Bula vinaka everyone
As we get back into the grind, starting off another work-day week, we are buoyed by the fact that things appear to be slowly picking up. I mean in terms of foot traffic, and vehicle movement as well. Hopefully we realise we do not have a free licence to live life dangerously though. Stay well and stay safe!
CASH PRIZES
We are celebrating our 152nd year anniversary and the entries are flowing in for the October draw. Remember there were 10 lucky winners last month. This month, there is an opportunity for 20 lucky readers to win cash prizes.
You can get into the draw by cutting out the masthead of The Fiji Times newspaper, writing your name, address, and a phone contact on it, and placing this in a bin at a participating store near you. Turn to Page 11 for details. It’s easy, but you’ll have to be in to win!
HEADLINES
Here are some headlines in The Fiji Times’ edition for Wednesday, October 20.
PAGE 1
Family traumatised
A FAMILY of seven was left traumatised when a group of men allegedly stormed their home and assaulted three members on Monday evening at Nakelo Landing in Tailevu. Eseta Yavuvatu, 21, said about 50 men came to her family compound to confront her cousins and allegedly damaged their property in the process. “They shattered our glass windows, broke down the door and assaulted my husband and two of my cousins,” she said.
Under-spending of $485m
UNITY Fiji party leader Savenaca Narube says Ministry of Economy permanent secretary Shiri Gounder has not articulated what the “prevailing circumstances” were that led to the under-spending of $485 million in the 2020-2021 National Budget. Mr Gounder said the under-spending was due to tight control on public spending and under-utilisation of certain budgetary allocations.
Full reports on PAGE 3
PAGE 2
Earthquakes in Fiji
FIJI has so far recorded 192 earthquakes this year, ranging from shallow to deep depth but they did not pose much threat to our local waters. Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources permanent secretary Dr Raijeli Taga said the seismic activities were the results of the major ongoing movement of plate boundary and seismic movement along the Tonga and Vanuatu subduction zones, as well as the Fiji Micro Plate.
PAGE 5
Easing of restrictions
THE easing of COVID-19 restrictions by Government has resulted in a boost for businesses in Lautoka, with more people returning to work but under COVID-19 safety measures. This, according to Lautoka Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Pyara Singh. He said the move was positive to bringing back stability in Fiji’s economy.
PAGE 7
Shameem vies for ICC position
FIJI’s Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Nazhat Shameem Khan is vying for the position of Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). She has been shortlisted among five others for the $F415,000 salary position that will be based in The Hague, Netherlands.
Man granted bail
A 25-year-old man charged with one count each of dangerous driving, possession of illicit drugs and resisting arrest was granted bail by the Suva Magistrates Court on Monday. He appeared before Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili in a special court sitting. The court heard that accused Malakai Tausia of Koio Settlement in Wailoku was driving a vehicle when he was stopped by police at Laucala Bay on October 16 where 0.0011 grams of marijuana was found in his possession.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR – PAGES 8 and 9
Check out some interesting letters on these pages. The leader is on the construction of the new road leading up to Nakida.
KAILA!
Check out the Kaila! edition inside The Fiji Times. It’s fun, bright and colourful, and just right for the young at heart. There are riddles, lyrics, stories, pictures and a lot of fun activities. Get the kids engaged!
SPORTS
The big one on the back page is about 7s coach Gareth Baber getting a rare opportunity to coach the Flying Fijians on the November tour. After his successful outing at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, he gets a chance to prove himself in 15s rugby. It’s a shot at fame and an opportunity to test himself with some of our stars of the game. Find out more!
MORE INSIDE
There’s more inside. Get a copy to know what we are talking about! Happy reading!
