N0155. AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL claims there has an increase in the number of detentions by the military in the last week. I would be grateful if readers would provide some hard facts (who, when, for how long, why, and why now) on the brief detention of journalist Felix Chaudhry, the arrest of Sam Speight and of other unnamed trade unionists and politicians who have been critical of government. Please distinguish between hard facts, if possible with sources acknowledged, presumed facts based on hearsay, and your opinions. You may reply by commenting on this post N0155 or directly to my email address croz.walsh@xtra.co.nz Please use N0155 in your comment.
N0156. BENEFITS FROM LAND BANK. Five landowning units in Bua Province will receive more than $986,000 in lease money today from the new Bauxite Mine lease in Nawailevu. Lessee Aurum Exploration has agreed that landowners will be given the first preference on unskilled and skilled employment provided they meet the criteria required. Naiwailevu is an example of where the use of the Government's Land Bank brings unused land into production while giving lessors guaranteed rents (and possible employment) and lessees assured long-term tenure.
N0157. IMPROVING POTATO SELF-SUFFICIENCY. Representatives of some 300 potato farmers met in Sigatoka on Wednesday to discuss how to reduce Fiji's import of $19 million worth of potatoes a year to $16 million by next year. Minister for Primary Industries, Joketani Cokanasiga, said: "In order to achieve this goal set in the Strategic Development Plan, 442 hectares will be planted in year one producing 5,300 tonnes. A target of 884 hectares yielding 10,600 tonnes is being earmarked for year two and 1326 hectares producing 15,900 tonnes for year three.” Last year was a trial year. Two varieties were planted on 58 hectares. Some 66 tonnes of Ilam Hardy and 34 tonnes of Red Rascal planted and about 500 tonnes were harvested.
Government has allocated $260,000 under the Food Security Program to plant 133 hectares with an expected yield of 1066 tonnes.Farmers are expected to earn $1.1m from that production level. -- Based on No. 0477/MOI and No.0481/MOI.
N0158. LANGUAGE COMMISSION SUGGESTED. President of the Fijian Teachers Association Tevita Koroi has called for the establishment of an itaukei language commission to help safeguard the itaukei language and the proper usage of its different dialects. He said the media and younger people sometimes mix formal and informal words and expressions that should be used separately for formal and informal occasions.
USP Language professor Dr Paul Geraghty agreed thought a language commission would be useful but the commissioners should be itaukei langauge experts who would suggest and share ideas on ways the itaukei language can be better maintained or promoted.” He also supported Koroi on the idea of setting up a data base to help programming the language into the Microsoft computer system like other vernacular languages in countries overseas. -- Based on 2011, No: 480/MOI.
N0159.TYPHOID UPDATE. Deputy Secretary for Public Health Dr Joe Koroivueta said there was a total of 43 suspected cases from the eight upper Naitasiri villages. "There are no links to any other place in Fiji and the 10 hospitalised cases have been treated and are now at home. -- Fiji Times.
