebook.com/CFOFO Chairman ~ ASH DUTTA: 604.777.9697 Vice Chair (Social & Fundraising) ~ WASU NAIDU: 604.777.9070 Secretary ~ REENA SINGH: 604.817.9040 2014 YTS Chair & Assistant Secretary ~ ASHRAF KHAN: 778.688.3821 Youth Co-ordinator ~ AARTHI NAIDU: [email protected] www.fijitimescanada.com After making racist comments which sparked international outcry, Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling was banned from the NBA for life by new league commissioner Adam Silver on Wednesday (AEST). A number of major brand-name sponsors had already cut ties with the Clippers, major stars had threatened boycotts and the basketball-fan-inchief Barack Obama had weighed in. On Wednesday, the NBA took the strongest action possible against Sterling for his racist comments. The NBA said the Clippers owner had admitted to telling a female friend not to associate with "black people" in a series of secretly recorded rants which NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said were "hurtful" and "offensive". "Effective immediately I am banning Mr Sterling for life from any association with the Clippers organisation or the NBA," Silver said. Sterling may remain the owner, but he will effectively have nothing more to do with the club's operations or the league and was fined $US2.5 million. "Mr Sterling may not attend any NBA games or practices, he may not be present at any Clippers facility and he may not participate in any business or player-personnel decision involving the team," Silver said. "I will urge the board of governors to use its authority to force a sale of the team and will do everything in my power to ensure that that happens. "I fully expect to get the support I need from the other NBA owners to remove him." Silver needs three-quarters of the remaining 29 team owners to agree to force a sale and appears to be at least part of the way there with a number of owners - including Dallas Mavericks' Mark Cuban, Portland Trail Blazers' Paul Allen and Detroit Pistons' Tom Gores - already voicing their support. LA Clippers Owner Donald Sterling Banned For Life, Fined $2.5 Million By NBA For Racist Remarks TIMES TIMES SPORTS Friday May 2, 2014 45 If Sterling is forced to sell the team the real estate mogul's exorbitant wealth will only grow, with the franchise valued at $US575 million by Forbes magazine - which also adjudged Sterling's net worth at $US1.9 billion. There was strong speculation the buyer could be former player and former partowner of the Lakers, Magic Johnson, but the hall-of-fame point guard denied the rumours. Johnson, who owns the Major League Baseball franchise the LA Dodgers, was mentioned by name in the offending recordings and took to Twitter after the ban was made public. "Commissioner Silver showed great leadership in banning Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life," he wrote. The Clippers released a statement saying they "wholeheartedly support and embrace the decision" to ban their owner and it is time for "the healing process" to begin. Past and present players back Silver's decision Sacramento Mayor and former NBA All-Star Kevin Johnson has been the players' representative through the crisis and is adamant "there must be a change in ownership". In the past three days Donald Sterling's attitudes have been compared to those of a "plantation owner" and Mr Johnson said today's decision marks a moment for where the US stands as a country. "Yes, we have an African-American President. Yes, justice happened in a swift manner, but these events remind all of us that hatred and bigotry are far from over," he said. "I hope that every bigot in this country sees what happened to Mr Sterling and recognises that if he can fall, so can you." Standing alongside Mr Johnson at a press conference in Los Angeles was the league's leading point-scorer and former LA Laker Kareem Abdul Jabbar. "It's going to be a new day here in this city," he said. "A whole lot of Clippers fans are going to have a lot to smile about. And that's what this is all about. "[Silver] got on the case immediately and got to the bottom of whatever mysteries were involved in this and figured out what the truth was and his actions and focus were so on the mark." But he was far from the only NBA star ready with words of support for Silver, who only took over from long-time Commissioner David Stern at the start of this season. Miami Heat forward LeBron James, the reigning league and Finals MVP and face of the NBA, tweeted: "Commissioner Silver thank you for protecting our beautiful and powerful league!! Great leader!!." Veteran Lakers point guard Steve Nash said: "After initial outrage, disappointment, sadness, I think today is a very proud moment for the (NBA) Players Association, current and former players and the NBA." Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, tweeted: "Commissioner of the @NBA just showed us how he drops the hammer on ignorance." Before their play-off clash with the Golden State Warriors on Monday, Clippers players wore their warmup gear inside-out in protest to their owner, an action which was emulated by the Heat on Tuesday. The team's webpage was locked down on Wednesday morning, showing just a three-word message on a black background: WE ARE ONE. Ba Remains Optimistic THE Vodafone 4R Electrical Ba team will need to defeat Amicale by two clear goals on Saturday to qualify for the final of the Oceania Football Confederation Champions League. The Yogendra Dutt coached Men in Black regrouped on Monday after the shock 1-2 loss to the Vanuatu club in the first semi-final at Govind Park the previous day. However, the team's training has been disrupted by the rainy conditions. The side will depart for Vanuatu on Saturday morning arriving at Port Vila only a few hours before kick off. Team manager Arvind Singh said a few players were recovering from niggling injuries. "Playing away from home is always difficult," he said. "But we have set our goal and the boys will give their 100 per cent. Laisenia Raura received a knock in Sunday's game and is recovering well. For the fans, they should not lose hope and keep faith in the boys." Read the Fiji Times Canada online www.fijitimescanada.com NATIONAL chess champion Candidate Master (CM) Calvin Prasad has set his sights on winning the Mohammed Badshah Memorial Rapid Open this Sunday. Last week Prasad performed well in the Doeberl Cup Chess Championship in Brisbane, where he won against Australians Jason Chew and Tony Davis. He also managed three draws and ended up with 3.5 points from nine in the premier division. Prasad said via a statement that he wanted to complete a hat-trick in the local competitions. "I have had an excellent start in 2014 where I won the Kundan Singh Rapid Prasad Set On Winning Open and the Brijlal Rapid Open," he said. "One more would be nice since it would complete a hat-trick. Overall, I am happy with how my games are going in recent times." Prasad's close rival and former national champion CM Manoj Kumar said he would give Prasad a run for his money. "He knows that I beat him in our last game, I lost the title only due to a loss to another player," he said via a statement. "I will surely have the psychological advantage this time. Nerves play a big part in competitive chess, and I am very keen to break his winning streak." 46 www.fijitimescanada.com TIMES One of president Trevor Linden’s most important tasks will be a review of Vancouver’s scouting department One of Vancouver’s few good draft assets: Michael Grabner in 2006, Cody developments has been the number of piece of business for years to come and picks in recent years was Michael Hodgson in 2008 and Kevin Connauton good young players who’ve announced the return on the Nash trade is one of Grabner, 14th overall in 2006. But the in 2009, and they turned Grabner and themselves to the hockey world: the big reasons why. Canucks have nothing to show now for Connauton into air. That creates massive Boone Jenner and Ryan Johansen — It’s accepted as an article of faith the forward who scored 34 goals for the problems at the best of times, but this in Columbus, Dougie Hamilton in that Sidney Crosby is the best allNew York Islanders in 2010-11. They year, when the team was ravaged by Boston, Matt Nieto and Tomas Hertl around player in the NHL and El Sid traded him, along with Steve Bernier injuries, they desperately needed quality in San Jose, Vladimir Tarasenko in St. deserves massive respect for making it and a first-round pick, to Florida for call-ups and none were available. Louis, Brendan Gallagher and Lars all the way back from post-concussion Keith Ballard and Victor Oreskovich. Look at the other teams in the playoffs Eller in Montreal. syndrome. But given what we’ve seen It’s been a difficult season for the and you also begin to understand how Dallas, for its part, boasts Jamie Benn, in these playoffs, is is possible Jonathan Vancouver Canucks but, because much ground the Canucks have ceded Tyler Seguin, Valeri Nichushkin, Cody Toews has passed Crosby? we’re all about the positivity, let’s to their competition. Eakin, Colton Sceviour and Antoine The Hawks looked dead in the water look at the bright side. They could be Colorado is a different animal because Roussel. Benn, who turns 25 this in Game 4 against the Blues when the Washington Capitals. Now here’s they assembled their marvellous young summer, is the oldest of the bunch. Toews essentially put the team on his another ray of sunshine: the Monday core by sucking mightily and picking — Canucks coach John Tortorella back and willed them to a comeback morning musings and meditations on in the top three in three of five drafts. famously observed, “It’s a young win in overtime that turned the series. the world of sports: But San Jose, Chicago and Boston all man’s game,” at his season-ending He’ll never score like Crosby but he’s — Trevor Linden already has a few augmented their existing cores with presser. You might say this post-season the best leader in the game, he’s got items on his plate but one of the planned shrewd drafting and stayed at the top of supports his position. two Stanley Cups and the Hawks again projects for the Canucks’ new president the league. Columbus and Dallas have — Another thing about these playoffs. have that look about them. If you’re is a complete and comprehensive put together good young teams through a Remember when the Blue Jackets starting an NHL team from scratch, review of the franchise’s scouting combination of top picks, good trades and traded Rick Nash to the Rangers and he’s the guy you’d pick. department. finds in the middle rounds. Anaheim built the consensus was Columbus didn’t — And finally, we’re not going to “That’s going to take some time to its depth through the draft. The Canadiens receive enough in return? As things spend a lot of time analyzing the finer assess,” he says. “I have some ideas are largely a home-grown team. turned out, the Jackets did OK. details of Donald Sterling’s thoughts there.” The point is, all these teams improved Brandon Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov on race and what they say about the At this point, they’d be welcomed. The themselves through the draft while the are integral parts of their team and NBA, sports as a whole and/or the Canucks’ draft record has been an issue Canucks regressed. The sad part? It’s defenceman Tim Erixon is still young privilege of wealth. since the team came into the NHL 44 been the same story, more or less, for enough to be considered a prospect. No, this is pretty simple. There’s no years ago and about the best thing you five decades. Any rebuild with this The Jackets also used the first-rounder room for the L.A. Clippers owner or can say about it now is there are worse team has to start at the draft table. acquired in the deal to draft Kerby his world view in any institution, let teams. Not many but there are a couple. — On a related note, this NHL playoff Rychel, who has 23 points in 15 OHL alone one as public as the NBA. That In the five drafts from 2006 to 2011, season has been noteworthy on a playoff games for the Guelph Storm. leaves one play for the NBA. Expel the Canucks drafted three useful couple of fronts but one of the cooler The Jackets are going to be a nasty Sterling from the league. Canucks Rebuild Starts At The Draft Table TIMES SPORTS Friday May 2, 2014 Bula! 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