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From Fiji Times (25 April 2025) Filipe: Test new technology By Jake Wise THE Fiji Elections Office (FEO) has been urged to thoroughly test any new technology it plans to use in the upcoming elections months before the event. Filipe Makrava, a resident of Oinafa in Rotuma, raised the issue during the Fiji Law Reform Commission's public consultation, emphasising the importance of ensuring that any new system was reliable before they were introduced to voters. For remote communities like Rotuma, Mr Makrava pointed out that glitches or failures in the voting system could severely undermine public trust. "We're going to wait for the next election, somebody brings in something, election comes, it doesn't work, and it destroys the trust of the people on the voting While acknowledging the benefits of technology, Mr Makrava warned it could come with significant risks, especially if not properly tested and reviewed. "Technology is good, but it has pros and cons. It has failures, and it also works, depending on how you look at it." "If you're going to use technology in your voting system, and you really need to test it out, test it out six months before you commission it to work. "You need to test it, and if there are failures, get the company that established your software to come and review it and fix it." He added waiting until election day to identify and address glitches was not an option. "The last election day, we were all sitting there and hearing about the glitches. Hey, what's happened to the election?" "It destroys the trust of the people. It's not nice." From Fiji Times (25 April 2025) Makrava: Communal voting, way forward for Rotuma By Jake Wise COMMUNAL voting is the way forward for Rotuma. This is the view of Oinafa resident Filipe Makrava, who told the Fiji Law Reform Commission that the current one-vote system failed to truly represent the voice and aspirations of the island's people. "The one vote system may be good, but for us here in Rotuma, we aspire for a person that we think will take Rotuma forward," Mr Makrava said during his submission to the Electoral Law Review consultation. Under the current electoral system, candidates from Rotuma often depend on party performance at the national level. But Mr Makrava said this means if the candidate's party loses, so does Rotuma. "All our aspirations for something better wait for the next five years. "Whether we like it or not, the person that we voted [for] doesn't hold any relevant position in parliament, and therefore our voices are not really heard." Mr Makrava also criticised the ineffectiveness of ministerial visits and government workshops on the island, claiming many initiatives fail to produce long-term outcomes. "When you have people come to conduct workshops in Rotuma, please come back and follow up what you came here to do. "It is not come and talk and let people laugh and go back. Because basically, it's just wasting government money." He pointed to a recurring pattern where government teams arrive, host discussions, and leave, with no accountability or return visits. "So where does it leave us?" He said the answer lies in giving Rotuma a dedicated parliamentary seat under a communal system — representation by Rotumans, for Rotuma. From Fiji Times (25 April 2025) Proposal for a seat | Rotuma should sit in Parliament By Jake Wise THE Government should establish a dedicated parliamentary seat to represent the interests of Rotuma and its people. Filipe Makrava, a resident of Oinafa and former Rotuma Council member, made this submission during the Electoral Law Review consultations on the island recently. Speaking from firsthand experience, Mr Makrava highlighted the challenges faced when trying to address Rotuman affairs through the Office of the Prime Minister. "When I was in the council, having to go through the Office of the PM was a tedious, tedious affair," he said. "You had to deal with a lot of people, and when you talked to them, you were passed around." Mr Makrava explained that the lack of a dedicated officer or department responsible for Rotuman issues often left community members feeling overlooked and frustrated. "When one would go, that person that you dealt with all of a sudden doesn't exist or is overseas. "So we have to start from scratch again." He urged the commission to consider a clearer and more effective representation structure for Rotuma, advocating for a parliamentary seat solely dedicated to the island. "Rotuma should sit in parliament. "The representation should be a member of parliament for Rotuma Affairs. And under the voting system, the Rotumans, particularly here in Rotuma, can vote for that person." He further emphasised the need for a representative who truly understood the unique challenges of maritime and island communities, adding that current representatives may have limited insight into the realities of Rotuma. "We need to establish the standing of Rotuma, the status of Rotuma, in order to assure Rotumans that we have a seat in parliament." From Fiji Times via Pressreader (23 April 2025) Confusion over polling venues CONFUSION over polling venues and a lack of clear information are being blamed for low voter turnout in Rotnma. Islanders have claimed they were sent to vote in unfamiliar districts during the last election. Vamarasi Atalifo, a resident of Hapmak Village in the Itu'ti'u district, said many voters were not properly informed about where they were supposed to cast their ballots. "People weren't well informed where to go," Mr Atalifo said. "Out of the thousand plus registered voters here in Rotuma, only 600 something voted. The rest didn't. We were registered to our districts, but when we went to the polling station, they told us to go to a totally different district." The issue was raised during a public consultation with the Electoral Law Reform Cornmission, where residents expressed frustration over the handling of elections in remote communities. Responding to the concern, Fiji Elections Office manager legal Meake Dawai said voters were advised to check the details printed on their voter cards, which indicated their assigned polling venues. We usually go around and come back to raise awareness and tell people, 'look at your card'. We have your venue there," Mr Dawai said. "Because you're only assigned one day. You can't go and vote again like previously." He explained that polling station schedules varied depending on the number of registered voters at each location and encouraged voters to update their information in advance. "Two weeks ago, we had an official come around and allow voters to confirm their details. All voters could check. That's what we are going to do now," Mr Dawai added. The FEO acknowledged the issue and indicated that steps were being taken to improve voter awareness. From Fiji Times (22 April 2025) Call for same day result By Jake Wise
SOME Rotuma islanders say they want to vote on the same day as the rest of the country and have their ballot papers counted locally, rather than relying on the current pre-polling system. Speaking during consultations with the Electoral Law Reform Commission, Saau Injimo of Juju district expressed concerns about the handling and transportation of ballot boxes to Suva, saying counting votes on the island would be more secure and efficient. "Rotuma is a faraway place, if it is counted here the results can be called out straight away," he said. Electoral Law Reform commissioner Diedre Brookes explained that under the current electoral process, Rotuma is pre-polled ahead of election day due to its distance and logistical challenges. "Pre-poll means exactly that, polling before election day," Ms Brookes said. She noted that pre-polled ballots could not be counted until after election day, as per election regulations. However, if Rotuma were designated its own constituency and held polling on election day, votes could be counted locally. "That's something we'll eventually look at in our report." From Fiji Times (22 April 2025) Smart classroom launched in Rotuma By Josefa Sigavolavola
Rotuma High Schools now has access to its first ever smart classroom dedicated to enhancing digital learning, community connection and opportunities for students academically. A smart classroom is a facility designed to elevate learning for school students through technology, and it can vary from a projector to an interactive board using a smart pen as a guide for navigation and writing and can also include the use of academically programed laptops and tablets for students. The Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, MSMEs and Communications stated the smart classroom would be made available to the community after school hours. "The smart classroom is part of a smart island initiative designed to bridge the digital divide, bringing cutting-edge technology and digitally enabled services to Rotuma and setting a blueprint for similar progress across Fiji's remote and maritime communities," the ministry said. It acknowledged the questions raised around enhancing connectivity, increasing government assistance and addressing ongoing doubts regarding the smart classroom. "These dialogues were invaluable in surfacing the community's priorities and aspirations, ensuring that future development initiatives on Rotuma are both responsive and inclusive. "These open dialogues ensured that community voices and local insights remain central to shaping Rotuma's future, addressing real needs and unlocking new opportunities." The launch brought together agencies such as Fiji Revenue and Customs Services, digital Fiji, MSME Fiji Unit and Department of Co-operatives Business to showcase innovation and the potential within the Rotuman community on growing MSMEs and cooperatives that would drive inclusive growth and sustainable development on their islands. From Fiji Times (19 April 2025) Call for introduction of reserved seats By Jake Wise
During a public consultation with the Fiji Law Reform Commission on Rotuma this week, Mr Nasario called for the introduction of reserved seats to ensure representation for minority groups. He said the communal voting system must be reintroduced or amended to "level the plain" for smaller communities like Rotuma. "There should be reserved seats for minority groups," Mr Nasario said. "Unfortunately, we were not elected. "A few candidates stood for the election, including Rotuman national Dr John Fatiaki, but we still didn't manage to secure a seat." He said the current electoral framework puts minority groups at a disadvantage, making it difficult for their voices to be heard in national decision-making. "If the communal role keeps going like this, it's very hard for us to get in our seat as a minority. "But at least we should have a seat by right. "If we use reserved seats, we have a chance of somebody to represent us." From National Geographic (14 April 2025) All Eyes on Fiji and Rotuma's Ocean as Scientists Launch New Marine Expedition By Jenelle Eli
Suva, Fiji / Ahau, Rotuma (14 April 2025) — A team of scientists and filmmakers from National Geographic Pristine Seas begins its expedition this week in support of marine protections in Fiji and Rotuma. The crew — which is made up of local and international experts — will study the South Pacific waters from the deep sea to shallow reefs. The expedition is taking place between April and September at the invitation of Fiji's government. In partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Ministry of Fisheries and Forests, Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, and Blue Prosperity Fiji, Pristine Seas will provide key data about the ocean's health and create two documentary films about communities' special relationship with the sea. The team's first stop is Rotuma — a volcanic island surrounded by uninhabited islets — that is a self-governing dependency of Fiji. To date, there has been no research conducted in Rotuma's biodiverse deep-sea ecosystems. These vast, dark depths could harbor hundreds of extraordinary species adapted to extreme conditions. "Exploring our ocean under the stewardship of Rotuma and her people is a milestone achievement," said Chairman of the Council of Rotuma, Gagaj Manav. "The Council of Rotuma welcomes National Geographic Pristine Seas to Rotuma to help us better understand the richness of our ocean. Rotuma is committed to protecting our cultural heritage anchored in the ocean that surrounds us and to safeguarding our people's wellbeing through science, education, awareness, cooperation-assistance, and well-meaning dialogue." Fiji and Rotuma's lush underwater ecosystems are home to marine turtles, humpback whales, reef fish, manta rays, sea snakes, corals and more. Several species — like dwarf gobies, pygmy gobies and the Fiji petrel — are found only in Fiji and Rotuma. In studying this unique wilderness, the Pristine Seas team hopes to highlight the beauty of the ocean and the power that marine protected areas have to restore wildlife, strengthen economies, increase food security and build climate resilience. "Fiji has a rich culture of traditional ocean management and conservation through qoliqoli and tabus," remarked Kevin Chand, Senior Director Pacific Ocean Policy for Pristine Seas. "Fiji has made enormous progress in recent years to protect its ocean. Our expeditions aim to leverage and complement this work and support Fiji as it seeks to achieve its conservation goals by 2030. Being from Fiji with a maternal connection to Rotuma, I'm doubly excited to be part of this expedition and work closely with communities here." In Fiji, the team will study dozens of locally managed marine areas (LMMAs or Tabu areas) in Kadavu. After, they will study areas including the Great Astrolabe Reef and Great Sea Reef (two of the longest barrier reefs in the world) and the Melanesian Border Plateau — a system of undersea ridges, seamounts, and banks of volcanic origin that extends across the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Tuvalu, and Tonga. In the Ringgold Islands, the team will carry out seabird surveys to learn more about the Lesser Frigatebird and Red-footed Booby. Gathering biodiversity information from locally protected marine areas and previously unexplored ecosystems, the results can help inform local ocean management and protection efforts. "As an island nation dependent on the ocean for its sustenance and livelihoods, Fiji has committed to protect our ocean ecosystems to support ocean health, productivity and resilience," said Sivendra Michael, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. "We have invited National Geographic Pristine Seas to support our commitment to protect 30% of our ocean by 2030. The Pristine Seas team of local and international researchers will provide the science and data key to identifying our marine biodiversity hotspots we need to protect." Living and working aboard the Argo research vessel, the team will assess the ocean's health with deep sea cameras, SCUBA dive surveys, seabird counts, underwater visual surveys, environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, micropaleo sampling and more. Pristine Seas' new submersible, the Argonauta, will enable team members to explore the deep sea. An underwater science lab, the sub can dive 1,300 meters and quietly maneuver in all directions, much like a drone. It can get close to reefs, walls, and seamounts in a safe and unobtrusive manner. Passengers will be able to view underwater life from every angle and in real-time. "Our researchers survey all sorts of marine environments, from shallow coral reefs to the deep sea. We document marine life ranging from tiny invertebrates to sharks and marine mammals," said Kat Millage, lead scientist for Pristine Seas' expedition in Fiji and Rotuma. "The most important part of our research is collaborating with local scientists. When we take our cues from traditional knowledge — which demonstrates that protection and production can co-exist — we all win." The expedition will build upon knowledge from Blue Prosperity Fiji's nationwide assessment of coral reefs in 2023. The new research will fill data gaps in key areas identified as potential conservation targets. After the expedition, Pristine Seas will provide critical information to Fiji government to inform opportunities to expand and enhance marine protections. "We are proud to partner with National Geographic Pristine Seas on its upcoming expedition in Fiji, which will build upon and complement research from partners across Fiji gathered during the 2023 nationwide coral reef survey, led by the Government and Blue Prosperity Fiji," said Saras Sharma, Fiji Country Manager, Blue Prosperity Fiji. "This expedition will deepen the understanding of Fiji's marine ecosystems, support sustainable ocean management and Fiji's commitment to sustainably manage 100% of its ocean and fully protect 30% of its ocean by 2030." In collaboration with National Geographic Education and the Fiji Ministry of Education, educators and students will board Pristine Seas' dedicated research vessel, the Argo, to meet the scientists, filmmakers and crew, so they can explore exciting career paths and learn more about marine science. In partnership with Birdlife Fiji, Pristine Seas will also study the waters off Gau Island to try and locate Fiji petrels at sea in order to determine the location for their nesting grounds on land. The effort aims to shed light on one of the rarest and least understood bird species in the world. Pristine Seas started its Global Expedition in 2023 with a mission to spend five years exploring the tropical Pacific and supporting communities and governments in their efforts to protect the ocean. The Fiji expedition will be the ninth stop on the Global Expedition. Previously, the team has explored and studied the Southern Line Islands, Tongareva, Niue, The Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. From Fiji Times via Pressreader (3 April 2025) Power to account! PUBLIC Works Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau is not happy with the rate of progress of infrastructure upgrade works in the maritime areas. That's a good thing! Being unhappy that is! In fact for those directly impacted by this, it is frustrating. It can be very stressful and adds up to more challenges. It impacts their lives, yet for some, it is the norm now. Such pressures inch out a sense of uncertainty, anger and a lack of confidence in systems that are supposed to make their lives better. They slow down progress to a large extent. According to the minister, the ministry was looking to revive depots on maritime islands to allow for the regular maintenance of infrastructure on the islands. His comments come as poorly maintained roads on Rotuma were blamed for some major challenges faced by Rotumans. Poor road conditions forced truck operators to stop servicing schools recently, leaving students stranded. Ro Tuisawau confirmed a team departed Suva for Rotuma last week with staff and equipment to fix the roads on the island. Overall, he said he was not happy with some of the progress. "So, all the entities working under me, they need to up the level of service in terms of timing and efficiency and effectiveness of delivery. "I met the FRA (Fiji Roads Authority) board and also the senior management and expressed to them we need to improve on these things, especially maintenance, and ensure the facilities are standard in terms of the facilitation of travel of our people." In fact questions will no doubt be asked about processes and systems in place. And how things were done in the past. It seems, for many of these affected islanders, it is a bit like out-of-sight, out-of-mind! That shouldn't be the case. In fact every Fijian deserves to be treated fairly and equally. That means infrastructure development must be embracing of the needs of all. It is when people accept such things as a normal part of their lives that we must be concerned. It is encouraging that the minister has placed staff on notice and wants to see an improvement in service delivery. In fact, those who are trying to beat the system, and are not prepared to do their work, mus tbe held up to scrutiny. They must be accountable for their action. It is now about holding power to account. It is unfortunate that people have to suffer. However, it is good that this is being raised now, and action is being taken to address concerns. That's the way to go! DONALD SINGH Doing Road Work on Rotuma
The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) has commenced road rehabilitation on Rotuma Island, focusing on the critical Motusa Circular Road. Recognizing the urgent need for comprehensive improvements, restoration is underway for the most damaged sections, with surface grading and compaction. In alignment with long-term infrastructure goals, the FRA aims to resheet the entire 35 km road network on the island which will be supported by a dedicated crusher that will produce aggregate materials necessary for road rehabilitation. |
