JULY, 2013

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF THE SIGATOKA TOWN COUNCIL

VOLUME 1 NUMBER 1

Moving forward
New administrator joins hands with residents to take the town ahead
By SHALENDRA PRASAD A special taskforce committee which includes important stakeholders has been formed to look at pressing issues in Sigatoka with a major focus on beautification and cleanliness. While meeting ratepayers and residents of the township, newly appointed special administrator Jay Whyte said a lot has to be achieved and this can be only possible through the participation of people. Following his appointment to the top post, Mr Whyte invited ratepayers and business houses to the first consultative meeting which was held on Tuesday, June 18 at the Sai Hall. Many ideas were shared during the open forum and the Sigatoka Town Council will be working closely with all stakeholders to see things are moving in the right direction. A lot has been discussed in the meeting and we are now moving in to fulfill everything agreed between the council and residents, Mr Whyte added. He said the council has also written to the relevant authorities to hand over the old bridge which is now a hundred years old back to the council as there are plans for it to be upgraded as an attraction for

Sigatokas new special administrator Jay Whyte, left, with AttorneyGeneral Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum who is also acting as the Minister for Local Government. Photo: SHALENDRA PRASAD.

visitors and residents. We have also been receiving a lot of complaints about the public conveniences and work has already started to address the issue

as we now have a floor plan done with actual work expected to start soon. Meanwhile Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama

has assured full government support for the township. While meeting Mr Whyte briefly in Nadi recently, Prime Minister Bainimarama said his government

wants to see Sigatoka prosper as it is an important link between the Eastern and Western regions and is a booming tourism and agricultural destination.

Email:- stallionnewspaper@gmail.com

Sigatoka leads the way as THE STALLION gallops in

The Sigatoka Town Council has achieved another milestone by being the first municipality in the country to have its own fully fledged community newspaper. This is the first edition of the newspaper which you have in your hands or computer screen and the monthly edition is expected to grow rapidly in each issue with the support of Sigatoka residents and business houses. The newspaper will have an initial print circulation of a 1000 copies and will be distributed by the Sigatoka Town Council via various channels of distribution. For those Sigatoka residents and patriots who are no longer residing in the township, the newspaper will be available online, page by page exactly as it appears on print breaking all distribution barriers. The edition which will be published by Shambu Advertising which also publishes THE JET Fijis First Community Newspaper based in Nadi has been made possible through the support of the Sigatoka Town Council special administrator Mr Jay Whyte. We salute Mr Whyte for his vision and dedication towards not only the township of Sigatoka but the greater Nadroga / Navosa province as a whole. According to Mr Whyte, this newspaper will be a great line of communication between residents and the council and he also looks forward to editorial and advertising contributions from everyone who wishes to be part of this great publication in one way or another. Happy reading!
q SHALENDRA PRASAD
THE STALLION is published monthly by SHAMBU ADVERTISING on behalf of the SIGATOKA TOWN COUNCIL. PUBLISHER : SHALENDRA PRASAD Cell: 9232073 ADVERTISING : MARGARET NAQIRI Cell: 9360047 PHONE OFFICE : (679) 7767574/ 6708188 FAX : (679) 6708188 EMAIL : stallionnewspaper@gmail.com WEBSITES : www.epapergallery.com/thestallion : www.scribd.com/thestallionnewspaper FACEBOOK : www.facebook.com/thestallionnewspaper ALL COMMUNICATION TO THE SIGATOKA TOWN COUNCIL SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE CEO MR ANAND PILAY on Phone: 6500018 Fax: 6520231 Email:- anandpillay@ymail.com PRINTED BY MAX MARKETING AND PUBLISHING LIMITED, VATUWAQA, SUVA. Phone: (679) 3375041. LAYOUT BY SHALENDRA PRASAD & MUNAUWAR KHAN

FROM THE DESK

Sigatoka town is found on the island of Viti Levu and is situated at the mouth of the Sigatoka River, after which it is named, some 61 kilometers from Nadi. In Fiji's last census (2007) the population of Sigatoka was at 9622. Sigatoka is the principal urban centre for the province of Nadroga-Navosa. An ornate temple, open to public and built by Hare Krishna devotees, dominates the Sigatoka skyline. Major tourist attractions include the Sigatoka Sand Dunes near Kulukulu village two kilometers north-west of Sigatoka, the Tavuni Fort and the Kula Eco Park, which houses some 500 birds of 100 species from many tropical countries. The town is also the principal centre for Fiji's coastal tourism belt the Coral Coast which hosts many of the country's leading hotels and resorts.

ABOUT SIGATOKA

www.epapergallery.com/thestallion

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

McDonalds Nadi acting manager Navindra Sharma hands over the donation cheque to Julie Hoskison of Fiji Kids at the McDonalds Nadi outlet in Enamanu. Photo: SHALENDRA PRASAD.

Sigatoka based NGO Fiji Kids which has been helping needy families with educational needs since 2009 has received a major boost in their efforts to eradicate poverty through education following a donation of close to seven thousand dollars from McDonalds Fiji managing director Marc McElrath on

By SHALENDRA PRASAD

Financial boost for Fiji Kids

Wednesday, June 5. As part of their global philanthropic initiative, McDonalds worldwide observes the McHappy Day annually with the Fiji operations joining in for the first time this year. All three McDonalds outlets in the country marked the special day with a month-long campaign which began on April 11 and culminated with a major event on May 11 with the final day being a major attraction as local celebrities and radio personalities became part of the good cause. This was our inaugural McHappy Day and we teamed up with Fiji Kids which is doing a wonderful job by providing educational needs to many children in the country, Mr McElrath said. He said McDonalds will continue to engage in community services as such every year. While receiving the donation, Julie Hoskison of Fiji Kids commended the management and staff of McDonalds for the timely boost. We really did not expect this. It is charity changing and will make an amazing difference to the kids, Ms Hoskison said.

FRCA opens up office in Sigatoka

By PREETI RAJU
New FRCA office opens it's door in Sigatoka for the local business houses within the coastal area. In the past, business people and individuals had to travel to Nadi or Suva to deal with their tax or customs related matters. These travels were very costly and time consuming for all and had caused lots of disturbance to their day to day activities. Sigatoka has many small to medium businesses and farmers, some involved in exporting as well. Having an office in Sigatoka is now very convenient and accessible, located just near Sigatoka Club in the FDB Building. Businesses in the area will now feel the need and pressure to maintain proper business records and book keeping. Sigatoka being a small town not offering much opportunity in form of employment, businesses will now need accounts clerks and book keeping assistants to ensure proper documentation and accounts

maintenance. Sigatoka Business Services now offers Accounting and Business Related Services right here in Sigatoka Town. Please contact on phone 7814291 for more information. We wish all businesses a great tax year ahead and the pleasure of taking control of their businesses.

THE STALLION - COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF THE SIGATOKA TOWN COUNCIL

Email:- stallionnewspaper@gmail.com

Good news for ratepayers

LOCAL NEWS
Residents turned up in good numbers to participate during the consultative meeting. INSET: Tappoo Group chairman Kanti Tappoo makes a suggestion. Photos: MARGARET NAQIRI.

www.scribd.com/thestallionnewspaper

By SHALENDRA PRASAD
Sigatoka residents can expect a better incentive in coming weeks to assist in the payment of rate arrears. The towns newly appointed special administrator Jay Whyte says ratepayers will be informed of the new incentive soon. Its always a challenge collecting rates and without rates a council cannot function well enough to serve its people so we will be making some good announcements soon, Mr Whyte said. He said the council will be also working very closely with all stakeholders including those in the tourism industry to make Sigatoka one of the most vibrant towns in the country. Mr Whyte who officially took office on Tuesday, June 11 said he is open to ideas from members of the public for the benefit of all. Mr Whyte confirmed that close to seventy five percent of all rates have been collected. We are happy with the rates collection achieved so far and there are a few ratepayers who have certain issues which we are trying to sort out together to see that all rates are collected.

By SHALENDRA PRASAD

Top three in beautification committee

Local artist Tessa Miller, fashion designer Robert Kennedy and environmentalist Jason Tutani have been appointed by the Sigatoka Town Council as members of the new beautification committee. Special Administrator Jay Whyte says the council is happy to be working closely with people of such caliber to beautify the town. We want to make Sigatoka the most beautiful and attractive town in the country.

Tessa Miller

Jason Tutani

Robert Kennedy

THE STALLION - COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF THE SIGATOKA TOWN COUNCIL

Email:- stallionnewspaper@gmail.com

By SHALENDRA PRASAD

A tourist friendly destination

LOCAL NEWS

www.epapergallery.com/thestallion

Efforts are now being made to make Sigatoka one of the most tourist friendly destinations in the country. Special administrator Jay Whyte said the Sigatoka Town Council will be working closely with all stakeholders to ensure this happens. Touting is a problem everywhere and we want to eradicate the issue of tourists being harassed by vendors, Mr Whyte said. Tourists should move around freely in the town and we dont need people to be hanging on their shoulders all the time. There has been one instance where a couple was led to the ATM machine to withdraw money so that they could be forced into buying stuff from the handicraft market, Mr Whyte added. He said the council will not tolerate such operators who should change their attitudes towards the town and visitors. We will be organizing educational forums so that vendors can be educated about the pros and cons of their actions. It is important to work closely with them and educate them on the impact their actions can have on our image, Mr Whyte said. By forcing goods and services on visitors, traders are actually filling their pockets for the day but they do not realize that they are tarnishing the image of the town by doing so. Meanwhile local artist Tessa Miller together with fashion guru Robert Kennedy and Jason Tutani who is the park manager of the Sigatoka Sand Dunes national heritage site and has a very strong connection to the town and possesses a sound environmental background have been appointed to form a special committee to look into the beautification of the town. Were trying to harness all this creativity to make sure that our environment is well looked after for this generation and into the future, Mr Whyte concluded.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and special administrator Jay Whyte share a light moment recently. Photo: SHALENDRA PRASAD.

Tourists purchase fresh fruit juice from a vendor in the Sigatoka Market. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI.

THE STALLION - COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF THE SIGATOKA TOWN COUNCIL

Email:- stallionnewspaper@gmail.com

ADVERTISEMENT

www.scribd.com/thestallionnewspaper

THE STALLION - COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF THE SIGATOKA TOWN COUNCIL

Dreke Village Cleanest in Nadroga / Navosa

Email:- stallionnewspaper@gmail.com By TALEI TORA

LOCAL NEWS

www.epapergallery.com/thestallion

Number one...Dreke Villagers with Coral Coast FHTA Chapter representatives. Photo: SUPPLIED.

Dreke Village is the cleanest village in Nadroga/Navosa. The Coral Coast Fiji Hotels and Tourism Association Chapter (Coral Coast FHTA) awarded this title to the village after the initiative was launched in 2012 to create the greenest and cleanest province in Fiji. Association Chairman and Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji General Manager Peter Hopgood presented the $1000 prize money to the villagers of Dreke recently. Whilst speaking at the presentation Mr. Hopgood congratulated the residents of the village for their strong commitment to the campaign and encouraged them to continue to strive to be the cleanest village in the province. Youve set a remarkable standard by becoming the first village to win the campaign and I urge you to continue to work together as a community. Your win today is a massive encouragement to the surrounding villages to work hard to keep their villages clean, Mr. Hopgood stated. We as an association are also glad to know that your $1000 prize money will be put towards the building funds for a new kindergarten. Your efforts to become the cleanest village is now filtering down to your younger generation by teaching them the values of cleanliness and now winning money that will go towards their early education, Mr. Hopgood continued. Dreke Village Project Development Manager Kelevi Dinavatu said the village is proud of their achievement for being awarded the cleanest village title in the province. Every fortnight the village gets together and carries out a community clean up. The Ministry of Health also assisted us by providing gloves towards this campaign. We have areas on the far corners of the village where rubbish is properly separated for disposal. This program has helped us understand the need for a clean village to prevent diseases, Mr. Dinavayu stated. We would like to thank the Coral Coast FTHA chapter for this program and we give our assurances that we will remain the cleanest village in the province of Nadroga and Navosa, Mr. Dinavatu added. Dreke was chosen out of 109 villages in the province of Nadroga and Navosa. The Ministry of Health through the assistance of the Coral Coast FHTA chapter conducted the competition using a criteria which looked at proper waste disposal (utilizing the 3 R concept reduce, reuse and recycle), proper kitchen and toilet facilities per household as well as the general cleanliness of the village surroundings. Dreke Village is located in the heart of Nadroga with a population of 367 people and 50 households. Coral Coast FHTA continues to work closely with government to set the example of the greenest and cleanest initiative in the province of Nadroga and Navosa. The success of this initiative will hopefully see the program being introduced into other villages around the country. The initiative started with the schools in the province before being extended to the villages. The chapter also works closely with the Ministry of Health to identify areas of need and assistance for the province. A key campaign of this initiative is the No Plastics Thats Fantastic to rid the province of plastic bags. This program will soon be passed as a by-law in Sigatoka and the town will become the first not to retail plastic bags in the country.

Littering concerns Authority

By RITESH KUMAR
All the National Fire Authority (NFA) stations Fiji wide are currently conducting fire hydrant checks within their respective area of operations. To-date NFA firefighters have already inspected 1167 fire hydrants and firefighters have come across a number of cases where underground fire hydrants are totally covered with rubbish. In some cases, firefighters have reported that some parts of the underground fire hydrant have also gone missing. Accumulations of rubbish on top of the fire hydrants affect firefighting and NFA is seeking the assistance of the members of the community not to pile rubbish on top of the underground fire hydrants. It is very important for firefighters to access these fire hydrants in case of fire and any delay caused by clearing rubbish to access the fire hydrants severely affects firefighting, NFA CEO John OConnor said. The NFA CEO is pleading with the members of the community to look after the fire hydrants in their area properly. These hydrants are marked by white post near the road side. NFA always target to provide the best level of service to our people, but we need their assistance in such cases, Mr OConnor said. Fire hydrants are located around the country to assist the firefighters to fight fires effectively and if the fire hydrant is tempered with rubbish and other forms of wastes piled on it, then it makes our job very difficult, firstly, to locate the fire hydrant and to clear it to allow our firefighters to connect these hydrants to the NFA hydrant stands and to the trucks.

THE STALLION - COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF THE SIGATOKA TOWN COUNCIL

Email:- stallionnewspaper@gmail.com

Vets treat horses in the heart of horse country

Bay to the heart of horse land (Nadroga), in the valley of Sigatoka. Dr. Cantley said their clinic was very successful in the valley and they were only limited by the fall of night. The group has conducted similar clinics in India and Egypt but said Fiji was a relevant choice because of the proximity to New Zealand and the already existent relations between the two countries. The Kiwi Care Team started two years ago and the first trip was to Egypt. But we feel that being New Zealanders, Fiji is our neighbour, we work very closely together and Fiji is a long way from Britain and the US where a lot of aid come from for countries like India, Egypt and Africa. We feel that as New Zealanders, were in the best position to help our neighbours, Dr. Cantley stated. New Zealand and Fiji have a great relationship and we really want to promote that association and for us its not far, its a 3 hour flight and its the same time zone. We dont have to be away from home for long, we can come here and do a short trip, see a lot of horses and make a difference, she continued. Dr. Cantley said judging from the horses that they had

LOCAL NEWS

www.scribd.com/thestallionnewspaper

By TALEI TORA
A team of six volunteer vets from Kiwi Care, New Zealand have conducted a successful vet clinic treating over 50 horses in the two day clinic along Sigatoka and the greater Coral Coast region. The vets operated the free clinic at the Outrigger on the Lagoon Fijis Navure parklands on Friday, 13 and Saturday 14 June. Team vet Charlotte Cantley said they were in Fiji to provide their expertise to treat working horses. We come as volunteers, so we arent getting paid to do this. Weve given up our jobs at home to be here for a period of time. We have sponsorship from quite a few companies that have given us equipment and we are really grateful for the Outrigger hotel for the support. Its been absolutely wonderful for this paddock and for the accommodation which has so kindly been provided. We feel that we want to help anyone that has horses here. Weve been in touch with a woman who has some rescue cases that were about to go and see at a beach, Dr. Cantley said. On day one of the clinic the vets treated horses from Maui

Dr Lotte Cantley explains to local horse owners the proper method of administering injections. Photos: SUPPLIED.

treated on the first day, the state of the working horses in Sigatoka were in reasonable body condition. They have good access to grass, so feeding doesnt seem to be a problem. As for their feet, our farrier has seen some long toes that need some trimming but we havent seen any horror cases. Within the constraints that the local people have here, things are not too horrendous. Team nurse Michelle Horan said they were overwhelmed by the support from the Outrigger Fiji management and staff for accommodating the team for their weeklong stay. Kiwi Care is really touched and impressed by the response the Outrigger has given us which is all for your people. Its wonderful that the hotel is so supportive. We dont often see this. Weve travelled around the

world and weve never had such help as weve had today. We cant believe it, we thought that we had arrived at the wrong place, as we nearly drove straight past because we thought that this hotel was not for us, Ms. Horan stated. Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji General Manager Peter Hopgood said the resort is a part of a community that depends on horses for their livelihood and it is a social responsibility of the Outrigger Fiji vuvale (family) to provide assistance to the community. When we were approached to host the clinic, I didnt think twice about it, because I know how important working horses are to the communities in Nadroga, Mr. Hopgood stated. Outrigger Fiji is very proud to be associated with Kiwi Care and we are glad to have assisted many farmers in the hinterlands have their

horses treated by experts, he continued. Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji was recently recognized as the Best Deluxe Accommodation in Fiji at the 2012 AON Excellence in Tourism

awards, as well as the Best Fine Dining Restaurant. The resort prides itself on delivering all the luxury of a five star property with the unforgettable warmth only found in a traditional Fijian village.

Youll love our resort style spa and massage therapies at prices the locals can afford including Pure Fiji Spa rituals, Reiki and Hot Stone Therapy. We also do body waxing and facials for Men & Women

Ideal for family and friends to chill out together. Enjoy our de-stress neck and shoulders massage with complimentary herbal teas & espresso coffee - while your feet get pampered. We also do pedicure, manicure, nail and face art

Quality hairdressing for men, women and children. Our hairdressers are fully qualified professionals who care for your hair. All hairdressing including do-ups for wedding and special occasion. We also do lash tinting and brow shaping,

THE STALLION - COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF THE SIGATOKA TOWN COUNCIL

Email:- stallionnewspaper@gmail.com

BUSINESS NOTICE BOARD

www.epapergallery.com/thestallion

THE STALLION - COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF THE SIGATOKA TOWN COUNCIL

Email:- stallionnewspaper@gmail.com

By Dr SRAVANIYA DASI
Subdivisonal Medical Officer Nadroga Navosa Ministry of Health

Wellness town

HEALTH

www.scribd.com/thestallionnewspaper

Sigatoka Town is headed to be declared the first "Wellness" Town in Fiji, by World Health Organization (WHO) by October 10, 2013. This is a big achievement which has benefitted from the leadership of Sigatoka Special Administrator Mr Jay Whyte and CEO Mr Anand Pillay. WHO representative Mr Peni Veilave presented on the Health Cities initiative to relevant stakeholders at the Sigatoka Town Council Chambers recently. Mr Veilave explained that the healthy town is an important concept as in towns the high density of population in confined space raises many environmental concerns. The citizens are experiencing sedentary lifestyles, consuming concentrated fast foods rich in fats, no longer having backyard gardens. Children are encouraged to remain indoors, watch cartoons on Television and grow obese. Physical activity is curtailed and the net effect is a premature and high incidence of Diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases and cancer. With all this in mind, World Health Organisation has initiated the concept of Healthy Cities at a global level. In some countries and cities a whole of society approach has helped address these issues of ill health. Cities have transformed the quality of the lives of its citizens. Practical measures to convert the city environment have had positive impacts and

The World Health Organisation recently held a meeting with stakeholders at the Sigatoka Town Council. Sigatoka will become the first town in the country to be declared a Wellness Town under the new programme. Photo: SUPPLIED.

we can learn many lessons. Regular Physical Activity in the form of organised Ministry of Health walks is now undertaken. We trust more members of the community will be joining and be encouraged to partake in these efforts eventually in smaller groups too. . Environmental officers are being encouraged to revisit the factories and Industrial areas to oversee waste disposal from garages, workshops and factories. . A system of grading restaurants is being studied.

Restaurants will be graded and the eating public will be aware of the rights to safe and quality food. . With Partnership of Health Department, the physical environment of our beautiful town will become pristine once again. Garbage disposal, aluminium soda cans and plastic bags, will see better disposal and policing. . As a Wellness Town, SNAP will be implemented: S- No Smoking. N-NutritionCitizens will be encouraged to eat at least five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables

daily. A- Alcohol consumption in Town will be closely monitored. P - Physical Inactivity - A route for walking will be established whereby the citizens can exercise while leisure walking. A Healthy Sigatoka Town can contribute to better quality of living for its citizens. This is not an abstract issue but reality. This can only happen if everyone is committed. There will be awareness programmes to ensure that every citizen understands and contributes towards a Healthy Sigatoka Town - the first for Fiji.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

at Market Road, Sigatoka Town, opposite R.B.Patel Supermarket. Ground Floor Area : approx. 305 sq.m. or 152 sq.m. First Floor Area : approx. 305 sq.m. or 152 sq.m. Non flooding area, ideal for : - Office space
- Retail outlet - Supermarket
Interested companies or persons to send Expressions of interest with company profile to Krishna Bhan Rattan Limited Email : rattanltd@yahoo.com Phone : +679-9919830

THE STALLION - COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF THE SIGATOKA TOWN COUNCIL

Email:- stallionnewspaper@gmail.com

Natwar invests in Sigatoka with confidence

tion of Lautoka while the architects are Design Hut. The Engineer is Mr. Khemendra Narayan and electrical works are done by Jens Lighting of Lautoka. The second floor will have an arts village where most of the eight shops will be occupied by i-taukei operators, we will have stores that cater for handicrafts, hair salons, souvenirs, tapa cloth, pottery and tattoo artists, Mr Singh added. Presently we are looking for good tenants to occupy our new shops. The building is expected to be completed in August this year. The whole second floor will have a number of shops for the tourist industry. Mr Singh says Sigatoka town has to become the best

BUSINESS NEWS

www.epapergallery.com/thestallion

Nats Building owner Mr Natwar Singh (JP) MF says that his company is investing over three quarter Million Dollars in a three storey commercial complex in Sigatoka Town. The ground floor consists of four shops, the second floor will have eight shops and the third floor will have offices and bulk store. We are thankful to the Sigatoka Town Council for their cooperation and assistance in this major development in Sigatoka Town, Mr Singh said. Presently Nats Building has Chicken Express, Nokia Shop, Nats Sports Shop, Eva Hair Saloon, Pakos Tattoo, Vereti Handicraft and Talida Ross as their tenants. The project is financed by BSP Bank and being constructed by Ajay Construc-

tourist shopping centre in Fiji. Presently this is the only three storey building under construction in Sigatoka. Mr Singh says that he has confidence in the future of Sigatoka Town. He has been the past Deputy Mayor of Sigatoka town and has served as a Town councilor for twenty three years. Mr Singh has spent his whole life in Sigatoka Town. He came to Fiji from India when he was just seven years old. Nats family owns and operates retail and wholesale business. Mr Singh is the owner of Nats Sports Shop and they have the biggest range of diving, fishing and scuba equipment as well as a wide range of wheel chairs and patient aids.
q PRESS RELEASE

Mr Natwar Singh at the construction site. INSET: A view of the new building from outside. Photos: MARGARET NAQIRI.

Following the fire of November 2012, which resulted in the entire centre court being destroyed, the Naviti Resort is back in full operation with a latest addition to its dining services. The resort opened its new Pool Grill restaurant on April 29, 2013. The restaurant consists of three open style pavilion bures where altogether 150 seated guests can easily be catered to. The restaurant boasts of a state of the art kitchen and equipment where during lunch and in the evenings it caters simultaneously to two menus, the Pool Grill menu and the famous Wine and Dine restaurant Talei. The Grill is the main dining venue at the Naviti where majority of the meals are being held, the breakfast buffet every morning opens from 7am to 10.30am daily offering a full American style buffet, lunch, with two menu options - the normal lunch buffet and a Pool Grill menu from 12pm to 2.30pm, the Pool Grill menu consists of refreshing salad/entre choices, sandwiches & burgers, pizza selection, main courses offers all grill/roast favorites, steaks, chicken and fish

Naviti Resort back in business

with a mouth-watering selection for dessert. For dinner from 6pm to 10.30pm you can select from the same Pool Grill menu or the fine dining option from the Talei menu which consists of a variety and selections of international and local cuisines. Nukunuku, situated on the ground floor of the main building with an amazing ocean view has opened as a lounge and bar area. This also caters as a wet weather option for dining to sitting capacity of a 100pax.The lounge opens from 10am each morning to 1am the following morning. We welcome the services of Pacific Destinationz and Rosie Holidays tour desks that offers various tours and activities off property . Other services that have relocated with normal services to guests is the Joy Spa, Adi & Ratu Vonu (Kids) Club and the Tappoo Shop. Guests can locate hotel, book accommodations or find out more about Warwick International by accessing the companys website at www. warwicknaviti.com
q PRESS RELEASE Staff of the new Pool Grill restaurant at Naviti Resort. Photo: MARGARET NAQIRI.

10

THE STALLION - COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF THE SIGATOKA TOWN COUNCIL

Email:- stallionnewspaper@gmail.com

Nadroga beats Nadi twice

Stallions on cloud nine after beating Jet-setters

SPORTS

www.scribd.com/thestallionnewspaper

By SHALENDRA PRASAD
Nadroga is the only team which has defeated Nadi twice in the Fiji Sun / GP Batteries National league series so far. The Stallions edged hosts Jacks Nadi at Prince Charles Park via a lone first half goal from Thomas Coster on May 11 to give them a second win against the jet-setters. It was a classic header straight into the Nadi goal mouth after keeper Benaminio Mateinaqara left his domain to take control of the ball. The stallions led 1-0 at half time and continued to deny Nadi an opportunity to break their defense. Things went worse for Nadi after Amani Makoe was given the marching orders by referee Dina Mani for a foul on Nadrogas Ranjit Singh in the second spell. While the green machines kept majority of the possession in the second spell, the side failed to break the Nadroga defense. Nadroga coach Ramesh Sharma said the win is a good start for the boys as they prepare for the second round of the league series. I thank the boys for a great game as it is always nice to beat Nadi in their home ground, Sharma said. We may be down but we are not out and if we can beat a side like Nadi, we can also do well in other matches and tournaments, Sharma said. Nadroga is currently in the third last position of the league series.

Nadrogas starting line-up against Nadi. INSET: Players celebrate the goal. Photos: SHALENDRA PRASAD.

THE STALLION - COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF THE SIGATOKA TOWN COUNCIL

11

Email:- stallionnewspaper@gmail.com

www.epapergallery.com/thestallion

Kaicolo Cup enters final stages

By JAY WHYTE PRESIDENT NAVOSA RUGBY UNION
The Kai Colo Cup is reaching the crescendo of the Navosa Rugby Union's rugby season with the top two teams facing each other in the Cup Final on Saturday, July 13. Riding high after a well fought match with Wairoro overcoming their rivals 14-5 in the semifinals, the Nasaunivalu side will come head to head with Korolaulau in the finals. The Nasaunivalu side is brimming with players who served Yamacia Rugby so well during the sevens season with Waisale Kurusaravi stamping his name on the match with a try and wonderful interplay to keep the Wairoro side constantly guessing. Korolaulau overcame a spirited Nasivikoso side brimming with enthusiasm in the other semifinal with a score line of 12-5 fairly reflecting how tough this match was and when the referee blew the whistle the relief for Korolaulau fans was palpable. For the final day, curtain raiser is at 1pm between Navosa Central College and Sigatoka Valley with the Kaicolo Cup kicking off at 3pm at Vatumali, Navosa.

HAKWA NADRO !
The Outrigger Nadroga side in a jovial mood after beating Jacks Nadi 20-9 at Prince Charles Park on Saturday, July 6. INSET: Napolioni Nalaqa in action for the Stallions. Photos: SHALENDRA PRASAD.

By SHALENDRA PRASAD

Stallions tame young Nadi side

An experienced Outrigger Nadroga side ended Jacks Nadis unbeaten run in the Digicel Cup encounter at Prince Charles on Saturday, July 7.

By SHALENDRA PRASAD

Golfers shine

Nadroga opened the score board second minute into the game with a penalty through the boots of flyhalf Jiuta Lutumailagi. The Stallions further extended the lead with a try to Rupeni Nasiga and Savenaca Rawaqa. Both the tries remained unconverted as

Nadi kicked in two penalties via the boots of fly-half Venisemani Ratubalavu to narrow the gap 13 6 at the breather. In the second spell, Savenaca Rawaqa scored his second try of the match which was converted by fly-half Jonetani Ralulu while Nadi

managed another penalty kick closing the game at 20-9. Nadroga winger Napolioni Nalaga was the thorn for the Nadi side as he continued to break the Nadi defense while Nadi captain Aseri Tale was the only notable player in the jet-setters line up.

A team of Sigatoka golfers displayed that they are the best by winning this years Mount Saint Marys Parish annual fundraising tournament at the prestigious Natadola Bay Golf Course on Saturday, June 22. Team Coastal Rentals and Sigatoka Motor Spares won the Asco Motors sponsored tournament. Chief guest His Excellency Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, president of Fiji commended the team players, Jeral Sharma, Biran Kumar, Rajesh Prasad and Kavitesh Prasad for winning the tournament which raised $25,000 to be used to fence the church and school property as well as providing sheltered walkways and a new bus shelter for parishioners and school children of Mount Saint Marys Primary School. The tournament was organized by James Sowane, managing director of Pacific Destinationz Fijis leading inbound tour operators. We were certainly blessed with beautiful weather and we were truly honored with the presence of His Excellency the President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau for the third successive year, Mr Sowane said. Our tournament is only possible through our most generous sponsors and we thank ASCO Motors again for their support and for their renewed support for our tournament next year.

Champions...from left are Jeral Sharma, Biran Kumar, His Excellency Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Rajesh Prasad and Kavitesh Prasad. Photo: COURTESY OF SIGATOKA MOTOR SPARES.

12

THE STALLION - COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF THE SIGATOKA TOWN COUNCIL