Archived News: March 2019

Rotumans in Auckland have remembered the victims of the Christchurch terrorist attacks by planting flowers at the Masjid E Umar Mosque in the suburb of Mt Roskill.

The island community have been shocked and saddened by the shootings which killed 50 people and injured another 50 naccording to Auckland Rotuman Fellowship group leader Faga Fasala.

It is their duty to respect and stand with the rest of New Zealand and send a message to our Muslim brothers and sisters that they are not alone during "these darkest of days" said Mr Fasala.

"It's symbolic of the love, the care that we have for one another, especially living here in Aotearoa," he said.

"We believe that whatever happens to anyone, it is duly our respect and our love for other people for us to show the importance of - especially - life."

The Rotuman community will return to the mosque, said Mr Fasala, to plant more flowers.

He said there had been overwhelming support from people in Auckland bringing flowers and praying at the mosque.

Mr Fasala said a resident of Mt Roskill was touched by the group's gesture and she had volunteered to bring a plaque to place among the flowers.

"When such events like the attacks in Christchurch occur, it is only right that those of us left behind come together to show support to the victims and their families," he said.

Mr Fasala said the senseless taking of innocent lives should not be condoned by anyone or any community.

He added people who bring terror on others must be dealt with severely by the authorities.

Rotumans living in New Zealand have been urged to work together to save their language which is spoken on the northernmost island of Fiji.

With their culture listed as vulnerable by the United Nation's UNESCO agency, the community launched language classes over the weekend.

Rotuman language teacher Fesaitu Solomone said the New Zealand Rotuman community planned to work closely with the Pacific Education Centre to develop programmes.

"We the Rotuman people really need to take ownership as I said to the group at the launch. That we are the owners of our language. That's our identity. So we need to take advantage of that and teach the language. And the first place we all learn language with our own mother tongue is actually from the home," she said.

Fesaitu Solomone helped the PEC launch the Rotuma language teaching and Pasifika education programme in 2017.

Ms Solomone said the second launch of the language classes will be held in Hamilton this Saturday.

The group is also preparing for Rotuma Day celebrations from May 12 to19 this year.

President Jioji Konrote concluded his week-long official visit of his home island, Rotuma, but not
before re-iterating and inspiring Rotumans to lead a healthy lifestyle and take care of the environment.

While visiting the Christ the King Primary School in Sumi on Rotuma, President Konrote planted 30 more trees with the teachers and students as part of the 4 Million Tree in 4 Years campaign.

President Konrote enlightened the students on the importance of sustainably managing their
environment.
"Because of climate change we are having a lot of problems like soil erosion, coral bleach, and changing weather pattern," he said.

"For your information Fiji tops the world as one of the country with the highest rate of
diabetes and other NCO-related ailments.

"As parents, you need to feed your children with the right food to avoid having diabetes. Stop giving them genetically modified foods.

"It is alarming that in the world today, in every six seconds someone dies from
diabetes.

"Government has been advocating the Fijians to become productive citizens. However, NCO related ailments also affects productivity."

John Tami, a well-known retired secondary school teacher, who is assisting the management of Christ the King Primary School in Rotuma, praised President Konrote for his wisdom and inspiration.

"The President is the most distinguished and most decorated Rotuman," Mr Tami said.

"The fact that His Excellency grew up in Rotuma makes us even more proud. And I hope that our young ones that are growing up will be inspired and aspire for greater things.

"We are thankful for your noble advice on NCO and living a healthy life. And making us aware of the negative impacts of climate change on Rotuma. We can see coastal erosions first hand.

"And I am very happy that the President has highlighted simple practical ways that cost us nothing but will empower us to actually do something, instead ofjust waiting for Government assistance." Mr Tami said.

'Things like eating nutritious food, in Rotuma food and fruits are in abundance.

"It is for us to actually change our mindset and follow the whole idea of wellness.

"I would like to thank you for your humility, for your integrity, for your simplicity, for your dedication and for your love and concern for the nation and especially for those of us who are in Rotuma," Mr Tami said.

PRESIDENT Jioji Konrote concluded his week-long trip to Rotuma by planting trees and advocating people to live healthier lifestyles and to take care of their pristine environment.

During a visit to Christ the King Primary School in Sumi, Mr Konrote planted 30 trees as part of Government’s 4 million trees in 4 years campaign.

“Because of climate change we are having a lot of problems like soil erosion, coral bleaches and changing weather patterns,” he said.

“In my capacity as the President, I am also championing the fight against NCDs.

“For your information, Fiji tops the world as one of the countries with the highest rate of diabetes and other NCDs related ailments.

Mr Konrote urged parents to feed children the right food to avoid them developing diabetes.

“It is alarming that in the world today, in every six seconds someone dies from diabetes.

Retired teacher and prominent Rotuman, John Tami, acknowledged Mr Konrote for visiting the school.

Mr Tami said coastal erosion, temperature increase and coral bleaching were major issues.

PRESIDENT Jioji Konrote had a special meeting with the Rotuma Island Council which was attended by seven chiefs from seven districts this week.

The seven chiefs of Rotuma acknowledged the achievements of one of their own sons in a traditional ceremony on the island.

During the meeting, Rotuma Island Council acting chairman Gagaj Kauseraf thanked President Konrote for making Rotuma proud, and for being appointed Head of State for a second term.

“Sir, the chiefs of Rotuma wish to extend to you their deepest appreciation for being appointed the Head of our Nation, the first Rotuman native to hold such a high and noble position and we are so proud of you,” Gagaj Kaseraf said.

“We are preparing our traditional ceremony to honour you as a sign of our appreciation as one of Rotuma’s most successful sons. May God keep you in good health as you carry on your work in the highest office of the land,” said Gagaj Kaseraf.

President Konrote told the chiefs of Rotuma that it was a humbling experience for both him and the First Lady to be accorded a traditional ceremony of appreciation.

PRESIDENT Jioji Konrote says his dedication is towards serving the people of his nation.

This was his sentiment while speaking to students of Motusa Primary School in Rotuma during the planting of trees as part of the ‘4 million trees in 4 years’ campaign.

“I look forward to continue to serve our own people until the end of my term. When I took over the appointment as your President a few years ago, I reminded Government, the Vanua and the church that as President I am the chief servant of this nation,” Mr Konrote said.

“That’s probably why God did not allow me to come back to Rotuma after my service in the Fiji Military Forces. God had other plans for me and here I am serving my fellow Fijians with a purpose.”

More than one hundred students and their teachers welcomed the President and the First Lady with a devotion and hymn before the President embarked in planting of trees in the school compound with the joyful participation of the students of Motusa Primary School.

These were the words of President Jioji Konrote who is utilising his tour of Rotuma to raise awareness on the importance of environment preservation and more importantly on the impacts of climate change.

“Fiji as the immediate past President of COP23 strongly lobbied for preservation of land and sea resources. Don’t forget God gave us a beautiful world but unfortunately human beings continue to destroy nature” Mr Konrote said.

Mr Konrote says planting 4 million trees in 4 years is Fiji’s significant contribution towards the betterment of our ‘Mother Nature’ and our future generations.

“The way we farm, the way we interact with the land, the way we fish in the ocean. And because of that, the world is becoming very dirty. We’ve spoilt a lot of good things.”

Mr Konrote planted trees at Rotuma High School as well as Motusa Primary School during his tour.

YOU have got to learn to be obedient. Obedient starts within a home, you are going to be our leaders of tomorrow

President Jioji Konrote said this while officiating at the Rotuma High School prefects’ investiture ceremony yesterday.

The young leaders got to learn a lesson or two about leadership from Mr Konrote reminded students to continue challenging their limits, be innovative, visionary and have the courage to stand for what is right.

“You are the team leaders for these young boys and girls. I congratulate you all. Now let me remind you that leadership is all about serving. Leadership is the ability to get people what you want them to do. And they will only do that if they have trust and confidence in you,” Mr Konrote said.

Konrote also reflected his days as a school prefect and now as the Head of State to communicate some valuable lessons to some 36 students of Rotuma High School.

“Your appointment as prefects comes with a lot of responsibilities, and you must undertake these responsibilities with courage, tenacity, righteousness and humility.”

President Major General (Ret'd) Jioji Konrote was impressed with the development works on Rotuma.

On the fourth day of his tour, President Konrote visited the various Government facilities and met civil servants working on these projects on the island.

After inspecting the military parade by the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Engineers, President Konrote toured the Rotuma Hospital which is currently under construction.

Once completed, the new hospital will uplift the standard of medical services delivered on the island.

President Konrote also visited the Rotuma Power House, the Biosecurity office, the Rotuma Virgin Coconut Oil factory, as well as patients at the temporary hospital who are currently being accommodated at the Rotuma Island Council building.

"I am here to visit you in my capacity as your President of the nation and I am here to tell you that the Fijian Government has very inclusive development strategies. No Fijian will be left behind in our socio-economic policies and plans," President Konrote said.

President Konrote thanked the civil servants of Rotuma for their hard work and commitment towards the development on the island.

"I would like to thank those of you who have left your families and lovedones back on the mainland, Viti Levu or Vanua Levu. Ispeak from experience; let me tell you something, it's not easy to leave your loved ones and to go away:'

"I bring no special gift to thank you individually but with the greetings of the Honorable Prime Minister, the Government and the people of Fiji to commend you for your hard work.

"Some of you have been here for years. The engineers I've been told that after five months they need to head back home. But for civil servants, government officials and NGOs who are based here in Rotuma, it's going to take a long time before you are heading back home."

"I would like to say how pleased I am to fly all the way from Nadi within an hour and a half to touch down at the newly-renovated Rotuma Airport. For those ofwho are familiar with the sea voyage, a journey to Rotuma could be a daunting task.

"It's through your hard work and commitment that all these developments are happening."

Fiji's President Jioji Konrote says the planting of trees is everyone's responsibilty to improve the country's future.

Mr Konrote and his wife Sarote are on a tour of their island home, Rotuma, to promote his initiative to plant four million trees in four years.

Launched in Suva last month, Mr Konrote said the Tree Planting Initiative will benefit communities that rely on the forestry sector.

Mr Konrote said he also hopes that women, youth, schools and villagers will plant fruit trees, ornament trees, and trees for timber to non-wood species and mangroves.

The Konrotes also visited Rotuma's senior citizens and attended a church service led by the women of Motusa District.

PRESIDENT Jioji Konrote visited the various government facilities and met civil servants working on these projects on the island of Rotuma during his fourth day of tour on the island.

Mr Konrote who was impressed with the development works on Rotuma inspected a military parade by the RFMF engineers before touring the Rotuma Hospital which is currently under construction.

Once completed, the new hospital will uplift the standard of medical services delivered on the island.

Mr Konrote also visited the Rotuma Power House, the Biosecurity office and the Rotuma Virgin Coconut Oil factory.

After-which he visited patients at the temporary hospital at the Rotuma Island Council building.

"I am here to visit you in my capacity as Your President of the nation and I am here to tell you that the Fiji Government has very inclusive development strategies. No Fijian will be left behind in our socio-economic policies and plans," Mr Konrote said.

THE Fijian Government has implemented a number of programs that are geared towards the welfare of our elderly citizens.

President Jioji Konrote said this during his second day of tour on his home island of Rotuma.

Mr Konrote and the First Lady, Sarote Konrote paid them a surprise visit to the senior citizens on island, a promise Mr Konorte made to himself before leaving for Rotuma to pay respect to those who had dedicated their lives for the betterment of the island and the country.

"It has been an honor to visit the senior citizens of Rotuma especially when I have been away from my Island home, serving our beloved nation as Your Head of State"

"Although the main aim of my tour is to continue advocating on the planting of 4 million trees in 4 years Initiative, which I launched last month, it is also a good opportunity to visit our senior citizens on the island, to seek their blessings and include them in our noble journey," said Mr Konrote said.

Mr Konrote accompanied by Mrs Konrote visited several senior citizens on Rotuma one of whom was 79-year-old Susana Makrava who is the widow of the late Visanti Makrava, the former General Manager of the then National Bank of Fiji.

Mrs Makrava's excitement as well as emotions could not be hidden as Mr Konrote and his wife arrived at her double storey home in the District of Oinafa.

"Your Excellency, and your wife Sarote, I am deeply touched by your visit today. I never thought of hosting the country's President and the First Lady at my residence. Thank you very much for caring for senior citizens like me, May God Almighty bless both of you with longer life. It is my prayer that God will take care of you and your team," Mrs Makrava said.

Mr and Mrs Konrote were also invited to Sabbath gathering by the Senior Pastor of the Motusa Seventh Day Adventist Church in Rotuma, Pastor Melisa Vakaloloma.

President Jioji Konrote, First Lady, Sarote Konrote with 79-year-old Susana Makrava who is the widow of the late Visanti Makrava and a senior police officer. Picture: SUPPLIED

Supplied Content

The Rotuman Community in Auckland has announced commencement of Rotuman Language Classes, marking the ‘International Mother Language Day,’ observed throughout the world on February 21, 2019 as a United Nations approved programme.

Organised by the Auckland Rotuman Fellowship Group Incorporated (ARFGI), the endangered Rotuman language is being taught by elders and qualified teachers.

Chairperson Faga Fasala said, “We took the initiative using our own funds and resources, to move things forward and help save our unique language.”

The Language Classes, which are free, open to everyone including Non-Rotumans will be held every Saturday from 6 pm at the Fickling Convention Centre in Three Kings, Mount Albert Road, Auckland.

“Language is what makes us who we are and is part of our culture and identity. It is our duty to preserve this invaluable taonga,” Mr Fasala said.

ARFGI is also hosting the ‘Rotuman Language Week 2019 in Auckland from May 12 to May 19, 2019.

About Rotumans

Rotuman people are a separate ethnic group with their own distinct language, culture and identity, and originate from the Polynesian Island of Rotuma.

Rotuma consists of the island of Rotuma and its nearby islets and is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, about 500 kms north of Fiji, and 500 kms west of Wallis & Futuna.

The British annexed Rotuma on May 13, 1881 (‘Rotuma Day’). Although a nation by itself, Rotuma is currently administered by Fiji as a dependency.

Endangered Language

The Rotuman language is currently listed on the UNESCO List of Endangered Languages as “Vulnerable.”

Rotuma is described as ‘Untouched Paradise’ with some of the world’s most pristine and beautiful beaches.

For information, please contact AREFGI President George Nonu on 021-08792415 or Deputy Secretary Jioji Vai on 021-02782216. Email: info@rotuma.website

The late Colonel Paul Fanifau Manueli was described by many as a gentleman, a visionary and one who contributed selflessly to the nation. He was from Noa'tau District in Rotuma. He was 85 years old.

In fact, he was also a Colonel of the Regiment - a title only bestowed upon distinguished officers.

As such the Republic of Fiji Military Forces will today fire 15 blank rounds from a IDS pound artillery weapon during the funeral at Lovonilase Cemetery. The late Colonel Manueli was the first local Commander of the then Royal Fiji Military Forces. He was said to be the chief architect of the peacekeeping initiative mooted by the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara.

Along with his senior officers within the RFMF, they put in motion a plan that resulted in Fijian soldiers taking part in peacekeeping missions around the world. It enabled Fiji to realise a dream that finally became a reality in 1978. Colonel Manueli was also instrumental in the formation
of the Navy and the RFMF Engineers.

Apart from his distinguished military career, Colonel Manueli also thrived as a business leader.

He was General Manager of the Suva-based British Petroleum in the South Pacific. He also served on a number of boards.

In 1988, Colonel Manueli was appointed to chair the Constitution Review
Commission.

Opposition leader Sitiveni Rabuka in his tribute said it was an honour and privilege to work with Colonel Manueli as Finance Minister from 1992-1996. He became Minister for Home Affairs and Justice from -1999.

He was also instrumental in the Joint Parliamentary Sector Committee UPSC) that implemented the 1996 Reeves Constitution Review Commission Report resulting in the 1997 Constitution which restored Fiji back into the fold of the international community.

The late Colonel Manueli was visionary, and had the interest of all people in Fiji. He was brilliant in business and had an instinct for financial management ad strategic planning.

He lived an exemplary life and contributed selflessly for the national interest. He has left behind a legacy that is hard to match.