From Fiji Times (24 March 2025)

Rotuma faces waste crisis

By Elena Vucukula

An urgent call has been made by the people of Rotuma to relook at the impact of improper waste management on the island.

Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) founder Amitesh Deo revealed this at a roundtable discussion in Nadi when asked on the organisation's plans for rural areas and outer islands in need of proper waste management services.

"Rotuma was never going to be something that we wanted to sort of trial because it was so far away," Mr Deo said

"But there has been an urgent call out from the community for us to bring solutions there because they can actually see and experience the impact of improper waste management on the island."

Mr Deo said it was not an easy problem to solve the waste management of those in the outer islands.

"That is a very pressing issue about the waste management issues on the outer islands.

"Part of our movement calls on government agencies, development partners and our partners to look at the waste management crisis beyond the privileged communities and urban centres and how do we provide solutions to rural areas and to outer islands, so it is part of the equation.

"It is not an easy problem to solve."

From International Olympic Committee (17 March 2025)

Dr Robin E. Mitchell appointed as Chair of the IOC's Health,
Medicine and Science Commission

Dr Robin E. Mitchell, a former Fiji national representative in athletics and hockey and a national hockey coach, has been appointed as Chair of the IOC Health, Medicine and Science Commission.

© IOC/Greg Martin

In his role as an IOC Member, he represents and promotes the interests of the IOC and those of the Olympic Movement, in particular in the field of sports sciences, to position the IOC as the reference in sports medicine, through education, research and partnerships, with the ultimate goal of protecting and promoting athlete health.

Additionally, the Safe Sport Regional Hub Initiative will benefit from Dr Mitchell's expertise in the Pacific Islands region, where one of the pilot Safe Sport Hubs is being established. By working closely with sports organisations, governments and civil society, the hubs will facilitate access to localised care, guidance and support for those affected by interpersonal violence in sport, and will help to strengthen safeguarding through sport - driving long-term change from the local level.

Dr Mitchell took up his post on 1 January 2025, succeeding Prof. Uğur Erdener, who had led the IOC Medical and Scientific Commission since 2014.

Dr Mitchell was a family medicine practitioner and a Fiji team physician at the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and South Pacific Games.

He first joined the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) as a member of its Medical Commission, becoming ONOC President in 2009 and then Acting President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) in 2018.

Dr Mitchell has extensive experience in the field of sports medicine, having been a member of several medical commissions, including World Athletics, the International Hockey Federation and the ANOC Medical Commission. He also represented the IOC on the World Anti-Doping Agency's Foundation Board.

From Fiji Times via Pressreader (18 March 2025)

Poor roads hinder travelers in Rotuma

By Shayal Devi

STUDENTS on Rotuma are still missing school as poor road conditions are yet to be fixed.

As a result, the Council of Rotuma has requested for an end to road woes by implementing a regular maintenance program for the island's road networks.

Council adviser Dr John Fatiaki said they had met with Public Works Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau to raise their concerns.

He said the ministry would send a Public Works Department (PWD) team with appropriate machinery before the end of this month to commence road work repairs and maintenance on the island's main road.

Dr Fatiaki said the team would remain on site until all works were completed to the satisfaction of civil engineers and other experts.

Following the meeting, he said it was also decided that upon the completion of works, some machinery would remain at the depot on the island for continued maintenance works.

He said they also aimed to reach an agreement between the council, ministry, and Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) about the continued maintenance of Rotuma's roads.

"The council will assist the PWD personnel in any way that they can during their time on the island."

Earlier, Ro Filipe had said there was a need to improve services, and he was looking at changes to ensure that maintenance was on time with adequate scope and resources.

From Fiji Sun via Pressreader (6 March 2025)

Bridging Tradition, Modernity at Women's Expo

By Sosiveta Korobiau

In rural maritime areas, cultural practices are slowly fading, making it harder for elders like Fuata Maraama of Rotuma to pass on traditional knowledge to younger generations.

Ms Maraama, who traveled from Rotuma to Suva for the National Women's Expo, found comfort and a sense of belong≠ing among fellow artisans at the Vodafone Arena.

"This is my first time at the expo, something I've always dreamed of back on the island, where we're limited to only a few events to showcase our goods," said Ms Maraama.

"Being part of this event reminds me of the rich and diverse culture we have as a small nation. Despite our size, we continue to make strides, creating opportunities for families to live stable lives."

However, she said that the real challenge lies on the island, where teaching young girls traditional practices is becoming increasingly difficult due to the pressures of modernisation.

"Back on the island, we're trying to teach our young girls traditional skills, hut modernisation is slowly seeping into our homes, making it harder to preserve our ways," Maraama added.

Ms Maraama and her family have benefited from the income generated through the crafts she has been making since childhood.

Crafting has provided a source of income for me and my family, helping us overcome the difficulties we face back on the island," she said.

"There are so many resources around us, and with a bit of effort, we can tap into their potential to generate income. It takes time, but it's worth the wait.

She emphasised that, even after years of working with limited resources, she has never regretted her path.

Fuata Maraama showcasing her handmade products that are display during the Fiji National Expo at Vodaphone Arena, Suva on March 5, 2025

From Fiji Times (5 March 2025)

Bad roads in Rotuma affect students

By Shayal Devi

Two students escaped injuries on Rotuma when the truck they were travelling in hit a pothole, resulting in them being tossed out of the vehicle.

As a result, truck drivers on the island have stopped their operations until the roads are fixed, forcing as many as 300 students to be kept away from school.

Council of Rotuma advisor Dr John Fatiaki summed up the situation, saying the kids were being punished through no fault of theirs.

Referring to the long standing issue, Dr Fatiaki, the 2006 senator for Rotuma, said that initially the Public Works Department (PWD) looked after the maintenance of roads on the island, a responsibility which later fell to the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA).

He said the PWD depot on Rotuma had between 12 and 13 staff members who were equipped with machinery to regularly maintain the road network, but the FRA replaced the PWD with about five to six staff.

"The roads were passable. They had machinery, they had a grader, a dump truck and a JCB (loader)," Dr Fatiaki said.

"And they maintained the roads until January last year when — and this is where our problem really begins — they essentially withdrew from the island.

"So, from January last year, they haven't had any full-time staff. They've had one or two caretakers that would look after the premises but essentially, two people with spades can't maintain the roads."

Dr Fatiaki said Flame Tree staff then came to the island to work on the airstrip, contracted by Fiji Airports, and at the time Public Works Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau also visited the island. He said Flame Tree was engaged to fix the roads and within two weeks, the roads had reverted back to normal.

"That was in September.

"We asked the ministry at that point to look at a constant maintenance program, which means you need to have people working on the road pretty much every day on a constant basis around the island.

"You can't leave it for three or six months and hope that you'll put a band aid on it."

However, Dr Fatiaki said the weather deteriorated and no work was carried out on the maintenance of the roads, thus, these were washed away during heavy rain, resulting in potholes as deep as three feet.

"Obviously, when vehicles go through, they obviously swerve into it and there's damage to parts of the smaller vehicles, and my understanding is the trucks, which transport the students, one swerved into these potholes.

"I think two of the kids in the back, either physically fell out or jumped out of the truck. I think when that happened, the drivers of the trucks decided collectively they couldn't run the risk of driving through that.

"Since last Monday, they have ceased transporting the kids. That becomes an issue because now, the kids are being punished and my understanding is that for the last two weeks, the kids that require transport to the one secondary school on the island, other than the ones who live next door to the school, are not attending school."

When approached for comment yesterday, Ro Filipe said he was aware of the issue and that a team had been dispatched with the required equipment.

"The boat was diverted because of the cyclone," he said. "So, they will be there next week."

The minister said he would meet with the Council of Rotuma chairman and Dr Fatiaki to hear out their concerns.

Education Minister Aseri Radrodro also expressed his concerns about the students missing school.

"I requested the honourable Minister for his intervention on the stand taken by transport providers due to poor road conditions," he said. "We plead with all stakeholders to understand that they play a very important role in ensuring that students attend school."

From Fiji Broadcasting Co. (27 February 2025)

Rotuma welcomes FIFA Football for schools

By Simran Chand

Fiji Football Association has launched the FIFA Football for Schools (F4S) curriculum in four Rotuman primary schools, bringing football's educational and developmental benefits to the island's youth.

Led by Technical Director Timo Jankowski, the program delivered engaging sessions to students at Malha'a, Paptea, Motusa, and Christ the King Primary Schools.

The children showed enthusiasm and teamwork, with strong participation from both boys and girls.

To support continued engagement, Fiji FA provided essential football equipment to each school.

This initiative builds upon the F4S curriculum's successful rollout in over 160 schools across Fiji, including remote areas like Yasawa, Kadavu, and Levuka.

During their visits, the Fiji FA team distributed more than 1,600 footballs and other training equipment.

The FIFA Football for Schools program, a global collaboration with UNESCO, integrates football into school systems to promote education and health, aiming to positively impact children worldwide.

From Fiji Times (14 February 2025)

Rotuma enjoys expanded government services

By Anish Chand

An Australian Air Force plane has flown Fiji government officials to Rotuma.

Assistant Minister for Justice, Ratu Josaia Niudamu led the team which included reps from Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, Ministry of Finance, Fiji National Provident Fund, Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority, Fiji Corrections Service, and the Fiji Scouts Association.

Ratu Niudamu was warmly welcomed with the traditional Rotuman mamasa ceremony.

He had site visits to essential infrastructure on the island that included the Rotuma jetty, the police station, and the local hospital.

The accompanying ministries and organisations provided various essential services to the people of Rotuma, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to supporting and uplifting communities in the outer islands.

From Fiji Broadcasting Co. (4 February 2025)

Outer islands face a mounting waste crisis

By Shania Shayal Prasad

Fiji’s outer islands face a mounting waste crisis, lacking sustainable solutions and proper management frameworks.

The Pacific Recycling Foundation has received an increase in urgent requests for help from islands including Ovalau, Kadavu, Rotuma, the Lau Group, Taveuni, and Malolo.

PRF, in partnership with GIZ and local ministries, will launch a comprehensive recycling program in Taveuni later this year.

PRF founder Amitesh Deo warns that other islands desperately need support.

He says the minimal existing infrastructure and the rapidly increasing waste generation, which, without intervention, will pollute the ocean and devastate ecosystems and livelihoods.

PRF’s “Look Beyond” initiative has sent a team to Rotuma for assessments, but Deo stresses that widespread action is crucial.

He calls on government, donors, and the private sector to invest in waste management solutions, citing it as essential for environmental protection, sustainable development, climate resilience, and community well-being.

Many islands lack even basic waste disposal, leading to uncontrolled dumping and severe environmental risks.

From Fiji Times (3 February 2025)

Waste issue surges in Fiji

By Rakesh Kumar

Waste management is becoming an escalating issue on Fiji's outlying islands, and local communities are struggling to find sustainable solutions.

The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) has reported a surge in requests for assistance from various outer islands, including Ovalau, Kadavu, Rotuma, the Lau Group, Taveuni, Malolo, and others, urgently seeking intervention to tackle their worsening waste management challenges.

Currently, PRF is spearheading the implementation of a comprehensive recycling program in Taveuni in partnership with GIZ and local organisations, including the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the Ministry of Local Government.

This program is slated to roll out later this year.

PRF Founder Amitesh Deo said the growing number of calls for help from outer islands showed the critical need for effective waste management frameworks beyond Viti Levu.

"At present, there is minimal structured support for outer island communities to manage their waste effectively, putting both the environment and livelihoods at significant risk," Mr Deo said.

Through PRF's Look Beyond initiative, co-founder Joseph Inoke is currently in Rotuma conducting baseline assessments and engaging with stakeholders who have been advocating for immediate solutions.

Despite the urgency, Mr Deo said PRF had to bear the full cost of this intervention as no dedicated funding was available for such programs.

"The situation in the outer islands is dire.

"Waste generation is rapidly increasing, and without intervention, much of it will end up in the ocean, leading to devastating environmental and health consequences," he said.

"We cannot tackle this crisis alone," Mr Deo continued.

"We need the collective effort of government ministries, donor agencies, development partners, and the private sector to build sustainable waste management solutions for these communities."

While PRF has been collaborating with partners to roll out holistic recycling programs across various sectors on Viti Levu, the outer islands remain underserved.

Many of these communities lack even the most basic waste disposal options, leading to uncontrolled dumping, pollution, and increased risks to marine ecosystems.

"Without immediate action, the environmental and health risks will continue to escalate, threatening both livelihoods and biodiversity," Mr Deo warned.

PRF has called on government agencies, development partners, and donor organisations to step forward and collaborate in addressing this urgent crisis.

"Investing in waste management solutions for the outer islands is not just about environmental protection; it's a fundamental step toward sustainable development, climate resilience, and the wellbeing of these communities," he said.

From Fiji Times (2 February 2025)

Team tours outer island

By Rakesh Kumar

A TEAM from Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) is on Rotuma for an initial stakeholder consultation and baseline assessment to explore the implementation of proper waste management solutions.

In a statement, the foundation said the initiative was being carried out in close consultation with key stakeholders.

"Like many other outer islands, Rotuma faces significant waste management challenges, making it essential to establish a structured waste management system to ensure environmental sustainability, food security and overall well-being," the statement read.

"Following discussions with the Juju Solhoho Women's Club, PRF was invited to assess the island's waste situation and engage with key individuals and groups to map out a potential solution, particularly for recyclable.

"Over the next few days, our team, consisting of Joseph Inoke and Ioane Leonard, will meet key stakeholders, including the Council of Rotuma, schools and community groups, before leading a stakeholder discussion."

Meanwhile, the foundation founder Amitesh Deo and Waste Recyclers Fiji Ltd (WRFL) managing director Joseph Inoke recently met the newlyappointed Environment Minister Mosese Bulitavu, along with permanent secretary Dr Sivendra Michael.

The meeting provided Mr Deo with an opportunity to update Mr Bulitavu on the foundation's initiatives, upcoming activities, campaigns and areas for potential collaboration.

Mr Bulitavu thanked Mr Deo and his team for their efforts in the recycling space and that he looked forward to working closely with the foundation.

From Fiji Times (1 February 2025)

Lambert paints in paradise

By John Mitchell

Lambert Ho is arguably one of the country’s most established and recognisable visual artists.

Despite having a sterling career spanning almost four decades under his belt, he has not shown any sign of slowing down.

On December 20 last year, the adventuring artist left Nadi for the far-flung island of Rotuma.

He is soaking in every ounce of goodness the island paradise and her people have on offer.

But not without showcasing what he loves best – painting.

Lambert is part of a group of volunteers who are on the island as part of an eco-camp organised for school children and youths.

“I traveled to Rotuma as an artist and volunteer for Läje Rotuma Initiative,” he said.

LäjeRotuma Initiative (LRI) is a community-based environmental education and awareness development program in Rotuma.

LRI is a voluntary initiative which encourages youths on the island to actively participate in activities aimed at informing and strengthening the capacity of the island community to make informed decisions on sustainable management of their natural resources.

“I am billeted in the village of Noatau, an amazing place with the sea at my doorstep. ”

LRI had earmarked a few spaces on Rotuma for painting and other art activities including murals on walls, art classes for children and fabric painting for the women.

The various art forms used were aimed at empowering young people to effectively express themselves, telling their unique stories and sharing their lived experiences.

“This is all a volunteer program that involves a few of us, namely environmentalists, teachers, artists et cetera, ” Lambert shared.

Aside from serious aspects of volunteering on the island, something that Lambert is very familiar with, enjoying the sights and sounds of Rotuma and the rare opportunity of interacting with islanders, is something the Suva artist has been enjoying.

“This isn’t new for me as I’ve traveled extensively through Fiji to share and connect with fellow Fijians through art. It’s wonderful and I’d never change it for anything else. When children are able to they will draw right after saying mummy or daddy!”

While the camp is volunteer-driven, Lambert did reach out to a few friends to sponsor some tetron cotton fabric, marquees and some art materials.

“I’m loving everything about this amazing land of Rotuma and her beautiful people. After my welcome ceremony or ‘ mamasa’ I was taken around the island to visit her amazing spots. ”

This was over the Christmas and new year season so there was a lot of dancing and merry-making the traditional way.

“There was a lot of feasting and dancing (the traditional ‘fara’). It was an everyday and every night affair! You’re pulled into the occasion politely and it’s an amazing experience.”

Rotuma’s natural aesthetics and the humility of the people are things Lambert will always cherish about the island when he finally returns to the capital.

He says he admires the values of simplicity and humility which abound on the island.

For food, Lambert misses his daily dose of vegetables. He eats a lot of taro leaves and bele in order to stay trim and fit.

“Rotumans would open a can of corned beef and have it with taro or biscuits every second or third day, I’m watching my diet and my figure!

“I am so honoured to be invited to Rotuma by my friend Monifa Fiu, the managing director for Läje Rotuma Initiative. A big vinaka vakalevu to the people of Rotuma and the care given to me. I am deeply grateful and humbled. Faiaksia!”

Lambert has travelled extensively around the globe doing and attending exhibitions and festivals. He has also travelled extensively through out Fiji.

(21 January 2025)

Master Classes & Film Screening with Professor Vilsoni Hereniko

Internationally renowned film and stage director Dr. Vilsoni Hereniko, who is also a professor at the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Hawaiʻi, will spend 27-28 January 2025 at the USP Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies (OCACPS) in Suva. During this time, he will share his knowledge and expertise on filmmaking as well as weaving, which includes two master classes and a film screening.

See Media Release

Dr. Hereniko will also be going to Rotuma where he will have a showing of three of his recent short films on 30 January at the residence of Dr. John Fatiaki in Motusa.

All events are FREE and OPEN to the general public.

From Fiji Times (10 December 2024)

Savea is dux of Rotuma High School

By Ana Madigibuli

Venasio Savea has etched his mark in the history books of Rotuma High School – scooping the school dux and best all-rounder awards this year.

Savea who hails from Juju in Rotuma completed high school on a high note, making his school proud.

Rotuma High School vice principal, Joseph Kamea said they will miss Savea next year.

“Savea is a very discipline student and it’s very rare to come across students like him who do extremely well both in sports and academically,” he said.

During their prize-giving ceremony last month, Savea managed to scoop several top awards.

Mr Kamea said Savea walked away with the dux prize, the best all-rounder prize and the top Physics, Maths, Chemistry and Biology prizes too.

“He is a good science student, and we hope his dream of becoming a doctor comes true.

“In sports he made the school proud by winning gold in the Coca-Cola Games and also won gold in the under-20 Oceania discus competition this year.

“Now he has been selected for the South Pacific Games trials.”

Savea has started his training for the trials.

Mr Kamea wished Savea all the very best in his future endeavours both academically and in sports.

From Fiji Times via PressReader (7 December 2024)

Shocking state in Rotuma

I RECENTLY completed a drive around Rotuma, and the experience was nothing short of gruelling. The roads are riddled with potholes, making it nearly impossihle to find even a 50-metre stretch that is smooth. Many of these potholes have grown into craters, spanning the entire width of the road.

After heavy rains the day before, these craters were Jelled with water, some nearly knee-deep — enough to pose a serious hazard, even to the most experienced motorist. This is no exaggeration; the conditions are both alarming and dangerous, to say the least.

Currently, the Fiji Roads Authority has only one employee stationed on the island. He oversees two staff quarters, an office building, and a garage that is now empty of machinery. Previously, this garage housed essential equipment such as a road grader, a backend loader, a Land Cruiser, and a tipper truck. These were vital for maintaining the roads, but now,this dedicated worker is left without the tools needed to do his job effectively. In the absence of proper maintenance, local me are now stepping in to repair the roads as best they can.

The Government continues to pay landowners for the lease of the FRA complex, but it appears to pay little attention to the actual state of the roads.

My plea is urgent: Please take immediate action!If the situations continues to deteriorate, the roads may soon become so treacherous that traveling across the island will be nearly impossible.

V. Injimo

From Fiji Broadcasting Co. (2 December 2024)

Year 8 exam results expose performance gaps

The 2024 Fiji Year 8 Examination, while recording a 69% national pass rate, has highlighted a persistent disparity between urban and rural student performance.

During his ministerial statement on the Provisional Results, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro revealed that urban students outperformed their rural counterparts, achieving a 71 percent pass rate compared to 66 percent.

He says this trend has been evident in the past eight years, with a decline in 2022.

The 2024 results also reveal disparities among different ethnic groups.

While Indo-Fijian students achieved a 73 percent pass rate, iTaukei students recorded a 67 percent pass rate, and Rotuman and other students fared better, with 76 percent and 78 percent pass rates, respectively.