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.