False Prophet
Thursday, June 24, 2010
A PASTOR was in police custody last night after his predictions of a disaster at 2.30pm yesterday fell flat but not before forcing people to flee to safety.
Pastor Laione Lutumaimuri Nacevamaca and Fiji Rugby Union chairman Bill Gavoka were taken into custody for allegedly spreading rumours about the tsunami.
Police spokesman Inspector Atunaisa Sokomuri said the two would be charged under the Public Order Act after confirmation from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Mr Nacevamaca was taken into custody in Suva and Mr Gavoka was detained in Nadi.
Insp Sokomuri said the men had caused unnecessary panic and anxiety.Communities on Rabi and Nagigi on Vanua Levu fled to higher ground believing their villages would be hit by the tsunami.
Mr Nacevamaca had predicted that an earthquake and tsunami would cause major damage at 2.30pm yesterday.
Earlier yesterday an earthquake measuring 4.3 on the Richter Scale was generated near Doi on Ono-i-Lau and about 500 kilometres below the surface.
The Mineral Resources Department confirmed the earthquake occurred at 10.16am and said it was too deep to generate a tsunami.
Meanwhile, Public Service Commission permanent secretary Parmesh Chand said civil servants who deliberately missed work because of the prophecy would be disciplined. He said PSC was collecting data from ministry heads on the absentees.
"I can‘t reveal information on the absentees but we are collecting data," he said.
Uto ni Yalo: Final run home
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Some of the locals and crew members of the Uto Ni Yalo
Bula Viti, Rotuma kei Vuravura!
Last night, Aunofo Havea the Tongan crew member on the Hine Moana invited all the crews home to enjoy a real Tongan feast.
There was lobster, crab, kokoda, roast pork, palusami, shop suey, yam and taro. We washed it all down with fresh bu (coconut juice).
I left soon after in a taxi so I missed the fire dancing performance done by Paul.
Dieter Paulmann our main Fiji Island Voyaging Society sponsor had asked that I call him in Germany at 9pm and I wanted to make sure I called early.
My telephone conversation with Dieter was very positive. He thanked the Uto ni Yalo crew for setting a very high benchmark for the rest of the crews to follow. He asked that I relay his best wishes to the crew and to thank them for all their hard work
Cult leader held
Friday, June 24, 2011
AN Australian national wanted for charges ranging from tax evasion and assault to illegal possession of firearms and explosives has been taken into the custody of Immigration authorities.
Agape Ministries pastor Rocco Leo Agape was caught on Sunday, June 19 after a combined raid by the police, Transitional Crime Unit and the Department of Immigration. The leader of the controversial Agape Ministries, which Australian authorities have described as a doomsday-type cult, is also said to have tried to hide AUD$5million (FJ$9.3m) hours before his financial assets were frozen.
Arms and explosives were also found in containers linked to the group as well as on its properties with relatives of members with children expressing concerns over their wellbeing. After more than a year on the run from Australian authorities, Mr Agape, who had also been sighted in Vanuatu, was caught at Tiri Villas in Deuba
Korea shows interest
Friday, June 24, 2011
KOREA has shown interest in exploring the potential of mining Pacific seabed resources.
KORDI ýÿ Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute ýÿ was represented at the EU-funded deep sea minerals regional workshop in Nadi two weeks ago.
"Six KORDI scientists attended the workshop and it showed the level of commitment Korea has for the region," said Russell Howorth, director of the SOPAC Division of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.
The Koreans made two presentations during the workshop, the first talk was focused on KORDI‘s environmental studies for deep sea mining and the second was based on their mineral exploration activities in the Pacific.
KORDI is known for its innovative research and development in ocean science and technology.