From Fiji Times (16 November 2024)

Rotuma faces climate crisis – Gagaj Manav

By Sainimili Magimagi

The people of Rotuma are becoming increasingly vulnerable to climate change because it is threatening their livelihoods and undeveloped natural resources.

Gagaj Manav Kauata Pat Samuela highlighted this during the Great Council of Chiefs meeting that was held at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva over two days this week.

Gagaj Manav said although the island was blessed with natural resources, it was becoming vulnerable to sea level rise and erratic weather patterns.

"While the island is blessed with untapped natural resources and a vibrant culture, we face significant challenges that threaten its sustainability," he said.

"Climate change looms large over our island, bringing with it rising sea level, erratic weather patterns and challenges to our agriculture and fishing resources.

"The resilience of our island community is being tested; therefore, we must address these challenges with urgency and innovative thinking, despite the factors being well beyond our capabilities."

Speaking on behalf of the council, Gagaj Manav highlighted the need to implement sustainable development to address climate resilience.

"We, the chiefs of Rotuma and our people are committed to stand with the Great Council of Chiefs, the government and the people to fight against forces that threatens our identity, the lives and livelihood of our people today and into the future."

From Fiji Times (16 November 2024)

Call for action to preserve cultural heritage

By Sainimili Magimagi

The Rotuma Council expressed concern about the declining traditional customs and languages that are important to their identity, which must be addressed.

While addressing the Great Council of Chiefs meeting on Thursday, Gagaj Manav Kauata Pat Samuela said there was a need for cultural preservation and revitalisation.

"Cultural preservation is another area requiring significant focus where the emphasis is to promote Rotuman history and customs to future generations," he said.

"There is a decline in traditional practices and languages that are integral to our identity that needs to be addressed.

"As we face globalisation and modernisation, it becomes crucial that we cultivate a lasting and meaningful program to promote understanding of our roots among present and future generations."

Gagaj Manav also raised the importance of implementing programs and initiatives that foster a sense of pride in heritage and encourage active participation in cultural practices.

"We cannot ignore the contemporary forms relating to our traditional cultural practices that are now being practiced solely for entertainment purposes.

"This highlights the importance of our commitment to preserve our identity, cultural traditions, and values in Fiji and Rotuma."

Amid these challenges, the Rotuma Council called for active collaboration and partnership among chiefs to address the key issues.

"The support from the GCC can amplify our voices as we advocate for national policies that prioritise the needs of our island communities.

"It is paramount that we convey our unique challenges and opportunities to central authorities and work collaboratively towards solutions that will uplift our people."

From Fiji Sun (17 October 2024)

Joe's Farm Makes a Comeback

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

by Frederica Elbourne

Michael Joe is back.

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

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

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

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

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

His testimony is steeped in reinventing the business wheel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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