From Fiji Sun (17 October 2024)

Joe's Farm Makes a Comeback

The first of many Joe's Farm buildings is under construction at Ratu Mara Road, where a three-storey complex will be completed by December next year.

by Frederica Elbourne

Michael Joe is back.

Since COVID-19, he has evolved from farmer and grocer to landlord and now property developer.

Yesterday, he hosted a ground breaking ceremony for a $6 million project that is going up in the capital.

It comes after he closed his popular supermarket Joe's Farm.

Officiating at the event in Samabula was Tui Suva, Sanaila Madanavosa, who heaped accolades on the enterprising nature of the development.

The first of many Joe's Farm buildings is under construction at Ratu Mara Road, where a three-storey complex will be completed by December next year.

His testimony is steeped in reinventing the business wheel.

A serial entrepreneur, he is a man of many hats; from farmer, golfer, exporter and grocer to business consultant, investor and more.

"We set up a joint venture with Cibus New Zealand, to export locally grown produce from other farms around the country," he said.

"We're also working with the Government to set up contracts for farmers."

The rewards of one of his many business initiatives will pay off this month when he exports coconuts and dalo from Rotuma.

"A truck will go around the island to collect both products for export in what is a first for Rotuma," Mr Joe said.

"We have the first shipment coming from Rotuma for New Zealand."

Mr Joe's secret to success is simple: Fear the Lord.

From Fiji Times (30 August 2024)

Airport upgrade completed before schedule; Council applauds runaway works

By Talebula Kate

The Rotuma Island Council has applauded the completion of the works carried out on the island airport runway by Fiji Airports and the project contractors, Flame Tree Development (Fiji) Pte Ltd

Works on the runway pavement upgrade at the Rotuma Airport which included landslip remediation works, runway shoulder resealing and fence upgrade was completed well ahead of schedule.

The Fiji Airports projects team was on the island recently for the official handover by the contractors and also to witness the completion of the project works.

In a statement, Council Chairman, Gagaj Manav acknowledged Fiji Airports and the contractors for the work on the island runway.

"The Council and I are grateful for the work carried out on the island airport runway and to meet the team that are here to work on the airport runway," Gagaj Manav said.

Fiji Airports Chief Executive Officer, Mesake Nawari said runway project contractors, Flame Tree Development (Fiji) Pte Ltd did a marvellous job on the runway and executed the upgrade works well giving it the much-needed upgraded safety features.

"The runway pavement maintenance work is essential in our operations, and we acknowledge the contractors for completing the maintenance ahead of time," Mr Nawari said.

"I also thank our customers and stakeholders for their unwavering support during the two week maintenance work with the bi-weekly flight operations unaffected at all.

"We also acknowledge the Rotuma Island Council, the seven chiefs and traditional owners who were present at the airport to witness the completion of this major upgrade works."

He said the project timeline was conducted in consultation with stakeholders prior to its commencement.

Fiji Airports had earlier this year announced a $10million investment to undertake runway pavement maintenance projects on five of its 13 outer island stations including Labasa, Rotuma, Savusavu, Lakeba, and Matei (Taveuni).

Mr Nawari said this is part of the ongoing maintenance works for all the outer island airports, reflecting the company's commitment to maintaining government-owned outer island airports.

Mr Nawari added Fiji Airports will continue its negotiations with the government for funding to further enhance facilities at outer island airports and Nausori.

"The scheduled maintenance work at the five airports is fully funded by Fiji Airports," Mr Nawari stated.

The Rotuma Airport is one of the 14 Fijian Government-owned airports managed by Fiji Airports.

The Rotuma Island Council (seven district chiefs) were also given a tour of the runway, apron and taxiway tour after a brief introduction of the airport operations and business.

From Fiji Roads Authority (Posted on Facebook. August 9, 2024)

Public Advisory

Temporary Closure of Oinafa Jetty, Rotuma to Carry Out Emergency Repair

Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) would like to advise members of the public that the Oinafa Jetty, Rotuma will be closed from 07th August to allow for repair works on the jetty.

The jetty closure duration shall be 6 weeks from the date of closure

During this time, the jetty will only allow for side berthing due to the repair works on the ramps. For safety reasons, public access to the jetty will be limited during construction works.

Jetty closure advisory signs shall be posted in advance of the closure period and the public are requested to plan their travel accordingly.

For further queries or additional information, please contact FRA on the toll-free number 5720 (weekdays 8am to 5pm) or via email at info@fijiroads.org

From RNZ.Co (1 August 2024)

Fijian youth leader Broderick Mervyn is youngest recipient of Vanuatu independence medal

By Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai

The youngest recipient of the Vanuatu Independence Commemorative Medal says the country's leadership in recognising and appreciating emerging leaders sets a powerful example for the entire Pacific.

Fijian citizen, Broderick Mervyn, 28, was honoured in a ceremony at the State House in Port Vila.

Mervyn said the honour not only recognises his contributions to youth empowerment through the 'Professionalising Youth Work in the Pacific' modules; but also underscores Vanuatu's commitment to excellence.

"As someone of Rotuman lineage who grew up in Fiji, I am profoundly honoured to receive the prestigious Vanuatu Independence Commemorative Medal, marking me as the youngest recipient from Oceania," he said.

Vanuatu President Nikenike Vurobaravu presented the medal as part of the festivities commemorating Vanuatu's 44th year of independence this week.

Drawing comparisons to the US Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded to notable figures, such as multiple Olympic gold medallist artistic gymnast Simone Biles and swimmer Katie Ledecky, Mervyn said the award emphasises the critical importance of nurturing young talent.

"This accolade is more than a recognition - it serves as a clarion call to all Pacific nations to uplift and empower our emerging leaders, fostering a culture that believes nothing is impossible and always strives for excellence."

Mervyn said Vanuatu's precedence in championing emerging leaders and addressing Pacific challenges provides a blueprint for cultivating regional agencies focused on youth empowerment.

"This initiative is essential as, to this day, no dedicated Oceania youth agency has been founded. Such agencies could play a pivotal role in tackling the multitude of challenges faced by the Pacific."

Mervyn expressed gratitude to his family, mentors, and friends, for their support.

Additional information and photos