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The Fijian Government has launched a clean-up campaign to reduce mosquito breeding and control the spread of dengue fever. Fiji's Health Department has confirmed 11 people have died and over 10,000 others have been infected during an outbreak of dengue fever. The department's launched a major campaign to get rid of possible breeding areas for mosquitoes which carry the disease. The Health Minister Dr Neil Sharma says the outbreak involves the type-3

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Fiji News

Friday March 14, 2014

strain of dengue fever which has never been seen before in the country. "The outbreak was detected in mid December, this is a dengue type-3 outbreak and this is new for Fiji," he said. "But we know we are endemic for dengue infections periodically, every five years we tend to have a surge." There are also fears the number of people infected may be actually closer to 15,000 with under reporting a major concern. Dr Sharma says current testing procedures need to be strengthening. "We had well over 10,000 already and this is probably an underestimate as the reporting system needs to be strengthened a lot more," he said. "And of cause some patients have a higher pain threshold and remain at home for mild illnesses, they don't get tested. "When the testing does take place in patients they miss that window where the test would be positive, so they come back negative." As part of the Fijian Health Department's campaign people are being encouraged to report their neighbours, if they suspect them of not cleaning up their properties correctly. Dr Sharma says communities need to work together otherwise this latest outbreak has the potential to go on for

Fiji Works To Control The Spread Of Dengue Continued From Page 1 Fever

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many more months to come. "We are looking at the previous outbreaks in 1979 and we are looking at trends and patterns," he said. "If the rainfall subsides and our active intervention advocacy programs of spraying and clearing domestic and commercial areas continues, then we hope we can stop it much earlier. "However, if it gets delayed because of increased rainfall, stagnant water and if we don't do anything until the weather changes than we could be here in strife until July." Dengue fever is a virus spread by mosquitoes in tropical regions throughout the world. Symptoms include fever, headache, rash, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, diarrhea and fatigue. It can be fatal. There is no cure for dengue, but several vaccines are undergoing clinical trials. To stop mosquitoes breeding tip out any water caught in containers, keep house gutters clear and make sure rainwater tanks are properly sealed. Protect yourself from dengue by wearing loose, light coloured clothing, using insect repellent and using zappers and coils to discourage mosquitoes.

Court Finds Dad Guilty

A MAN who raped his ten-year-old daughter was found guilty by the High Court in Lautoka. After assessors delivered a mixed verdict, Justice Sudharshana De Silva convicted the father on two counts of rape. "It is agreed fact that the complainant was born in September 2001,"said Justice De Silva. "Thus she was less than 13 years at the time of each incident of rape. Thus the consent is not an element of each count. "The evidence to prove these charges came from the complainant and the caution statement and the charge statement of the accused." He said the prosecution had proved that the man raped his daughter who he had been looking after as a single parent. "I observed the demeanor of this witness when she gave evidence. In my mind there is no doubt that she gave truthful evidence in court," he said. "She was prompt in answering the questions put to her by the prosecution as well as defence. She was not evasive in her answers. She had told her aunt about the incident. "In fact it was at the first available opportunity after the last incident of rape. "The accused is the father of the complainant and incidents have taken place in daytime. Therefore, there is no issue regarding identification. "It was not suggested to her that she had a motive to falsely implicate the accused. "There were some inconsistencies in her evidence with her aunt's evidence. "However, considering the age of the complainant and her education level, these inconsistencies are insignificant." The accused will be sentenced next week. PM ticks vocational, kindergarten students Governments free education policy be left behind. will now cover students doing He said initiatives already taken were vocational courses in secondary consistent with Government education schools and attending kindergartens. policies. He said in his 2014 Budget Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama speech: And no Fijian parent will made the announcement during the ever go to bed again worrying about talanoa session at Sila Central High how they will meet their childrens School after opening the schools new school fees or any other fees. And far Telecentre. more children will now be able to go He said the Attorney-Generals Office on to secondary school and tertiary was working on that. education than at any other time in our For the vocational students it will be history. this year but for the kindergarten it will Mr Bainimarama said past governments be next year, the Prime Minister said. had done little to make Fiji a smarter He was responding to a question raised country. by a parent. In the past, parents struggled to come The PM said he had prioritized up with their school fees. Many Fijians education and his Government had missed out on an education because introduced free education so that all they simply couldnt afford one. children would attend a university. He said he always dreamed that one He said during his overseas tours he day they would be able to remove that was usually touched by the level of burden on ordinary families. education of the people he met. This year, his Government had finally All have university degrees. done it. He said of all his Governments The PM said the push for education achievements, free education was the was designed to ensure no child will one he was most proud of.

A former rates officer at the Nausori Town Council has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment. Iniana Tabuwaiwai was sentenced at the Nausori Magistrates Court on each of the 15 counts of causing a loss. She was charged in April last year by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). Tabuwaiwai

Ex-Rates Officer Gets 12 Months Jail

pleaded guilty on her own free will to 11 counts of causing a loss where she was charged alone and another four counts of causing a loss where she was jointly charged with the second accused, Timaima Mocevakaca. The 12-month imprisonment given to Tabuwaiwai for each count is to be served concurrently.

Friday March 14, 2014

Fiji News

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The right of every Fijian to follow 4 his or her own religious belief is protected and is enshrined in the constitution. Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama clearly laid out what is in the constitution relating to freedom of religion as he opened the 23rd telecentre at Kalabu Secondary School. Dismissing the suggestions made by some politicians that God is no longer at the centre of national life, Commodore Bainimarama stressed that it is clearly stated in the constitution that every Fijian has the right to worship privately and publicly. He also said every school has the right to conduct religious instruction. This includes religious based schools and government schools. However the Prime Minister said the constitution requires us not to force our own particular beliefs on others, not force others to worship and not to force others to pray to the supreme being in the manner some believe in. Commodore Bainimarama said people have the choice to choose for themselves. He said this is a question of common decency and fairness. The Prime Minister went on to say that we must all have the right in life to follow our own beliefs without interference from people of other religions, denominations, the wider community or the state.

Freedom Of Religion Is Guaranteed - PM

Commodore Bainimarama said this is why the constitution provides for a from involving RFMF in campaigns secular state. The political parties must, during He said it simply means that the state, their political campaign, leave the which is the government of the day, the Republic of Fiji Military Force alone. lawmakers and the judges cannot favour RFMF Commander Brigadier-General any one religion or denomination. Mosese Tikoitoga reiterated that the Commodore Bainimarama said the RFMF was apolitical. They should be state must be neutral just as they are rest assured that under my command in democracies like the US, France, 4 the RFMF would obey, defend and Australia and New Zealand. protect the constitution, he said. He said the government is protecting He had already made this clear everyones rights and rejecting the bigotry of 4 religious extremists whoever they may be. The Prime Minister then recited a neutral prayer that can be recited by PRIME Minister Commodore Voreqe every Fijian, irrespective of their Bainimarama will soon begin the process of gaining the 5000 signatures individual beliefs. As earlier reported, freedom of religion he needs to register his party to contest the general election. is guaranteed under the constitution. It is also clearly stated that the state This was highlighted by the Prime cannot give preference to one religion Minister when opening the telecentre at Sila Central High School. over another. Suva Grammar School management "At that election you will have a clear had only sent letters to the parents of choice between my visions of a better all Grammar students asking if they future in the new Fiji we are building want their children to allow or disallow together or a return to the Fiji of old," Commodore Bainimarama said. them from attending the prayers. The parents were given the option to He said ordinary Fijians were smarter choose this and the school management and had seen clearly what happened in made it clear that no one will be forced the past, even if they did not feel free to speak out. to attend the prayers. This issue about the letter of consent "People want their leaders to command was also openly discussed in a Parents respect because they have earned it because of the management that comes and Teachers meeting.

Leave RFMF Alone, Tikoitoga Insists Commander asks political parties to refrain to journalists this week. He was

appointed to lead the RFMF in place of Commodore (Ret.) Voreqe Bainimarama who stood down to contest in the national elections. We will of course, also continue to defend and protect our nation, assist its people and contribute to a better world through our peacekeeping efforts with the United Nations. The RFMF plans not to be involved in preparations for the elections.

Fijians Smarter - Bainimarama

with their high standards of personal conduct, their morality and their care and love for their people." He believes that ordinary Fijians are a lot smarter than they are being given credit for by some politicians. "They are smart enough to see through the hypocrisy, the power plays, they are smart enough to spot someone trying to take back something that does not belong to them, that is not rightfully theirs. "When I eventually seek your trust to lead you in the new democracy we are building to create our new Fiji, I will be doing so believing firmly in the underlying good sense of the Fijian people. "It has always been there, despite the attempts of some to manipulate them, to mislead them, to sow discord, suspicion and resentment."

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Friday March 14, 2014

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39%

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Three people have died from the effects of Cyclone Lusi in Vanuatu. The National Disaster Management 3 Year Fixed Office senior liaison officer Philip Meto told Radio New Zealand that two of the 2.69% dead were killed after being hit by flying tree branches and one person drowned in rough seas and was thrown ashore. He said another person in Pentecost is in hospital in a serious condition. Up to thirty people are still in evacuation centres as their homes have been completely destroyed. Meto added that communication is

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Cyclone Lusi Claims Three Lives In Vanuatu

difficult and officials are still collecting information on the total extent of damage from the cyclone and will prioritise recovery action once they know more. Meanwhile, TC Lusi is moving away from the Fiji group and is currently located 500 kilometres to the southwest of Nadi and moving south southeast at 28 kilometres per hour. A gale force and strong wind warning previously in place have been cancelled while period of heavy showers will continue for the next few days.
5

Resorts Ready For Guests Please change 5 years

A new tourist arrival season is set to begin and resorts are quickly finishing up refurbishments and touch-ups to attract visitors. One such resort is Sonaisali Island Resort which has partnered with mobile phone company Vodafone Fiji to equip the resort with faster internet access for guests. Resort managing director Aaron McGrath said the decision to introduce a two-megabyte high-speed internet connection exclusively for guests came from an increase in demand for instant connectivity. "We at Sonaisali Island Resort continuously aim to provide worldclass service for guests," he said. "With consumers now demanding instant connection to share their experiences on social media, we have answered this with the ability to provide Wi-Fi for all guests that stay with us island-wide."

FIXED

VARIABLE

Floods Reflect Vegetable Prices

The prices of vegetables and root crops have increased after the recent floods in the Central and Eastern divisions. And this continues to be a challenge for market vendors and consumers in the Capital City. Suva Women Market Vendors Association vice-president Asenaca Salusalu said this had been an issue from the past years and it continued to increase. "Ni oti na ualuvu sa qai oti ga qo na i sau ni i voli e tu sara ga i cake. (After the flood, the cost of vegetables has

1769 More Register For Elections

Another 1,769 Fijians have registered for this year's general elections which is scheduled to take place by September end. This increases the number of voters to 545,057 from the 543,288 that was registered since December. Of this, 664 are of Fijians living in Australia that have registered when the Electronic Voter Registration team visited them in early February. The EVR Team has returned from NZ

Years fixed rate to 3.15% & Apart from the new service, the island 3.15% 2.45% 45 days quick close Prime-0.55% alsoimprovements write 45 days Quick * resort has also made to its conference room and tennis court. Close FIXED 2 YEARS 3 YEARS "Sonaisali has also carried out Please fwd new PDF a soft refurbishment of their popular RATE 2.69% 2.89% conference rooms. "The rooms are now more modern and brighter, thanks to new paint colours, brand new carpet and a new room setup. "The resort's conference room can accommodate up to 90 delegates, plus the additional executive boardroom with seating for 16 and another meeting room for smaller groups with seating for up to 10, making Sonaisali a popular choice for conference and incentive groups that visit Fiji." The resort comprises of 123 airconditioned and beachfront hotel rooms, ocean-view bure, beachfront spa bure, and two-bedroom family bure, all featuring modern interiors which As passengers flock straight from the cruise liners to the market stalls of harmonise with Fijian architecture. the King's Wharf, stall holders push to sell their souvenirs to tourists of innumerable nationalities. Apakuki Tabua has owned a stall for increased)." more than 45 years, and workers on his She said they had resorted to other stall, including his son, spoke of their avenues to keep their business rolling. experience in the family business. "We have to pay for our tables whether "We bring the handicraft items from it's empty or full. We need to sell other the village and then bring the money things to get extra money." back to the village," one worker on the She said most middlemen were from stall explained. the flood-affected areas. "But it seems more difficult than it "Kevaka ga e ra sega ni lako mai, appears to sell these souvenirs to keimami sana vaqara tale e so me visiting tourists. keimami veivoli kei ira. (If the "It's all hard to sell" they described, middleman doesn't come, we have to with Russian and other European find another one so we can buy from tourists allegedly pushing for the them)." hardest bargain. One reason that may explain this
( * Conditions apply )

Hard To Sell Items

hesitancy of tourists to purchase Fijian handicraft items is the tight Customs laws adopted by some countries in recent years. "There are lots of stories around that they cannot take something back to Australia or the UK," one worker said. This opinion was verified by an Australian passenger of the Rhapsody of the Seas, who told this newspaper that he had only bought boots while in Suva. "It's hard to know what we can take back and what we can't," he reasoned. With a lack of business because of tourists' concerns that they may be wasting their money on something that they can't take home, the competition is fierce among the King's Wharf stall holders, as they try their hardest to sell their goods to tourists unconcerned by potential Customs issues.

and Australia and is expected to travel to Dubai next for another registration of voters exercise. This is expected to happen next month though a date has not been set as yet. Following the Dubai registrations, EVR teams will then travel to London to register Fijians who would also like to have a say on who should lead Fiji in the next democratically elected government.

HEALTH Minister Dr Neil Sharma said the shortage of X-ray films in Lautoka Hospital had been addressed and wet films were now in supply. And he said the project of phasing out old medication in hospitals by the Health Ministry was running

Health Ministry Addresses Shortage

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smoothly. Dr Sharma said since the phasing out started; all operations had been running on time. He said drugs such as anti-hypertensive medicine nifedipine were among the first to be phased out.

Friday March 14, 2014

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Bad Business Practice Tops Consumer Complaint List

DESPITE the high rate of mobile "According to the Telecommunications phone subscriptions in Fiji, bad Authority of Fiji (TAF), mobile business practices, high prices and cellular subscriptions in 2012 is said to misleading information continue to top be 822,000 and subscriptions per 100 the list of complaints and issues raised inhabitants to be at 92.35. by consumers in the country. "Based on TAF's figures, Fiji's mobile And according to Consumer Council cellular subscriptions have grown by a of Fiji CEO Premila Kumar, lack of staggering 814 per cent during the 10consumer redress was also rife in the 6 year period of 2002-2012." domestic mobile market. She said 20 per cent of subscribers had "A number of consumers, particularly, dual subscriptions where customers the pre-pay mobile phone users vent their 6 had subscribed to two or more frustration on the network problems and operators to take advantage of shortthe expiry dates imposed on the use of term promotions in the absence on data," she said in a statement. number portability.

'Vote For Women'

A WOMEN in Politics picture exhibition was launched last week at the Fiji Museum by former politician Taufa Vakatale. Ms Vakatale thanked the National Council of Women for their initiative to the public to think about the people they will put in parliament from the national elections later in the year. She said people should vote for the party that had the most women. "I hope you vote for the party that has 40 per cent of women candidates; that they (parties) do not put them at the last," she said. "Then you get a good representation of women in parliament." She labeled the beginning of her career in politics as an "accident", saying she reached the top of the ladder in her career as a teacher. "You have to be to be able to fight your way to the top. I didn't have any qualms about my ability because I knew I could hold my own with men," she said. "I admire the people who are taking the risks now. But there shouldn't be many risks because there are more openings now than there were during my days. "There's always a glass ceiling, you can't see through it women are given the same opportunity as men, let's face facts you have to be much better than the men." She remembers former politicians who paved the way for women in politics before her such as Loma Livingston and Irene Jai Narayan. The Women in Politics exhibition will run until October.

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All materials used in this paper is the property of Sun-Times Media Group (2010) Ltd and cannot be copied or used in part or whole, without the written consent of Sun-Times Media Group (2010) Ltd. Sun-Times Media Group (2010) Ltd will not be responsible for any material supplied by the advertiser(s) for errors. In the case of any errors caused by the publisher, Sun - Times Media Group (2010) is limited to the advertising cost for the issue. It is entirely the choice of the consumer to do business with the advertisier and Sun_times Media Group (2010) Ltd is not responsible for any loss or damages caused by the advertiser to the consumer.The Fiji Times Canada is an independant newspaper published weekly for the entire community in Canada & parts of USA. The paper is not being subsidized by any single community.

Enough Doctors
THE CWM Hospital's Accident and Emergency unit has an adequate number of personnel to deal with current health situations, says department head Doctor Josese Vuki. He said there were enough emergency doctors per shift every day up to four doctors during the day, four doctors working the afternoon shift and two doctors working the graveyard shift. "We have enough medical personnel to deal with the current health situation unless if there are multiple traumas and severe outbreaks," Dr Vuki said. He said the common cases they treated were acute febrile illnesses and dengue fever. Dhirendra Ram of Rewa St said he had to wait almost four hours to be seen by a doctor when he visited the CWMH Accident and Emergency Unit last Sunday. He said there were many people waiting to be checked, with some lying on benches with drips attached to their arms. "I had a bit of a breathing problem and went to the CWMH to get checked," he said. "I can understand the wait because that is always the case anywhere in the world for an emergency department. "But you could say that there was a shortage of beds because there were people lying on benches with drips." He thanked the doctors for their hard work and patience as they attended to the patients.

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THE Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority (FRCA) hosted a media focus group workshop for journalists from various organisations in Suva on Tuesday. This was a first for the authority and a move to improve its relationship with the media. FRCA CEO Jitoko Tikolevu said the workshop would give journalists an insight into their operations and role in the economy.

Media Workshop

"One of the objectives of the media focus group is to ensure that we have a group of journalists who are well informed of FRCA issues and who will also have the ability to objectively disseminate and analyse our revenue performance reports or press releases," he said. As a first step, he said, FRCA would establish its media focus group that comprised journalists from various media organisations.

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PM To Soon Begin The Process Of Gaining 5,000 Signatures

Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama will soon begin the process of gaining five thousand signatures to register his political movement. Commodore Bainimarama made the comments while opening a new telecentre at the Sila Central High School. He reiterated that he needs to register the political movement he is forming to contest the general elections. At the election you will have a clear choice between my vision of a better future in the new Fiji we are building together or a return to the Fiji of old. The future versus the past. It has become very clear in recent days that some people want to drag us all back to the past. To reinstate the privileged elites in Fiji and take back the power, I was determined to give to ordinary people. It is too late. Ordinary Fijians can see both the logic and the justice of everyone getting an equal and fair share. Ordinary Fijians are smarter than that. They saw clearly what happened in the past even if they did not feel free to speak out. They saw some elites abusing the process and enriching themselves. Giving back the power to the elites isnt going to happen. People want their leaders to command respect because they have earned it. Because of the mana that comes with their high standards of personal conduct, their morality and their care and love for their people.

Family Buries Dad

WHAT was supposed to be a day visiting their father at the Suva Corrections Centre was instead spent paying their last respects to him. Convicted inmate Viliame Tawake died in his prison cell last Sunday. His daughters Joana, 8, Reapi, 7, and his only son and namesake Viliame Tawake Jr, 3, along with their mother Makarita Maria were looking forward to visiting Tawake again in prison after he was sentenced to nine months for theft. Instead of preparing to visit their father in prison on Saturday, the children were preparing to bury him. They were accompanied by family members who had travelled from as far as Kadavu to be part of Tawake's memorial service. Ms Maria was comforted by relatives and her children at the grave site of her husband. "Every time I see my children I just cannot stop my tears," Ms Maria said. "My daughters understand that their father is no more. It's my son who is still too young to understand that his father has passed away". Ms Maria said a post-mortem examination was conducted on Tuesday and she was told by medical officers at CWM Hospital she would know the cause of death in two weeks. Fiji Corrections Service spokeswoman Kuini Waqasavou said they would comment on the matter after receiving the results of the post-mortem examination.

Land For Rice Farming

Members of the community learn the new method of rice farming during the Rice Field Day in Labasa AN average of 855 hectares of land is land with a value of $1,602,750," Mr being eyed by the government for rice Bolalevu said. farming in Macuata this year with a Mr Bolalevu said farmers and budget of $396,559. stakeholders needed to work together The announcement was made by the to contribute more to the development Acting Commissioner Northern Alipate of rice in Macuata. Bolalevu during the Rice Field Day for Principal agricultural officer Northern Labasa District rice farmers in Wailevu. John Cox said the day's event was "About 2137 tonnes of rice is expected basically to educate farmers on the to be produced from the proposed modern rice technological methods. Makarita Tawake and her children, Reapi, 7, Viliame Jr, 3, and Joana,8, stand next to the grave site of their late father and husband, Viliame Tawake Sr after his burial at Nasinu cemetery

Friday March 14, 2014

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Resort owner pays fine and wage arrears 8 to 51 employees after Government intervention Government through the Labour Ministry has recovered a total of $39,477.65 as arrears of wages for 51 workers of a prominent island resort. Minister for Labour, Industrial Relations & Employment Jone Usamate highlighted that the employer came to a settlement after stringent measures were taken by the Ministry. The employer has agreed and has paid the settlement amount to the ministry for 51 workers and as a result, he was allowed to leave the country on February 25, he said. On that agreement, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the employer of the prominent resort for forthcoming in prevailing social justice through the settlement of claims to its workers as per the requirements of our

Government Recovers Wages Arrears

current labour laws. A 74-year-old Fiji-born man who We are very mindful of the important moved to Australia to live out his role that investors and employers play, retirement peacefully in the knowledge in providing meaningful employment he had enough set aside for his funeral for our people. was punched, gagged and bounded in a Also in generating economic growth home invasion. and at the same time we are always However, these plans were cut short mindful that employees must be given when three men broke into his home their right dues. 8 in south of Brisbane and made off with The Minister encouraged all employers money he had saved from his pension to to pay what is rightfully owed to the fund his funeral savings and his wife's workers as they are the source of wealth 8 jewellery worth more than $50,000. in a workplace and also to ensure that Having spent all his life as a farmer, good faith employment relations is Nasiru Din moved to Australia to spend maintained at all times. his retirement. He urged all employees to also give Bisbane Times reports that three men broke their very best for their employers into his home, bound and gagged him, so that their workplaces may be as repeatedly punched as they demanded cash productive as possible. and jewellery kept in a safe in his home that The Ministry is currently arranging only his wife who was in Fiji had the key to. for a date to present these cheques to The three men made off with $5000 the 51 workers of the prominent island cash which Din had saved up for his resort. funeral and his wife's safe, containing

Fiji-Born Man, 74, Lose All In Home Invasion

the jewellery. Din was sleeping when the men broke into his home by using a crowbar to break open the main door, then tied his arms and legs tightly with zipties, gagged his mouth with tape and demanded to know where the keys to another room, which contained a safe, were located. I could not open my mouth and they went to the other room and brought a writing pad and a pen and put it in front of me to write it down, he said. But I could not see properly and I wrote 'my wife's in Fiji and she took every key, I've got nothing here'. The father of three and grandfather of eight was left tied to the door, but he eventually broke one of the zip-ties and reach a pair of scissors. After freeing himself, he then alerted neighbours across the road, who contacted the police.

Voreqe Bainimarama 'Shaken'

Labour leader Mahendra Chaudhry believes Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama is shaken by the people's coalition shaping up against him in the lead-up to the proposed 2014 elections. Mr Chaudhry's comments follow Commodore Bainimarama's response to the maiden speech by SODELPA leader Ro Teimumu Kepa. He said Commodore Bainimarama called the alliance a "coalition of hypocrites", forgetting that he in fact held the record for a leader who had failed to deliver on every promise he has made to the people of Fiji. "The 'tired old political faces' that he refers to are, in fact, the elected representatives of the people," Mr Chaudhry said. He said SODELPA and FLP had the mandate of the people of Fiji. "The proof of this is the result of 2006 general elections. Commodore Bainimarama denigrates the Labour leader but FLP has in two general elections won the mandate of the people to lead the nation, and overwhelmingly so under Labour leader Mahendra Chaudhry in the 1999 general elections." Mr Chaudhry said Commodore Bainimarama should show respect for the wishes of the people of Fiji. "Indeed he should be the last person to accuse anyone of being racist and corrupt. "People living in glass houses, should not throw stones. Fiji will, for the first time in its history, see a true gettingtogether of people of all races to restore democracy."

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AG Lauds Voter Education Pamphlets

Fiji's Attorney General Aiyaz SayedKhaiyum has welcomed the move to draw up pamphlets aimed to educate Fijians on the conduct of the elections. He says the provision of the pamphlets will be beneficial not only for those who wish to participate in the upcoming election as candidates, electoral agents of party members but also voters educating them on good governance principles, the electoral system in Fiji and understanding what their candidates should do. He adds having the pamphlets was not just for reinforcement of information but also to reinforce knowledge within society at large. "It is critical to know that the academics who are working on it are apolitical. That they will be objective, that they are not contesting in some political party themselves. They are not going to politicize the issue," Sayed-Khaiyum said. "It will have in it step by step what the process is and what you have to do, It is also beneficial for the public as it educates them to know what their candidates should do." He also acknowledged the Embassy of Japan and the government of Japan for a grant of $450,350 that will be provided to the Division of Planning and Development of the Fiji National University, that has been tasked to do up the pamphlets as part of a project titled, 'Electoral Education Support for Democratisation'. The project requires the university to create, publish and distribute electoral education manuals and leaflets as well as hold supplementary training workshops.

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Fiji News

Friday March 14, 2014

An Australian academic has called for sanctions on Fiji's government to be dropped immediately. Dr Karl Claxton, a research analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, in an interview with Radio Australias Bruce Hill said dropping the sanctions is a risk that's worth taking if it helps return Fiji to democracy. We were talking with Fiji and international business people last week and they say that there's investor interest in the kind of investment Fiji needs to move its economy ahead, but they're hanging back. They need stability and they need elections. So on one side there's some promise, but on the otherhand, there's a real danger that Fiji will totally squander the legacy that it has and that it's been continuing along, it's still got some low economic growth and things still work in Fiji, but I really think this is sort of last chance. They need to have elections soon, so I think rather than worrying about getting egg on our face, we should end sanctions now. The sanctions have been the least bad option up to now and our risk policy prescription as been first do not harm. But I think the time to move forward boldly has come, said Dr Claxton. He said the sanctions gave Australia very little leverage and Australia is

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keen to move forward with Fiji. Julie Bishop made a breakthrough a couple of weeks ago, but a one hour successful meeting is just the start of things and I genuinely believe the best way to move forward now is to be bold and to try and reset the relationship. This may not work, but if it doesn't work, the current sanctions are giving us no leverage and we'll need to think of what to do following the election. I think non-conditionality. Not imposing conditions on moving forward and avoiding threats is absolutely crucial on both sides. We need to bold, we need to afford 'in good faith', and that gives the highest likelihood that we'll have elections, that the election results will be adhered to and that whoever wins the election and we don't know whose going to win the election. He added that with no democracy in Fiji for the last seven and half years, anyone could win the general elections but its important that whoever does win governs for all Fijians. As earlier announced by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, Fijians will go to the polls before the end of September, 2014. Fiji for the first time will have a one man, one vote policy and polling will take place in just one day.

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Encourage Students To Read: Bole

Fiji's Education Minister Filipe Bole is urging teachers to encourage their students to read. He said teachers need to request their head teachers to purchase reading books via the special grant that has been allocated by government through the Free Education Grant. Teachers must also make sure the books they purchase are applicable to this day and age and suitable for the different grade levels adding that ''outdated books which do not encourage reading in the library" must be removed. Children should be encouraged to read from an early age and as primary school teachers your role in promoting reading among children is best, Bole said.

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Friday March 14, 2014

Methodists around the country are preparing to mark the 50th anniversary of the Methodist Church in Fiji becoming an independent conference. In August 1964, the church held its first Annual Conference as an autonomous church conference after 129 years of being a district of firstly the Methodist Church in Great Britian and then the Methodist Church in Australasia. Methodist Church secretary for communication, Reverend James Bhagwan said the theme for the Celebrations Na Lako Yani Vou: The New Exodus invites methodists in Fiji to celebrate Gods guidance, strength and abundant love, in worship, in song, in prayer and in service; in reconciliation and restoration of relationships; in strengthening of bonds of love and partnership and in reflection of lives lived in service of God and Gods people. Celebrations will begin at divisional level from 28th first school term holidays. The celebrations will be in conjunction with theAnnual Meetings for each of the 56 divisions of the church, spread throughout the islands. Rev Bhagwan said the divisional celebrations will include a revisiting of

Methodists Prepare For Jubilee Celebration

the history of each division tracing the establishment and developments over the last half century. There will be revival services and a washing of the feet reconciliation service focusing on the themes of freedom from sin, freedom from violence and freedom from debt. The reconciliation service is expected to be focused on relationships in the church and between the church and vanua and other communities. National celebrations will take place between the 17th to 23rd of August, prior to the Annual Methodist Church Conference or Bose Ko Viti. The week will also include evening revival services in various churches along the Navua-Suva-Nausori Corridor with visiting preachers and choirs. Celebrations will conclude in October with outdoor revival services from 6th to 9th October; the dedication of the refurbished Baker Memorial Church in Davuilevu and the launch of the Churchs Connexional Plan and mission to the next 50years on October 10th and the commemoration of the Cabe ni Lotu on 12th October, marking the date on which the first Wesleyan Missionaries arrived in Fiji in 1835.

Chief Operations Officer Assistant Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu made the comments while opening the Traffic Divisions first joint stakeholders meeting at the National Traffic Control Centre in Nabua. In attendance were representatives from the Fiji Police Force, Land Transport Authority, National Fire Authority, Fiji Roads Authority and St Johns Ambulance. ACP Tudravu urged those present to find solutions to the growing number of problems currently being faced by members of the public. More people are now vehicle owners and our roads are getting more congested, however that should not be an excuse to be used to answer to the growing complaints about road congestion. No one else will find solutions to these problems besides us sitting in this room, so I urge all of you to have an open mind about the issues to be discussed today so we can implement

Improved Partnerships For The People Of Fiji

strategies that will assist all of us with our operations. Also in attendance were Divisional Traffic Officers from the West, North, East and South who will be briefing the various stakeholders on the challenges they face in their area of operation. One area of concern highlighted by the head of Operations was the tendency for stakeholders to work in isolation. We are all mandated under the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 to do all we can to save the loss of lives and improve road safety in Fiji, however I find that we are going in different directions in how we are working towards achieving those goals. Collectively we should be working together because at the end of the day one organization wont be able to function without the other if we are to achieve our goals of making our roads safer. Similar joint stakeholder meetings will be held throughout the year.

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Fiji News

Friday March 14, 2014

15

Names Out By Month End

Social Democratic Liberal Party candidates to contest the upcoming elections will be made known by the end of the month. Party general secretary, Pio Tabaiwalu confirmed the names will be announced soon. He could not comment further except to say that applicants will have to go through a screening process. Applications for candidacy had closed on December 31 last year. Mr Tabaiwalu is also an applicant. It is understood that party leader, Ro Teimumu Kepa will head the screening of candidates. On one of the antigovernment blog sites, a list of names has been given as being shortlisted for the SODELPA ticket. When some prominent names on this were read out to Mr Tabaiwalu, he said the list is incorrect. Its probably some sort of diversion, he said. Names listed included former editor of the Fiji Times, Netani Rika. Mr Rika had said that he hasnt applied for candidacy in any political party. Sports administrator Albert Miller joked when told he was on the so-called list. He joked: The last time I had a read through that blog site was three to four years ago. But its good to know that my name is there I might go and apply now. There were also varying views on the coalition of some opposition parties following last Fridays SODELPA meeting. National Federation Party leader Raman Singh said all the parties under the United Front for a Democratic Fiji (UFDF) umbrella will contest individually. I want to clear the misconception of ill-information amongst some quarters about the NFP working with other political parties for this years general elections. This is not a new trend as historically and even currently throughout the world, political parties have cooperated on national issues and common values that are universal. I wish to make it clear that the NFP will contest the general elections on its own. We have not and will not form a coalition with the Fiji Labour Party, SODELPA, the Peoples Democratic Party or any other party yet to be hatched, for the purposes of contesting the general elections. Meanwhile, Fiji Labour Party leader, Mahendra Chaudhry claims that the Prime Minister is shaken by the coalition shaping up against him. He calls the alliance a coalition of hypocrites, forgetting that he in fact holds the record for a leader who has failed to deliver on every promise he has made to the people of Fiji. The tired old political faces that he refers to are, in fact, the elected representatives of the people, not someone like him who has usurped power through the power of guns. Mr Chaudhry said people living in glass houses, should not throw stones. He warned Mr Bainimarama that the people will unite to restore democracy. Fiji will, for the first time in its history, see a true getting together of people of all races to restore democracy and rid the nation of authoritarian rule, he said.

No Coalition
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says his political party will not go into coalition with any other party after this years general elections. He is aiming for a clean sweep in the 50-seat parliament. Mr Bainimarama said winning all the 50 seats would make things easy for his party to deliver much-needed service to the people. We know that when we have opposition in Parliament, they will always go against any positive move made by the Government, he said. He said that his party would have a totally different manifesto. He said this UFDF coalition just wanted to remove him from leadership and also the reforms that his Government had put in place. This, he said, would be very difficult, especially when the Constitution clearly stipulated that any change in legislation would require threequarters of votes in parliament and also the support of three quarters of the people after a referendum. Ro Teimumu Kepa, SODELPAs leader, in her maiden speech said: We look forward to taking him on in a free and fair election and subjecting him to a resounding defeat. The PM welcomed this comment and said it had made him more determined to contest the elections. He described this coaltion as a marriage of convenience. This marriage of convenience and without any principle by the NFP leader and his officials is a direct affront to the founders of NFP (AD Patel, Siddiq Koya and James Madhavan) who always pushed for a common roll, fought for the rights of all Fijians under the notion of common and equal citizenry and the principle of one person, one vote, one value. They have lost their way. Of course the leader of the Labour Party, who is well known for his chameleon behaviour simply to stay in power at all costs, is in bed with the very people he accused of being racist and corrupt only a few years ago, Mr Bainimarama said. He said his party would be formed soon and work had already started on the registration of names for the registration of the party.

BSP'S Visa Debit Card Launched

The Bank South Pacific has launched a new VISA Debit Card for ordinary Fijians. BSP country manager Fiji, Kevin McCarthy, said the debit card allows customers to access their funds from anywhere at any time through the convenience of VISA. Its a new product for BSP and it has undergone extensive testing to make sure that it works well especially when travelling overseas, he said. Significant investment was made on this product especially getting it VISAbadged through a lengthy certification process. When travelling or when you use the card locally, you are using and managing your own funds. The beauty of it is that it doesnt have a credit criterion but to be involved there is a $35 annual fee. BSP Group chief executive, Robin Fleming, said the Debit Card had been introduced in Papua New Guinea about six years ago and it has been successful. We have a different core banking system in Fiji, than in PNG and Solomon Islands so its taken us a little bit longer to get the proper enhancements done in Fijis system, Mr Fleming said. It is convenient for online and EFTPOS payment solutions.

Travel Scam
A LOCAL businessman has landed himself in hot water after attempting to leave the country with a fake passport. Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority confirmed the man, suspected of liquor smuggling and Customs duty evasion of about $1.3million was stopped at Nadi International Airport last week while attempting to leave the country. "FRCA had imposed a departure prohibition order on the man because of these investigations. However, he was able to obtain another passport under a different name," said CEO Jitoko Tikolevu. "The passport bearing his name under the departure prohibition order list was found in his possession. "The man was travelling with his wife. "Foreign and local currencies worth over $150,000 were found in his wife's possession." Mr Tikolevu said the wife had claimed ownership of the funds and was issued a notice of seizure by FRCA. "FRCA has detained the funds and the woman has been requested to explain to the authority how these funds were obtained," he said. "FRCA has referred the passport scam to police for further investigations." Mr Tikolevu said FRCA would continue to be vigilant at the borders and acknowledged the hard work of Customs officers at the Nadi International Airport and assistance of other border agencies. FRCA Customs risk and compliance national manager Tevita Tupou said the suspect was intending to travel to Hong Kong with his wife, adding they were investigating three cases against the Fijian man of Indian descent. "Bootleggers have been around a long time," he said. "One of the reasons they chose to smuggle liquor is because the duty is very high and it's good business for those who are able to smuggle that through."

THE total cost of losses and damage in the Central Division for the last flood is estimated to be $11.5 million with roads being the most affected at an estimated cost of $10 million. Commissioner Central Lieutenant Colonel Laisenia Tuitubou confirmed that this cost was finalised after the second assessment was conducted after the flood. Lt-Col Tuitubou said on damaged infrastructure, $10million was the estimated cost for roads that were damaged, water cost stands at $90,000 and electricity at $100,000. "Major road areas that were badly damaged include Tailevu South and

$11.5M Flood Bill

Naitasiri," Lt-Col Tuitubou said. "This is the total cost of losses and damages that were presented to Cabinet." He said on agriculture, Naitasiri was the worst affected with an estimate loss of $584,491 and the total crop loss for the Central Division now standing at $1,072,931. "On livestock Tailevu was the worst to be affected with an estimated loss of $74,614 compared to Naitasiri, Rewa and Serua/Namosi," Lt-Col Tuitubou said. "The total cost of losses on livestock for the Central Division stands at $1,244,925."

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Fiji News

Friday March 14, 2014

Presentation certificates for Small Engine Repair Training to 13 young Fijians at the Naqere Training Centre was held in Savusavu . The Ministry of Youth and Sports Acting Principal Youth Officer for Research, Policy, Planning and Information Unit Philip Hereniko officiated at the event and informed the graduates that nothing in life comes easy. "As you exit Naqere, go out and continue to learn and expand your horizons." Participant Asel Daniel, 20 said that after receiving his certificate, he now has more employment opportunities. He highlighted that this training can allow him to teach those in his

Youths Graduate From Naqere Training

community on the training he received. "It was hard being away from home in the first two days but now its hard to leave this learning environment and these group of boys whom we have built a bond." Also graduating from Naqere were 12 participants under the Basic Beauty Care/ Therapy Training. Sarojni Chand a mother of two said the six weeks training was an eye opener for her and she has decided to open her own beauty care business from her home in Naqere. "I was always eager to learn and now I have been awarded a certificate to further my dreams, thanks to the Ministry."

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Couple Held Over Money

A man and his wife were detained for allegedly being in possession of a fake passport and undeclared currencies. The Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority, in its continuous efforts to be vigilant at our borders, has managed to successfully track another case of illegal activity at the border. Customs border officials last Friday managed to stop a man and his wife at the Nadi International Airport after they attempted to leave with a fake passport and illegal currencies. The man was linked to a number of other investigations which included liquor smuggling and customs duty evasion worth $1.3 million. He had been served with a Departure Prohibition Order (DPO), however he managed to obtain another passport using a different identity. Upon checking him, border officials found the passport which had his real identity, as in the DPO, in his possession. His wife, who was travelling with him, was also found to be in possession of foreign and local currencies worth over $150,000 for which she claimed ownership. However, she was issued a Notice of Seizure by the authority and has been asked to explain where she got the money from. Meanwhile she has been detained. Chief executive Jitoko Tikolevu has commended his border officers for the finding. We will continue to be vigilant at our borders. We also acknowledge the assistance of other border agencies, he said. The authority said that the passport scam has been referred to Police for further investigations.

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Rajeshwar Singh was re-elected the president of the Fiji-USA Business Council during the councils annual general meeting on Monday. This will be Mr Singhs second term as the president and he returns with

Business Council Singh ReElected

the same board members from the past financial year. I am priviledged with the opportunity to continue serving and indebted for the confidence shown by the board and members, he said.

Suva City Targets Dirty Yards

Suva City Council chief executive officer Bijay Chand said the council was clamping down on home owners whose compounds were found with items containing mosquito larvae. The council, for its part in the nationwide campaign against dengue, is taking people to court in this regard. Seventeen people are yet to be summoned to court, Mr Chand said. We will be serving notices but if we find mosquito larvae breeding on their premises, we are obliged to take legal action, which we are doing at the moment.

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Fiji News

Friday March 14, 2014

17

AUSTRALIAN public servants can learn nothing from Fiji's bureaucracy, says a Fijian academic expelled from the country and now based in Canberra. Foreign Minister Julie Bishop's meeting a fortnight ago to repair relations with the country ruled by Commodore Frank Bainimarama included a lowkey public servant exchange program between the two nations. But, said Australian National University's Professor Brij Lal, Canberra bureaucrats will learn nothing in Suva where the heads of departments are military men. ''Their presence at the top stifles process,'' Professor Lal said. ''They're not accountable to the public service commission but report straight to the commodore. ''If you write to any civil servant asking them for an answer, you won't get an answer. Everyone is scared of putting an answer down on paper - it's the fear factor. ''If there's a genuine openness to reinvigorate the Fijian public service,

Australia Can Learn Nothing From Fiji Public Service, Says Academic

Professor Brij Lal from the Australian National University unaffected by dictation from the top, that's good.'' Commodore Bainimarama, the son of civil servants, has himself had firsthand experience of the public service. Once, in 2002, he even reportedly attended courses in leadership and change management and policy planning analysis. But after his 2006 coup, he sacked

Public Service Commission chairman Stuart Huggett and there were unconfirmed reports at the time that Mr Huggett was assaulted. In 2009 Fiji expelled Australia's top public servant in the country, high commissioner James Batley. Fijian-born Professor Lal - now an Australian citizen - was expelled from his country after criticising the decision. Fiji last year refused entry to Australia's proposed high commissioner, Margaret Twomey. The Department of Foreign Affairs says Fiji's economy and living standards have been affected by the 2006 coup, particularly because regime supporters and military leaders have been appointed to boards. Since the coup, Fiji's economy has been stagnant with an annual growth rate of just 0.7 per cent. This compares with 2.5 per cent growth in the years preceding the coup. It has only been in the past two years that there has been signs of recovery.

Bank robbery accused face charges

Court proceedings for six men charged in relation to the Bank South Pacific Samabula branch robbery in September 19, 2012 began in the High Court in Suva. Tevita Sugu, Solomoni Qurai, Josaia Usumaki, Epeli Qaraniqio, Deshwar Kishore Dutt and Kunal Edwin Prasad appeared before Justice Salesi Temo. The court sitting was to check for legal representations and voir dire grounds. Romanu Vananalagi appeared for Sugu while Peniana Salele of Trinity Lawyers appeared for Qurai. Usumaki opted for Legal Aid representation while Qaraniqio was told that he could not have the services of Jolame Uludole. Mr Uludole has been struck off the legal practitioners list and is not allowed to practise anymore. Qaraniqio said he preferred a private lawyer and that sales from his harvested yaqona would pay for a lawyer. He then instructed Aseri Vakaloloma in court to be his lawyer. Dutt waived his rights to a counsel and would be representing himself while Prasad was represented by Emosi Koroi. State lawyer Lisiate Fotofili then informed court that they were waiting for voir dire grounds from all accused persons. Mr Vananalagi said they had filed their voir dire grounds on March 4 and served it on the same day to the prosecution. Ms Salele and Mr Vakaloloma are yet to get instructions from their clients. Justice Temo has adjourned the matter to April 4 for the pre- trial conference.

BSP Theft

Pediatric Experts From Hawaii To Help

A group of doctors from the Shriners Hospital for Children in Honolulu, Hawaii, are in the country and will hold clinics at selected hospital centers. The first of the three-day clinics will be held at the Lautoka Hospital while Labasa and Suva will have their turn later in the month. Shriners Hospital volunteer coordinator Rob Leacock said: Children who need pediatric orthopedic care should not miss this clinic. The team of doctors specializes in orthopedic conditions and has been coming to Fiji for many years holding clinics to see which children of Fiji that they can help by providing no-cost-tothe-family surgery and physio. Mr Lealock said 20 children from the West and the North of Fiji were sent to Hawaii in the past 18 months. What a joy it has been to see two girls walk for their dads for the first time at the airport when they returned and also to see a young man walk without pain. If any child has been with one of the conditions, he should be accompanied by their parents or legal guardian. If you have a child who has been to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Hawaii for treatment, please bring them back to the clinic for a follow up visit with the doctors so that they can see the childs progress. If you have or know of a child who is currently on the waiting list for treatment in Hawaii, please tell them to come to the clinic as well so that the doctors can check up on the childs condition to see if the time is near for them to go to Hawaii. He said children up to the age of 18 with conditions such as birth defects of hips, arms and legs, sports injures, deformities of the spine, cerebral palsy, some burn scars, serious complications from bone infections of the arms and legs including complicate fracture problems would be looked at as well. Mr Lealock confirmed the annual orthopedic clinic team will also be in Labasa (March 17) and CWMH in Suva from March 18-20. Maryann Wright from the Hilton Special School co-ordinates the children in the Eastern Division. Clinic hours are 8:30am 3:30pm each day and are free of charge.

Labour Outlines Minimum Wage Penalties

Funds Available

Business owners in the informal sector on the issue of the NMW and its face up to a fine of $20,000 or a two- implementation. year imprisonment or both if they do Businesses have had to open up their not implement the National Minimum books as well to these labour officers Wage. to prove that they are offering $2 per The NMW set at $2 per hour is the hour as the lowest minimum wage as minimum wageReal that any business in required by government. ailable (Against Estate only) the informal sector, is allowed to offer "We are trying to work together with rtgages at competitive rates their workers. the businesses, not only to ensure Labour Minister Jone Usamate said the workers are looked after well, r further information: there have been no reports of businesses but also ensure these businesses do failing to comply since the NMW came not close down or lay off workers as ndingcentre@gmail.com into effect on March 1. a result of these changes," Usamate As a means to ensure compliance, the said. ministry has also employed additional There are about 4000 businesses in the staff, tasked to create awareness informal sector.

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Fiji News

Friday March 14, 2014

Tropik Woods is forecasting a record year of production and export this year for its wood chips. Executive chairman, Faiz Khan, said they have forecast to sell everything they produce this year describing this to be a very good position to be in. The demand growth has been largely attributed to the competition for our wood chip from the two main markets of Japan and China. The price is still low compared to the highs of a few years ago. However, the price is on the rise compared to the past year, Mr Khan said. Since 2012, Tropiks production capacity has increased to 435,000

Tropik Woods Forecasts A Record Final Week Of Amnesty For Late Year For Export Registrations Of Birth
tonnes of wood chip with two sites at Drasa (Lautoka) and Wairiki (Bua). However, Mr Khan said thus far they have been unable to run at full capacity because of poor demand and low price. Big challenge The biggest challenge is expected to come from the weather. Mr Khan said the past one month of heavy rains has affected their production schedule and they are behind targets. Hopefully the weather is kinder to us in months to come, he said. Depending on the weather conditions, we should be looking at around 10 to 12 shipments this year at a value of around $52 million to $65 million. Fijians have until this week to take advantage of the Bainimarama Governments amnesty for late registrations of birth. Until March 15th, Government is waiving the usual fee of $11.50 for late registrations to encourage people to come forward to receive birth certificates. A late registration is a registration made more than twelve months after birth. So far, more than 1,100 Fijians across the country have taken advantage of Governments amnesty. This includes 215 Fijians in the Lau Group, 213 on Ovalau, 195 on Rabi and Kioa and 107 on Koro. The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, said these figures demonstrate the extent of unregistered births in Fiji, a problem which was allowed to grow under past governments. Proof of identity is a fundamental right that a government must offer its

Fiji Airways continues to report improved On-Time-Performance with a performance of 82.7 per cent in February compared to 80 per cent in January and 78 per cent in December. Meanwhile, its subsidiary Pacific Sun has maintained above 90 per cent record reporting 92.8 per cent in February. It had reported 94.1 per cent in January and 93.5 per cent in December. Fiji Airways managing director/ chief executive, Stefan Pichler, said he was happy with the performance considering the adverse weather conditions faced during this month of the cyclone season.

Airline On-Time-Performance Improves

Weather and technical aircraft issues drove our results for February, however continued diligence by our entire team kept disruptions to a minimum, he said. In the past six months (September 2013 February 2014), Fiji Airways has had an average on-time performance of 82.5 per cent whilst Pacific Sun has had an average of 92.7 per cent. On-time is a global airline industry benchmark which measures aircraft flight departures as being on time if they depart from the gate within 15 minutes of the airlines scheduled departure time.

citizens so that they can access basic services such as education, social welfare, health care and registering to vote, the Attorney-General said. The Attorney-General said that the Bainimarama Government is determined to uphold this right by actively reaching out to Fijians to encourage them to register their childrens births. In addition to this period of amnesty, we are opening new births, deaths and marriages offices around the country, extending their opening hours and continuously sending Government teams out into rural and maritime communities to conduct registrations, he said. Registration drives have recently been undertaken in the Lau Group and Rabi. The Attorney-General has urged Fijians to take advantage of the last week of amnesty to register themselves and their children if they have not already done so.

Telemedical To Increase Health Care Access

A telemedicine centre has opened at the Sarada Medical centre in Nadi aimed to bring affordable health care closer to surrounding communities. The $100,000 telemedicine facility funded by the Australian Government will help to answer patient demands and increase health care access. Acting Australian High Commissioner Glenn Miles says the new facility will contribute to early detection, treatment and management of illness. The Ministry of Health will use the facility to answer patients demands and increase health care access, reduce burden on urban based hospitals, increase cost efficiency and improve service quality. Miles says the facility will also

Voter Registration In Dubai Next

The next overseas registration drive ahead of the 2014 Elections will be held in Dubai. Elections acting Permanent Secretary, Mohammed Saneem, said after Dubai then they will move to London. This is likely to happen next month, although the dates have not been confirmed as yet. So far a total of 1,222 Fijians living overseas have registered after 558 were registered in New Zealand late last year and 664 in Australia last month. As of February end, more than 543,288 Fijians have registered to vote in this years election. The Elections Office has also extended an invitation to other Fijian citizens living overseas who want to register to vote in the 2014 parliamentary elections to submit an expression of interest online.

eliminate distance barrier as patients can now receive care from doctor or specialist far away without the patient having to travel to visit them. The centre also facilitates medical education by allowing workers to observe experts in their fields and share best practices more easily. The Telemedicine Unit uses telecommunications and mobile technology to consult with doctors in reputable hospitals in Australia, New Zealand, India and the United States of America. Since opening in 2012, the Sarada Medical Centre has served 9,000 people at a fee of only $5, with fees waived and medicine provided for the very poor.

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World News

Friday March 14, 2014

19

Charges Against Strip-Searched Indian Diplomat Thrown Out

Man, 23, Gets 13 Years For Underage Rape

A man charged with the abduction and rape of a 16-year-old student early last year has been sentenced to 13 years imprisonment. Suva High Court Judge Justice P Kumararatnam ordered Eseroma Vakacegu, 23, also known as Xavier Tikomailomai that he is not eligible for parole till he has served 10 years imprisonment. The court heard that Vakacegu, who was unemployed at the time, met the victim at an internet shop on January 18, 2013. The court was told the two had known each other for a year through Vakacegus brother. They started chatting and went off to meet friends of Vakacegu at Flea Market in Suva at the request of the accused. Vakacegu then asked the victim, identified in court as UT, to accompany him to the Education Ministrys Marela House so he could pick his examination transcripts. Along the way, he asked her if they could stop over at the Sunset Motel so he could drop off a plastic bag he was carrying at the time. When they got there, there were other occupants in the room. He then left her there and went on to Marela House to get his results. When he returned, she told the court he refused to let her go and forced her to have sex with him. She only fled when the accused left her alone to go elsewhere when she got out, headed for the bus stand and left for home. Vakacegu in giving evidence, backed up the victims side of the story up till where she told the court he had forced her to drink before raping her. He told the court he did ask the victim to have sex with him to which she declined. He told the court they only kissed and then ate before he dropped her off again at the bus station.

Devyani Khobragade, India's deputy consul general An Indian diplomat whose arrest and immunity. strip-search spurred an international Regardless of Khobragade's status when flap had charges against her dismissed she was arrested, her later appointment by a federal judge on Wednesday. gave her immunity when indicted and The judge's ruling said Devyani means the case must be dismissed, US Khobragade had diplomatic immunity District Judge Shira Scheindlin wrote. when she was indicted on charges of And while Khobragade's immunity fraudulently obtaining a work visa for ended when she left the country, US her housekeeper and lying about the prosecutors still don't have jurisdiction maid's pay. But the ruling leaves open over her, the judge wrote. the possibility prosecutors could bring The judge said that mooted the question a new indictment against her. of whether the crimes Khobragade was The US attorney's office in Manhattan accused of committing would have didn't immediately comment on its been considered "official acts" covered plans. by the earlier, more limited immunity. Khobragade's attorney, Daniel If not, the judge wrote, "then there is Arshack, said she was pleased by the currently no bar to a new indictment ruling. against Khobragade." "The judge did what the law required, A federal prosecutor ventured into and that is: that a criminal proceeding the tense relationship between the US against an individual with immunity and India in December, defending the must be dismissed," Arshack said. arrest and strip-search of Khobragade "She's (Khobragade's) hugely frustrated and saying she was treated very well, by what has occurred. She is heartened even given coffee and offered food that the rule of law prevailed." while detained. News that Khobragade was strip- US Attorney Preet Bharara said searched chilled U.S.-Indian relations, Khobragade was afforded courtesies and US Secretary of State John Kerry most Americans wouldn't get such as called a top Indian official to express being allowed to make phone calls for his regret over what happened. two hours to arrange child care and After being indicted, Khobragade sort out personal matters after she was complied with a Department of State discretely arrested by US Department order to leave the US The Indian of State agents outside her children's government then asked Washington Manhattan school. to withdraw a diplomat from the Khobragade was arrested on charges US Embassy in New Delhi. The US she lied on a visa application about complied. how much she paid her housekeeper, Wednesday's ruling centers on the an Indian national. Prosecutors said the complexities of different levels of maid received less than $3 per hour for legal protection afforded to diplomats. her work. When Khobragade was arrested Bharara said Khobragade, who had in December, US officials said her pleaded not guilty, wasn't handcuffed, status as a consular officer provided restrained or arrested in front of her immunity limited to acts performed in children. And he said that while she the exercise of official functions. She was "fully searched" in private by a disagreed, and then, on the day before female deputy marshal, the move was a her Jan. 9 indictment, she got a new standard safety practice all defendants appointment that conferred broader undergo.

Rachel Canning Reunited With Family After Suing Them

Rachel Canning's parents (standing, right) said their daughter (left) would not abide by house rules A US high school student who sued and Elizabeth Canning, were abusive. her parents for financial support has They had contributed to an eating returned home, a lawyer says. disorder and pushed her to get a Rachel Canning's return is not basketball scholarship, Ms Canning said. contingent on any financial or other Her parents denied those claims, considerations, family lawyer Angelo saying they had helped her through Sarno said in a statement. her problems and transferred her to a A New Jersey judge rejected Ms private school where she would not Canning's emergency request for child play basketball as often. support last week, but another hearing They said Ms Canning had left the in the case is scheduled for April. home voluntarily after refusing to break Ms Canning, 18, previously said she up with a boyfriend they considered a had been thrown out of her parents' bad influence. home. She also would not follow basic house She has been living with a friend since rules, such as keeping a curfew, they October. alleged. The teenager sued her parents in a bid On Wednesday, Mr Sarno said the to make them pay the remainder of her lawsuit had been settled "amicably", private high school tuition, to be given but would not comment further. access to her college fund and $650 in He said the notoriety surrounding the weekly child support. case had hurt the family, and asked for She also alleged that her parents, Sean privacy.

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World News

Friday March 14, 2014

Several thousand Bangladeshi garment workers have lost their jobs after their factory was discovered to have serious safety problems and shut down. A team of experts ordered the evacuation of six floors of two adjoining buildings housing clothing firms Softex and Fame Knitting following an inspection last week which discovered serious structural flaws. Softex, a sweater maker and a supplier to French retailer Auchan, shut down immediately, laying off all 3,500 workers, saying "it was risky to continue operations". "I know what has happened to the workers is unfair," Softex chief executive officer Rezwan Seilm said. "But the inspectors told me that the building has serious structural problems and asked us to evacuate the floors." Mr Seilm said he was "desperately trying" to pay three months worth of wages to the workers from the factory in Mirpur in the northern suburb of Dhaka. Fame Knitting, employing about 2,500 workers, also closed for a few days last week after engineers involved in the inspection requested reduced weight on some of the floors, an official said. Unions have criticised Softex and Fame for failing to compensate the workers, but a trade group representing garment factories said retailers must shoulder some of the costs. "We're closing down plants as part of their (retailers') suggestions. So they must pay the affected factories to compensate their workers," Shahidullah Azim, vice-president of

Thousands Of Garment Workers Sacked As Unsafe Bangladesh Factory Closes

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said. The factory was the first to close following the mass inspections organised by dozens of Western retailers such as H&M and Benetton, who signed a new safety accord in the wake of the Rana Plaza building collapse last year that killed 1,135 people. As part of the accord, the retailers agreed to bankroll the safety inspections and loan the money for upgrades. The head of the inspection team, Rob Wayss, said the factory has not been ordered to close down, but it has been asked strengthen the building's structural columns. Mr Wayss, who has been appointed by the retailers and global unions to look after factory inspections, said factories

located on other floors of the twinbuilding containing 15 floors in total can continue operations. "We've told the factories that they can operate in the remaining floors," he said. "We've also asked them to strengthen columns of the buildings." Inspections highlight safety risks Initial inspections of Bangladesh garment factories organised after the collapse of the Rana Plaza complex have found safety problems including overloaded ceilings, exposed cables and locked fire escapes, an industrybacked group said on Monday. More than 150 clothing brands and retailers, including the world's top fashion chains Inditex and H&M, have joined the Accord for Fire and Building

Safety in Bangladesh, which announced results of 10 initial inspections. "We have been getting great cooperation. We trust that will continue," Brad Loewen, chief safety inspector for the Accord, said ahead of the publication of the inspection reports planned in Dhaka on Tuesday. Among the issues uncovered in initial inspections, Mr Loewen highlighted locks on fire exits, inadequate fire alarm and sprinkler systems, chaotic cabling and overladen buildings. He showed a photograph of a ceiling beam visibly bowing under the weight of sacks of cotton stacked on the floor above, adding inspectors had ordered the load to be removed. Factories are given two weeks notice of an inspection, which monitors structural, fire and electrical safety. "We're not trying to catch people out here. We're trying to create a sustainable, safe working environment," Accord executive director of international operations, Alan Roberts, said. Mr Roberts said factory owners are responsible for paying to address safety issues raised by inspectors, although brands had agreed to help find funding if the owners cannot afford it. Four contracted engineering firms and 25 staff engineers plan to inspect the 1,500 factories used by the Accord brands by the end of August, starting with the highest-risk buildings with more than five floors. Bangladesh is the world's second biggest clothing manufacturer and the $US22 billion sector is the mainstay of the impoverished South Asian nation's economy.

New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key has called a general election for September 20 this year. His centre right government will be seeking a third term in office, after riding high in local opinion polls. In announcing the date, Mr Key, who heads the the National Party, said he wanted to give New Zealanders plenty

New Zealand Set For Sept 20 Poll

of about when the election will take place. "National will be campaigning strongly on its record in government and plans to continue the good progress New Zealand is making," he said. Key said he expected a close election, adding: "We will be taking nothing for granted."

New Zealand Prime Minister, John Key

Interpol concerns about bogus passports came to the fore after ill-fated Malaysian Airlines crash When you travel, airport security 239 people on board. But such oversights agents may pat you down, inspect your arent new and Interpol hopes national deodorant and scan your body from authorities will learn from the tragedy. head to toe. But theres a good chance More than one billion times last year, that no ones checking whether youre travelers boarded planes without using someones lost or stolen passport. their passports being checked against A gaping, if little-known, loophole in Interpols database. international aviation security came For the last decade, Interpol has into broader view Sunday when the stocked and shared information on international police agency Interpol stolen or lost passports in ways few said its computer systems had contained international agencies can: it has 190 information on the theft of two passports member countries. And air security is that were used to board an ill-fated increasingly international work: the Malaysia Airways flight but no national Malaysia flight had mostly Chinese authorities had checked the database. and Malaysian passengers, but Interpol has long sounded the alarm Americans, Australians, French, Indians that growing international travel has Indonesians and Ukrainians too. underpinned a new market for identity The Interpol stolen or lost travel theft and bogus passports have lured documents database draws on information many people: Illegal immigrants, from 167 countries. It was searched more terrorists, drug runners, pretty much than 800 million times last year but anyone looking to travel unnoticed. one in eight searches was conducted by Its not known whether stolen passports the United Arab Emirates alone. The U.S. had anything to do with Saturdays and Britain are other big users, and France disappearance of the Boeing 777 bound from and Switzerland routinely check it too, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Beijing with Interpol officials said.

Stolen Passport Market Thriving Worldwide

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World News

Friday March 14, 2014

21

A 10-kilogram Himalayan cat has attacked a baby boy and trapped a family in the bedroom of their apartment in the US state of Oregon. The cat's owner, Lee Palmer, says the family was forced to call 911 after the feline scratched their seven-month-old baby, prompting Mr Palmer to kick the animal up the backside. He says this caused the cat to go "over the edge". A 911 audio recording captured Mr Palmer telling an emergency services dispatcher in Portland his family were trapped by the hostile cat. "We're trapped in the bedroom - he won't let us out of our door," Mr Palmer said. "I kicked the cat in the rear and it has gone over the edge ... He's very, very, very, very hostile." In the 911 call obtained by The

'Violent' Himalayan Cat Attacks Baby, Traps Oregon Family In Bedroom

Oregonian newspaper, Mr Palmer explained that the four-year-old male cat, named Lux, had previous incidents of aggression. In Sunday's incident, Mr Palmer tried unsuccessfully to call animal control before resorting to dialling 911. "He's kind of a violent cat already ... he's charging us - he's at our bedroom door," Mr Palmer said. The cat can be heard howling in the background. He asks the dispatcher: "Do you hear him?" "Yeah, yeah, I hear him," the female emergency call operator said. Police later subdued the animal with a dog snare. "We are debating what to do," Mr Palmer said afterwards. "We definitely want to keep the cat away from the baby, and keep an eye on his behaviour."

A 27-year-old Indian-origin woman in the US state of Texas has been found guilty of causing arson that killed her husband two years ago. Shriya Bimal Patel was convicted on Monday of dousing her husband Biman Patel in gasoline and setting him on fire in 2012. Bimal, 29, died at the burn centre of the San Antonio Military Medical Center, nearly five months after the April 17 incident. She faces five to 99 years in prison. In closing arguments on Monday, the state asked jurors to recommend a life sentence for Shriya, who witnesses have said intentionally ignited an explosion that killed Bimal. Defence lawyers, however, sought probation for her. They said Shriya would be deported to India should she receive community supervision.

Indian Woman In US Found Guilty Of Setting Husband Afire

Testimonies ended last Friday when defence attorneys called their only witness, an associate professor of Indian culture from the University of Texas. Her lawyers have argued that her husband killed himself and forced her to help. Prosecutors said Shriya, who had studied in London and lived in Dubai was used to an upper-class lifestyle, was upset because Bimal did not lived up to her expectations. They said she was disappointed that Bimal had been laid off from a telemarketing job and was struggling to pay his rent. Bimal and Shriya had met via an arranged marriage service in India. Arson investigators testified that burn patterns on Bimal's body showed he was lying in the tub when Shriya used a cup to throw the gasoline on him.

A CHINESE woman chopped off her former boyfriends penis with scissors and then killed him with a hammer after he raped her, a Hong Kong court has heard. Yeung Ki, 41, on trial in the city, has Afterwards, she drugged him with soup admitted killing 32-year-old piano laced with sleeping pills, cut off his penis teacher Zhou Hui on Boxing Day 2012 and flushed it down the toilet, then when but denies murder. he was awakened by the pain, beat him to Ms Yeung, a Chinese mainlander death with almost uncountable blows and Hong Kong resident, killed Mr from a hammer, the paper reported the Zhou after an affair with the married prosecution as saying. man lasting years, during which he Yeung Ki has been charged with had deserted her while pregnant and murder. The trial will last 11 days, borrowed money without paying it a spokeswoman for the Hong Kong back on numerous occasions, it said. judiciary said. On the night of the killing, Mr Zhou Mr Zhou had also told Ms Yeung he beat her, pushed her to the floor, and had nude pictures of her which he slapped their daughter, then forcibly would post on the internet unless she had sex with her, the High Court gave him $HK200,000 ($28,500) to heard, according to the newspaper. buy a car, the court heard.

Yeung Ki Accused Of Cutting Of Ex-Boyfriends Penis And Killing Him With A Hammer

Newly-Hired Executioner Panicks After Seeing Gallows; Goes Awol

SRI Lankas new executioner panicked after seeing the countrys main gallows for the first time and has since gone AWOL leaving the authorities hanging, the top prison official said. Commissioner-General of Prisons Chandrarathna Pallegama said their new employee reported for duty earlier this month, but freaked out after seeing the execution site on Thursday. He has said he was scared after seeing the gallows, said Mr Pallegama. Since then, he has not reported for work. I think we will have to look for a new hangman. Sri Lanka last year recruited two hangmen after keeping the post of executioner vacant for decades. The job pays $85 a month and comes with light work as no one had been executed since 1976. The first two hangmen quit the job after frequently falling ill. The latest employee was to fill the vacancy, but now he was absent without leave, Mr Pallegama said, adding that the hangman was actually expected to execute light clerical work in the absence of capital punishment. But, with this chap leaving, we are now in a quandary, Mr Pallegama said. In case the government resumes hanging, we wont be ready unless we can replace the hangman quickly.

A Chinese man who tried to give a goodbye kiss to a snapping turtle landed in a hospital after the creature bit him on the lip and refused to let go. A set of photos posted on China's microblogging site, Weibo, showed the turtle clamping its jaws down on the victim. The man, from Fujian province, was preparing to release the turtle in the wild, when he was unexpectedly bitten on the lips. The turtle refused to release its powerful, beak-like jaws and was dangling from the man's face until it was pulled away from the victim. Netizens mocked the man, calling it a passionate goodbye kiss, as reported. The man was rushed to a hospital but it was not known how serious his injury

Man Kisses Turtle, Lands In Hospital

was. According to 'Shanghai Daily', the animal appears to be an alligator snapping turtle, a reptile that native to North America. Authorities believe the turtle may have been a pet that was released.

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Friday March 14, 2014

THINKING OF BECOMING A CANADIAN CITIZEN?

C. Pledge loyalty to the Queen, observe the laws and fulfill the duties of a Canadian. D. Pledge to be allegiance to the Queen. 3) Who are Anglophones? A. English speaking Aboriginal peoples. B. People speaking French as a first language. C. British people. D. People speaking English as a first language. 4) Where do the majority of Mtis live in Canada? A. Central Canada. B. Prairie Provinces. C. Northern territories. D. West Coast. 5) What do you call the Queen's representative in the territories?

Try This Practice Test - Discover Canada

A. Member of the Legislative Assembly. B. Lieutenant-Governor. C. Commissioner. D. "Sir". 6) What is the population of Canada? A. About 26 million. B. About 28 million. C. About 33 million. D. About 39 million. 7) Who has the right to enter and leave Canada at will? A. Citizens of United States. B. Landed immigrants. C. Canadian citizens. D. British citizens. 8) What level of government passes "by-laws"? A. Territorial government. B. Provincial government.

1) When did the British North America Act come into effect? A. 1901. B. 1867. C. 1876. D. 1881. 2) What will you promise when you take the Oath of Citizenship? A. Carry out responsibilities as a Canadian citizen. B. Promise to obey the Constitution of Canada.

C. Regional government. D. Municipal or local government. 9) Who are the Aboriginal peoples in Canada? A. United Empire Loyalists and Mtis. B. The first inhabitants of Canada. C. Early Australian immigrants. D. Refugees from the American Revolution. 10) One third of all Canadians live in which province? A. Quebec. B. Ontario. C. British Columbia. D. Northwest Territories. 1.B 6.C 2.C 7.C ANSWERS 3.D 4.B 8.D 9.B 5.C 10.B

Continued From Last Week

Because of these risks, the Government of Canada regulates the import and export of controlled food, plants, animals and related products to and from Canada. The food, plant and animal-related threats that pose a risk to Canada are constantly changing. Refer to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) to obtain the latest CFIA import requirements. AIRS is an automated reference tool that uses a question and answer approach to guide you through a series of questions about the Harmonized System (HS) Code, origin, destination, end use and miscellaneous qualifiers of the product you wish to import. Hint: Search AIRS by "key word" if you do not know the HS Code of the good you want to import. Certain species of plants and animals might also be subject to the requirements of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). These requirements will not appear in AIRS, so it is important to check the CITES Control List as well. Restrictions

Endangered Species Parts or derivatives of endangered species can be found in many common souvenirs such as clothing, jewellery, musical instruments, herbal or traditional medicines, cosmetic creams or food products. Souvenirs made from endangered animals and plants may be freely sold in the country you are visiting. The fact that they are available does not mean that they can be legally bought or sold, or brought across the border. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an agreement to ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. You may bring some souvenirs into Canada made from some CITES-listed species without a CITES permit, as long as you have the souvenirs on your person or in your accompanying personal baggage. It is your responsibility to know if you are importing restricted wildlife species (plants and animals, and their derivatives) check the CITES Species List, and follow all of the requirements to legally transport them. You may also consult the Endangered Species and the International Travellers brochure.

Entering Canada

Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD) may require permits and/or impose an import quota on certain commodities. For more information, visit the Export and Import Controls Bureau section of the DFATD website. Gifts While you are outside Canada, you can send gifts free of duty and taxes to friends at home in Canada under certain conditions. To qualify, each gift must not be worth more than CAN$60 and cannot be a tobacco product, an alcoholic beverage or advertising matter. If the gift is worth more than CAN$60, the recipient will have to pay regular duty and taxes on the excess amount. It is always a good idea to include a gift card to avoid any misunderstanding. Gifts you send from outside Canada do not count as part of your personal exemption, but gifts you bring back in your personal baggage do and are treated like any other purchases. Jewellery Because jewellery is often very valuable and can be difficult to identify, you should travel with as little as possible.

Take the following steps before you leave Canada. It will make it easier for you to re-enter the country with jewellery: Obtain an appraisal report and a signed and dated photograph of each piece of jewellery from a recognized Canadian gemologist, jeweller or your insurance agent. Obtain written certification that the items or jewellery in the photographs are the ones described in the appraisal report. Take the jewellery appraisal reports, certification statements and photographs to a CBSA office to be validated. If the jewellery was purchased in Canada, keep the sales receipt. If you imported the goods previously, make sure you have a copy of your receipt. Carry the appraisal reports, certifications and photographs when you are travelling outside Canada.

Continued Next Week

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Friday March 14, 2014

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27

Last year 47% of traffic fatalities in Surrey involved a pedestrian or a cyclist, with the majority of them involving jaywalking. As citizens, we are responsible for safely sharing our roads together and making smart decisions. As a pedestrian, we have a particular responsibility to follow the rules and regulations put in place to ensure our safety. On March 1, 2014, the Surrey RCMP, in partnership with ICBC, launched a two month long enforcement and educational campaign on pedestrian safety, called Just Dont Jaywalk. This campaign will focus on reminding pedestrians how to be safer in their travels and will also target jaywalkers with enforcement action. Surrey RCMP Traffic Services, General Duty and Auxiliary Constables will be targeting areas at high risk for pedestrian involved traffic accidents in Surrey. Pedestrian safety tip cards in English and Punjabi will be handed out to the public, a social media campaign using the hashtag #JustDontJaywalk will be launched this week, and RCMP officers will be issuing violation tickets to pedestrians when applicable. Violations for pedestrians include: Failure to obey traffic control device ($121 fine) Entering a roadway when it is not safe ($109 fine)

Surrey RCMP Launch Just Dont Jaywalk Pedestrian Safety Campaign

Entering an intersection on a red light ($109 fine) Disobeying pedestrian control signal ($109 fine) Failure to use crosswalk ($109 fine) Failure to yield to vehicle when not in crosswalk ($109 fine) Failure to use sidewalk ($109 fine) With our Just Dont Jaywalk campaign, we are trying to change the casual attitude we see some pedestrians display towards jaywalking, says Cpl. Bert Paquet of Surrey RCMP. When pedestrians dont use crosswalks, they are taking chances on our roadways. The extra minute it takes to find a safe intersection to cross the road might very well save your life. As we approach spring time, more pedestrians will soon be on our roads, says Karen Klein, ICBC road safety coordinator. As a pedestrian, keep your full attention on whats happening around you and always make eye contact with drivers. In wet or dark conditions, make sure youre visible to drivers by using reflective gear and always cross at designated crosswalks never mid-block. Drivers also have a particular responsibility to keep pedestrians safe and should always be looking out for them especially when visibility is poor, at intersections and transit stops.

Treacherous Driving Conditions As Winter Storm Blankets Ontario, Quebec, East Coast
A late-season winter storm moving across Central and Eastern Canada has resulted in a number of collisions, including a multi-vehicle pileup in Ontario involving at least 12 tractortrailers The crash occurred at around 1 p.m. on Highway 401 at the Drumbo Road exit, near Kitchener, Ont. OPP say the collision involved up to 30 vehicles and has closed the eastbound lanes of the busy highway, from Cedar Creek Road to Highway 403. No injuries have been reported and it is expected the eastbound lanes of the highway will remain closed for several hours. In southern Ontario, snow and blowing wind has enveloped most of the area, becoming quite heavy at times. Most communities can expect up to 15 centimetres of snow paired with chilly winds. The heaviest snowfall is expected to blanket the area north of Lake Erie and sections of eastern Ontario. In warmer areas, precipitation may start as rain or freezing rain, but will change to snow as the temperature drops. Regions directly on the coast of the lakes are under a weather warning, and could be hit with as many as 25 centimetres of snow. Brisk winds of up to 70 km/h could result in blizzard conditions with low visibility. Environment Canada predicts 30 to 50 centimetres of snow along the Appalachians and east of the lower Quebec north shore. Regions closer to the St. Lawrence River will see 15 to 25 centimetres. Most of southern Quebec will be affected by strong winds of up to 80 km/h, which will reduce visibility when combined with snow. Later Wednesday and continuing into Thursday, Environment Canada warns of up to 35 centimetres of snow in New Brunswick, as the low pressure system continues eastward. Residents of northern New Brunswick can expect snow, wind and cold temperatures, creating blizzard-like conditions. The southern parts of the province are at risk of the snow turning to ice pellets and freezing rain overnight. Thirty to 50 milimetres of rain will fall in Nova Scotia overnight and into Thursday. There is a chance of winter storm conditions in the northern parts of the province, where temperatures will be slightly colder. Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland will also be hit by a combination of snow, ice pellets and freezing rain on Wednesday evening. It is predicted that most of the Labrador region will miss the worst of the storm.

Heading Away for Spring Break, Keep Your Vacation Worry Free
An estimated 18% of BC residents plan to take a vacation away during the month of March, according to a poll conducted last year by CIBC through Harris/Decima, Better Business Bureau says scammers are counting on that. BBB of Mainland British Columbia is reminding consumers to be careful about the details of vacation plans that are shared through social media websites like Twitter and Facebook, which can provide a wealth of information for criminals and other scam artists. Names, family information, friends, contact information, even hobbies and interests can help thieves target their next victim. "Posting on your status, 'Lying in the Beach in Mexico right now,' is like putting an Open House sign on your front door with a message like come on in and rob me," says Danielle Primrose, President and CEO of the BBB serving Mainland BC. "Scam artists peruse social media sites looking for personal information that will help them deploy targeted scams to your loved ones." Better Business Bureau offers the following tips for consumers taking a vacation during this upcoming spring break: Think first before you post. Restrict what information you or your family place on social media sites. Keep specific details of your vacation off your site until you return.Ask the question: Would you want this information seen by everyone in your friends or followers' list, forever? What could someone do with the information you are providing? Review the privacy settings of your social media sites. Restrict the access to information you provide, including status updates, to only those you trust. Consider defriending people you do not know well or at all. Put a vacation stop on your mail and newspaper. Contact your newspaper delivery and mail services and ask them to hold or cancel delivery while you are away. Mail or newspapers stockpiling at your front door tells people your home is empty. Safety proof your home. Check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors every month. Keep hedges and bushes around your home trimmed, so burglars don't have places to hide. Lock your doors, even if you are away for a short amount of time. According to ADT, which conducted a Safety Data Index through a survey of Americans,

67% surveyed agree they do more to protect their homes when they are going away for a night than when they are just leaving for a few hours. But, according to the FBI, more than half (53%) of home burglaries happen during the day, so homeowners should secure doors and windows every time they leave their home.

Contact your credit card company to tell them where you are going and when you will return. Credit card companies will often monitor your purchases; if they see unusual transactions, they may put a hold on your account, which might leave you trying to prove your identity oversees so you can pay your hotel room.

28 www.fijitimescanada.com

Canada News

Friday March 14, 2014

Former Surrey Liberal MP Sukh Dhaliwal and his wife Roni have both pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the Income Tax Act. "I have learned from this mistake. My main concern was correcting an outstanding wrong." Roni was originally charged with 14 counts but pleaded guilty to five and was fined $5,000, while Sukh had been charged with six but pleaded guilty to three. His fine was $3,000. The matter was dealt with in Surrey provincial court this week. Dhaliwal said he's glad to "move on forward" after having this hang over himself and his wife. The media asked him if he'll run for public office again. "Honestly I can't answer that question at this moment," he replied. Dhaliwal had dropped out of the last provincial election race, as the BC Liberals' MLA candidate for SurreyPanorama Ridge, after the charges were laid. "I want to make sure I take care of the outstanding matters that are in front of the courts," he said at the time. Veteran Surrey city councillor then ran in his place and won the seat for the Liberals. Dhaliwal had been the Liberal MP for Newton-North Delta from 2006 to 2011, when the NDP's Jinny Sims

Sukh Dhaliwal And Wife Fined After Pleading Guilty To Tax Charges

defeated him. Dhaliwal said he didn't want this matter to be a distraction for the governing Liberal party as it headed into the May 14 election. Asked if the party brass had pushed him to quit, he replied "absolutely not. It's my decision, and my family's decision, and that's what I'm making." Dhaliwal said he wasn't aware of the charges until after he was acclaimed candidate. "There's no tax evasion, just income tax filing," he said. The charges were laid in connection with Genko Consultants Inc., a holding company connected with buying and selling properties, of which Sukh is president and Roni is the secretary. The couple had failed to file corporate income tax returns for the company. "There's nothing sneaky," he said at the time.

Fraud Prevention Month - A Few Tips From Canada Post

March is Fraud Prevention Month and Canada Post wants to take the opportunity to offer Canadians a few tips to protect themselves against fraudulent activity. Fraud, identity theft and other types of scams can happen anywhere in your mailbox or recycle bin, via email, on the telephone and more. Protect personal information on physical mail: Many items delivered through the mail contain personal information and information that may be targeted by thieves. Shred any documents that contain personal financial information such as statements and credit card offers. Never discard mail with any personal information on it in the recycling bin. Avoid leaving mail unattended or uncollected from your mailbox for an extended period as this could make it a target for thieves. If mail has been delivered incorrectly or if the addressee does not live at your address, please write "delivered to wrong address" or "not at this address" on the front of the envelope and deposit in the red street letterbox at your earliest convenience. Digital mail security: Even mail pieces delivered electronically are subject to fraudulent activity. If you keep a copy of your electronic bills, sign up with epostTM and keep all bills and statements in one secure location for which you'll have to remember only one username and one password. Use a service such as VaultTM from epost to safely store important personal information such as passwords, bank account information, passport, will and medical history. Hold Mail and Mail Forwarding services: Canada Post offers services to help prevent mail theft, and protect Canadians' mail and identity. If you are planning a holiday during March break, arrange for someone to pick up your mail or use Canada Post's Hold Mail service to ensure your mail is held safely while you're away. If you are moving, use Canada Post's Mail Forwarding service to guarantee that your mail won't be delivered to the new occupants of your old address. Fraudrelated offences are now thought to be as profitable as drugrelated offences, estimated at between $10 and $30 billion annually in Canada by the RCMP's Commercial Crime Branch.

Despite a number of high-profile plant closures in recent months, the food processing industry in Canada is becoming more competitive and those efforts are likely to bear fruit in the form of jobs, according to a new study. Western University's Ivey Business School says its study found that the most commonly cited reason for closures was that a plant was no longer competitive and, in many cases, production was being consolidated at another location. But when new plants open, they are often larger and incorporate new technology that drives down costs, it found. Recent high-profile food plant closures in Ontario, such as the Kellogg operation in London and the threat of closure that loomed over the Heinz plant in Leamington before it was saved by a lastminute deal, raised concerns in a province that had watched its auto and steel industries decimated by the recession. While auto manufacturing has improved, a string of closures that also included Smucker's and Lance Canada Ltd, has led many to question the future of food processing in the province. But the Western study, co-authored by David Sparling, said that between 2008 and 2014, the 105 closures in the province have been balanced by 105 openings and plant investments. That means that while plant closures resulted in job losses, the industry overall did not experience a net decline in employment. "The food industry typically has had lots of small plants and lots more retail," he said. "The new footprint for globally competitive manufacturing tends to be larger plants and probably located close to workforces as well as markets and transportation corridors." Hamilton, Brantford, London, Toronto and Windsor, Ont., are all large centres that have big workforces and the ability to service a larger company, he said. "We're probably going to lose more small plants in some small centres, (but) that said, the food industry also has a huge number of small companies and ... a lot of them are starting up in rural centres, where people ... want to extract some more value from farm product." Cities like Hamilton and Brantford, which were hit hard as manufacturing changed, are seeing new opportunities with a Ferrero Rocher plant in Brantford and a Canada Bread operation in Hamilton, said Sparling, who is the chair of Agri-food Innovation at Ivey. When looking to set up new plants, he added, companies did consider whether there were people in the area who already understood manufacturing and were looking for work. "The food industry doesn't tend to pay quite as much as things like automotive and steel, so there's a bit of an adjustment

Food Processing In Canada Becoming More Competitive, Study Finds

that way, but they are still good manufacturing jobs," said Sparling. Food processing, like other manufacturing in Canada, was hit hard by the recession, the high loonie, increased foreign competition and higher input costs. But it has also been impacted by an increasingly competitive retail market for grocery stores, which "are operating at razor-thin margins and they're just not doing as well as they have been in the past," Sparling said. "That means they're really unreceptive to increase costs coming to them, so that puts all kinds of pressure on food manufacturers to figure out how can we get interesting products that consumers would care about to retailers without imposing any additional costs." The study, titled The Changing Face of Food Manufacturing in Canada: An Analysis of Plant Closings, Openings and Investments, found that there were 143 plant closures announced between 2006 and 2014, resulting in projected losses of almost 24,000 jobs. The industry went through a particularly challenging period in 2007 and 2008, when 48 closures in the country outnumbered the 27 openings and plant investments. Ontario was the hardest-hit province, while Quebec was more successful in balancing openings and investments with closures. But revenue continued to increase during that period and employment recovered more quickly than at other manufacturers. Closures were also offset by investments from both foreign and domestic companies, with Canadian firms making slightly higher investments and the majority of activity coming from smaller firms. "The overall picture is one of an industry that went through tough times in the mid 2000s but in recent years has been looking more positive in spite of continuing challenges," the report said. "It is also an industry that is more ready to compete than it was in 2006." To continue to grow the sector going forward, the report highlighted the need to create an attractive investment environment, reduce energy costs, to support and facilitate trade and to provide incentives for companies to choose to set up shop in Canada and upgrade technology. Food companies also voiced concern about labour supply issues in the future, as they worried about meeting the growing need for skilled labour and said they could benefit from greater use of apprenticeships and training programs. The food processing industry produces more than 70 per cent of the food Canadians buy and, with revenue of more than $88 billion in 2011, it's the second-largest Canadian manufacturing industry and Canada's largest manufacturing employer.

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Canada News

Friday March 14, 2014

29

ICBC is touring high schools around B.C. warning young people about the dangers of distracted driving, after new numbers reveal distraction is a top cause of youth accidents. The insurer's statistics show 34 per cent of young drivers involved in crashes resulting in injuries or deaths over the past five years were distracted. Young women were less likely than young men to be involved in crashes. When they are however, it is most often because they were paying attention to something other than the road. Karen Bowman, who founded the distracted driving prevention program Drop It And Drive, knows first hand how dangerous distracted driving can be. Her daughter Kylee was eight years old when the car she was in was hit by a distracted driver. Three years later, Bowman says her daughter is still dealing with the side-effects. "She got a concussion, which has had some short term memory loss challenges for her since then, and she's been diagnosed with [post-traumatic stress disorder] that we are still working through with her," she said. ICBC takes its message on the road On Wednesday, ICBC launched its annual road safety speaker tour, which is travelling the province to educate high school students about the importance of safe driving. Heidi Cave, a new speaker to the tour, says her life was forever changed when her car was struck by a reckless driver

Distracted Driving Top Cause Of Wrong-Way Driver Slams Into Youth Crashes In B.C. Family Minivan, Facing Impaired ICBC says 34% of young drivers involved in crashes over the past five years Charges were distracted
more than 25 years ago. "Our choices can have a lasting impact. Because of the car crash I was in, I was in a drug-induced coma for two weeks. I woke up to burns to over half of my body. Both my legs were missing, and I spent seven months in a burn unit going through more than 20 surgeries in a year," she said in an ICBC promotional video. Still, young people say there are many reasons why someone may drive distracted. "Temptation to talk to people while you're driving, because your phone's right there. But, you know, because I'm a new driver as well, I don't like to do that just in case," one young women told the media. Not just youth who drive distracted However, Bowman says statistics that focus solely on young distracted drivers are troubling. "One of the things that concerns me about stats like that is it puts too much of a focus on one age group that's already pretty well labelled as the texting generation," she said. "Those who are texting while driving are adult drivers." Indeed, police in the Lower Mainland have been tweeting their own observations of distracted driving. "Phone calls worth $334? Driver gets #DistractedDriving ticket 4:45p on Marine Dr. Caught again just 45 min later for 2nd ticket at LionsGateBr," tweeted West Vancouver Police Department on Tuesday. Driver heading eastbound in westbound lane was likely impaired, say West Vancouver Police

Health Canada Warns Abbott Glucose Test Strips Can Give False Readings Health Canada is warning Canadians than they actually need.
that a brand of glucose test strips used by diabetics can give false blood sugar readings. It says Abbott FreeStyle glucose test strips can give lower than accurate readings when used with specific testing devices. False low blood sugar readings may prompt users to make improper treatment choices such as increasing their sugar intake or using less insulin

A two-year-old girl and a wrong-way driver were seriously injured when a panel van slammed head-on into a family's minivan Wednesday night on the TransCanada Highway in West Vancouver. West Vancouver Police say the incident began shortly after 7 p.m. PT Wednesday when panicked 911 callers reported a white panel van heading eastbound in the westbound lanes of the Upper Levels section of the highway near Taylor Way. Seconds later the 911 callers reported a three-vehicle crash just west of the Capilano Bridge. The panel van had smashed into two vehicles, including one minivan with a family of four, and a lone driver in another vehicle. West Vancouver Police say a twoyear-old girl in the minivan was taken to hospital for examination and later underwent surgery for a fractured

shoulder. The girl's parents and her seven-yearold sister were not injured, but were taken to hospital for assessment, along with the 47-year-old Burnaby man in the third vehicle. The driver of the panel van, a 47-year-old Nanaimo man, was also hospitalized with leg and hip fractures. Police say the driver was likely impaired and they are considering recommending several charges of impaired driving, and dangerous driving causing injury. He was arrested in hospital and then released by police on a promise to appear in court in June, but remained in hospital for treatment. Investigators have already spoken to many witnesses, but they are still asking anyone who saw the wrongway van last night to give them a call at 604-925-7300.

That in turn could lead to hyperglycemia or elevated blood sugar levels. The three devices are: Abbott Diabetes Care's FreeStyle Blood Glucose Meter and FreeStyle Mini Blood Glucose Meter as well as Insulet's OmniPod Insulin Management System. Health Canada says people who use the products can contact Abbott Diabetes Care or speak with their health-care professional if they have concerns.

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Finance

Friday March 14, 2014

From child tax credits to learning bonds, children entitle you to a bevy of benefits and deductions Ottawa paid out $12.9 billion in child Child tax credit: In the 2013 tax year, or physical disabilities. Check out the forward from a previous year by the tax benefits and universal child care the federal credit is $2,234 for each CRA calculator to see what benefits student cannot be transferred. Student loan interest: Claim benefits in the 2012-2013 fiscal year child under 18 (19 in Saskatchewan), you're entitled to. Adoption expenses: A tax the interest paid on your student loan along with another $4 billion in goods which works out to tax savings of and services tax credits, a good portion around $335 per child. Manitoba and credit can be claimed for expenses in 2013 or the preceding five years for of which are claimed by low-income Yukon also have additional amounts for related to the adoption of a child under post-secondary education. Moving costs: Claim eligible families with children. To ensure children under 18, and Prince Edward the age of 18. For the 2013 tax year, the you're getting your share of those Island, Nova Scotia and Nunavut have government increased the maximum moving expenses if you moved in order credit to $11,669 from $11,440, to attend a university, college or other and other benefits and tax deductions, them for children under six. Children's fitness credit: which would amount to a tax savings post-secondary educational institution we've compiled a checklist of some of the things you should be thinking about Claim up to $500 annually in sports of $1,750.35. It also increased the full time. when it comes to your kids and your and fitness activity fees per child under eligible period for which expenses can 5. Ask your employer to deduct at source taxes right from birth to when they the age of 16, resulting in a maximum be claimed. savings of $75 per child. The program Transit pass cost: Public Tell your employer to deduct any leave the nest. 1. Claim birth-related medical costs must last at least eight weeks and be transit passes used by children who child amounts, tuition, education and Claim on your return such expenses as weekly; if it's a sports- or fitness- were younger than 19 at the end of the textbook amounts and amounts for the cost of a hospital room or a nurse's related day camp, it must run for five tax year can be claimed by either parent eligible dependants to lower the tax consecutive days. For children up to 18 (including common-law partners). you pay on your paycheque, so you pre-natal care. with disabilities, claim an additional Tuition, education and don't have to wait until your refund to 2. Apply for Canada child benefits textbook amounts: Students enrolled get what's coming to you. A personal In British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, $500. Children's arts tax credit: full time or part time at a university or tax credits return shows you what's Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, you can apply Claim up to $500 annually for children college or other educational institution covered. for child benefits at the same time as who were younger than 16 at the certified by the government and who 6. File a tax return for your child you register a birth if you are the beginning of the year (or younger than pay more than $100 per institution Filing a return for children even birth mother and a resident of one of 18 if disabled) and who took part in an in tuition fees can claim the total of those who make just a few dollars those provinces. The information will eligible program of artistic, cultural, their tuition fees. Full-time students babysitting allows parents to claim be sent electronically to the Canada recreational or developmental activity. can claim an additional $400 each deductions and credits on their behalf Besides traditional arts programs, month that they are enrolled full time, that may be carried forward indefinitely, Revenue Agency. 3. Apply for a social insurance this also includes such activities as plus $65 a month for textbooks. Part- providing tax savings in later years academic tutoring, language lessons time students can claim an additional when those children's earnings are high number for your child $120 each month and $20 a month for and increasing available contribution New parents need a SIN for their and Scout and Girl Guide programs. Child care deduction: This is textbooks. If there are education-related room for RRSPs. Some provinces even offspring to take advantage of benefits and programs to encourage education a deduction, as opposed to a tax credit, amounts leftover after the student provide cash refunds from the GST which lowers your taxable income. The has claimed all he or she can on their credit for children 16 and over. As well, savings, including: The registered education savings plan parent with the lower income claims own return, these can be transferred filing may allow someone with more (RESP): Parents, other family members $7,000 for each child under seven and to a parent, grandparent, spouse or than one job over a year to recover and friends can contribute to an RESP $4,000 for children age seven to 16. common law partner up to a maximum employment insurance premiums or as a way of saving funds for a child's You must provide a receipt from the of $5,000. Unclaimed amounts carried Canada Pension Plan overpayments. post-secondary education. You don't care provider. Universal child care benefit: get a tax deduction on the contribution, but the income earned once the money All families, regardless of income, are is inside the RESP is not taxed until eligible to receive $100 each month it is paid out to the beneficiary, who per child under six. Apply using the is the one to pay the tax. The federal Canada child benefits application. Canada child tax benefit: government can also contribute to an RESP in the form of grants. Quebec, The eligibility and amount of this Alberta and Saskatchewan provide monthly non-taxable benefit for each added incentives. Having an RESP child under 18 is determined by total family income, province of residence may also qualify you for: The Canada Learning Bond: and number of children. If you file late, For children born after 2003 whose payment may be temporarily put on family is receiving the national hold as the amount is based on income child benefit supplement, the federal reported on your annual tax returns. government will contribute $500 to Child benefits are indexed to inflation an RESP to help cover the costs of a and new rates take effect July 1 of each post-secondary education (it will also year. National child benefit pay $25 toward the cost of starting an RESP account). It will continue to supplement: This is a federal contribute $100 for each year that the supplement that tops up the Canada family qualifies for the supplement up child tax benefit for low-income families to age 15 and to a maximum of $2,000. with children under 18. Families get a The Canada Education Savings monthly payment of $185.08 ($186.75 Grant: The federal government adds 20 from July 1, 2014) for the first child; cents for every $1 of the first $2,500 $163.67 ($165.17) for the second saved in an RESP each year. Depending child; and $155.75 ($157.17) for the on the family income, the government third child. The supplement is reduced might also provide an extra 10 or 20 if the family's net income is more than cents on every $1 of the first $500 $25,356 ($25,584) and could affect saved annually in an RESP. The grant social assistance benefits since many has a maximum lifetime limit of $7,200 provinces and territories treat it as and is paid out up until the end of the income. Child disability benefit: This calendar year the child turns 17. 4. Claim all federal and provincial is a tax-free benefit for families who care for children under 18 with mental credits and deductions you can

Tax Tips For Parents

www.fijitimescanada.com

Friday March 14, 2014

31

Things You Shouldn't Say To Your Child

Continued From Last Week

Coloring

Next: Why you shouldn't compare your kids "Why Can't You Be More Like Your Sister?" It might seem helpful to hold out a sibling or friend as a shining example. "Look how well Sam zips his coat," you might say. Or "Jenna's using the potty already, so why can't you do that too?" But comparisons almost always backfire. Your child is herself, not Sam or Jenna. It's natural for parents to compare their kids, to look for a frame of reference about their milestones or their behavior, say experts. But don't let your child hear you doing it. Kids develop at their own pace and have their own temperament and personality. Comparing your child to someone else implies that you wish yours were different. Nor does making comparisons help change behavior. Being pressured to do something she's not ready for (or doesn't like to do) can be confusing to a little kid and can undermine her selfconfidence. She's also likely to resent you and resolve not to do what you want, in a test of wills. Instead, encourage her current achievements: "Wow, you put both arms in your coat all by yourself!" Or "Thanks for telling me your diaper needs changing." Next: Why you shouldn't yell, "You know better than that!" "You Know Better Than That!" Like comparisons, quick gibes can sting in ways parents never imagine. For one thing, a child actually may not have known better. Learning is a process of trial and error. Did your child really understand that a heavy pitcher would be hard to pour from? Maybe it didn't seem that full, or it was different from the one he's successfully poured from by himself at preschool. And even if he made the same mistake just yesterday, your comment is neither productive nor supportive. Give your child the benefit of the doubt, and be specific. Say "I like it better if you do it this way, thank you." Similar jabs include "I can't believe you did that!" and "It's about time!" They may not seem awful, but you don't want to say them too much. They

add up, and the underlying message kids hear is: "You're a pain in the neck, and you never do anything right." Next: Why you shouldn't make threats "Stop Or I'll Give You Something to Cry About!" Threats, usually the result of parental frustration, are rarely effective. We sputter warnings like "Do this or else!" or "If you do that one more time, I'll spank you!" The problem is that sooner or later you have to make good on the threat or else it loses its power. Threats of hitting have been found to lead to more spanking -- which itself has been proven to be an ineffective way to change behavior. The younger a child is, the longer it takes for a lesson to sink in. "Studies have shown that the odds of a twoyear-old's repeating a misdeed later in the same day are eighty percent no matter what sort of discipline you use. Even with older kids, no discipline strategy yields surefire results right off the bat every time. So it's more effective to develop a repertoire of constructive tactics, such as redirection, removing the child from the situation, or time-outs, than it is to rely on those with proven negative consequences, including verbal threats and spanking. Next: Why you shouldn't leave it till dad gets home "Wait Till Daddy Gets Home!" This familiar parenting clich is not only another kind of threat, it's also diluted discipline. To be effective, you need to take care of a situation immediately yourself. Discipline that's postponed doesn't connect the consequences with your child's actions. By the time the other parent gets home, it's likely that your child will actually have forgotten what she did wrong. Alternately, the agony of anticipating a punishment may be worse than what the original crime deserved. Passing the buck to someone else also undermines your authority. "Why should I listen to Mom if she's not going to do anything anyway?" your child may reason. Not least, you're putting your partner in an undeserved bad-cop role. Continued Next Week

32 www.fijitimescanada.com

Your Health

Friday March 14, 2014

Concussion
A concussion is a type of brain injury. It's the most minor form. Technically, a concussion is a short loss of normal brain function in response to a head injury. But people often use it to describe any minor injury to the head or brain. Concussions are a common type of sports injury. You can also have one if you suffer a blow to the head or hit your head after a fall. Symptoms of a concussion may not start right away; they may start days or weeks after the injury. Symptoms may include a headache or neck pain. You may also have nausea, ringing in your ears, dizziness, or tiredness. You may feel dazed or not your normal self for several days or weeks after the injury. Consult your health care professional if any of your symptoms get worse, or if you have more serious symptoms such as Seizures Trouble walking or sleeping Weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination Repeated vomiting or nausea Confusion Slurred speech Doctors use a neurologic exam and imaging tests to diagnose a concussion. Most people recover fully after a concussion, but it can take some time. Rest is very important after a concussion because it helps the brain to heal. Causes A concussion can result from a fall, sports activities, or car accidents. A big movement of the brain (called jarring) in any direction can cause a person to lose alertness (become unconscious). How long the person stays unconscious may be a sign of the severity of the concussion. Concussions do not always result in loss of consciousness. Most people who have a concussion never pass out. But they may describe seeing all white, black, or stars. A person can also have a concussion and not realize it. Symptoms Symptoms of a concussion range from mild to severe. They can include: Acting confused, feeling spacey, or not thinking straight Being drowsy, hard to wake up, or similar changes Headache Loss of consciousness Memory loss (amnesia) of events before the injury or right after Nausea and vomiting Seeing flashing lights Feeling like you have "lost time" The following are emergency symptoms of a concussion. Seek medical care right away if there are: The person have trouble concentrating and may be unable to remember things. The person may be irritable, have headaches, dizziness, blurry vision, and nausea that comes and goes. Adults should get help from family or friends before making important decisions. This is because reasoning and thinking processes may be impaired. In a small group of patients, symptoms of the concussion do not go away. The risk of long-term changes in the brain is high if the person has more than one brain injury Seizures may occur after more severe head injuries. When to Contact a Medical Professional Call the health care provider if a head injury causes changes in alertness or produces any other worrisome symptoms. If symptoms do not go away or are not improving after 2 or 3 weeks, talk to the doctor. Call the doctor right away if the following symptoms occur: Changes in behavior or unusual behavior Changes in speech (slurred, difficult to understand, does not make sense) Confusion Difficulty waking up or becoming more sleepy Double vision or blurred vision Fever Fluid or blood leaking from the nose or ears Headache that is getting worse, lasts a long time, or does not get better with over-the-counter pain relievers Problems walking or talking Seizures (jerking of the arms or legs without control) Vomiting more than three times Prevention Not all head injuries can be prevented. But the following simple steps can help keep you and your child safe: Always use safety equipment during activities that could cause a head injury. These include seat belts, bicycle or motorcycle helmets, and hard hats. Learn and follow bicycle safety recommendations. Do not drink and drive. Do not allow yourself to be driven by someone who you know or suspect has been drinking alcohol or is otherwise impaired.

Changes in alertness and consciousness Confusion that does not go away Convulsions (seizures) Muscle weakness on one or both sides Persistent confusion Pupils of the eyes that are not equal in size Remaining unconsciousness (coma) Repeated vomiting Unequal pupils Unusual eye movements Walking or balance problems Unconsciousness (coma) that continues Head injuries that cause a concussion often occur with injury to the neck and spine. Take special care when moving people who have had a head injury. While recovering from a concussion, the person may: Be withdrawn, easily upset, or confused Have a hard time with tasks that require remembering or concentrating Have mild headaches Be less tolerant of noise Be very tired Exams and Tests The doctor will perform a physical exam. The person's nervous system will be checked. There may be changes in the person's pupil size, thinking ability, coordination, and reflexes. Tests that may be ordered include: EEG (brain wave test) may be needed if seizures continue

Head CT scan MRI of the brain Treatment A more serious head injury that involves bleeding or brain damage must be treated in a hospital. For a mild head injury no treatment may be needed. But be aware that the symptoms of a head injury can show up later. Friends or family may need to keep an eye on adults for symptoms after they are released from the emergency room or doctors office. Parents or caregivers of children need to keep an eye on a child for symptoms after a head injury. Both adults and children must follow the health care providers instructions about when the person can return to sports. After even a mild concussion: Do not do activities that can cause further head injury. Avoid tasks that require concentration or complicated thinking. These include reading, homework, and preparing reports. Avoid bright lights and loud sounds. These can overstimulate the brain. Outlook (Prognosis) Recovering from a concussion takes time. It may take days, weeks, or even months.

Read the Fiji Times Canada online www.fijitimescanada.com

This information is provided for knowledge and educational purposes only. Individuals should visit their physicians for more information on their health.

www.fijitimescanada.com

Your Health

Friday March 14, 2014

33

Low Fat Diets Do Not Curb Heart Irritable Bowel Syndrome Linked Disease To Diet
In a setback to those who have switched to low-saturated fat diets for better heart health, a leading US cardiovascular research scientist has claimed diets low in saturated fat or based on Omega 6 fats do not curb heart disease risk or help you live longer. "Current dietary advice to replace carbohydrates as the causative dietary saturated fats with carbohydrates or factor behind the surge in obesity and omega 6-rich polyunsaturated fats diabetes in the US. is based on flawed and incomplete While a low fat diet may lower 'bad' data from the 1950s," declared James (LDL) cholesterol, there are two types DiNicolantonio in the medical journal of LDL cholesterol. Open Heart. "Switching to carbs may increase The best diet to boost and maintain pattern B (small dense) LDL which heart health is one low in refined is more harmful to heart health than carbohydrates, sugars and processed pattern A (large buoyant) LDL, as well foods, he recommended. as creating a more unfavourable overall Anyone who has had a heart attack lipid profile," DiNicolantonio noted. should not be thinking of replacing In the race to cut saturated fat intake, saturated fats with refined carbs or several dietary guidelines recommend omega 6 fatty acids -- particularly upping polyunsaturated fat intake. those found in processed vegetable oils However, a recent data shows that containing large amounts of corn or replacing saturated fats and trans safflower oil, he added. fatty acids with omega 6 fatty acids, "Dietary guidelines should be urgently without a corresponding rise in omega reviewed and the vilification of saturated 3 fatty acids, seems to increase the fats stopped to save lives," he insisted. risk of death from coronary heart and DiNicolantonio said the idea that fat cardiovascular diseases. causes heart disease was based on a "We need a public health campaign flawed 1950s study which used data as strong as the one we had in the 70s from six countries but excluded data and 80s demonising saturated fats, to say that we got it wrong," urged from another 16. This study "seemingly led us down DiNicolantonio. the wrong 'dietary road' for decades to "Eating a Mediterranean-style diet rich follow", he said. in fruit, veg, pulses and fish would help There is now a strong argument in lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of favour of the consumption of refined coronary heart disease," he suggested. The change in your bowel pattern or abdominal pain has more to do with your diet and balance of beneficial and harmful gut bacteria than with your mood, studies show. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), an umbrella term that refers to diarrhoea, discomfort, cramps, constipation, abdominal swelling (bloating) and pain, was believed to be a primarily psychological condition for a long time. "Contrary to this view, recent findings suggest that IBS is linked to clearly detectable gut microbiota (microbe population living in our intestine) alterations. Additionally, bloating can be related to specific kinds of diet, thus opening up promising paths towards an efficient disease management," said professor Giovanni Barbara of University of Bologna in Italy. According to him, there is a lot of evidence showing that IBS is associated with an imbalanced composition of the gut microbiota. This means that the system of checks and balances between beneficial and potentially harmful bacteria, which characterises a healthy gut microbiota, is disturbed in IBS patients. "IBS symptoms develop in up to 10 percent of previously healthy subjects after a single episode of gastroenteritis caused by an infection through bacterial pathogens like Salmonella, Shighella or Campylobacter, which can severely disrupt the microbiota balance," said Barbara, who is also the president of the European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility. Not only infections, but also the antibiotics that are used as a remedy, may increase the risk for IBS, as they, too, can alter the gut microbiota in a negative way, the studies showed. Researchers have now shown that food rich in carbohydrates, particularly fiber, might lead to repeated bloating and flatulence in some individuals. The potentially negative impact of this kind of nutrition applies in particular to individuals who already suffer from IBS. "On the other hand, we now know for sure that diets containing low fiber content improve these symptoms significantly," Barbara said.

How To Manage Your Cholesterol

Omega-3 Rich Diet Helps You Sleep Soundly: Study

A new study has revealed that higher levels of omega-3 DHA in diet would give better sleep. The randomized placebo-controlled study by the University of Oxford found that children on a course of daily supplements of omega-3 had nearly one hour more sleep and seven fewer waking episodes per night, as compared with the children taking the corn or soybean placebo. According to the study, it found that there is possible links between sleep and fatty acid status in healthy children, and that higher blood levels of the longchain omega-3 DHA are significantly associated with better sleep, including less bedtime resistance, parasomnias and total sleep disturbance. It was also revealed that higher ratios of DHA in relation to the long-chain omega-6 fatty acid AA (arachidonic acid) are also associated with fewer sleep problems. Professor Paul Montgomery of Oxford University said that various substances made within the body from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have long been known to play key roles in the regulation of sleep and lower ratios of DHA have earlier been linked with lower levels of melatonin.

Excess bad cholesterol can lead to heart disease or stroke, so take into account a few steps to manage your cholesterol levels. A Nutritionist has shared her top tips on how to keep your cholesterol levels in control. * Superfruits: Following recent nutritional studies, several fruits have been labelled 'superfoods' due to their ability to combat harmful fats and reduce bad cholesterol. For instance, it was recently revealed that strawberries have the ability to reduce LDL, the harmful form of cholesterol, by nearly 14 percent. * Unsaturated fats: Consuming omega-3 essential fatty acids, found in unsaturated fats, will help to lower the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood. Unsaturated fats include oily fish, nuts

and seeds, ground flax seeds, olive oil and certain vegetables and fruits such as avocado. * Fibre: Beans, pulses, vegetables, cereal and whole grain breads all have a high fermentable fibre content and are therefore difficult for the gut to digest so they attach to bad cholesterol and then remove it from the body via waste. * Red wine: Red wine contains a plant compound called saponin which blocks the body's absorption of bad cholesterol, LDL. This news is not an excuse to drink large quantities of red wine and I do not recommend adding red wine to your diet purely for health reasons since alcohol consumption can lead to further health complications such as high blood pressure and liver disease.

This information is provided for knowledge and educational purposes only. Individuals should visit their physicians for more information on their health.

34 www.fijitimescanada.com

Astrology

Friday March 14, 2014

Aries: The week starts out friendly enough as you enjoy the company of people you like. Unfortunately, a simple comment has the potential to trigger an unpleasant encounter. Whatever anger emerges is not really about this week. You're dealing with an old story that may finally be ready to be resolved. A wicked sense of humour may not be entirely appreciated now. Behind the smiles may be feelings that are less than positive. Breathe deeply, step back, and you'll see what's really going on here. Taurus: This is good time. Doesn't that mean you're not supposed to be hassled? Take the offensive. Cut out those people who never seem satisfied with you. If they are relatives or others who are close, then just try spending less time with them. Make the evenings time for new experiences. Break the old routine and try something completely different, such as the opera, country line dancing, or a hockey game. Changing habits is a good way to change your life. Gemini: Travel is on the agenda now. If you can't get out of town, rent a foreign movie. A foreign person, too, could be on the schedule this week. Sure, communication may require some extra effort, but you've got more than words to get your point across. Gestures, sounds, and body language are all ways to convey a message. Nothing succeeds like excess nights. These evenings when some serious

indulgence could be just what the doctor ordered. Cancer: Physical risks are not usually your cup of tea. This week, however, you may be challenged to push your limits. Some wild person may not inspire confidence, even though you could be fascinated by such a different view of reality. New experiences are meant to open you to unusual tastes, pleasures, and ideas. You could be very surprised by how attracted you are to this strange, new world. A generous friend may finance these adventures now. Leo: This is a great week to be in full social mode. All your Leo charm is ready for full display. Excellent friends make for an excellent time now. Expect some debate early on. It's probably not worth your effort to battle over trivia. Spend your time planning for an extravagant evenings. On weekend, you must push the fun limit? A little excess is part of what life is about, dear Lion. Let yourself roar loud and clear this week. Virgo: This is a good fix-it week, and you're a good fix-it person. You may need an expert to help with the car, your bike, or the boat, but the rest is under your control. It's time to get at that basement, attic, or closet that's been driving you crazy. Tear, rip, toss, and clean. Ah, doesn't that feel better? Now go get yourself a treat for all of your hard work. Nights are for pleasure. Put the work away by sundown, and go out

and play. Libra: Physical activities are appropriate for you in this week. To avoid any problems, make sure to carefully check all equipment. You may meet someone who strikes you as overly critical or unfair. I know you hate injustice, but don't get lost in the words. He or she has wounds too deep to discuss openly, and this is why such negativity is coming through. It's not about you, so don't fall for the bait. An extravagant outing is perfect for nights. Scorpio: Did you ever wonder how you happened to be born into your family? I'm sure there are times when you feel like your relatives might as well have come from another planet. Well, think of them as a show, albeit a strange one. You'll avoid fruitless conflict this week if you can keep an attitude of detachment. Think of yourself as a visiting scientist who is studying an exotic foreign culture. Then go out and spoil yourself rotten nights. Sagittarius: Writing, talking, and short range travel are high on the agenda in this week. Your wit can be on display now, but could prove too cutting for a sensitive person. What you find funny and innocent might be taken the wrong way. Discretion can help you avoid conflict. Nights are good time to combine business and pleasure. A dinner with a colleague or potential partner is a great way to spend the evenings. Generosity is appreciated, but excess can prove embarrassing.

Capricorn: In this week -- you're not supposed to think about money! Nevertheless, it's a perfect week for coming up with a plan to increase your resources. Have a garage sale, sell something, or just do a little bargain shopping of your own. Some conversations, however, may seem a little strange to you at this time. You're talking "apples" and others are talking "oranges." Naturally, this can be frustrating. Your task is to stay calm enough to get the answers you need. Aquarius: Someone you thought you trusted may hurt you with words. Whether these words are spoken to your face or behind your back, your reactions may be pretty strong. There are two sides to this. One is that you're just extra sensitive in this week. Normally, you'd either shrug this off or fight back with your impressive intellectual arsenal. The other possibility is that you really have been wronged, that a confidence was broken, and with it, possibly a friendship. Pisces: It's possible that your attempts to go out and get some things done meet with obstacles this week. Just as you open the door to leave, the phone rings, and you're off in another direction. The strategy is to keep your schedule light. Save time for finishing up little matters of detail. Nights you can throw caution to the wind and party hardy. A festive event can be just what you need now to lift you above life's mundane matters.

Marinated Roast Lamb With Fresh Mint Topping

Ingredients Lamb 1 whole lamb leg, bone in 1 bag French (or pickling) onions, peeled 2 cups chicken stock (for the gravy) cup flour (for the gravy) Marinade 5 cloves garlic, crushed 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 3 anchovy fillets, finely chopped cup fresh rosemary, finely chopped 2 tablespoons dried marjoram 2 tablespoons lemon zest 2 tablespoons butter, softened 2 tablespoons lemon juice 3 tablespoons oil Fresh mint topping cup crme fraiche 1 bunch or 25g packet fresh mint leaves, very finely chopped 1 bunch fresh tarragon, very finely chopped (optional) 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 tablespoon oil 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar Garnish 2 spring onions (green ends only), cut into very thin strips approx. 8 cm long 1 bunch fresh mint leaves Preparation Place the lamb leg fat-side up on a clean chopping board and pat dry with a paper towel. Using a sharp knife, make a series of shallow cuts into the lamb, a few centimetres apart. Combine the marinade ingredients together and spread over the lamb, rubbing it into the cuts. Wrap the lamb in cling film and refrigerate, preferably overnight or for at least 2 hours. Remove the marinated lamb from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. Preheat the oven to 180C. Place the lamb in a roasting dish fat side up and season. Transfer to the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes per 500g for medium. Baste occasionally. With 1 hour remaining, add the onions to the roasting dish. Turn them over once while cooking. Remove from the oven, transfer the lamb and onions to a warm plate and cover loosely with foil. Leave to rest for 20-30 minutes. Fresh mint topping Combine all ingredients in a food processor and mix well. Spring onion and mint garnish Submerge sliced spring onions in a bowl filled with lots of ice and water to make them curl up. Add the mint leaves. Leave in the fridge covered, for at least an hour. Drain and rest on paper towels. Gravy To make a rich gravy, discard the fat from the lamb roasting dish, leaving the meat juices. Combine the flour with 1/2 cup water and add to the roasting dish, with remaining meat juices, on the stove top over a medium heat. Add chicken stock, stirring all the time with a wooden spoon, for about 5-10 minutes until thickened. Make sure you scrape all the caramelised meat juices and onion off the bottom to add flavour. To serve Place the rested lamb on a platter or board and spread with the fresh mint topping. Garnish with the spring onions and mint. Arrange the onions around the lamb. Serve with the gravy, roast potatoes and your choice of a salad or vegetables.

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Friday March 14, 2014

35

Another Feather In Piggy Chop's Cap

Bollywood's 'desi girl' Priyanka Chopra's talent and popularity has landed her a new endorsement. She has been named the brand ambassador of Rajnigandha Silver Pearls - saffron blended, silver coated cardamom seeds from the house of DS Group. Actress-singer Priyanka features in a new 60-second television commercial announcing the new launch. It celebrates the little gestures of goodness that people make despite a hectic day-to-day life with the slogan "Achai ki ek alag hi chamak hoti hai". The new catchphrase re-emphasizes the brand's belief that real goodness always shines through in our words and deeds, read a statement. Priyanka agrees with the belief. "There is an innate goodness in all of us and I think in today's time its hugely important to spread as much love and positivity as possible. I am delighted to have been chosen as the brand ambassador of Rajnigandha Silver Pearls," said the 31-year-old. Talking about the product, she said: "It not only delicious and refreshing, but also a brand that promotes such positive messages, which is something the world really needs." The National award winning actress, who turned to singing with international singles like "Exotic" and "In my city", was chosen to represent the product "as she is an epitome of a global achiever and at the same time a grounded and humble person who is always ready to give time and effort for a good cause". The ad film has been created by Dentsu Marcom and narrates the story of a successful filmstar, who has a massive following because of her inherent goodness. It shows interwoven scenes that narrate examples of little acts of goodness

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Friday March 14, 2014

The Udaan actor gifted shoes to the crew members of his popular show Adaalat. Read on to know why Ronit Roy, said to be the highest paid It was then that I got to know some of television actor, gifted shoes to the them couldnt afford shoes. So I bought unit of his long-running serial Adaalat. shoes for all of them. When contacted, Ronit seemed When you are working with the same embarrassed and said: Please dont group of people for three-and-a-halfmake me sound like Bill Gates. It was years, youre bound to feel attached a very small gesture and one that we to them. To me, the cast and crew of should not even discuss. Adaalat are family. Their needs are When coaxed, Ronit said: It happened as important to me as the needs of my quite spontaneously. I had been family at home. noticing a lot of the unit workers in The shows popularity shows no sign of rubber slippers. I told them they cant waning and Ronit reveals that now Adaalat come to work so informally dressed. would be telecast three times a week.

What Did Ronit Roy Gift The Unit Of Adaalat

Abhi Moving Beyond Films

Abhishek Bachchan will take to the dais at the London School of Economics

Abhishek Bachchan was recently announced by Global Network as the first official END7 campaign ambassador in India to help raise awareness of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). And now the actor has been chosen as the keynote speaker at the Economic Forum for India at London School of Economics (LSE) 2014. `LSE is hosting its forum on March 15, and Abhishek will be a keynote speaker in the sphere of entertainment. He will fly to Holborn, London, for the same on March 14,` says a source. The forum is a powerful platform, where influential thinkers and

experts talk about various economic issues related to India. In fact, LSE is known to host some of the world's brightest minds at such forums. Bachchan Junior joins the likes of personalities such as Nasser Munjee, Chairman of the Development Credit Bank; Air Chief Marshal Anil Tipnis; and Ranjan Mathai, Indian High Commissioner to United Kingdom, to name a few. It is interesting to note that Abhishek also played moderator at India's first amfAR charity auction that raised funds towards creating awareness about AIDS. The actor is clearly in a mood to give back to society.

Veteran actress Moushumi Chatterjee Tuesday ended speculation about contesting the Lok Sabha elections on a Trinamool Congress ticket, and also said no to campaigning for candidates. In 2004, Chatterjee had contested the Lok Sabha elections for the Congress from Kolkata North East constituency but lost to Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) candidate Mohammed Salim. Last week the actress met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the state secretariat Nabanna, fuelling speculation that she was eyeing a ticket for the polls. "I am not thinking of politics at the moment. Though I have got offers from more than one party, I am not taking the step now. I can't say about the future

Moushumi Chatterjee Says No To Politics For Now

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though," she told the media here. "When I feel I am capable (for politics), then I will announce my decision. I will not be campaigning for any candidate," she said. Chatterjee admitted that joining politics in 2004 was a mistake. "It was a mistake on my part. I couldn't understand the nuances. I had only 25 days," she said. The actress - one of the highest paid in her time - spoke about her "immense respect" for Banerjee, a fact that had in the past prompted her to decline an offer to stand against her. "I was once asked to stand against her but I declined. She has come a long way through so much struggle and I have tremendous respect for her," she said.

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Friday March 14, 2014

37

Amitabh Bachchan Lends His Voice For A Mythological Film!

Big Bs baritone will be heard in Ramanand Sagars grandsons next A little birdie tells us that Amitabh Bachchan has lent his voice for a mythological film titled Arasari Maa Ambe. The film is being directed by Ramanand Sagars grandson, Shiv Sagar. The film chronicles the myths and history of the Ambaji temple in Gujarat. Shiv told a popular daily, When my dad (Prem Sagar) and I approached Bachchan saab, he immediately agreed. Our families go back a long way. Jayaji (Jaya Bachchan) and dad studied together at FTII Pune. Shiv, who has directed TV shows talks about his movie directorial debut, I jumped at the opportunity the minute I was offered a chance to direct the movie. Its very different from television because there we tend not to be so hands on. In the past, Big Bs voice has been used in films like Lagaan, Boss, Krrish 3 and many more. What more, he has even lent his voice to a documentary on the CBI. Well, we hope his voice is used for a very strong character in the mythological film Arasari Maa Ambe. After all, a voice that deep cant suit anyone or anything ordinary, hai na?

Sooraj Barjatya's next project will apparently feature Anupam Kher in an exciting role

Anupam To Team Up With Salman And Sonam

Anupam Kher has disclosed that he will be seen in Sooraj Barjatya's next film starring Salman Khan. The veteran actor, however, won't play father figure to any of the lead actors. Anupam tells hitlist, `As of now, I can only say that I have a very interesting role in the film. I have worked with Sooraj in the past in Hum Aapke Hai Kaun and Vivah and it's nice to be working with him again after seven years.` The actor-director duo shares a threedecade-old association. Barjatya was the second unit assistant director to Mahesh Bhatt in Saaransh (1984),

which was a big break for Anupam. `I remember asking him to fetch the script from my room,` he reminisces. Sooraj's film, which revolves around the lines of young royals, goes on the floors this July. Pre-production work has already begun and the set is being constructed at ND Studio. The film is likely to be shot over a period of nearly 110 days and 70 per cent of it will be filmed on the sets. Salman, who has a double role in the film, is working with the Barjatyas after 15 years. It is rumoured that Sonam Kapoor would be cast opposite him.

Popular Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan will take center stage during the IIFA (International Indian Film Academy) Magic of the Movies and Technical Awards event to be held here next month. Rahat, the nephew of legendary singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, is popular both in India and Pakistan. His songs - "Sajda", "Teri ore", "O re piya" and "Jiya dhadak dhadak" are a hit with fans on both sides of the border. Apart from his performance, the Magic of the Movies and Technical Awards, one of the four major events to be held as part of the four-day IIFA gala this year, will see names like Pritam, Farhan Akhtar, Aditi Rao Hydari and Shruti Hassan regaling their fans. Also joining in will be Bhoomi Trivedi,

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Gearing Up To Perform At IIFA

Monali Thakur, Ravi Drums and Ankit Tiwari. Sensing the excitement as the IIFA gala makes its US debut this year, the organisers have announced a selection of tickets opening up for IIFA Magic of the Movies and Technical Awards to be held on the third day of the Videocon d2h IIFA Weekend at The MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre. IIFA Magic of the Movies and Technical Awards will be a night of music, dance and awards, with performances from Kareena Kapoor, Sonakshi Sinha, Farhan, Bipasha Basu and a special musical act by Pritam. The show will be hosted by Bollywood's 'Nawab' Saif Ali Khan and actor-comedian Vir Das.

Everyone knows Salman Khan adores children. So it comes as no surprise when he stated at the India Today conclave in New Delhi that he misses not having kids. "But with the kid comes the mother and I don't want the mother," chirped the star. "If I had stuck to my first girlfriend, I'd be a grandfather by now," he joked.

Weird! Salman Wants Kids, But Not The Mother

He considers himself a bad boyfriend, but a good friend." That's typically Sallu speak. Incidentally at the event, Salman even unbuttoned his shirt to show his six pack abs. The star is into green tea nowadays as the whiff of biryani alone can make him gain weight, he feels. That's so typical, too.

38 www.fijitimescanada.com Broccoli Chicken

Sports Recipe

Friday March 14, 2014

Ingredients 12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 900g), cut into pieces 1 tbsp dark soy sauce 2 tbsp vegetable oil 15 whole dried bird's-eye chillies 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorn, ground bunch spring onions, cut into 2 cm pieces 50g whole roasted peanuts For the sauce 5 tbsp dark soy sauce 2 tbsp Shaohsing rice wine 4 tbsp Chinese black vinegar 4 tbsp chicken stock 1 tbsp caster sugar 1 tbsp cornflour, mixed into 1 tbsp water

Gunpowder Chicken With Dried Red Chillies & Peanuts

Method Marinate the chicken with the soy and leave to sit for 1 hr. If you dont have time to marinate, dont worry but it does add extra flavour. Mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. Using a wok and a small amount of the oil, cook the chicken in batches. When its all browned, remove from the pan and set aside. Snip the stems from the chillies and shake out the seeds. Add the remaining oil and cook the chillies for 1 min, shaking the pan constantly to prevent them burning. Add the chicken back in with the peppercorns, spring onions and peanuts, then stir-fry for 1 more min. Add the sauce and stir for a few mins more until thickened.

Chicken breast cubes are velveted and then paired with broccoli in an oysterflavored sauce. Ingredients: 3/4 - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts To Velvet Chicken: 1 large egg white 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1/4 teaspoon salt Sauce: 2 tablespoons oyster sauce 1 tablespoon light soy sauce 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce 1 tablespoon water To Cook Broccoli: 1 pound broccoli 1/2 cup water 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar, or to taste Other: 2 garlic cloves 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water 2 cups plus 4 tablespoons vegetable or peanut oil, for frying Preparation: 1. Cut the chicken into 3/4 to 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, mix together the egg white, cornstarch and salt. Add the egg white mixture to the chicken cubes, tossing or using your fingers to coat the chicken in the mixture. Marinate the velveted chicken in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. 2. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the sauce and vegetables: for the sauce, mix together the oyster sauce, light soy, dark soy, and water in

a small bowl and set aside. In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water thickener and set aside. Wash and drain the broccoli. Cut the stalk diagonally into thin slices. Cut the flowerets into 3 or 4 pieces. Crush the garlic. 3. Preheat a wok. Heat 2 cups oil in the wok until it reaches 275 degrees Fahrenheit. (Test the heat by placing a piece of chicken in the wok - it should float). Add the chicken cubes, and let cook until they just turn white (about 30 seconds), using a wooden spoon or chopsticks to gently separate them. Quickly remove the chicken cubes from the wok as soon as they turn white, and drain in a colander or on paper towels. 4. Drain the oil out of the wok or preheat a second wok on medium high to high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil. When the oil is hot, add the crushed garlic and stir fry for 10 seconds. 5. Add the broccoli, sprinkle the salt and sugar over, and stir fry briefly, turning down the heat if necessary to make sure it doesn't burn. Add the 1/2 cup water, and cook the broccoli, covered, for 4 - 5 minutes, until it turns a bright green and is tender but still crisp. Remove from the wok and drain. 6. Clean out the wok and heat 2 more tablespoons oil. Add the broccoli and the velveted chicken, stirring and tossing to cook the chicken through. Add the sauce and cornstarch mixture in the middle of the wok and stir quickly to thicken. Mix everything together and serve hot over steamed rice.

Minted Lamb Cutlets

Ingredients 12 French-trimmed lamb cutlets 1 cup Mint and almond pesto Oven fries and steamed peas, to serve Method Step 1 Preheat a grill on medium-high heat. Place a wire rack over a large baking tray. Step 2 Place cutlets on wire rack. Spread 1 teaspoon pesto over each cutlet. Step 3 Place cutlets under grill and cook for 3 minutes. Turn cutlets over and spread 1 teaspoon pesto over uncooked side. Grill for a further 3 to 4 minutes for medium or until cooked to your liking. Serve with fries and peas.

www.fijitimescanada.com

Sports Places of Worship

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 10am to 3pm 10am to 1pm, 5pm to 8pm 10am to 1pm, 5pm to 9pm 1pm to 7pm 10am to 1pm, 5pm to 8pm 10am to 1pm, 5pm to 9pm 10am to 1pm

Friday March 14, 2014

SUBRAMANIYA SWAMY TEMPLE OF BC

8840 No. 5 Road, Richmond, BC 604.274.7906
Temple Hours

SANATAN DHARM CULTURAL SOCIETY

SHIV MANDIR 5600 DORSET STREET, BURNABY BC PH: 604 -254 -2624
HOURS OF OPER ATION Monday 5:30pm9:00pm Tuesday 7:00pm9:00pm Sunday 10:00am12 noon
Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam Educational and Cultural Society, BC, Canada (EST. 1982 Incorporated S176969)

39

For Pooja Booking Contact: Aiyaar Shivachariyar Sada Shiva

604.274.7906

COLEBROOK UNITED CHURCH

5441 - 125A St, Surrey B.C.
Affiliated with Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada

GOOD NEWS ASSEMBLY FOR JESUS

Service Time

SRI VENKATESHWARA MAHA VISHNU TEMPLE

Temple hours Monday to Sunday Daily Aarthi Ramayan Katha

9326 - 116th Street, Delta, BC

Morning 8:00am10:00am Evening 6:00pm8:00pm 7:00pm Friday 6:00pm10:00pm Pooja/Special Prayer Sessions/Temple/Hall PT. Shiu Madri 604.582.4899 PUJARI Soma Sundaran 604.363.7180 Maathar Sangam Activities & Volunteers Shakuntala Naidu 604.576.4529
Treasurer: Muniappa Naidu 604.576.4529

1pm Sundays
(Hindi & English)

James Kumar 604-581-3191 (res) 604-599-9518 (work) Cecil Labon 604-572-4854

President: H.C. Gopal 604.290.1114

Secretary: Ganesh Murti 604.315.3166

HINDI PUNJABI FRASERVIEW GOSpEL ChApEL

Sunday Service 10:30 am12:00 noon 6:30PM - 7:30PM Service in Hindustani & Punjabi Sunday School for Children

14630-107A Avenue Surrey BC V3R 1V1 Serving the community since 1972

If youre looking for a place to belong or have been searching for answers to lifes questions or healing, come to our services or contact us. Allow us to introduce you to Jesus Christ and help you come into a full relationship with him.

ABHISHEK PENTECOSTAL ASSEMBLY

Sunday School/Worship Service: 1pm 11601-82nd Ave, Delta BC (604) 590-8836 samuel_k@telus.net www.abhiskhekassembly.com Services are in Hindi and English Senior Pastor Rev. Samuel Krishna

Pastor Santosh Raj 604-582-2650 chital06@hotmail.com

ASIAN CHRIST CHURCH OF CANADA

Rev. Emmanuel Cheema 778-241-9066 asianchristchurch@yahoo.ca
Sunday Service @ 5.30 p.m. (Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi & English)
We pray for sickness, demon possessed & family problems. We have testimonies, come and see Gods great work.
You are the light of the world, a city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5: 11)

15964 88th Ave. Surrey, B.C. V4N IH5

Fiji Seniors Society Of Canada Social Gathering at 1pm - last Sunday of each month
Bhan Mati Raj 604.581.9859 James Kumar 604.599.9518 Chand Lakhan 604.599.0361 Satya Nand 604.590.5303 Bhan Pratap 604.839.5106 Thakur K.Singh 604.587.5439 Bindi Lal 778.707.1015

Progressive Cultural Centre 126 - 7536 130th Street, Surrey BC

HINDI CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

#4-6468 King George Blvd, Surrey BC

Sunday Service @ 2:00PM

Uplifting Worship | Prayer for healing | Music (CD) Available

Shailendra (Shal) Singh 604-596-7353 or 604-323-6506 | hindichristianfellowship@yahoo.ca

2nd Tuesday

GLOBAL FIJIAN ASSEMBLIES

Pastor Isimeli Lesi Korobasaga
Affiliated with Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada

Every Sunday 25PM @ Peoples Full Gospel

14455 - 104th Ave., Surrey, BC Phone: 604.592.9001 Cell: 778.938.2734 Email: lesi1968@yahoo.ca

HOSANNA TABERNACLE
Pastor Silas Naidu 604.352.1232
silas.naidu@gmail.com

NAYA JEEWAN CHURCH

38868 - 128th Street, Surrey BC

Affiliated with Pentecoastal Assemblies of Canada 6075 Inverness Street, Vancouver Sunday Services in Hindi/English 2:00pm

Service Sundays 2:00pm Bible Study (Hindi & English) Wednesdays 7:30pm
Prayer, Counselling & Visitations Available

Pastor Eileen Reddy 604.543-8339

F I JIAN METHODIST UNI T E D C H U R C H

Shree Mahalakshmi Temple 467 E 11th Ave Vancouver B.C. V5T 2C8 604 874 0175shreemahalakshmi@gmail.com Programs in March 2014
Time 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:30 pm Program Shree Lakshmi Vinayaka Japa Holi Show Holika Dahan, Shree Mahalakshmi Japa Shree Hanuman Japa Chaitri Navaratri , Gudi Padva

Ph: 604.593.5663 Pastor Sakaraia & Rev. Ema Karoi

ARYA SAMAJ SOCIETY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
(Registered under the Society Act Of BC. Registered Charity # 891336349)

12371 96 Avenue Surrey BC Sunday Service @ 6:00PM

Join for Hawan, Pravachan and Satsangh followed by Preetibhoj Every Sunday 10:00 a.m.12:00 noon Yoga, Pranayam & Meditation classes every Wednesday 7:00 p.m - 8:30 p.m.

Date 04 Tuesday 15 Saturday 16 Sunday 29 Saturday 31 Monday - April 9

Arya Samaj Centre, 6884 Jubilee Ave., Burnaby, B.C.

Read the Fiji Times Canada online www.fijitimescanada.com

Madhu Varsney, President 604.222.1444,

40 www.fijitimescanada.com

Friday March 14, 2014

Lady Gaga is under fire regarding her charity's finances, after records show an inordinate amount spent on expenses and little given to actual charity. The Born This Way Foundation's 2012 form 990 names Stefani Germanotta (a.k.a Lady Gaga) as director, and her mother Cynthia as its president. The singer's foundation claimed total revenue of $2.66 million for that fiscal year, $1.85 million of which was allocated to various operational expenses. The 501(c)(3) organization spent $406,552 on legal expenses, $348,000 on event production, $150,000 on philanthropic consulting and $77,923 on travel. In terms of grants, the foundation lists just one $5,000 grant in 2012. Born This Way aims to connect youth in safe ways and empowering them with skills and opportunities that will inspire them to create a kinder and braver world. At least some of those expenses appear to have been used for that. The Born Brave Bus Tour, which occurred in 2013, stopped at 23

Lady Gaga Charity: $1.85 Million Arthur Chu: Defeated On in Expenses, One $5K Grant Jeopardy After 11 Straight Wins!
locations and met with more than 20,000 people, according to the foundations website. Lady Gaga tweeted around the time of the bus tours launch: "For those wondering about the 'counseling' at the BTWBall BornBrave pre-show, it will be a fun tailgaiting experience for Little Monsters to unite." "At the BornBrave Bus," she went on, "you have access to professional private or group chats about mental health, bullying, school and friends." Also in her defense, according to the charitys records, none of the money spent in 2012 went to Gaga or her family, none of whom were compensated. Gaga is not the first celeb to face scrutiny over charity records. Last year, ESPN's Outside the Lines reported that Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom's charity, Cathy's Kids, had raised approximately $2.2 million since 2004. It had yet to give out a cent to cancerrelated causes.

His official winnings were $298,200 ($297,200 in 11 wins and a $1,000 third-place prize Wednesday night) good enough for third all-time in the game show's history. Only Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter have won more. "So close to $300,000. That hurt. I wanted to make it. But I was $1,800 short. I can make $1,800 someplace else," said Chu, who appears on Good Morning America. "It's been an amazing run," he said, adding of his incredible stretch, "This last couple of months has been one of the coolest experiences of my life." Chu actually only spent three days taping in November; his 11 wins were spaced out, TV-wise, for more than a month because of Jeopardy! tournaments. That allowed the legend of the #ChuChuTrain to grow on Twitter, along with his unorthodox style, hopping all over the game board in search of Daily Doubles. Furiously thumbing the buzzer, interrupting Alex Trebek and making wagers based on game theory and not random thought, he became a sensation. He often waged all he had and doubled up ... though once he bet $5 in a Sports Daily Double, and quickly dispensed with the answer by saying "I don't know."

Chu said fatigue took a toll on him. What most people don't know is that Jeopardy! tapes only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. His first four wins were on a Wednesday and he went home. Then he returned the following Tuesday from Ohio to defend his crown. On that day, he won five straight games. Then returned Wednesday for more. "At one point, I was kind of mad because Alex is like, 'Our champion Arthur had two weeks to rest.' No I didn't," he pointed out. "I had NO time to rest." Chu, always the strategist, thinks his conqueror, Diana Peloquin, a grad student from Ann Arbor, Mich., got an edge from watching him in the audience. "I have to admit that a lot of my strength came from many people being intimidated by the number of wins I had. But she came right up. She was not intimidated," he said. "She said, 'No matter what happens, it was a huge privilege to watch you.'" That fateful "cynicism" answer, in which he wagered all $7,600 he had? In the category of philosophy, the clue: "Antisthenes began this -ism with the view that self-interest is the primary motivator of human behavior." Chu replied "What is egoism?" It was cynicism. And with that, it was over. Well, until next season, when he OWNS the Tournament of Champions.

www.fijitimescanada.com

Friday March 14, 2014

41

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42 www.fijitimescanada.com

For Women/ Relationship

Friday March 14, 2014

You know how, if your pants fall down just a little tiny bit when youre leaning over and a millimeter of your crack shows? A MILLIMETER? Everyone can see that. Everyone sees it. Even the men in the space station. Blackheads are not like that. Frankly, I think blackheads, on the scale of seen to invisible probably fall somewhere in the realm of that pesky household ghost your sister tries to point out to you. Still, theyre annoying. You can see them. Mostly when you press your nose up close to the mirror. But theyre there, and you know it. Your face isnt completely clean. You want to remove blackheads; you want them banished. Lets make that happen. 5 Natural Ways to Remove Blackheads Blackheads are just pimples that dont have skin over them. Thats all they are. Because theres no skin, and theyre exposed to the air, the top layer of gunk in your pores oxidizes and turns that darkish black color. All you have to do is clean out your pores, and the blackheads are gone. Theres no need to squish and squeeze. If youre prone to blackheads, I have some good and bad news for you. The bad news is, large pores and oily skin are going to be a fact of life for you. The likelihood that youll be able to totally reverse either of those things is nil. The good news is, people with oily skin and large pores dont wrinkle as quickly (because our skin is VERY good at replenishing the oils). So when youre 60, this will be a blessing. 1. Make Exfoliation and Microdermabrasion a Part of Your Weekly Ritual There are so many things you can use to exfoliate and remove blackheads with. All of them are in your cabinets right now. Right now. My favorite is: Especially for oily skin and getting rid of blackheads. Nutmeg helps get rid of the oil, offers the scrubby power, and leaves behind really smooth skin. The lactic acid in milk helps break down old skin cells so they disappear when you rinse your face. If you really want to take it up a notch, use buttermilk instead of regular milk (it contains even more lactic acid). You could also use: Baking soda and water, lemon juice and sugar, or salt and sour cream. How you do it: Simply combine your scrubby ingredient with your liquid/ wet ingredient until you have a thin paste. Starting with a clean face, rinse it once with water, and then begin to apply your exfoliator in light, circular motions. Concentrate on the blackheads, but remember to use a very light touch. Too rough, and you could damage your skin. Do this for 3-5 minutes. Rinse well. Enjoy your clean face. 2. Do a Honey Pat-Down

Natural Ways to Remove Blackheads

Relationships
This is only slightly different than the honey face wash, in that you dont want to wet your face before you start in any way, shape, or form. (Although you do want to have a clean face before beginning.) Your honey should be very, very sticky if you want this to be as effective as possible. Simply pour a small amount of honey on your fingers and start rapidly patting the areas on your face where you want to remove blackheads. The honey will stick to the stuff in your pores, and pull it out as you remove your fingers. It will also offer gentle antibacterial and antioxidant support, so any small remnants that may be left in your pores wont oxidize (and turn black) quite as quickly. Continue doing this for 3 or so minutes, and then just rinse your face with water. 3. Use Egg Whites to Pull Out the Gunk

Marriage is a huge decision and it's best to think things through before you take the major step. It's one relationship that changes your life forever. Here are ways you can find out whether you are ready to make this big decision in your life. You've found your Mr or Miss Right The first step of knowing that you are ready for marriage is knowing that you've found your life partner. Often we come across people who we instantly click with and know that this is the person you would want to spend the rest of your life with. You love spending time with him/her You love to spend quality time with him, then surely the two of you should get married. Not only will marriage make your commitment stronger but you will have him for the rest of your life with you. Bringing out the best If he/she brings out the best in you as a person, then you should tie the knot soon. It is very important for your partner to bring out the best in you as a person. Do you see him/her as your partner in the future? Your list of signs is incomplete without the fact whether you see your partner in your life in the future. Couples who are ready to get married think in terms of 'we' and not 'I'. If you are following the same line, then it's time for you to get married.

Signs You Are Ready For Marriage

Frankly, this is one of my least favorite ways to get rid of blackheads (I dont particularly like the way eggs on my face smell, and it hasnt been as effective as the other ways for me). However, hundreds of other people swear by this method, thus I include it for your consideration. Its a prime example of how one crunchy remedy may work for one person, and not at all for another. You never, ever, ever know until you try. How to pull out the blackheads with an egg white mask: Starting with a clean face, spread egg whites all over using your fingers or a paintbrush. Start first with one thin layer and let it dry briefly. Then spread a second layer over the top and let the whole thing dry completely. You may want to focus on the blackhead areas a third time, even. Allow this mask to dry for 15 minutes. Your face will feel tight and pull a bit. This is good. Then, with a warm, wet washcloth, scrub the egg whites off your face very gently. If nothing else, your face WILL be super smooth and soft. (And probably a little more porcelain (edit: or uniform regardless of skin tone) in color for a while, too, which is a fun bonus.) Continued Next Week

Some Things You Should Keep To Yourself

Love is all about sharing and caring. But I am not sure the former should be in its entirety. At times, telling too much about yourself to your boyfriend may land you in trouble. Better safe than sorry. So it's best to hide some things in the interest of your relationship. Here you go... Don't make him feel insecure: You may want to impress him by saying it was you who ditched your Ex. Or about how good your best friend is in two-timing. Mind you, he may not take it too kindly. For one, he would think this is his future too! Your best friend's personal life: First things first do not share your best friend's phone number, email address with your boyfriend. Also, if your BFF has shared all her secrets with you, best keep it hidden from your boyfriend. For one, he may not be interested. Two, he may start showing her sympathy fuelling jealousy. Who knows it might be a point of conflict between the two of you. You might also start feeling insecure. Your passwords: Never do this even if you are married. Both of you are entitled to some space in the relationship. Sharing email passwords and ATM pins is a strict no-no. You might want to bring in the transparency issue here. Yet, it's strictly not advisable. Imagine your boyfriend reading up your online chat conversations to beat boredom and discovers you had actually ditched him to be at a party with your BFF! It would be disastrous. Do not discuss your salary details: Unless you are married and are looking at joint investments for the family, it's best not to boast about your fat paycheck. It's okay to tell him you get a decent remuneration. But not the exact details. But same applies to you too. Your boyfriend too is under no obligation to disclose his salary details. Let bygones be bygones: Your experience with your Ex was bitter to say the least. Your present boyfriend is all that he wasn't. And all you want do is go gaga over how he scores over your ex. But hold on! Control your emotions, let go off your past and live in the present. It's wise not to share any details of your past relationship with your present one. You may regret it later. When in love, it's natural to get carried away and tell him all about yourself. However, besides other reasons, one good reason for you to not share some things with him is to let him accept you the way you are. Also, let there be some part of you which he doesn't know, right?

www.fijitimescanada.com

Lifestyle

Friday March 14, 2014

43

Most Powerful Detoxing Foods

Plenty of deliciously satisfying foods have surprising detox-friendly properties that will help you boost your energy levels and cleanse your body at the same time. If youre hoping to embark on a natural detox that doesnt involve washing down kale chips and grapefruit with lemon water or wheatgrass smoothies, youre in luck. Plenty of deliciously satisfying foods have surprising detoxfriendly properties that will help you boost your energy levels and cleanse your body at the same time. Working just a few of these nutritional powerhouses into your regular diet is a better bet than starving your body with extreme detox regimens that can do more harm than good. The best part? There are no special diet books or trips to the health food store required. All of these tasty foods can be found at your local grocery store. So get ready to say goodbye, cabbage soup, and hello, cinnamon apples! Brazil Nuts smoothies to help cleanse your body of lead, cadmium and the radioactive chemical strontium. As an added bonus, seaweed is full of iodine, which is a natural metabolism-booster. Onions ingredient was such a nutritional powerhouse? Basil has anti-bacterial properties, and its full of antioxidants to protect the liver. Ginger Cinnamon

This ubiquitous kitchen staple is as healthy as it is tasty. Its brimming with sulfur-containing amino acids, which efficiently detox the liver. Raw onions deliver the most health benefits, so whip up a batch of tasty bruschetta with dinner tonight. Sesame Seeds

Kick your natural detox process into high gear by adding ginger to your diet. It spikes your metabolism and flushes out waste. Plus, a recent Columbia University study found that eating more ginger just might keep your appetite in check. Pineapple

Rev your metabolism with a dash of delicious cinnamon. It makes everything taste better, plus its full of iron, calcium and manganese. The Worlds Healthiest Foods points out that manganese is great for helping your body process fatty acids and keep blood sugar levels stable. Apples

Yes, you read that right. These tasty treats are packed with selenium, which is key to flushing mercury out of your body. However, watch your intake. You don't want to have too much mercury in your system, as the folks at Sparkle Wellness & Detox point out. Goji Berries

Eat these seeds on their own or enjoy them in a tasty tahini sauce to help protect your liver from alcohol and other toxins. Beets

This tropical delight contains bromelain, a digestive enzyme that helps cleanse your colon and improve digestion. Avocados

Everybody knows apples are good for you (they do keep the doctor away, after all). But did you know that theyre also a detox superstar? Theyre nutrientrich, plus they contain pectin, a soluble fibre that helps remove food additives and metals from your system. Fennel

Replace boring old raisins with nutrient-dense Goji berries to boost your vitamin C and beta-carotene intake. Vitamin C can help remove waste from your body, while betacarotene improves liver performance. Seaweed

This brightly coloured root vegetable is a great source of betacyanin, which has cancer-fighting properties. Plus, its full of magnesium, iron, zinc and calcium to help flush out toxins. Basil

Bring on the guac! This creamy Mexican staple does a great job of cleansing your colon, thanks to its bounty of insoluble and soluble fibre. Artichokes

If youre going through Twizzlerswithdrawal, chomping on some fennel might help. Its a root vegetable that tastes like licorice, and its packed with dietary fibre that will help you flush out toxins and boost digestion. Parsley

Sneak

some

seaweed

into

your

Who knew the Caprese salads star

These are chock full of silymarin, an antioxidant that helps your liver process toxins, and cynarin, an acid that supports your livers ability to break down fatty foods.

Those pretty green leaves dont just make your plate look great. Parsley boasts plenty of beta-carotene and vitamins A, C and K to protect your kidneys and bladder.

44

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Automotive/ Pets
2014 Honda Insight

Friday March 14, 2014

decent, with the engine and motor together moving the car efficiently. There's also adequate passing power around town, at the cost of vastly increased noise. On the highway, there's less reserve, which is where the Insight's relatively high weight and tiny engine come into conflict. Drivers need to plan their passing carefully. The 2014 Honda Insight is rated at 42 mpg combined, against the 50 mpg of the Prius C--and even the 44-mpg rating of the admittedly much more expensive Honda Civic Hybrid sedan that uses the same powertrain. With hybrid buyers being more affluent than general car buyers, the Civic Hybrid's more spacious, more luxurious cabin may seem worth its $5,000 higher cost. The base model of Honda Insight costs less than $19,000. While it includes remote entry, power windows, automatic climate control, and an audio system with two speakers, it's still fairly spartan. Most buyers will want to move up to the mid-level LX models, which adds niceties like an armrest console, map lights, a security system, and floor mats as well as a four-speaker audio system with USB interface and steering-wheel controls. At the top of the range is the Insight EX, which adds paddle shifters behind the steering wheel that provide simulated "gears" for the driver to shift for more responsive performance. Additional features include automatic headlights, heated side mirrors, and a six-speaker stereo system with Bluetooth audio linking, and alloy wheels. Navigation is optional.

As the least expensive hybrid car on the market, the Insight remains a marginal entry for Honda. It's been on the market for five years, it's never reached the sales numbers Honda hoped for, and it's now essentially outgunned in its own category-subcompact hybrid hatchbacks--by the more fuel-efficient Toyota Prius C. And as a device for carrying people and their goods, its stablemate the Honda Fit sits right next to it at dealerships and handily outsells it, at a price that starts more than $3,000 lower. The 2014 Insight is carried over unchanged. It was revamped for 2012 with a new battery pack, very minor styling updates, and revisions to the interior materials and instrument displays. The Honda Insight shares the high-tail hatchback shape of the Toyota Prius, simply because it's aerodynamically most efficient. The windshield is raked at a steep angle, and the tailgate has a small second vertical window as well as the long, almost-horizontal main glass, improving visibility. Space inside is good in front, although taller drivers may find the lower cushion of the front seat too short. But the sloping roofline makes rear-seat headroom very tight indeed, despite a reshaped headliner in 2012 that added half an inch. It's strictly a two-adult seat, though three smaller kids will fit in emergencies. Behind the wheel, drivers face a twotier instrument display like that of the Honda Civic. Above the main cluster of gauges is a digital display with various status indicators and a large numeric speed reading. The center

stack is angled toward the driver, and the climate controls are on a separate panel to the right of the driver--making them annoying to operate for front-seat passengers. The Insight handles decently, not always the case with hybrids. It's no hot hatch, but it's unquestionably more of a driver's car than the traditional (and larger) Toyota Prius, and it has the edge on the more enjoyable Prius C as well. Its stablemate the Fit is still crisper than the Insight, but it's composed at freeway speeds and handles confidently in corners. It rides well despite its small size, and it's quiet inside--until, that is, you accelerate hard. Engine howl is remarkably noisy, though the 2012 upgrade added insulation in several areas to quiet the din. Still, drive the Insight hard and the

engine will tell you just how hard it's working. That engine is a 1.3-liter fourcylinder unit, with a 10-kilowatt (14-horsepower) motor sandwiched between the engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The combined overall output is 98 hp; torque is 123 lb-ft. The motor can't move the car on its own; instead, it supplements engine output with added torque, restarts the engine after a stop, and acts as a generator to recharge the car's lithium-ion battery pack. That pack is sited under the load floor, meaning a shallow cargo bay--in contrast to the Prius C, which managed to shoehorn its battery under the rear seat next to the gas tank, providing a full-depth load bay behind the rear seat. Acceleration away from a stop is

There are actually a few theories on why dogs turn around three times before sleeping, including genetics, instinct, and general comfort. Like many other domesticated animals, dogs still retain many of the traits found in their undomesticated ancestors. In fact, modern dogs are believe to be 99% identical genetically to their common ancestor, the wild wolf. Wolves living in packs exhibit many of the same behaviors observed by owners of domestic dogs. One reason dogs turn around three times before bedding down is because that's what feels right instinctively. Ancestral wolves traveled in packs for a number of reasons, primarily to hunt animals larger than any one wolf could kill on his own. When pack animals lie down to rest, they instinctively form a

Why Do Dogs Turn Around Three Times Before Lying Down?

Tips On Removing Pet Odor

Bath and grooming products for a pet are meant to remove odor of the pets too. The pets can be cats, dogs, birds, aquarium fish or any other exotic pet. Make sure that pet odor removers are pet-safe and biodegradable. These are known to effectively remove pet odors caused by cats, dogs and other small animals and also take urine and littler stains and odor into account. Eliminating pet odors is an important step in toilet training your pet for it continues to return to the area, it has marked with its personal scent despite all the positive reinforcement that you can summon. Thus, it is important to neutralize the odor thoroughly to train your pet properly. While steam colors and heat are known to permanently set the odor and the stain on the man-made fibers of the carpets, rugs and sofas, cleaning chemicals with strong ammonia or vinegar odors are not as effective on pets to cover the urine odor as on their human counterparts. In fact, they might only encourage the pet to reinforce the urine scent mark in that particular area for better recognition. Some of the effective ideas to remove pet odors are: Washable Items can be washed in machine with one pound of baking soda to the regular detergent and then air-dry them. Enzymatic cleaners are known to clean the items and remove the odors too. Cover beds and sofas with an easy-towash, inexpensive, vinyl, flannel-backed tablecloth, which seems unattractive to your pet until it is toilet-trained. Try to clean the pet urine before it dries and soak it up using newspaper and paper towels, to be able to remove the pet odor quickly. Once it dries, the smell becomes stronger. You may also keep these in the litter box to encourage your pet to use it as a 'bathroom area'. To remove the traces of old chemical cleaners, you will have to clean the stains thoroughly in carpeting and other areas. An extractor or wet-vac or a vacuum cleaner is quiet efficient and economical for the purpose. After thorough cleaning, a high-quality pet odor neutralizer can be used while following the instructions on its pack carefully. You can also neutralize the odor by alternating baking soda and vinegar. After cleaning, sprinkle the area with baking soda and leaving it overnight. Next morning sweep it up and then use a strong vinegar wash. Then rinse the area. After the few hours, the smell of vinegar evaporates up by itself. You can also save your pets from having bad breath or body odor by giving them natural and healthy food, bathing them up properly and grooming and brushing them up regularly. Consistent care of the animals significantly reduces pet odors or eliminate them completely.

tight circle to take advantage of their neighbor's body heat. Perhaps dogs perform a similar action today because the practice has become ingrained after thousands of years. When wild packs of dogs do this in the wild, they may be establishing their territory and orienting themselves within the circle. Another reason some experts believe dogs walk around before lying down is to trample down the area for comfort. A pack of wild dogs may decide to bed down on a grassy field, for instance, so the individual dogs turn around to force the tall grasses down. This may also expose any hazards or obstructions. This trampling behavior is often observed in domesticated dogs who use padded dog beds or sleep outdoors routinely.

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Hall of famer Vijay Singh owns three major championships among 34 PGA Tour wins with earnings of $68 million but is virtually unknown to fans and fellow players. Winston Churchill famously described Russia as a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma in a radio broadcast in the early days of World War II. Seventy-five years later, the former British prime ministers words could describe one of golfs biggest mysteries. Vijay Singh. In more than three decades of professional golf, Singh has amassed three major championships among his 34 PGA Tour victories and earnings of $68 million. For all of those accomplishments, the native Fijian remains virtually unknown to golf fans, the media and even most players on Tour. His bust in the World Golf Hall of Fame might as well be draped with a shroud, given the secrecy surrounding Singh. To those who have been part of his tight inner circle, however, the man is revered for giving his time and treasure to those in need. That generous spirit stands in contrast with the public feud unfolding between Singh and the PGA Tour. Last year, Singh was implicated in a Sports Illustrated article about performanceenhancing drugs for his use of deerantler spray. Though cleared months later of any wrongdoing, Singh in May filed a lawsuit in New York Supreme Court against the Tour, claiming that his reputation had been permanently harmed. The case is ongoing amid rumors of the Tours hefty settlement offer that Singh has declined. Lawyers for the Tour and Singh have said little about settlement talks while the court weighs the Tours motion to dismiss the suit. To those who know Singh, its no surprise that he is standing up for his reputation, regardless of the financial cost. Its not about money, said Chad Reynolds, who caddied for Singh in 2007-10. He is one of the most generous people I have ever met. When youre with Vijay, the one good thing these guys (on Tour) dont get, it is a team. Him and his caddie, thats a team. Thats his team. Thats it. Thats all he relies on. If half these guys got it, theyd be a lot more successful; they really would. But its not about the money. Reynolds, who lives about 15 minutes from Singhs home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla, spent most of his time with Singh at two places: a golf tournament or the back of the range at TPC Sawgrass. Vijay is hitting balls for eight hours a day, Reynolds said. Wed show up at 10. We never went inside for lunch. Lunch was always brought to us on the back of the range. Wed go from 10 to 6 on his off week, every day. Saturday, Sunday, didnt matter. Tournament weeks were even harder,

with Reynolds on the bag two hours before Singhs tee time, a fourplus-hour round and then practice afterwards. It was a 10-12-hour day for Reynolds, and then many times Singh would want to go to dinner together. The mandate for implicit loyalty and long hours made Reynolds time with Singh eventually impracticable, but the rewards were as outsized as the demands. Reynolds, who went to work for Nick Watney in 2010, parted amicably with Singh. Predecessor Paul Tesori says he paid a steeper price: 24 days off total in 2001-02, his first of two stints on Singhs bag. There wasnt a whole lot of time for the rest of life, Tesori said. I lost a marriage over it. I wasnt willing to change my job because I knew obviously it was the chance of a lifetime financially. Tesori, who also lived in Ponte Vedra, witnessed the beginning of one of the best stretches in professional golf. From 2002 to 08, Singh won 25 times including nine in 2004, when he climbed to No. 1 in the world. Vijay, in my opinion, is a golf savant, and the fact that he is so knowledgeable about the game, what makes it work, how to practice, how to prepare, how to see golf courses, and the demand that he has as far as excellence, Tesori said. I was already a hard worker when I went to work for him, but he taught me what hard work was really about and what dedication was. Tesori struggled as a Tour player from 1997 to 99. Broke for much of the time, Tesori befriended Singh, who knew that Tesori could improve only one way: practice. So, Tesori says that Singh paid him $100 a day to practice. Tesori wasnt allowed to play, just practice. Singh would come over in the middle of the session and provide pointers and encouragement. Singh disputes that he paid Tesori to practice but called it a bet. A bet that Tesori would win. He really does have a heart of gold, Tesori said. When Tesori transitioned from golfer to caddie, landing a bag such as Singhs proved to be a big coup, professionally and financially. But eventually the money was not enough, and the deeply religious Tesori could not bear leaving his family on Easter to drive 15 minutes to work with Singh on the range. Four weeks later, the relationship was over. I think his wife said one time, they celebrated four holidays a year: the Masters, the U.S. Open, the British Open, the PGA, Tesori said. Its his love. His passion, his profession, his hobby and his addiction are all the same thing. Theyre all hitting balls; theyre all golf. At the time I didnt look at it that way. I took it personal, but it wasnt really him being personal

Vijay Singh, A Golf Savant

TIMES SPORTS
about it. It was just him. Thats all he could think about. Tesoris stories about Singh, like Reynolds, swing toward extremes. Like Reynolds, Tesori holds a similar view on Singh and his lawsuit against the Tour. Oh, I dont think any of this is about money for him at all, Tesori said. Everything has always been for Vijay about principle. Thats because of going through that deal when he was younger. He made sure that he never wanted to be painted in that light ever again. That deal refers to a two-year suspension from the Asian Tour in 1985 after Singh was determined to have improved his scorecard by a stroke to make the cut at the Indonesian Open. Singh accepted the punishment and moved to Borneo to teach, but the scars from that incident still run deep. When Singh was accused of trying to gain an advantage with deer-antler spray, he acted to clear his name. I think hes kept himself clean as anybody, especially with the rules and with everything else, said Ernie Els, a four-time major champion and Hall of Famer. I really feel for him. I wish he could get happy because I think it really bugs him. Like a child with older siblings, David Clarke benefitted from what Tesori and Reynolds had experienced upon landing Singhs bag and experienced a mellower boss. I enjoyed his environment, Clarke said. He looked after me so well. I mean, whatever I pretty much wanted, he was willing to do. It was a great experience for me. If Singh were having an issue with chipping, he would hit balls out of the bunker so he could work on getting a clean strike on the ball. Clarke would be there all the way, raking the bunker. When he injured a wrist, Singh stayed on the range hitting shots one-handed off a tee to keep his game in shape, and Clarke would tee the balls up for him. Clarke also would walk on Singhs back to help loosen it or condition an area that was hurting.

Friday March 14, 2014

45

Singh also liked to hit a practice driver with a weighted head into a set of four pillows in his hotel room. On the range at Sawgrass, Singh would have Clarke get a cart tire and Singh would hit the tire down the range at 4 yards a clip. We were at L.A. one year, and we were on Venice Beach hitting a tire, Clarke said. All these people are walking down Venice Beach, and its me and Vijay hitting this tire down Venice Beach because he had this thing, if you could stand on the sand, all that sand that moves about and still do it some of his method of madness was frightening. Clarke recalls Singhs frequent acts of kindness, notably when the caddie faced steep costs to secure a green card for his wife. Within 24 hours, hed wired $10,000 into my account to then start the process for her, and then said to me pay me back in the next month or whenever we have a good week. Reynolds had similar experiences of generosity. With a family and a young child, Reynolds would at times bring his son, Caleb, to the range so that they could spend time together while Reynolds worked for Singh. He was very generous with us, said Reynolds, citing pro-ams in which Singh would give $10,000 payments to his trainer and caddie. For his part, Singh brushes off any perceived largesse as merely fair compensation for the performance that he demands. Youve got to pay the guys what you need to pay them, Singh said Jan. 9 after a first-round 70 in the Sony Open at Waialae Country Club. Its not being generous. Its what they deserve if you work hard enough and they work with you. It comes with the territory. None of the former caddies believes that Singh would cheat. Nor do they think that he would be interested in a financial settlement. One of Singhs advisers says Singh wants only to sit with commissioner Tim Finchem and receive a genuine apology. Thats not likely to happen before the New York court rules on the Tours motion.

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Don Cherry says he wasn't impressed with Roberto Luongo's snarky tweets about his former team. Luongo, who was traded from Vancouver to the Florida Panthers last week, sent out a couple of tweets Thursday during the Canucks' 6-1 loss to the Dallas Stars, saying he'd be able to mop the game up nicely if he was still with the team. Cherry used his Coach's Corner segment on Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday to respond to Luongo, telling him to "keep (his) mouth shut." "These guys were pretty good to you, Roberto," Cherry said. "They give you $60 million dollars, they send you to Florida to where you wanted and what do you do? You send a text to them making fun of them that you'd mop up. "What kind of guy are you? You know how much I think of you. Let's knock it off. They're down, they're having a tough time right now ... You're in paradise, keep your mouth shut." Cherry also talked about last Wednesday's trade between the

Don Cherry To Former Canuck Roberto Luongo: "Keep Your Mouth Shut
Lightning and Rangers which sent Martin St. Louis from Tampa Bay to New York in exchange for Ryan Callahan and draft picks. The hockey commentator said he believed St. Louis would not have asked to be traded had he not been snubbed by Steve Yzerman on the original Team Canada Olympic roster. "He's really getting ripped, I see signs and all that, you don't understand," Cherry said. "This guy, he's got pride." With St. Louis out of the picture in Tampa Bay, Cherry said he's worried about new Lightning captain Steven Stamkos, who's now without "his mentor." Cherry showed footage of Stamkos scoring off passes from St. Louis and compared the two to Hall of Famers Adam Oates and Brett Hull, who were on the St. Louis Blues together until Feb. 1992 when Oates was traded to Boston. "When (Stamkos) gets in a slump, the first thing he's going to say is 'where's Marty?'" Cherry said.

TIMES

TIMES SPORTS

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Friday March 14, 2014

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