Times

FIJI

May 20th 2016

$1.00

Former NZ Engineer To Face US

Court Over Aircraft Parts Purchase
A former New Zealand aircraft engineer
will appear in a US court after being
charged with trying to illegally buy
aircraft parts to sell to a Chinese client.
A Fijian citizen has been arrested
following allegations that he was trying
to obtain a restricted missile part in the
United States.
William Gulshan Ali, a former Fiji
Airways aircraft engineer, worked and
lived in New Zealand. He worked for
Eagle Airways in New Zealand as a
licensed aircraft engineer in support of
Air New Zealands domestic services.
According to information obtained
by the Fiji Sun, Mr Ali also ran an
unregistered private company that buys
and sells aircraft parts.
He informed investigators at Homeland
Security Investigations that he was
introduced to a Chinese client who sent
him money to procure specific aircraft
parts from the US.
It is believed that Mr Ali then sent one of
his contacts in the
US$15,000 to purchase accelerometers.
He informed investigators that at the
time of purchase, he was not aware
that he was purchasing prohibited and
controlled missile parts.
When his US contact took the money
but started to elude Ali, he then travelled
to America to find him and to get the
items.
According to information, Mr Ali
travelled to the US, met his contact
and got the parts. He was to travel to
Hong Kong when he was arrested and
informed that he had allegedly breached
the Arms Export Control Act.
Mr Alis Chinese contact in the US had
been under the radar of security forces
for some time and it is believed that Mr
Ali is cooperating with them by sharing
his emails and information.

It is believed that Mr Ali was duped by

his contact into purchasing restricted
missile parts.
He has been detained since April 11 and
is awaiting his arraignment this week
where he will be formally charged. A
court date is expected to be announced
soon after.
Mr Alis Visa has been revoked and he
has to wait for 30 days for Homeland
Security to put together a case and
present him in court.
He is currently being represented by
Nancy Tenney of the Federal Public
Defenders Office in Seattle - the
American equivalent of Legal Aid. The

Fijian Embassy in Washington D.C. is

keeping close tabs on Mr Alis wellbeing and has been providing him with
needed legal advice.
He was arrested when he arrived on
April 11.

News

Queen Impressed By RFMF Band

The smile on the face of Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth II after the performance
of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces
Brass Band was more than enough for
the 45 member team.
The clapping that followed by those
sitting from the Royal Box was a bonus.
Band leader, Lieutenant-Colonel Serevi
Vananalagi, said their mission to the UK
has been accomplished. But not without
obstacles.
We did not get our band instruments
until two days after we arrived.
The Queen herself was well aware of the
situation.
During an afternoon tea hosted at the
Windsor Castle last Friday, the Queen
enquired with Lieutenant-Colonel
Vananalagi whether they had received
their musical instruments. She said
the hold-up was because of customs
clearance.

Six team members from each

participating country were invited for
the late afternoon tea party.
Her Majesty also thanked the RFMF

brass band for coming and being part of

the show. Across the UK, the Queens
90th birthday celebration was aired live
on ITV.

Cruise liner, Pacific Dawn was the

first cruise ship to stop by Savusavu
following severe Tropical Cyclone
Winston.
Carrying 2000 passengers, the ship
made a port call to Savusavu.
Savusavu Trip N Tour organiser Edward
Bower said the residents and business
community were happy to receive
visitors after a long break.
When we saw the cruiser liner, we were
filled with excitement, Mr Bower said.
The business houses in town, road side

stall operators selling handicraft, clothes

and assorted traditional souvenirs would
all get a chance to make money, Mr
Bower said.
Organisers made arrangement with bus
companies to transport the tourists for
sightseeing in villages and key attraction
sites around the Hidden Paradise.
Savusavu Tourism Association vice
president Josaia Rayawa said even
though the cruise liner was in Savusavu
for only few hours, its arrival benefitted
everyone.

Many business operators got the

opportunity to have direct contact with
tourists and build relationships.
They also encouraged them to visit
Savusavu again, Mr Rayawa said.
Resort owners also indirectly benefitted
from this vessels visit as some tourists
choose to drop by for some relaxation
or lunch.
The arrival of the cruise liner has once
again brightened up the spirit of many
and assured that the magic touch of the
Hidden Paradise still exists, he added.

Pacific Dawn First For North After

Winston

Alice Springs Surrounds Rocked By

Magnitude 5.9 Earthquake

An earthquake with a magnitude of

5.9, unusually powerful for Australia,
has hit outside of Alice Springs Friday
morning.
The quake struck just before 4:00am
some 460 kilometres south-west of
Alice Springs at a shallow depth of 10
kilometres, the US Geological Survey
said.
There are no reports of damage or
casualties and the USGS said there was
a low likelihood of either.

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The Bureau of Meteorology said there is

no risk of a tsunami.
Geoscience Australia said it could have
been felt as far as 507 kilometres from its
epicentre, although any damage would
be limited to a 40 kilometre radius.
NT Police duty superintendent Angela
Stringer said: "It occurred in the middle
of the desert and as far as we can tell
it was far from any community and
there have been no reports of injuries or
damage.

david@fijitimescanada.com

"From a geological perspective, it's

pretty spectacular but we don't see it as
anything more than that at this time."
The nearest Indigenous community
settlements were well over 100 kilometres
away from the earthquake's epicentre.
The strongest recorded quake to
hit Australia was a magnitude 6.6
earthquake which hit the small mining
town of Tennant Creek, Northern
Territory, in January 1988, according to
Geoscience Australia.

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Fiji News

Government Ministry Welcomes New

Permanent Secretary

Fijis Ministry of Foreign Affairs

officially welcomed their new Permanent
Secretary and former envoy Ravindra
(Robin) Nair.
Mr Nair officially started his career as
the new Permanent Secretary in a role
that the Foreign Affairs Minister Ratu
Inoke Kubuabola says will be important
in advancing Fijis foreign interests.
In his welcoming remarks, Ratu Inoke
called on the staff at the ministry to
work closely with their new Permanent
Secretary.
He said Mr Nair brought with him a
wealth of experience that would benefit
the ministry and the country.
Mr Nair is no stranger to the ministry
having served there for a number of
years at various levels, with his most
recent posting as the Ambassador to the
United Arab Emirates.
In his remarks, Mr Nair said he would
work closely with the staff, the Minister
and the Government to ensure that Fijis
foreign interests were achieved.

Foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola with the new Permanent Secretary
Ambassador Ravindran Nair

FTUC Wants $4 Minimum

Wage

The Fiji Trades Union Congress

(FTUC) has launched a campaign to
raise the National Minimum Wage to
$4 an hour.
This campaign was launched during the
FTUCs Biennial Conference in Nadi last
week. General Secretary, Felix Anthony
said while the FTUC is mindful that the
$4 Minimum wage will still peg workers
below the poverty line, they believe it is
a decent starting point to work towards a
Minimum Wage that is pegged above the
poverty line. The FTUC estimates that
the poverty line is around $4.50 an hour.
We advocate that annual adjustments
must be made to work towards that
goal, he said. The Constitution of Fiji
at Chapter 2, Section 33 clearly states
that the State must take reasonable
measures within its available resources
to achieve the progressive realization of
the right of every person to work and to
a just minimum wage.
The current minimum wage of $2.32
is grossly inadequate and condemns
workers to extreme poverty. It is not a
realistic starting point to progressively
ensure a just Minimum Wage as the

target is too far off and annual inflationary

movements will further make it
impossible to realize a minimum wage
above the poverty line. Mr Anthony
said the situation is further compounded
by the National Employment Center
policy on providing employment for
young people. The wage guideline set
for attaches is $60 per week without any
FNPF deductions, overtime payments
or any other benefits applicable to these
workers all in the name of creating
employment. The reality is that in
many workplaces, permanent employees
are being replaced by these attaches at
$60 per week. This has undermined
the National Minimum wage and the
minimum conditions set out in the
Employment Relations Promulgation.
What is happening in Fiji is that we are
driving the wages downwards, a race
to the bottom. The current minimum
wage of $2.32 means a weekly wage of
$96.05 after FNPF deductions. Then we
need to take 9% off that for VAT. This
leaves the worker with $87.41 per week.
A conservative 2015 estimate for Basic
Needs Poverty Line is around $185.00

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david@fijitimescanada.com

per week. This leaves a massive gap of

about $97.59 per week. As time goes on,
our people get deeper and deeper into
poverty and debt, yet we wonder why
productivity is still low. He said while
FTUC understands the plight of small
businesses and is receptive to some
concessions for this lot, it disagrees
that bigger businesses hide behind the
small businesses to pay poverty wages
and claim to be concerned about small
businesses. Threats of unemployment
rising are mere threats and FTUC is
confident that if workers earn more,
economic activity will increase, which
will in turn create demand and jobs.
This will be good for businesses as
well. Decent work is also about a just
wage and conditions of employment
and not merely any job. We recall the
promise that the Prime Minister made
to the people to create a Just society and
that no Fijian will be left behind. So far
its only the workers who have been left
behind and we call on Government to
act with some determination to ensure
a fair deal for workers. A $4 minimum
wage is a good place to start, he added.

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Fiji News

Kamal Reddy, A Fijian In New Zealand

Killed Partner And Her Daughter Then
Buried Their Bodies

A Fijian living in Auckland who killed

his ex-partner and her three-year-old
daughter and buried their bodies under
a bridge has been found guilty of their
murders.
After
four-and-a-half
hours
of
deliberation, a jury at Auckland High
Court found Kamal Reddy guilty of
murdering Pakeeza Yusuf and her
daughter, Juwairiyah Jojo Kalim.
Reddy, 43, was unflinching as the
verdicts were read out. He will be
sentenced next month. Yusuf was also
from Fiji.
Juwairiyahs father, Mohammed Faizal,
said he had been waiting for this day
for a long time.
I am glad they found him guilty, he
should be put away for a long time.
It had been a long and stressful wait to
find out how and why his daughter was
killed, he said.

I can put this behind me finally, now

I know what happened. A long time I
have been waiting for this day. What
comes next I dont know, Ill just have
to wait and see its pretty daunting.
Justice Raynor Asher told the jurors:
This has been an ordeal for you. Bear
that in mind and look after yourselves
over the next few days.
Juwairiyah and her mother were found
buried under the Takapuna overbridge
in Aucklands North Shore in October
2014 but the Crown said they were
killed at the end of 2006 or early 2007.
Reddy claimed the confession was a
sham and it was only made under intense
pressure from Police who targeted him
in an extensive investigation. He told
the court the real killer was a partIndian man called James, who was in a
relationship with Ms Yusuf at the time.
The jury rejected that explanation,

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david@fijitimescanada.com

preferring the one Reddy himself

unwittingly made to undercover Police
during a secretly-recorded interview in
a Wellington apartment. He said he had
strangled Ms Yusuf with the cord of an
electrical iron, before smothering Jojo
with a pillow.
He wrapped [the cord] around her neck
once and tightened it until she stopped
breathing,
Crown prosecutor Natalie Walker
said. There was likely to be minimal
struggle, no noise and no blood.
The Crown said Reddy killed the woman
out of anger that she had made a scene
in front of his family, jealousy that she
may have been seeing someone else and
resentment that he had paid a deposit for
the Howick flat and was being shunned
by Ms Yusuf.
Continued on Page 5

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Fiji News

Kamal Reddy, A Fijian In New Zealand

Continued From Page 4

He killed Jojo because she would have

inevitably outed him as the killer, Ms
Walker said.
After the murders, Reddy frantically
drove around Bombay Hills south of
Auckland, looking for a suitable area
to dispose of them. When the search
proved fruitless, he called his uncle Bal
Naidu in the early hours of the morning
and drove to his Papatoetoe address.
Mr Naidu told the court that Reddy
admitted killing his girlfriend and her
daughter and said they were under a
blanket in the boot of his Subaru.
The pair drove to the North Shore spot
where the bodies were found and Mr
Naidu pointed out a couple of locations
by the bridge that would be suitable.
Twenty four hours later Reddy went
back and dug for hours before dumping
the victims side by side.
For more than seven years, the mother
and daughter lay covered in stone and
mud. Their disappearance was only
noted by Police when Ms Yusufs
mother made a missing persons report
in 2013.
Reddy came under the microscope
after they discovered he had appeared
in Manukau District Court in 2007
charged with threatening to kill Ms
Yusuf and assaulting her ex-husband
with a machete.
Bank data showed someone had been
taking large cash sums from the victims
account since her disappearance too
but nothing conclusively pointed to the
defendant.
It was only after undercover Police
officers gained Reddys trust over the
course of a six-month operation that
they got the evidence they needed.
Outside court Detective Sergeant
Stephen Nightingale made special
mention of the work done by Crown
prosecutors Natalie Walker and Luke
Clancy.
He also praised the investigation team,
several of whom were in court for the
verdicts.
Its been a long road and Im really
proud of them, he said.
Mr Nightingale also spoke on behalf of
the victims family.
Pakeeza was the eldest daughter in
a family of five children. She was
beautiful, caring and a wonderful mother

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to Juwairiyah, he said.
Were extremely pleased this offender
will now be held accountable for his
terrible actions. We would never wish
for anyone to go through what we have
and are thankful our questions have
finally been answered and can now
begin to move forward with our lives.
Ms Yusufs uncle Firoz Mohammed
told the Herald: Every day we have sat
here for the three week trial and listened
to everything they have said and today
when they announced the verdict, I
cried.
The man who has done this is guilty
and it gives us closure.
He said Ms Yusufs mother and father
had been in the court to hear the verdicts.
We all just dont really know what
to say. This afternoon we will all get
together and do a prayer for Pakeeza and
Jojo to rest in peace because we know
that justice has been done.
How Yusuf, Reddy Met In Auckland
Pakeeza Yusuf and Kamal Reddy met in
2006.
Depending on which witness account
you believed, the pair were either
conducting an affair behind Ms Yusufs
husbands back, or they became
romantically involved after meeting
when Ms Yusuf and her family moved
into Reddys Otahuhu house. Reddy
said it was simply a relationship of
convenience to satisfy his immigration
requirements.
By her mother Mubarak Rojina Banus
account, Ms Yusuf had no extracurricular
hobbies or interests. She had no formal
qualifications and had only completed

david@fijitimescanada.com

school up to a fourth form level. She

didnt have a job, and she collected a solo
parents benefit from the government.
She had few, if any, friends. She had a
daughter, Juwairiyah, who was three.
Reddy was older, a father of two
children whose marriage had dissolved
years earlier. He moved to New Zealand
from Fiji in 2004 and worked for various
south Auckland mechanics as a panel
beater. Some of his family lived in New
Zealand, but Reddy appeared to have
few friends and he told the court he had
a problem with alcohol.
I was not very happy (about the
relationship), Ms Banu told the court.
I got the impression that he was not a
very good person.
She said Ms Yusuf was starting to
realise that herself, her phone calls to
her mother filled with complaints about
his drinking, swearing, and violence.
The last time Ms Banu spoke to her
daughter: She repeated virtually
everything she had said before hes
drinking alcohol and hitting me.
Ms Banu agreed she was unsympathetic.
She said: I would tell her this was
her choice, what can I say to you on
this matter? Because I arranged your
marriage to (ex-husband) Faizal. If you
were still with Faizal I would have the
away, what can I do for you?
It was the last time she spoke to her
daughter.
She tried to call her several times
afterward, to no avail. Reddy later
related the mother and daughter
relationship breakdown to undercover
police officers.

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Fiji News

PM Seeks Thai Support For Building

Climate Resilience

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama

has sought the support of the Thai
Government in building climate
resilience for vulnerable small island
developing states. The request was
conveyed by the Prime Minister during
talks in Bangkok, Thailand with the
Deputy Prime Minister, General
Thanasak Patimapragorn.
Prime Minister Bainimarama thanked
the Deputy Prime Minister for Thailands
support to Fiji in the aftermath of Cyclone
Winston and reviewed Fijis efforts to
rebuild and recover from the cyclone.
Weve made progress in Fiji meeting
the immediate needs of Fijians affected
by Cyclone Winston and we are now
turning our focus to the larger task of
rebuilding our nation. The damage is
widespread and severe and there are still
many ways our international friends,
including Thailand, can help Fiji get
back on its feet, said Prime Minister
Bainimarama.
The Prime Minister emphasized the
need for a mechanism that would allow
countries like Fiji to access climate
finance in order to build back better and
stronger than before.
As it stands, climate change poses

an unacceptable level of risk to the

well-being of citizens of Fiji and other
vulnerable countries. I hope that the Thai
Government can promote this message
and facilitate access to climate finance
so we can further build our resilience
to climate change, said Prime Minister
Bainimarama.
The Prime Minister is currently in

Thailand to attend the 72nd session of

the United Nations Economic and Social
Commission for Asia and the Pacific
(ESCAP) and handover his chairmanship
of the 71st Commission. The meeting
is covering regional cooperation and
integration and reviewing key challenges
to achieving inclusive and sustainable
economic and social development.

Cane farmers in Rakiraki will still

have to fork out money from their own
pockets to transport sugarcane from
their farms to the Penang Mill.
Fiji Sugar Corporation Executive
Chairman Abdul Khan has today clarified
the FSC will ONLY take care of the extra
cost involved in transporting cane from
the Penang to the Rarawai mill.
The Prime Ministers announcement few
weeks ago that the government will take
care of the cost of cane transportation
from the Penang to Rarawai Mill was
certainly a good news to the farmers in
Rakiraki.
However, Fiji Sugar Corporation
Executive Chairman Abdul Khan says
there has been some misconception
about this initiative amongst the farmers.
Khan made it clear that the cost of
transporting cane to the Penang Mill will
still be borne by the farmers themselves.
So the additional cost from Penang Mill
to Rarawai Mill will actually be provided

by the government so that the farmer

does not end up losing any money. But
having said that, you will have farmers
that were transporting cane from areas
like between Tavua and Rakiraki, we
do not expect them to go to Penang. If
they got trucks that are good enough,
we do not expect them to be traveling
to Penang to unload their cane and then
come back. We will monitor that, said
Abdul Khan- Executive Chairman- FSC
Its will cost the government close to 2.5
million dollars to transport cane from
the Penang to Rarawai Mill.
The 3 mills are expected to crush 1.47
million tons of sugarcane, extracting an
estimated 170 thousand tons of raw sugar.
Its encouraging. Obviously if you look
at the two dry seasons and before we got
hit by TC Winston, our aim was to at
least meet 1.8 to 1.9 million tons of cane
that we have been getting for the last few
years of dry season. But unfortunately
because of TC Winston, we wont active

that, he said.
FSC is also working around the clock to
ensure the 3 mills are ready well before
the crushing season starts.
Labasa Mill will be the first one to
commence crushing on 16th June followed
by Lautoka and Rarawai on 19th and 20th
July respectively. FSC will also begin
with as siting farmers in getting their cane
access roads in order soon, he mentioned.
Post Winston, some of the repair works
that we may have actually got in the
budget for say $100,000, so TC Winston
may have done more damage so that
$100,000 may now become $200,000.
So the other areas that we did not intend
to do the maintenance work and if TC
Winston damaged that, then we have
significant amount of dollars going in
there. Fortunately we got insurance so
that will cover the cost associated with
TC Winston, he said.
Around $2 million dollars has been set
aside for cane access roads.

Farmers Will Still Have To Pay To

Transport Cane From Farm To Mill

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Fiji News

Fiji Records Decrease In Visitor Arrivals

In Month Of April

Visitor arrivals for the month of April

dropped totalling to 58,159.
This is a decrease of 1.5 percent
compared to last year.
The number of visitors from Australia
dropped by 2,887 visitors to a total of
27,190.
Visitors from the US dropped by 554 to
just 4,538.
Those from Continental Europe also
decreased by 245 to 2,516 visitors.

Canada also dropped by 121 visitors to

just 818 visiting us last month.
Japan also recorded reduced visitor
numbers down by 119 to 373.
However increases were recorded in the
number of visitors from New Zealand
with 11,342 an increase of 1,621
compared to last year.
China also recorded an increased with
770 more visitors traveling here totaling
3,543 visitors from China last month.

South Korea also recorded an increase

with 596 and the UK recorded an
increase of 77 more tourists with a total
of 1,471 tourists visiting last month.
Visitors arriving holiday purposes
accounted for 73.3 percent of total
arrivals, 9.8 came to visit friends or
relatives, while 10.7 percent visited Fiji
for other reasons.
3 thousand 605 of the total visitors traveling
to Fiji last month were here on business.

Court Orders Additional $10K Deposit

A 69-YEAR-OLD woman was ordered

by the High Court in Suva to make an
additional cash deposit of $10,000 to the
court before she was allowed to travel to
Australia for medical treatment.
Urmila Verma, who is charged for
obtaining property by deception
and money laundering in relation to
$120,000, made an appearance before
Justice Achala Wengapulli for the ruling
of her application for bail variation.
Mrs Verma through her lawyer Ritesh
Singh of Sherani and Co Law made an
application to vary her bail condition for
the release of her passport so she could
travel to Australia where she is a citizen
to get treatment for her arthritis.
Mehzabeen Khan of the Office of the
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)

made an appearance for the State.

Justice Wengapulli said the variation of
bail could be decided in Mrs Verma's
favour, however, in balancing the
concerns of the DPP of a possible
flight risk, Mrs Verma must fulfil other
conditions before her passport was
released.
He ordered Mrs Verma must pledge all
her claims, that was rights and interest
to the buildings and the leasehold land
located off Nasoso Rd in Nadi.
She must also surrender her passport
back to the registry on or before June
30 and upon her return she is entitled to
receive her cash deposit of $10,000 and
the pledge of her property cancelled.
The substantive matter is scheduled for
May 26.

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Urmila Verma at High Court in Suva

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Fiji News

Yaqona Industry Recovery Expected To

Take 3 To 6 Years

Projections are it will take three to six

years for our yaqona industry to recover
following the devastation caused to the
industry by Tropical Cyclone Winston.
This comes as the price of yaqaona
continues to reach record levels due
to damage from Cyclone Winston to
yaqona plantations.
Fiji Crop and Livestock Council
emphasised yaqona is a slow-growing
crop and thus the three-six year projection.
Council chairman, Simon Cole, stressed
farmers supply for 2017, 2018, and
2019 was all taken away by TC Winston.
A significant increase of up to 200 per
cent has been noted in Yaqona prices
locally following the cyclone.
A random price survey in Suva, Nausori,
Nadi, Lautoka and Namaka markets has
revealed the average price has gone
from between $30 to $45 per kilogram
to $90 to $110 per kilogram.
As a result, the yaqona bags that used to
be sold for $1 are not costing up to $5
per bag.
Mr Cole said: For a yaqona plant, strong
winds shake the plants which results in
roots damage causing the whole plant to
wilt and die.
Unfortunately TC Winston didnt spare
most of our Yaqona producing provinces
i.e. Cakaudrove, Lomaiviti, Naitasiri
and Ra province.
For all the cyclone damaged areas, the
farmers uprooted all their yaqona, dried
it and store it.
Farmers are slowly releasing their
dried yaqona stocks, therefore they are
raising the yaqona prices as they know
their current stocks will be their only
source of income to wait for their next
harvest.
Mr Cole said middleman and traders are
running around looking to buy in bulk
but some farmers are reluctant to release
all their stocks.
The worst yet
Longest Kava seller at the Suva City
market, Ratu Sairusi Tagirualili, 78
years old, said the increase in price was
one of the worst that he had seen since
starting his business in 1970.
Mr Tagirualili given the shortage, it
was the small businesses which were
suffering the most.
It is understood the big players (sellers)
are going straight to the farmers and
buying directly from them yaqona worth
$20,000 to $30,000 weekly.
Thus the farmers are lured and sell

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the crop to these big players who then

dominate and control the market and
determine the prices.
For 36 years old, Rajenesh Nand, owner
of Moala and Kadavu Kava at the Suva
market, business has been tough the past
few weeks since Kava price increased.
He said other Kava sellers in the market
are influencing this increase.
He added people are auditing Kava at
the wharf when the shipment arrives and
small businesses like his are suffering as
they are not receiving anything.
Couple Arieta Kau and Taniela Kau
Nauwa, Kava sellers at Nausori Market,
shared similar sentiments as clients are
not happy with the increase.
Mr Kau said: We dont want to lose
out on our customers, so we clearly told
them our price that we have bought the
Yaqona and if they could accept the new
price.
Advice for farmers
Meanwhile, the council is urging farmers
to replant their crops but the earliest a
harvest can happen is three years.
It is likely demand for imports from
Vanuatu will increase in the interim
and this might dampen price. However
locally grown kava is preferred in the
market, Mr Cole said.
The heads of the Kava Association
through the Council has also made
submissions to the Ministry led
Committee (FAO and World Bank)
that is now driving the medium term
rehabilitation of the crop and all other
crops in Fiji.
The Association identified the logical

steps required to rehabilitate the crop

and an estimate of damage.
Our exports
Meanwhile, it is not only the local
market which will suffer from the
shortage but moreso the export market.
Mr Cole said farmers who supply to
the exporters cannot meet their quota
because of the current situation.
Some farmers prefer to sell to the local
market which is fetching them $70
-$80kg compared to the $40 -$50 export
market, he said.
Farmers believe the current supply can
last them till the end of this year, which
will directly affect our exports. Some
kava exporters may close their business
down due to this shortages.
Farmers reaction
While those market vendors are
struggling with the increased price, it is
really the farmers who are benefitting
for the interim.
Mr Cole said farmers are benefiting on
the short term as they are doubling their
sales, but they will suffer in the long
term as they will run out towards the
end of the year.
Dealers who always get their supply
from Taveuni, are closing down their
business as they are running out of
supply, he said.
According to the Savusavu middleman
they will close down by the end of the
year if the situation does not change.
Most middleman are looking at
Kadavu to supply as it was spared by TC
Winston, but the big question is what
price Kadavu will offer to them.

Minister for Employment, Productivity

and
Industrial
Relations,
Semi
Koroilavesau is currently touring the
Lau Group to promote overseas seasonal
employment opportunities to those
affected by Tropical Cyclone Winston.
Minister Koroilavesau said the
devastation of TC Winston reinforces
Governments recruitment focus of
overseas seasonal workers from isolated
rural and maritime communities.
Governments policy intent for
recruiting unemployed persons from
isolated rural and maritime communities

is to alleviate poverty.
The trickle-down effect of overseas
seasonal work will add value to rural
development through economic activity
and enhance agricultural innovation,
he said. He has called on all interested
villagers in the Lau Group to utilise this
opportunity and attend the Trade Show
organized by Unique Events Fiji and
register their interest with the Ministry.
The 2016 Lau Islands Trade Show
started in Matuku and moved to Totoyay.
The Show later moves to Moala, Lakeba
and Cicia.

Minister Promotes Seasonal

Employment In Lau

david@fijitimescanada.com

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Fiji News

Fiji Airways Acquires Training Device For

Pilots

Fiji Airways has acquired a best-in-class

A330 Multi-Function Training Device
(MFTD) to train A330 pilot training at
its Head Office in Nadi.
The airline has spent $1 million on the
acquisition which will reduce training
costs significantly. The MFTD has been
approved by the Civil Aviation Authority
of Fiji (CAAF), and an approval
certificate was officially presented to
Fiji Airways yesterday following which
the first training of pilots was conducted.
The MFTD will be used as the initial
stage for A330 pilot training before
progressing to full simulator training,
which is conducted at overseas training
facilities. Having this facility in-house
will thus result in the acceleration of

pilot training time. It will be utilised for

mainly procedures training, replicating
aspects of the cockpit. It also reproduces,
with some degree of visual realism, the
visual environment flights encounter,
including clouds, thunderstorms, and
the landing approaches of airports
around the world. The device also
recreates emergency situations that
the cockpit crew has to be trained for.
The use of the MFTD greatly reduces
the cost of training, which otherwise
would have to be incurred by practice
on the actual aircraft or a simulator. It
will also allow for development and
continuous progress of the cockpit crew,
enabling testing and implementation of
improvements identified by the Flight

Operations Quality team. Fiji Airways

Managing Director and Chief Executive
Officer Andre Viljoen said the device
will enable capacity building and skills
development at a reduced cost. At the
moment we send our crews to eight
different training facilities around the
world. By making this investment
and bringing this part of the training
in-house, we are able to eliminate a
significant amount of expenditure.
From a quality perspective, this device
allows us to develop, test and implement
improvements that have been identified
by our Flight Operations teams as part
of our continuous improvement policy.
It will also help us to achieve our flight
safety requirements, he added.

Consultation Begins For 2016-17 Budget

Attorney-General and Minister for

Finance Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has
begun consultations with stakeholders
for the 2016-17 National Budget.
Government ministries, departments and
other agencies submitted their funding
requests for the upcoming fiscal year this
year. The upcoming budget will focus
on promoting inclusivity and broadbased growth so that we can continue
creating sustainable employment for
ordinary Fijians in the aftermath of
Cyclone Winston. We are prioritising
funding for policies focused on boosting
our climate resilience and rebuilding
from the cyclone, said Sayed-Khaiyum.
He also emphasised the importance of
consultations with the general public
and said advertisements will be placed in
newspapers encouraging members of the
public to submit written submissions on
their ideas and suggestions for the 20162017 National Budget. The Attorney
General and the Ministry of Finance
team are also scheduled to meet with key
non-government organisations and other
stakeholders in the coming days.

Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum

15 Years For Rape

The High Court in Labasa sentenced

a 34-year-old man to 15 years
imprisonment for raping his 14-yearold daughter on a number of occasions.
The man was convicted of two counts
of rape, a count of representative rape
and a count each of indecent assault
and sexual assault. The court heard

604.510.0310

that the attacks on the girl began when

she was only six-years-old. She was
first raped when she was 12-years-old
in 2012 and this continued until 2014.
The victim lived with her grandparents
but visited her parents during holidays
and all the offences took place during
these times. The court was further

david@fijitimescanada.com

informed that the victim was warned

not to tell anyone about the attacks and
the suspect had also threatened to kill
her. She however managed to relate
the events to an aunt who reported
the matter to police. The man will
be eligible to apply for parole after
serving 12 years behind bars.

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Fiji News

10

Fiji Among 42 Countries To Have

Documented Zika Virus Outbreak

Fiji is among the 42 Countries that have

documented a first Zika Virus Outbreak
since 2015.
This is according to a World Health
Organisation Situation Report on Zika Virus,
Yellow Fever and Ebola Virus Disease.
The report which was released on
the 28th of April, this year states that
prior to 2015 these 42 Countries had

no previous evidence of circulation,

and with ongoing transmission by
mosquitoes.
The Countries reporting their first
outbreaks have also been classified
as Category 1 which also presents a
high risk of microcephaly and other
neurological disorders associated with
Zika virus.

The 42 Countries are from the Americas,

South East Asia, Africa and also the
Western Pacific region which includes
Fiji, American Samoa, Marshall Islands,
Samoa and Tonga.
Accompanying figures to constitute an
outbreak are not disclosed in the report.
Our questions sent to the Ministry of
Health remain unanswered.

The World Banks estimated damage

bill for Tropical Cyclone Winston is
around $2.11 billion.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama
made this announcement during the
climate change and Pacer Plus 72nd
session meeting in Bangkok.
Bainimarama also told those that were
part of the meeting that Fiji doesnt

need any lectures about climate change

as we are already feeling the full brunt
of its effects with our other Pacific
neighbours.
He added the Pacific doesnt have the
power to force a more radical approach
to global warming on the global
community but we are reminding the
world of its moral obligation.

Bainimarama says the message is simple,

if they wont embrace our more radical
cap on global warming, at least they
should give us the means to adapt to the
frightening new era that they have created.
He believes that they should lend us the
money to build our resilience so that
we can strengthen our homes and our
infrastructure.

All Fijians are being urged to take

ownership of the Clean Up Fiji fight
the bite campaign.
The President, His Excellency Major
General Jioji Konrote made the plea as
the Campaign rolled out in Nasinu.
This is the start of a national coordinated
clean-up programme in all mosquito
hotspots throughout the country.
The President called on the people to
unite in the fight against mosquitos.
While dengue fever is the most deadly
and rapidly spreading mosquito borne
disease in Fiji, Chikungunya and zika
viruses have recently started to affect
our people .These diseases are not only
a problem in Fiji but also in the region
and globally causing severe illnesses
and deaths. Presently no vaccines can
effectively treat the dengue, Chikingunya
and zika virus, its quite alarming thats
frightening, said Major General Jioji
Konrote President of Fiji.

The clean-up campaign is a month long

initiative.
We want to empower people to take
ownership of their own health not just for
them to rely on hospitals but to empower
people to take ownership of their own health

thats why this campaign is important,

said Jone Usamate Health Minister.
The national clean-up campaign will
further support the three-month Post
Winston intense clean-up campaign
already underway.

Yees Cold Storage Seafood Ltd, donated

6 ElectroCardioGram (ECG) machines
to the Ministry Of Health.
This was made possible with the help
of Princess Alexandra Hospital in

Brisbane who donated to the company.

These brand new machines are worth
$90,000.
And they come in 2 models, MAC-1200
and MAC-1600.

The presentation was made to BioMed

personal who will train Hospital staff on
their usage.
The machines will be distributed to Nadi,
Tavua, Rakiraki, Sigatoka and Suva.

World Bank Estimates More Than 2

Billion Dollars In Cyclone Damage

President Urges Fijians To Clean Up

Yees Cold Storage Seafood Ltd Donates ECG

Machines To Health Ministry
604.510.0310

david@fijitimescanada.com

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Fiji News

11

Air Traffic Controllers Graduate From

Airports Fiji

A total of 21 Air Traffic Controllers

graduated from Airports Fiji Limiteds
aviation academy this morning after
completing their three months basic Air
Traffic Control course.
The 21 air traffic controllers have
completed their rigorous three months
theory on basic ATC ICAO course
and will begin their second phase by
doing practical work over the coming
months.
AFLs Executive Chairman Faiz Khan
said that in late 2014, AFL had 14
graduating from this course and now
another 21, making the total number 35
that have graduated in last 18 months.

Mr Khan said: We have increased

the number of air traffic controllers to
ensure safe operational levels and in
particular to ensure that our controllers
are given greater opportunities for
capacity building. With these increases,
in about a years time we will be able to
systematically release our controllers to
do advance surveillance training.
Airports Fiji Ltd aims to be the leader
in the Pacific in air traffic surveillance.
Our message to the controllers is to work
hard to continue to build their capacity
and grow. You are young and energetic.
You need to ensure that you continue
to have the flames of hope and growth

burning throughout your careers. We

will be here to support.
It is also a notable observation that
out of the 21 that graduated today,
11 are ladies. We did not go out and
deliberately make choices to create
gender balance. However, the selection
criteria that we went through about 6
months ago yielded these results. AFL
is an organisation of equal opportunity.
We are blind when it comes to issues of
gender or similar biases.
Airports Fiji Ltd looks after the airspace
spanning an area of six million square
kilometres covering Kiribati, Tuvalu,
Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Fiji.

Matakibau Refused Bail

The former customer service officer of
the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF)
was refused bail by the Magistrates
Court in Suva.
Rachael Likutabua Matakibau is charged
in relation to the alleged use of FNPF
members disaster assistance.
She is charged with four counts of obtaining
property by deception. She appeared before
Magistrate Priyantha Liyanage.
The alleged offence took place between
March 1 and April 30 this year. Matakibau
is alleged to have dishonestly obtained
$15,600 through the FNPF belonging to
four different recipients with intent to
permanently deprive them.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Luke
Qerawaqa objected to bail saying
Matakibau had been evading Police arrest
since last Saturday. He said Matakibau
should be remanded in Police custody
because she was still being investigated
for other similar allegations.
However, defence lawyer Mehboob
Raza, argued that his client had the
right to be bailed unless and until it was
proved to the contrary.
He also argued that the allegations

were speculations and nothing short of

punishing the accused early rather than
completing all investigations and then
laying charges.
Magistrate Liyanage ordered that

Matakibau be further remanded in

Police custody before the matter would
be called again next Tuesday.
He then told the defence they could then
make a formal bail application.

The case of a woman charged with

obtaining money through financial
advantage was re-allocated after Suva
Magistrate Waleen George declared her
presiding over the case was a conflict of
interest.
Magistrate George said the accused

Louise Steele was related to her and

re-allocated the case back to the Chief
Magistrates court.
Defense lawyer Aseri Vakaloloma
presented the court with medical reports
of Steele indicating her health issues
and requesting for bail.

Magistrate George granted bail and gave

Steele bail conditions to not to offend,
not to interfere with the prosecutions
witness, report to Nasinu Police station
every last Monday once in a month from
6am to 6pm.
The matter has been adjourned to June 2.

Magistrate Transfers Case After Declaring Conflict

Of Interest

604.510.0310

david@fijitimescanada.com

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Fiji News

12

Attorney-General Receives $50,000

Donation From Dulux Paints

Attorney-General and Minister for

Finance Hon. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum
received a $50,000 donation from Dulux
Paints and Pacific Coatings Limited
towards the Prime Ministers National
Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation Fund.
Dulux Paints donated $40,000 worth
of paint that will be used to repair
school facilities through the Adopt A
School Program. Dulux Paints donated
an additional $10,000 through its local
subsidiary, Pacific Coatings Limited.
The AG thanked the companies for the
donations and emphasised the growing
interest in the Governments Adopt A
School program.
Dulux and Pacific Coatings Limited
have made a generous donation to the
Fijian people as we begin the massive
task of rebuilding and restoring Fiji. We
call on all companies and organisations
that are able to do the same to do so and
we can together build Fiji back better
and stronger than before, he said.
These materials will directly benefit
our Adopt A School program, which
has received positive responses from all
around the world from Governments,
organisations and individuals who want
to help put Fijian students back in the
classroom, he added.

PM To Share Survival Stories Post TC

Winston In Bangkok

Meanwhile, Fiji will be hosting a Post

Winston event in Bangkok.
Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama
made the annoucement while addressing
delegates at the UNESCAP session.
Bainimarama intends to share survival
stories from Tropical Cyclone Winston
with other World Organisations in a
meeting that has been organised by
Fijian officials.
We are also working with UNESCAP
to strengthen our disaster management
processes and become a regional hub
for disaster response. We are already
sharing the lessons we have learned
from Winston. And Fiji will be hosting
a side to explain our response to the
cyclone and our recovery and rebuilding
effort. The World Bank will also be with
us sharing its experience in formulating
the Post Disaster Needs Assessment for
Winston. So I encourage you all to attend

604.510.0310

this event on Thursday at 9.00am, said

Voreqe Bainimarama Prime Minister.
Bainimarama also paid a special tribute
to those who assisted Fiji post the natural
disaster.
I want to close by thanking those
ESCAP member nations who came
to Fijis assistance in the immediate
aftermath of Winston and especially
those who are providing ongoing
support. There are still many avenues
in which you can help the Fijian people,
including our Adopt a School program
to get our children back into proper
classrooms. And I will be happy to
explain that program to you and give
you the necessary details, he said.

OBizz.com
david@fijitimescanada.com

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Fiji News

13

Australian Traveller Readers Vote Fiji As

The Best Place In The World

For the second year running, Australian

readers of International Traveller magazine
have voted Fiji as the best place in the
world for beach and family holidays.
International Traveller readers voted Fiji
ahead of Hawai'i, Bali, Thailand, Tahiti,
Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Greek Islands,
Mauritius and the Philippines as the worlds
best place for a beachy island holiday.
Fiji was also voted once again as the
best destination for a family holiday,
ahead of runnersup Disneyland, Bali,
Hawai'i and New Zealand.
International
Traveller
is
a
strictlyindependent
Australian
bimonthly magazine and website
created to explore the full gamut of
travel experiences the world has to offer.

In its second year, the International

Traveller Reader's Choice Awards
attracted thousands of entries from
readers voting for the best destinations,
experiences, hotels and airlines of 2015.

Tourism Fiji's Regional Director for

Australia, Carlah Walton said these
awards reaffirm the preference most
Australians have for Fiji as an ideal
holiday destination.

Massive Rebuilding Efforts Underway

Across The Country

With more than 30,000 houses destroyed

a massive rebuilding effort is underway
across the country.
In line with Governments Help for
Homes program, 20 people from various
humanitarian and non-government
organisations are undertaking a trainingof-trainers pilot program of safe home
building techniques.
In the village of Waiqanake, Naitasiri
the first group of community carpenters
are being trained by humanitarian actors
and vocational education institutions on
safe building techniques.
The training-of-trainers pilot program
also supports Governments Help for
Homes program, which is providing
cash for affected householders to
purchase construction materials.
A survey following Tropical Cyclone
Winston has indicated the need to build
more resilient homes.
We did surveys immediately after TC
Winston in rural locations-in villages
and informal settlementsand we found
the biggest reason why a lot of the houses
came down was poor construction
techniques. And so the whole idea of
this is just to impart some really basic
but important construction techniques.
A lot of our community carpenters
and home-owner builders know these
but sometimes there are shortcuts. Its
really very simple things like enough
nails and strapping in the right place
inexpensive solutions, said Masi

604.510.0310

Latianara National Director, Habitat

for Humanity
Working with Government hundreds of
community carpenters and workers will
be trained on safer building techniques
to better withstand cyclones.
Among those being trained is Joe
Rabuku, who draws house plans for a
living, he values the knowledge gained
from the training.
The whole purpose of this The whole
purpose of this training is to learn skills
and proper techniques for building a
better Fiji and making homes stronger
in the wake of Cyclone Winston. This
training will help us to go back and
train our volunteers so we can serve
our community and teach them how to
build stronger homes in preparedness
for future disasters, said Joe Rabuku
Shelter Volunteer, Fiji Red Cross

david@fijitimescanada.com

The pilot is being run by the Fiji Shelter

Cluster and Habitat for Humanity Fiji.
The training is also in support of
Governments Help for Homes
program to provide thousands of Fijians
with access to free building materials so
that they can get a roof over their head.
Complement the Help for Homes
initiative by Government.We have the
first group of carpenters learning better
techniques so that when they go back
to their communities they can help
communities build homes better, said
Vula Shaw Principal Administrative
Officer, Ministry of Local Government,
Housing.
The Shelter Cluster and its partners
ultimately hope to secure funding to
roll out the training to almost 800
community carpenters and builders in
building back more resilient houses.

778.278.4088

14

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david@fijitimescanada.com

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World News

15

5 Very Smart Things Donald Trump Has Done

Since Becoming The Presumed GOP Nominee

Donald Trump effectively locked up

the Republican presidential nomination
on the night of May 3 when he won a
sweeping victory in the Indiana primary.
Ted Cruz ended his campaign that night.
John Kasich followed suit the next day.
It's been 16 days since that night. And
Trump, the least orthodox presidential
nominee in modern political history, has
made a number of very smart moves to
coalesce the GOP behind him while also
setting the terms of the general election
fight to come against Hillary Clinton.
Here are five examples of Trump being
smart:
1. Traveling to D.C. to meet with Paul
Ryan
This was a win-win for Trump. His
past condemnations of many of the
party leaders in Washington and
their doubts about his ability to lead
the party made it very hard from an
optics perspective for people like Ryan
to simply throw their support behind
Trump once it became clear he was the
nominee.
A gesture was needed, something that
these members of Congress could point
to as evidence that they had brought
Trump to heel or, at the very least, that
they had expressed their concerns to
him, he had heard them and both parties
were satisfied with the outcome.
The mood in the wake of Trump's visit
from Ryan to Republican National
Committee Chairman Reince Priebus
was ebullient. And, more importantly for
Trump, it was clear that Ryan would, at
some point in the not-too-distant future,
be for him.
2. Hiring a pollster
Trump made much of the fact that during
the primary process he had no pollster.
It was a point of pride and proof that he
was different (and better) than all of the
calculating politicians he was running
against.
The decision to bring on Tony Fabrizio, a
well-known pollster within GOP circles,
is a mature decision by Trump. Here's
why: Winning a primary fight without a
pollster is one thing. The calendar is laid
out months (years?) in advance. Most of
the time, a single state or, at most, two
to four states vote on a single day. It's
a sequential process where momentum
matters. A lot.
Winning a general election is something
different. The electorate is much broader
and, therefore, more complex when it

604.510.0310

comes to targeting messages and the

like. All of the states vote on the same
day, too, meaning that you need someone
with actual hard data to help justify
spending and travel decisions.
Then there's this: There's no downside
for Trump. Do you think one person
who was for him in the primary is going
to care (or even know) that he hired
Fabrizio? Answer: No.
3. Making nice with Megyn Kelly
Trump has a theatrical/dramatic approach
to most things. That includes his feuds,
which play out as three-act plays: The
introduction of the tension, the formal
falling out, and then, of course, the highprofile making nice.
Trump finished that three-act arc with
Fox News' Megyn Kelly this week when
he shared a TV studio with her for a
prime-time interview, not on Fox News
but the big Fox network. The interview
was largely easy on Trump it was no
interview with Sean Hannity, but what
is? and he came out looking none the
worse for wear.
Plus, he was able to show the world how
magnanimous he is, how he never holds
grudges and how he can make up with
anyone. Win, win, win.
4. Rolling out a list of potential Supreme
Court picks
There's nothing that united the disparate
elements of the Republican party base
like talk of future Supreme Court
nominees. That's long been true but is
even more so now in the wake of twin
decisions over the last few years that
legalized same-sex marriage and upheld
the constitutionality of the Affordable
Care Act.
If you are looking to unite a fractious

david@fijitimescanada.com

party, then, proposing a list of judges you

would consider naming to fill the vacancy
caused by the death of conservative hero
Antonin Scalia this year is a very smart
strategic play. Trump made no secret of
his goal with the list: to put 11 names on
it that would be totally unimpeachable
in the eyes of conservative activists.
Look at the kind of judges I would put
on the Supreme Court, Trump is saying
to doubting conservatives. And imagine
the kind of judges Hillary Clinton would
pick. See?
5. Making clear there are no boundaries
in your planned attacks against Hillary
Trump's willingness to suggest that Bill
Clinton had raped Juanita Broaddrick
in his Wednesday night interview with
Hannity is only the latest signal he is
sending to Republicans that he considers
absolutely nothing off limits when it
comes to drawing a contrast with Hillary
Clinton in the fall campaign.
That's a stone-cold winner for his efforts
to unify the GOP. Why? Because large
swaths of the Republican base have
spent the last almost-20 years frustrated
that their party leaders weren't willing
(or willing enough) to directly confront
the Clintons about their moral character
(or lack thereof). That Trump won't
apologize for calling Hillary Clinton an
"enabler" of her husband is exactly the
sort of rhetoric that conservatives have
been waiting the last two decades for.
It is literally impossible to be "too nasty"
to Hillary Clinton (and Bill Clinton) in
the eyes of the Republican base. The
more Trump amps up his rhetoric toward
the former first couple, the more loyalty
(and unity) he engenders from a party
base badly in need of a rallying force.

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World News

16

EgyptAir Jet Missing After Mid-Air

Plunge, Greeks Find Life Vests

CAIRO/ATHENS | By Lin Noueihed

Greek rescue workers found lifevests
and bits of plastic floating in the
Mediterranean after an EgyptAir jet
carrying 66 passengers and crew from
Paris to Cairo disappeared from radar
in what Egypt said could have been a
terrorist attack.
The Egyptian civil aviation ministry said
Greek authorities had found "floating
material" and life jackets likely to be
from the plane. Greek defense sources
told Reuters they had found pieces of
plastic and two lifevests in the sea 230
miles (370 km) south of the island of
Crete.
"All I will say is that our embassy in
Athens told us that it was contacted
by Greek authorities, who signaled
that they found white and blue debris
corresponding to EgyptAir's colors,"
Egyptian ambassador to France Ehab
Badawy told France's BFM television.
However, Greek sources told Reuters the
material they had found so far was not
blue and white.
If confirmed as material from the plane,
the discovery could help provide clues to
its fate. Egyptian Prime Minister Sherif
Ismail said it was too early to rule out any
explanation for the crash, including an
attack like the one blamed for bringing
down a Russian airliner over Egypt's
Sinai Peninsula last year.
The country's aviation minister said a
terrorist attack was more likely than a
technical failure.
Greece had deployed aircraft and a
frigate to search for the missing Airbus.
Egypt said it would lead the investigation
and France would participate. Paris said
three investigators would arrive in Egypt
on Thursday evening.
In Washington, President Barack Obama
received a briefing on the disappearance

from his adviser for homeland security

and counter-terrorism, the White House
said. A White House spokesman said it
was too early to know the cause of the
crash and offered condolences to the
victims.
Greek
Defence
Minister
Panos
Kammenos said the Airbus swerved 90
degrees to the left, spun through 360
degrees to the right and plunged from
37,000 feet to 15,000 before vanishing
from Greek radar screens.
According to Greece's civil aviation
chief, calls from Greek air traffic
controllers to flight MS804 went
unanswered just before it left Greek
airspace, and it disappeared from radar
screens soon afterwards.
There was no official indication of
a possible cause, whether technical
failure, human error or sabotage. Ultrahardline Islamists have targeted airports,
airliners and tourist sites in Europe,
Egypt, Tunisia and other Middle Eastern
countries over the past few years.
The aircraft was carrying 56 passengers
- with one child and two infants among
them - and 10 crew, EgyptAir said. They
included 30 Egyptian and 15 French
nationals, along with citizens of 10 other
countries.
Asked if he could rule terrorist
involvement, Prime Minister Ismail told
reporters: "We cannot exclude anything
at this time or confirm anything. All the
search operations must be concluded so
we can know the cause."
French President Francois Hollande
also said the cause was unknown. "No
hypothesis can be ruled out, nor can any
be favored over another."
"LIVES ARE SO CHEAP"
At Cairo airport, a man sat on a brown
leather couch crying with his hands
covering his face. "How long will Egypt

604.510.0310

david@fijitimescanada.com

live if human lives are so cheap? he

said.
The mother of a flight attendant rushed
out of the VIP hall where families
waited in tears. She said the last time
her daughter called her was Wednesday
night. "They havent told us anything,"
she said.
Some relatives tried to beat up a
photographer working for EgyptAir
who took several pictures of the families
waiting in the hall. Security officials
intervened and escorted him out.
With its archaeological sites and Red Sea
resorts, Egypt is a traditional destination
for Western tourists. But the industry
has been badly hit by the downing of
a Russian Metrojet flight last October,
in which all 224 people on board
were killed, as well as by an Islamist
insurgency and a string of bomb attacks.
A320s normally seat 150, which means
the Egyptair plane was barely a third full.
Greek air traffic controllers spoke to
the pilot as the jet flew over the island
of Kea, in what was thought to be the
last broadcast from the aircraft, and no
problems were reported.
But just ahead of the handover to
Egyptian controllers, calls to the plane
went unanswered.
"About seven miles before the aircraft
entered the Cairo airspace, Greek
controllers tried to contact the pilot but
he was not responding," said Kostas
Litzerakis, head of Greece's civil aviation
department. Shortly after exiting Greek
airspace, it disappeared from radars, he
said.
Greek authorities were searching the
sea south of the island of Karpathos,
Defence Minister Kammenos told a
news conference.
"At 3:39 a.m. (8.39 p.m. ET), the course
of the aircraft was south and southeast
of Kassos and Karpathos (islands)," he
said. "Immediately after, it entered Cairo
FIR (flight information region) and
made swerves and a descent I describe:
90 degrees left and then 360 degrees to
the right."
Egyptian Civil Aviation minister Sherif
Fathi said authorities had tried to resume
contact but without success. Greece
said it would scale back its rescue effort
because the finds were in waters under
Egyptian jurisdiction.
In Paris, a police source said investigators
were now interviewing officers who were

Continued on Page 17
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World News

17

Clinton: Trump Is 'Not Qualified' To Be

President

WASHINGTON
Democratic
presidential
front-runner
Hillary
Clinton pivoted to a general election
matchup against Republican candidate
Donald Trump on Thursday, saying he
is dangerously unpredictable and not
qualified to be president.
Confident that she is finally close to
defeating U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of
Vermont for the Democratic nomination,
Clinton turned heavy fire on Trump, who
has been running about even with her in
national polls of voters looking ahead to
the Nov. 8 presidential election.
On the Republican side, Trump
promoted top aide Paul Manafort to
serve as campaign manager and chief
strategist, the Trump campaign said.
Corey Lewandowski, the trusted Trump
aide who has had the title of campaign
manager, will continue overseeing dayto-day operations, the campaign said.
In a CNN interview, Clinton used the
example of the apparent downing of an
EgyptAir plane from Paris to Cairo to
say that Trump would lack the skills to
bring together U.S. allies to respond to
global threats.
"I know hard this job is and I know we
need steadiness, as well as strength and
smarts in it, and I have concluded that
he is not qualified to be president of the
United States," Clinton said.
Trump, the Republicans' presumptive
presidential
nominee,
has
been
intensifying his criticism of Clinton by
lobbing personal attacks at her and her
husband, former President Bill Clinton.
Clinton, a former U.S. secretary of

state, said she would resolutely refuse to

respond to Trump's goading. "He can say
whatever he wants," she said.
But she said the EgyptAir crash reinforces
the need for American leadership and
that Trump's proposed temporary ban on
Muslims entering the United States has
sent the wrong signal to countries that
Washington will need to work with in
the fight against Islamic militants.
"He says a lot of things that are
provocative, that actually make the
important task of building this coalition,
bringing everybody to the table and
defeating terrorism more difficult," she
said. "It sends a message of disrespect
and it sends a message that makes the
situation inside those countries more
difficult."
Trump stepped up efforts to rally
Republican loyalists behind his campaign
after winning a divisive primary fight

that left the party ruptured.

On Capitol Hill, Manafort and other
Trump aides met with conservatives in
the House of Representatives who are
members of the Freedom Caucus group
and canvassed them for policy ideas.
"Manafort was reaching out for
ideas" on policy, and several Freedom
Caucus members made suggestions,
said Republican Representative Scott
DesJarlais of Tennessee.
"It went very well, it was encouraging.
I think the Trump team recognizes
the relevance of the Freedom Caucus,
and the influence they have. I think
actually, despite some early skepticism
by some members, I think the (Freedom
Caucus) board received Manafort and
his representation of Trump very well,"
DesJarlais said.
U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan, who
met Trump a week ago to try to resolve
differences over their approaches to
key issues, said he thought a list of 11
potential Supreme Court nominees, a
group of conservative jurists announced
by Trump on Wednesday, "was a very
good step in the right direction."
Ryan told reporters that "our teams
are meeting" to talk policy, and "we're
making progress, but that's all I've got to
say at this point."
The highest-ranking House Republican
woman,
Representative
Cathy
McMorris-Rodgers, said she had cast an
absentee ballot for Trump in Washington
state's primary next week, leaving Ryan
as the only top Republican in Congress
who has not backed Trump.

it would reveal a whole new level of

vulnerability to aircraft not only from
those flights originating in the Middle
East, but to those departing from the
heart of Europe and with, at least in
theory, far better airport defenses," he
said.
Other countries offered to help in the
investigation, including the United
States, where engine maker Pratt &
Whitney is based.
Russia and Western governments have
said the Metrojet plane that crashed on
Oct. 31 was probably brought down by
a bomb, and the Islamic State militant
group said it had smuggled an explosive
device on board.

That crash called into question Egypt's

campaign to contain Islamist violence.
Militants have stepped up attacks on
Egyptian soldiers and police since Sisi,
then serving as army chief, toppled
elected president Mohamed Mursi, an
Islamist, in 2013 after mass protests
against his rule.
In March, an EgyptAir plane flying from
Alexandria to Cairo was hijacked and
forced to land in Cyprus by a man with what
authorities said was a fake suicide belt. He
was arrested after giving himself up.
EgyptAir has a fleet of 57 Airbus and
Boeing jets, including 15 of the Airbus
A320 family of aircraft, according to
airfleets.com.

EgyptAir Jet Missing

Continued from Page 16

on duty at Roissy airport on Wednesday

evening to find out whether they heard or
saw anything suspicious. "We are in the
early stage here," the source said.
Airbus said the missing A320 was
delivered to EgyptAir in November
2003 and had operated about 48,000
flight hours. The missing flight's pilot
had clocked up 6,275 hours of flying
experience, including 2,101 hours on the
A320, while the first officer had 2,766
hours, EgyptAir said.
Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the
U.S. House Intelligence Committee, said
no conclusions could be drawn yet but
terrorism was a very possible cause.
"If terrorism was indeed the cause,

604.510.0310

david@fijitimescanada.com

778.278.4088

18

Aries

Lending money to friends and family is

always stressful. This week you will get
a taste of it as you are not able to recover
the money as promised from a close
relationship. You will not only stand to
lose, but cracks may develop in your
association. Influence of Jupiter over its
own Sign Pisces puts you in a charitable
mood. However, do not go overboard
with your generosity. Remain concerned
about domestic matters and do the
needful. You may incur some expenses
on account of a religious ceremony
held in the family. Now, planet related
to your finance Venus being in its own
Sign Taurus will provide leverage to
earn in a good way. This may strengthen
your financial position. Bachelors will
be under pressure from family to tie the
knot with a person known in the family.
On the last day of the week, Sun enters
communicative Gemini, third from your
Sign.

Taurus

No important change in planetary

positions is envisioned here. Some
urgent expense related to family could
upset your budgets. Because of which it
could become difficult to save money.
Job holders will perform exceedingly
well. This will draw applaud from
peers and appreciation for your boss
and seniors. Businessmen dealing in
electronic and consumer durables may
need to offer attractive incentives to
push up sales. The planetary positions
do no favour high margins at this
juncture therefore rewrite your costs
and revenues to maximize profits. With
retrograde Mars and retrograde Saturn
having influence over the second House,
indicative of finance related matters,
you may need to be careful in business
dealings. Avoid extending credit to new
customers. On Sunday, the Sun shifts
into the intelligent Gemini, the 2nd
from your Sign. You may now be giving
confusing signals to someone out there!

Gemini

The saying after the storm comes the

calm will hold true for you this week.
After the turmoil you experienced lately,
you will now start feeling relieved and
relaxed. You will realize the importance
of Jupiter becoming direct. However,
do not expect too much, as Jupiter is
still under negative influences of Rahu
transiting along with it. Nevertheless,
progressive forces may receive some

604.510.0310

positive vibes for you to work effectively.

Midweek seems good for singles to
initiate a close relationship with opposite
sex to enjoy romantic moments. Those
already in love will be keen to tie the
knot and be together forever. On Sunday
Sun enters your Sign. Impact of this
change will be felt in the ensuing week.
Remain careful about any disorder in
health. Take prompt measures to cure
yourself.

Cancer

The pace of your progress will quicken

this week, as you shall take some clever
and calculated moves. Those in business
will face stiff competition, though. They
will have to lower their margins to earn
profits. Pay close attention to customer
feedback too, advises Ganesha. Those
in service industry and hospitality will
need to treat their clients as kings. A
happy customer is a repeat customer, and
shall attract more patrons. Job holders
will be under pressure to improve their
performance. Singles will have difficulty
in striking an intimate relationship with
a special someone. Those already in love
may be unsure about whether to wait or
move ahead with the relationship. On the
last day of the week, Sun changes Signs
to enter the airy mutable Gemini, 12th
from your Sign.

Leo

Business owners, entrepreneurs, startup professionals and others from the

similar backgrounds will be blessed by
the heavens, in the coming days. They
will strike long-term profitable deals
which will shore up finances and bring in
stability. You will now be able to provide
comfortably for the family. However,
with Mars moving in retrograde mode,
you may not be able to save money. It is
absolutely imperative that you stash away
some money for lean days. Those singles
will have to become less temperamental
when wooing someone of the opposite
sex. You need to be polite and tactful
to impress. This phase seems good for
freshers to get suitably employed. Those
doing jobs may miss deadlines for the
task allotted. You will be healthy and
energetic here. On Sunday Sun shifts
into an airy Sign Gemini.

Virgo

Some issues in a close relationship will

be your main concern at the beginning
of the week. Do not try to assert your
views aggressively. Also, do not hold
grudges if things do not work out your

david@fijitimescanada.com

way. Refrain from adopting a stand like

my way or highway. This unrelenting
kind of an attitude kills harmony and
leads to break up, says Ganesha. You
will start compromising from Tuesday
as your focus shifts from here to other
routine matters now. A good opportunity
for monetary returns may come up
midweek. Gains from this venture could
work well in strengthening your financial
position. With regards to health, an old
problem which was thought to be cured
resurfaces in your life. Try alternative
medicines to keep the situation under
control. The last day of the week sees
Sun entering an airy Sign Gemini, tenth
from your sign.

Libra

This looks like a thriving week for

benefits and bottom lines. Businessmen
and professionals will be keen on
making important contacts abroad to
enhance financial prospects. There is
a strong possibility of a short overseas
trip. From Tuesday, planetary transits
seem supportive to move ahead and
progress. However, you need to come
out of your comfort zone to make
noticeable expansions. Beginners will
be favoured by heavens to get suitably
employed. Sun transiting through the
eighth House along with retrograde
Mercury doe not spell well for harmony
in relationships, where there is emotional
attachment. Do not get reactive, instead
work for reconciliation. On Sunday, Sun
changes sign to enter an airy mutable
Sign Gemini. No serious threat to health
foreseen here.

Scorpio

A meaningful relationship may take

shape, as the week begins. This shall
work well in enhancing your financial
prospects. You may have to incur
expenses, due to urgent needs of the
family. Young singles are likely to have
an enjoyable time with their new found
love. Good time to savour pleasures
of life togethe. Businessmen and
professionals could get busy negotiating
a major deal with foreign companies.
Job holders may find the going tough
under constant pressure. However, Mars
transiting in retrograde mode here could
bring up old health issues. Middle aged
and above shall need to be specially
careful now. Those with cardiovascular
or blood related health issues must have
Continued On Page 23

778.278.4088

World News

19

Clinton World Criticism Of Bill Mind

Boggling

By Amie Parnes
Clinton World is scoffing at suggestions
from Donal Trump and other Republicans
that Hillary Clinton is making a
mistakein suggesting she'd give a major
role in her White House on the issue of
the economy to Bill Clinton.
Trump has mocked the suggestion of
putting the former president to work.
How can Crooked Hillary put her
husband in charge of the economy when
he was responsible for NAFTA, the
worst economic deal in U.S. history?
the presumptive GOP presidential
nominee tweeted on Tuesday.
And former Speaker Newt Gingrich (RGa.) suggested that the promise of such a
major role for Bill Clinton suggests he is
effectively running for a third term.
The president of the United States
has an actual job to create jobs, create
wealth, create take home pay, he said on
Fox Business Network. Thats Hillarys
job if she wants to be president. Thats
not the first spouses job.
The Clinton camp sees Bill Clinton as
a valuable asset and believes the GOP
attacks on him will backfire.
I think that people remember the
booming economy [under President
Clinton], and they remember he led the
largest economic expansion in American
history, and experts on all sides of the
aisle agree, one former Clinton aide
said. Theres a reason hes been so
in demand for campaigns across the
country in recent years. How would that
ever be a bad idea? Its mind-boggling
that it would be anything but positive.
Longtime allies and former aides say
that the former president might indeed
be the best person to help navigate the
recovering economy and get incomes
rising, as the Democratic front-runner
said at a campaign rally on Monday.
William Galston, a senior fellow of
governance studies at the Brookings
Institution who served as a policy adviser
to Bill Clinton during his administration,
said his former boss could add a lot of
value to any discussion because he is a
good listener and idea collector.
Done right, it could add substantial
value, Galston said.
Bill Clinton remains one of the former
first ladys most potent allies, though
his presence on the campaign trail has at
times caused difficulties.
He got into a high-profile fight with
Black Lives Matter activists over his

604.510.0310

Former President Bill Clinton

1994 crime bill. The focus on the bill, role in inflating the housing bubble that
which many on the left blame for the crashed our economy 8 years ago.
mass incarceration of black men, also Campaign officials sought to walk back
refocused attention on Hillary Clintons the idea that the former secretary of State
1990s superpredators comments a had any plans cemented for her husband
and said it was premature to discuss
reference to young black criminals.
Trump has gone out of his way to potential roles for him or anyone else.
highlight the low points of the Clinton But it wasnt the first time shes thrown
administration, including the former Bill Clintons name out as someone who
presidents infidelities. The Clinton could help boost her administration. At
campaign can expect those attacks to a campaign event in early May, Hillary
Clinton offered, Hes got more ideas a
intensify in the fall.
Theres also always a danger of Bill minute than anybody I know.
Clinton going rogue, something that Galston said her message sought to
Galston said could also be a worry in a remind voters of the booming economy
of the 1990s and to persuade them
Hillary Clinton administration.
that they are likely to get a restoration
He cautioned that Bill Clintons role on
of what they liked under her husbands
the economy could be disruptive and
administration.
create structural difficulties if it is not
Cal Jillson, a professor of political science
well planned.
Republicans are also signaling a at Southern Methodist University,
willingness to attack Bill Clintons concluded that Hillary Clinton may
well learn something from this on how to
economic record.
In an email on Wednesday, Michael Short, describe his role in her administration.
a spokesman for the Republican National Everybody knows there will be one,
Committee, said that Democrats like Jillson said. But shes got to find a way
to forget that Bill Clinton handed his to use it without overshadowing her or
successor a recession and played a leading diminishing her.

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778.278.4088

Health

20

Lack Of Sleep May Lead To Dementia

Scientists have found that people who
don't sleep much or are suffering from
sleep apnea were possibly likelier to
develop dementia.
According to the new study, people
who don't have as much oxygen in
their blood during sleep, which occurs
with sleep apnea and conditions such as
emphysema, were more likely to have
tiny abnormalities in brain tissue, called
micro infarcts, than people with higher
levels of oxygen in the blood. These
abnormalities are associated with the
development of dementia.
In addition, people who spent less time
in deep sleep, called slow wave sleep,
were more likely to have loss of brain
cells than people who spent more time
in slow wave sleep. Slow wave sleep is
important in processing new memories

and remembering facts. People tend

to spend less time in slow wave sleep
as they age. Loss of brain cells is also
associated with Alzheimer's disease and
dementia.
For the study, 167 Japanese American
men had sleep tests conducted in their
homes when they were an average age of
84. All were followed until they died an
average of six years later, and autopsies
were conducted on their brains to look
for micro infarcts, loss of brain cells,
the plaques and tangles associated with
Alzheimer's disease and Lewy bodies
found in Lewy body dementia.
The participants were divided into 4
groups based on the percentage of the
night spent in slow wave sleep. Of the
37 men who spent the least time in
slow wave sleep, 17 had brain cell loss,

compared to seven of the 38 men who

spent the most time in slow wave sleep.
The results remained the same after
adjusting for factors such as smoking
and body mass index and after excluding
participants who had died early in the
follow-up period and those who had low
scores on cognitive tests at the beginning
of the study.
Study author Rebecca P. Gelber, MD,
DrPH, said that the findings suggested
that low blood oxygen levels and
reduced slow wave sleep may contribute
to the processes that lead to cognitive
decline and dementia. More research
was needed to determine how slow wave
sleep may play a restorative role in brain
function and whether preventing low
blood oxygen levels may reduce the risk
of dementia.

(Q) I get terrible attacks of gout. What

causes them and is there a way to prevent
them?
(A) Gout attacks are caused by the
accumulation of uric acid crystals in
and around the affected joints, most
commonly the big toe, but also at times
the hands, wrists, knees, ankles and
elbows. The crystals form when the
kidneys are unable to flush the uric acid
out of the body quickly enough.
Common triggers include drinking alcohol,
insufficient water intake and dehydration,
taking diuretics, being overweight and
having abnormal kidney function. Both
over-eating and crash dieting and fasting
can trigger attacks, so avoid both.
There are medications that are used

to lower uric acid levels in the blood

which can help prevent attacks if taken
regularly. It is important to remember
this medication needs to be taken daily
even when you are not having an attack in
order to prevent attacks from occurring.
Minimising or avoiding alcohol can
help, in particular avoiding binge
drinking. Weight loss can also help,
but it is better to do this gradually with
judicious dietary changes and regular
exercise than through crash diets, which
can result in a worsening of symptoms.
Some people find dietary changes,
particularly avoiding certain foods,
can help. Meat, especially red meat
(for example liver, kidney and heart),
seafood (especially prawns and other

shellfish, scallops, mussels, herring,

sardines, anchovies and mackerel) and
yeast-containing foods (including beer
and Vegemite) are all high in purine,
which can be metabolised into uric acid
in the body. Avoiding these foods may
help decrease the frequency and severity
of gout attacks. Some foods high in
purine do not seem to exacerbate gout.
These include mushrooms, cauliflower,
asparagus and spinach.
Excessive intake of fructose (the sugar
found in most fruit) may also exacerbate
gout. While it is sensible to avoid
excessive intake of fruit juice, there is no
need to avoid fruit altogether. It has been
found that vitamin C may reduce attacks,
as can low-fat dairy products.

Prevent Gout Attacks

Daily Aspirin's Benefits For Women Over

65 Outweigh Risks

A new research has revealed that daily

dose of aspirin protects women over 65
against the cancer despite the dangers of
internal bleeding.
The study at the University Medical
Centre in the Netherlands also suggests
that since younger women appear to
gain no benefit, the regular use aspirin
may be harmful for them, as reported.
Although the possibility of developing
serious illnesses, particularly cancer, and
the risk of stomach bleeding rises with age,

604.510.0310

so too does the drug's impact on lowering

the risk of bowel cancer and heart disease.
The study says that for over 65s, one
case of cancer or heart disease and stroke
would be prevented for every 29 aspirin
users and on the other hand, blanket
treatment regardless of age is ineffective

or harmful in the majority of women.

Team leader Frank Visseren, said that for
over 65s, aspirin only modestly lowers
cardiovascular risk, while increasing the
risk of major gastrointestinal bleeding,
but the benefits for cancer could tip the
balance in favour of aspirin in prevention.

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Health

21

A New Solution That Stops Snoring and

Lets You Sleep

If youre like most Canadians you

probably dont get eight hours sleep each
night.
But, if you also constantly feel exhausted,
experience headaches for no obvious
reason or have high blood pressure, you
could have a more serious problem.
Thats because these can all be the
result of snoringwhich is, in turn, the
most common symptom of a potentially
serious health problemobstructive
sleep apnea (OSA).
While most people think of snoring as
a minor annoyance, research shows it
can be hazardous to your health. Thats
because its related to obstructive sleep
apnea (OSA). People who suffer from
OSA repeatedly and unknowingly stop
breathing during the night due to a
complete or partial obstruction of their
airway. It occurs when the jaw, throat,
and tongue muscles relax, blocking the
airway used to breathe. The resulting
lack of oxygen can last for a minute or
longer, and occur hundreds of times each
night.
Thankfully, most people wake when a
complete or partial obstruction occurs,
but it can leave you feeling completely

exhausted. OSA has also been linked to a

host of health problems including:
-Acid reflux
-Frequent nighttime urination
-Memory loss
-Stroke
-Depression
-Diabetes
-Heart attack
People over 35 are at higher risk.
OSA can be expensive to diagnosis
and treat, and is not always covered by
insurance. A sleep clinic will require an
overnight visit. Doctors then analyze
the data and prescribe one of several
treatments. These may require you to
wear uncomfortable CPAP devices that
force air through your nose and mouth
while you sleep to keep your airways
open, and may even include painful
surgery.
Fortunately, there is now a comfortable,
far less costly and invasive treatment
option available. A recent case study
published by Eastern Virginia Medical
Schools Division of Sleep Medicine in
the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine
concludes that wearing a simple
chinstrap while you sleep can be an

effective treatment for OSA.

The chin strap, which is now available
from a company called My Snoring
Solution, works by supporting the lower
jaw and tongue, preventing obstruction
of the airway. Its made from a hightech, lightweight, and super-comfortable
material. Thousands of people have used
the MySnoringSolution chinstrap to help
relieve their snoring symptoms, and they
report better sleeping, and better health
overall because of it.
An effective snoring solution for just
$119
The My Snoring Solution Chinstrap
is available exclusively from the
companys website which is currently
offering a limited time 2 for 1 offer.
The product also comes with a 100
percent satisfaction guarantee.
If you want to stop snoring once and for
all, without expensive CPAP devices or
other intrusive devices, this may be the
solution youve been waiting for. The
free additional strap is great for travel or
as a gift for a fellow sufferer.
Best of all, this product comes with
an unconditional 90-day, money-back
guarantee!

Bitter Compounds In Cucumber May Help

Treat Cancer, Diabetes
A new study has found that the
compounds in responsible for the bitter
taste in cucumbers may be able to treat
cancer and diabetes.
University of California researchers
identified the genes responsible for the
intense bitter taste of wild cucumbers.
That bitter flavor in wild cucurbits -- the
family that includes cucumber, pumpkin,
melon, watermelon and squash -- is due

to compounds called cucurbitacins.

The fruit and leaves of wild cucurbits
have been used in Indian and Chinese
medicine for thousands of years, as
emetics and purgatives and to treat liver
disease. More recently, researchers have
shown that cucurbitacins could kill or
suppress growth of cancer cells.
Co-author of the paper, William Lucas,
said that the new research showed

how domestication tweaked cucumber

genetics to make the fruit more edible.
Understanding that process might open
up approaches to developing other food
crops based on plants that are naturally
either inedible or poor in nutrition,
and could also make it much easier to
produce cucurbitacins in large enough
quantities to use in clinical trials and
potentially in medicine.

Eat Balanced Diet To Prevent Hearing Loss

Every time you hit the dance floor to
the sound of loud music, you may risk
losing your capacity to hear. But those
with a substandard diet could be more
vulnerable.
"People with healthy diets who eat
adequate fruit and vegetables, have
better hearing thresholds than people
with a poor diet, according to large
population databases," Colleen Le Prell,

604.510.0310

professor at Florida University, was

quoted as saying.
Studies on animals have shown that
dietary supplements such as vitamins
A, C, E and magnesium can prevent
hearing loss by reducing inflammation
and swelling and increasing the blood
supply to the inner ear.
Results are now expected next month
of two recent clinical trials in humans

david@fijitimescanada.com

that have studied whether dietary

supplements and a new drug can protect
hearing after exposure to a loud noise.
This may mean we will be able to protect
our ears by popping a vitamin pill before
going out clubbing, as reported.
However, experts warned that however
effective a pill turns out to be, noise
avoidance is the best strategy to prevent
hearing loss.

778.278.4088

For Woman

22

How To Get Rid Of Facial Hair

There are many ways of removing facial
hair. The method should be chosen
according to quantity or thickness,
location and rate of growth. Read on to
find out more
Temporary methods of facial hair
removal
Plucking
This method involves the use of tweezers
and removes hair from the follicles.
Therefore, re-growth takes time.
Plucking is suitable for stray hairs on the
chin, between and under the brows. It
should not be used for hair on the upper
lip. The area should be first wiped with
cotton wool, soaked in a mild antiseptic
solution. One should also take care not
to pluck out hair from a mole, before
consulting a doctor.
Threading
It's the most common method of
removing facial hair. The disadvantage
is that the effect is temporary and the
procedure has to be repeated periodically.
It is useful for areas like the upper lip
and the eyebrows. In fact, threading is
done to shape the eyebrows. Frequent
threading can cause skin irritations. On
sensitive skins, there can be redness or
a rash. Avoid threading on areas with
eruptions, like pimples or acne. A zinc
ointment or ice can be applied to soothe
the skin.
Waxing
Many beauty salons offer "katori"
waxing for facial hair. Cold wax would

be safer for the face. Waxing strips are

available. However, large areas of the
face should not be waxed. It would be
good for smaller areas like the chin,
area above the lips or sideburns. For
excessive facial hair, many women use a
combination of methods, like threading
chin and area above lips and bleaching
the rest of the face. Or, threading chin
and upper lip and waxing sideburns.
Epilation
An epilator is a small gadget for hair
removal. Epilators for facial hair are
different from the ones for body hair.
The effect lasts for about 4 to 6 weeks.
Epilators pull out the hair by the roots. It is
said that the smallest hair can be removed
with an epilator. There is some initial
pain, which may decrease gradually.
Electrolysis
Although this is said to be a permanent
method of hair removal, re-growth can
occur. In electrolysis, the diathermy
method was common. It involves the
use of fine needles, through which an
electric current is passed. But now a
new procedure is being used, known
as transdermal electrolysis, in which
needles are not used. Also, superfluous
hair can be removed from larger areas.
In the earlier method, needles were
introduced into the hair follicle to
cauterise the hair root. This checked
re-growth. It is extremely important to
make inquiries, as scarring can occur in
the hands of an unskilled operator.

Laser
This is the latest method of permanent
removal of facial hair. Laser produces an
intense beam of light, which is absorbed
by the hair follicles. The laser disables
the hair follicle's ability to produce hair.
Cooling devices are used to prevent
damage to the rest of the skin. The
advantage of laser over electrolysis is
that the laser light can scan broader
areas. Therefore, fewer sessions are
required. However, it is more expensive
than electrolysis. Re-growth occurs in
some cases, but is slower and scantier.
It is very important to find a good
laser clinic. The temporary known side
effects are redness, swelling and itching.
The main risk in laser treatment is the
possibility of skin burns. So, before
choosing the clinic, it is essential to find
out its reputation, by making inquiries
and talking to people who have been
through the treatment.
Home remedies
For very fine hair, scrubs and exfoliation
can help. This would discourage hair
growth over a period of time, if used
regularly. Make a thick paste of sugar,
lemon juice and water and apply it in
the direction of hair growth. Wash off
when it dries. Apply it once or twice a
week. Apply a paste of turmeric powder
and milk and rub this on the skin with a
circular motion. It is said to discourage
facial hair, but it may leave a yellowish
tinge on the skin.

Orange For Your Face And Hair

Mostly known as a good source of Vitamin C, oranges are not only good for your health but also one of the most important
natural skin-care products.
Its toning properties improve your skin Clean the orange peel with salt to remove you a fresh feel. After washing away the
texture and colour. Both Vitamin C and all germs and then put them in a blender pack completely, apply a thin coat of face
citric acid in oranges restore collagen to make a thick paste. Add a tablespoon cream to prevent the skin from drying up.
in your body. Collagen helps in skin- of yogurt, a few drops of lemon juice For the hair, too
firming and prevents ageing of the skin. and a teaspoon of honey into the paste Orange peel juice can be used on
Citric acid helps to reduce wrinkles and and mix well. Wash your face with warm the scalp to reduce dandruff and oily
softens the skin, giving you a much water and apply the pack. It will open up conditions. The peel can be mashed into
younger-looking skin. It exfoliates the pores. Let the pack remain for an hour a pulp and used as a hair pack. It helps to
the skin, removing the dead skin cells, and let it dry. Wash with cold water after condition the hair and cleanse the scalp.
and cleanses the pores, helping in acne an hour. The pack will remove all the A tip: Rub the inside peel of an orange
prevention. Oranges also have Vitamin dead skin and dirt from your face and give on your skin to tighten it.
A, which, along with Vitamin C, helps
reverse sun damage, protecting your
skin from cancer. It is also used in spas
for skin polish it improves the texture
of your skin as it exfoliates and hydrates
it well.
Make your own orange peel face pack

OBizz.com

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23

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Pravin Kumar 604.306.8917

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Continued From Page 18
regular checkups. On the last day of the
week, Sun shifts into the communicative,
airy Sign Gemini. You may be feeling
quite eloquent.

Sagittarius

This looks like a challenging week. To

begin with, businessmen will be busy
attending to complaints from high net
worth customers. As a result, they may
miss out on some good opportunities to
make money. Job holders will also face
odds in their routine work. It may take a
while to fix the problem. This delay shall
adversely impact your performance, and
you may draw a plenty of flak. And,
resultantly, you may get worked up and
agitated. Try finding balance! Those
married will be stressed by the unending
demands of their better half. In contrast,
singles will be in a happy scenario this
week to enjoy pleasures of life. You will
be in a comfortable position financially.
However, no major gains are to accrue
at this juncture. Over the weekend, Sun
shifts into an airy Sign Gemini, seventh
from your sign.

Capricorn

The week starts off on an encouraging

note for businessmen and professionals.
Around midweek, those who are
married will have a confrontation with
their spouse. Try not to stretch things

604.510.0310

too far and arrive at reconciliation at

the earliest to maintain harmony in
your married life. Be careful about
money matters. Do not lend money
to anyone close to you. Make some
convincing excuse and wriggle out
of the situation, else you will lose the
amount. Singles will have an enjoyable
time with their new found love. Job
holders will be focused on their work
and contented with the support received
by their superiors. On the last day of
the week, Sun changes sign to enter
communicative airy Sign Gemini. Now
Sun transits in direct opposition to
retrograde Mars and Saturn. In view of
this, remain careful about health issues.

Aquarius

Loss of money is envisioned here. In

view of this, handle cash carefully.
Businessmen may have to write off
some dues as they are not able to recover
it even after persistent follow-ups. This
is what happens when planet concerned
with money matters, Jupiter, comes
under the shadow of malefic Rahu and is
positioned in the eighth House of sudden
loss. Planetary movements this week
do not seem to present any new earning
opportunities. Businessmen will have
satisfy themselves with routine gains.
With strong Venus posited in the fourth
House, there are chances of you buying a
gadget for your kitchen and redecorating

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Cell: 778.378.6474
your living room. Planetary positions
here may inspire love birds to take the
relationship further towards marriage.
Those married may not be happy, during
this phase. The conservative attitude
of your spouse shall make you feel
uncomfortable. On the last day of the
week, Sun shifts to Gemini, thereby
coming in a close combination with
Mercury. Your social standing may be
influenced by your communication now
so, watch those words.

Pisces

As the week opens, there is a likelihood

of married couples enjoying physical
intimacy and togetherness, although
only temporarily. You may get hurt by
the inconsiderate behavior of someone
close to you. Tuesday and Wednesday
are marked for this painful experience.
You will soon realize that recovering
from a heart-breaking encounter is quite
like crossing the monkey bars. You have
to let go at some point in order to move
forward. Thursday brings in a new dawn.
Here you need to sharpen your money
management acumen. You financial
plan will need a rejigging here as you
lay down priorities. Businessmen and
professionals handling off shore projects
need to be attentive about delivery time
and payment terms. Over the weekend,
Sun shifts into airy Gemini, fourth from
yours sign.

778.278.4088

Lifestyle

24

Lower Blood Pressure By Eating More

Fruit And Vegetables

Eating more fruit and vegetables has been

proven to help lower blood pressure.
Fruit and vegetables are full of vitamins,
minerals and fibre to keep your body
in good condition. They also contain
potassium, which helps to balance out
the negative effects of salt. This has a
direct effect on your blood pressure,
helping to lower it.
Eat at least 5 portions a day
To help lower blood pressure, adults
should eat at least 5 different portions of
fruit and vegetables per day. A portion is
80 grams, or roughly the size of your fist.
The following amounts represent a
portion:
A dessert bowl of salad
Three heaped tablespoons of
vegetables
Three heaped tablespoons of pulses
(chickpeas, lentils, beans and so on)
One medium-sized fruit (apple,
orange, pear or banana)
Two smaller fruits (plums, apricots)
One slice of a large fruit (melon,
pineapple or mango)
Two to three tablespoons of berries
or grapes
A glass (150ml) of fruit or vegetable

juice
One tablespoon of dried fruit
Not everything counts
Potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, cassava
and plantain are all vegetables, but they
do not count towards your five a day
total. However, you should still include
them as part of your healthy eating.
Pulses, fruit juice and vegetable juice
all count towards your five a day
total. However they only count as one
portion no matter how much you eat
or drink.
Ways to get the most from your fruit
and vegetables
Dont buy fruit and vegetable dishes
that come with sauces. They often
contain a lot of fat, salt and sugar.
Dried, frozen and tinned products
can be just as good as fresh, but
watch out for added salt, sugar or
fats.
Vary the types of fruit and vegetables
you eat. Each has different health
benefits and it will keep your meals
interesting. By eating a wide range
of fruit and vegetables, you will
ensure that your body is getting all
the nutrients it needs.

Dont add sugar to fruit or salt to

vegetables when you cook or serve
them.
Try to eat fresh fruit and vegetables
as soon as possible. They will lose
their nutrients over time, so if you
want to store your ingredients for a
while, it is best to freeze them or buy
frozen packets
Avoid leaving vegetables open to the
air, light or heat if they have been
cut. Always cover and chill them,
but don't soak them because the
vitamins and minerals can dissolve
away.
Vegetables keep more of their
vitamins and minerals if you lightly
steam or bake them, instead of
boiling or frying them.
If you boil vegetables, use as little
water as possible to help keep the
vitamins and minerals in them.
Experiment with other ways of
cooking vegetables, such as roasting
or grilling them, for new tastes and
flavours.
Stir-fries are great for getting lots
of vegetables into one meal. So are
freshly-made soups.

Reasons To Eat More Pears

Pears are a delicious, fiber-rich fruit
that can help prevent diabetes and lower
cholesterol. Discover three great reasons
to eat more pears.
Whether you're eating them raw or
cooked, pears make for a sweet treat. And
what's more: it's good for your health.
Packed with fibre and antioxidants,
adding more pears to your diet goes a
long way in diabetes prevention and
lowering your cholesterol.
Here are three reasons to eat more
pears:
1. Pears help prevent diabetes
Red pears contain anthocyanin, an
antioxidant that can help reduce insulin
resistance, a risk factor for developing
diabetes. Studies from found that
people who consume greater amounts of
anthocyanin-rich foods have a lower risk
of developing type 2 diabetes.
2. Pears are full of fibre
Pears are noteworthy because they contain
both soluble fibre, which helps lower
cholesterol levels, and insoluble fibre,
which promotes regularity. One pear has
six grams of fibre, or about 20 percent of

604.510.0310

your daily recommended intake.

3. Pears are a great ready-to-go snack
Pears continue to ripen after being
harvested, but they keep well in the

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crisper because refrigeration delays the

ripening process. A few days before
you're ready to eat one, leave it at room
temperature.

778.278.4088

Sports

25

Bollywood All Praise For Good

Performances In Sarbjit

Bollywood celebrities like Abhishek

Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Parineeti
Chopra and Athiya Shetty have
appreciated Sarbjit, for the impactful
performances by the cast.
The film, releasing on Friday, is a biopic
on Sarabjit Singh, an Indian farmer who
was convicted of terrorism and spying
in Pakistan and was sentenced to death.
He was attacked by inmates at a prison
in Lahore in April 2013 and died a few
days later.
Sarbjit stars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as
the title characters sister Dalbir Kaur;
while Randeep Hooda plays Sarabjit
Singh and Richa Chadha plays his wife.
Heres what the celebrities had to say
following a special screening of the
Omung Kumar directorial here:
Abhishek Bachchan: Its immensely
brave of any actor to perform with such
honesty and fearlessness and the Mrs. is
the bravest of them all. So proud! Sarbjit.
Riteish Deshmukh: Sarbjit. Richa
Chadha truly magical on screen. Darshan
Kumar another solid performer.
Mika Singh: Salute to the director
Omung Kumar, we Indians should save
the girl child giving birth to Dalbir Kaurs
that would stand nd fight for a cause.

Athiya Shetty: Sarbjit a story that needed to be

told. What brilliant and honest performances
Randeep Hooda, Richa Chadha, Aishwarya
Rai Bachchan, Omung Kumar.
Neil Nitin Mukesh: Sarbjit Omung
Kumar, Vanita, Sandeep Singh take a
bow! Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is simply
outstanding. My current favourite song
is salamat.

Anubhav Sinha: Sarbjit totally lives up

to the hype. Take it away Richa Chadha,
Aishwarya, Randeep Hooda, Bhushan
Kumar and Jackky Bhagnani, Omung
Kumar and T-Series.
Parineeti Chopra: All the best team
Sarbjit! Its going to be amazing!Watch
this important film guys...Jackky
Bhagnani, Priya Gupta Randeep Hooda.

Actor Manoj Bajpayee says predicting

the fate of a film is not possible as many
films have got a positive response before
release, but have not seen success at the
box office.
No one can predict anything before
a film releases. There are films which
have got a great response from the film
industry, but have bombed at the box
office. It depends on the reaction of the
audience, he says.
The actor, who is known for his roles in
films such as Aligrah (2016), Chakravyuh
(2012) and Pinjar (2003), says that he
does not bother about the money a film
makes at this stage of his career.
It does not matter to me if a film makes
money or not. But I want to be part of a
film which is appreciated. Afilm should

be applauded. But I understand why these

numbers are important as Bollywood today
has become a cut-throat business, he says.
Manoj has been part of the film industry
for more than two decades and says that
his parameters to choose a film have

changed. As our careers progress, our

choices also change. I cant be choosing
the same films which I used to earlier.
For me, its important to keep a track of
whats happening in the world and see if
a film is relevant to the times, he says.

Aishwarya Rai with Sarabjit Singh's Sister Dalbir Kaur

Bollywood Has Become A Cut-Throat

Business, Says Manoj Bajpayee

604.510.0310

david@fijitimescanada.com

778.278.4088

26

Malaika Arora Finally Agrees To

Patch Up With Arbaaz Khan?

Malaika Arora Khan and Arbaaz Khan had separated a couple of months back...

Yes! Its finally happening and heres all you need to know about this latest development.
We all know how things were almost
coming to an end between celebrity
couple Malaika Arora and Arbaaz Khan.
The couple had even issued a joint
statement stating, Yes, its true that
we are separated, but where our lives
go and what transpires between us, it is
for us to decide. Wherever it goes from
here, we will talk about it when we are
ready to. Its a tough and difficult time
for us and we will appreciate it if you
can please give us our space. Things got
worse when lately we even got to hear
how Malaika is keen on dropping Khan
from her surname, further directing
everything only towards a DIVORCE.
However, wait until you check out
this latest report. Its a positive sign of
reconciliation for Malaika and Arbaaz.
A report in Mumbai Mirror suggests
that Malaika has finally decided to move
back to her family home with Arbaaz
and family, all thanks to her sister Amrita
Ladak and mum Joyce. Turns out they
gave her a reasonable advice on why she chance. If all goes well, Malaika will this news has come during a time when
shouldnt consider breaking her marriage be returning to Arbaaz within the next every next day were only getting to hear
breakups and divorces. Whatta relief!
with Arbaaz and shes eventually come few days. Now isnt that one brilliant
in terms to give her relationship a second news? Especially when you know how

Salman Khan To Tie The Knot With Iulia Vantur

But Sallu is not liking it one bit. The star

is said to be embarrassed by the good
wishes coming his way.
There is speculation that he might tie the
knot with the Romanian actress on his
51st birthday on December 27.
There have been rumours doing the
rounds for quite some time now that
Salman Khan is in a relationship with
Romanian actress Iulia Vantur. But now
it looks like the actor is not making any
attempt to hide her presence in his life!
Last week, when Salman returned to
Mumbai after wrapping up the shoot
of Sultan in Punjab, Iulia was snapped
walking behind him, holding his mother
Salma's hand.
And recently, Bhai made an official
entry with Iulia at Preity Zinta's wedding
reception. Salman and Iulia's join entry

604.510.0310

was one of the highlights of the evening

for the papparazzi. Rumour has it that
Sallu even introduced her to Shah Rukh
Khan and his other friends at the party.
A source was quoted saying, "They
arrived in different cars Salman was

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alone while Iulia came with the actor's

sister, Alvira and her husband Atul
Agnihotri. But they entered the party
together, making heads turn. The couple
was by each other's side throughout the
party."

778.278.4088

Recipe

27

Grilled Fish With Tomatoes, Potatoes And

Lemon

Per person
1 fish fillet
2 small potatoes, scrubbed but leave
skin on, boiled till just tender, then sliced
into 1 cm discs
1 medium tomato, cut crossways into
1 cm slices
1 quarter red onion, peeled and thinly
sliced
Juice of half a lemon, the other half
is to serve with the fish. Cut the lemon
crossways.
A scattering of "tomato herbs"
Olive oil or melted butter
Salt and pepper
1. Preheat the oven to 180C.
2. Brush a baking tray with oil or melted
butter.
3. Make a base of the potato slices, red
onion slices and tomato slices and a few
herb sprigs, one base for each fish fillet.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Put into the preheated oven for 10

mins, this will start to wilt the tomato
and soften the onion.
6. Remove and place a fish fillet on each
base.
7. Brush the top of the filet with oil or
melted butter, season with salt and pepper.
8. Squeeze the juice of the half lemon

across this stack.

9. Return to the oven and cook until the
fish is just flaking, the time will depend
on what fish you are using.
10. Remove from the oven and plate up,
serve with the other lemon half (you may
like to grill the lemon in a hot pan to add
colour).

5 Fluff pilaf up with fork and stir in

chopped parsley.

Greek Lemon Pilaf

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup long grain rice
2 tablespoons orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Directions:
1 In a heavy saucepan, saute onion in
butter until tender.
2 Add rice and orzo and cook, stirring,
for 2 minutes.
3 Add chicken broth and lemon juice and
bring to a boil.
4 Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20
minutes or until rice is tender and liquid
has been absorbed.
Ingredients:
5 large russet potatoes, chopped in large
chunks
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 head garlic, chopped fine
1 tablespoon oregano (dry is fine)
olive oil (a good amount)
salt
Directions:
Place all ingredients in deep baking dish
with cover and mix to coat.
Bake at 375 degrees, basting with oil
frequently, until potatoes are crispy on
the outside, soft on the inside.

604.510.0310

Greek Potatoes

david@fijitimescanada.com

778.278.4088

Ready To Play For Fiji: Roy Krishna

Fijian international Roy Krishna says
he is always ready to play for the Fiji
national team if a call is made.
Speaking to Fiji FA Media Krishna said
he will always put his hand up whenever
a call is made for the national duties.
Oh yes I am always the first to put my
hand up for the national duties and will
be available at any time for that, he said.
The Wellington Phoenix striker will be
featuring for the Vodafone Fiji National
team during the Pacific Nations Cup this
month in Papua New Guinea.
Krishna who is one of the top contenders
from the three senior players to be
included in the Rio Olympics believes
playing in Rio will be tough and
challenging one.
Its going to be tough in Rio but nothing
is impossible and the most important
teamwork is the secret ingredient to tackle
the odds at the Rio Olympic Games.
We will be playing teams which
already had exposure in the world arena
of football, but nothing is impossible."
The Siberia-native said he was ready to
represent the country during the Olympic
Games in August.
He is also a top contender to captain the
side.
Krishna said he would continue to focus
on engagements with his Wellington

Phoenix Club in New Zealand before

the Rio Games.
"I have learned a lot during my
engagement with Phoenix and there is
still more to be learned, the bottom line

is that I am satisfied with where I am

today," he said.
He has signed another two year contract
with the New Zealand based A- League
Club.

Jarryd Hayne In Fiji Squad For London Sevens

Former NFL and rugby league player

Jarryd Hayne is in Fiji's squad for this
weekend's final round of the World
Rugby Sevens Series in London.
Hayne, 28, quit the NFL after just one
season to try to play rugby sevens for
Fiji in this year's Rio Olympics.
The former San Francisco 49er
previously played for Paramatta Eels in
Australia's National Rugby League.
"I thought the boys needed a bit of added
competition," said Fiji coach Ben Ryan.
"Jarryd has trained well. In attack he
is comfortable on the ball, he has good
spatial awareness and has good footwork.
In defence he is a good tackler."
Fiji need eight points to claim this
season's World Series title.
Hayne, who joined the Fiji camp as an
injury replacement, left Australia's NRL
in 2014 to pursue a career in the NFL as
a running back.
He played international rugby league for
both Australia, where he was born, and
Fiji, who he qualifies for via his father.

604.510.0310

Jarryd Hayne left the NFL's San Francisco 49ers for a shot at the Olympics
with Fiji

david@fijitimescanada.com

778.278.4088