A very positive article follows. It shows just how [relativley] difficult it is to launder Money in Fiji. I'm sure it is going on, but on a Fiji Scale. If you read late in the full article you will see that they seem to have implemented USA PATRIOT Act-like measures.
-Lee
April 23, 2007 While Fiji is no longer being used as a conduit for money laundering, it however remains a money laundering destination, says Fiji Intelligence Unit head Razin Buksh.
This, he says follows a number of cases that Fiji has seen (with one conviction in 2005), or as a result of pending cases that it is currently being investigated, or is currently before the court, or is before the law enforcement agencies. "I am confidently saying that we are not just at the threat of money laundering but it is a reality in Fiji," he said.
The Rest @ Fiji Live
Friday, April 27, 2007
Monday, April 23, 2007
UN sends fact-finding mission to Fiji
Australian News.NetSaturday 21st April, 2007
A UN fact-finding Mission has been dispatched to Fiji because of Security Council's concerns about the situation there.Fiji fell to a military coup four months ago resulting in a sharp decline in the economy. The Security Council has called for a peaceful resolution and the restoration of democracy.
The fact-finding mission's objective is to gain a first hand assessment of the situation in Fiji through broad consultations with the interim authorities, representatives of all political parties and civil society. The Mission, which arrives in Fiji on Sunday, will also meet with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the resident diplomatic community.
The mission is being led by Mr. Jehangir Khan of the Department of Political Affairs and will include political and electoral experts as well as representatives from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and UNDP. Following its consultations in Fiji, the Mission will report its findings and recommendations to the Secretary-General.
The Rest @ Australia News.net
A UN fact-finding Mission has been dispatched to Fiji because of Security Council's concerns about the situation there.Fiji fell to a military coup four months ago resulting in a sharp decline in the economy. The Security Council has called for a peaceful resolution and the restoration of democracy.
The fact-finding mission's objective is to gain a first hand assessment of the situation in Fiji through broad consultations with the interim authorities, representatives of all political parties and civil society. The Mission, which arrives in Fiji on Sunday, will also meet with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the resident diplomatic community.
The mission is being led by Mr. Jehangir Khan of the Department of Political Affairs and will include political and electoral experts as well as representatives from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and UNDP. Following its consultations in Fiji, the Mission will report its findings and recommendations to the Secretary-General.
The Rest @ Australia News.net
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Typhoid Outbreak in North Fiji: Apprpriate Steps Taken
One person has died in the north while 65 others have been infected with the potentially deadly disease.
Acting Director Public Health Dr Josaia Samuela warned that the outbreak could easily hit the Central Division through infected people traveling from Vanua Levu to Viti Levu.
"Someone in the family diagnosed with typhoid travelling between the islands could easily pass it on,'' he said.
Dr Samuela said he was aware that this happened in 2005 when a patient from Savusavu transmitted the disease to an individual in Lami.
The Rest @ Fiji Times
Acting Director Public Health Dr Josaia Samuela warned that the outbreak could easily hit the Central Division through infected people traveling from Vanua Levu to Viti Levu.
"Someone in the family diagnosed with typhoid travelling between the islands could easily pass it on,'' he said.
Dr Samuela said he was aware that this happened in 2005 when a patient from Savusavu transmitted the disease to an individual in Lami.
The Rest @ Fiji Times
Embasy Barriers Can Stay say Commodore Frank
Update: 12.55pm The security barriers outside the US embassy in Loftus Street can stay.
Interim Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama moments ago announced he had rescinded his order for them to be removed.
''Fiji shares the grief and sorrow which the Government and the people of the United States of America are going through as a result of the unfortunate and barbaric shootings at Virginia Tech University,'' he said.
''I feel and my heart goes out to the families of those who have died in the shootings as well as those who were injured,'' said Commodore Bainimarama.
''This tragedy has again driven home the fact that in this global environment, external threats to our national and personal security are very real. We all need to work together to make our lives safe.
The Rest @ Fiji Times
Interim Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama moments ago announced he had rescinded his order for them to be removed.
''Fiji shares the grief and sorrow which the Government and the people of the United States of America are going through as a result of the unfortunate and barbaric shootings at Virginia Tech University,'' he said.
''I feel and my heart goes out to the families of those who have died in the shootings as well as those who were injured,'' said Commodore Bainimarama.
''This tragedy has again driven home the fact that in this global environment, external threats to our national and personal security are very real. We all need to work together to make our lives safe.
The Rest @ Fiji Times
LANDOWNERS involved in the Natadola Bay Resort project have warned developers to pay $250,000 owed to them in goodwill payments or they will withdraw their land.
"I have been asked by landowners to write a letter to (Fiji National Provident Fund) chairman, Felix Anthony and the Natadola Bay Resort Limited, to pay the landowning unit what it owes within seven days of our meeting,"said Ratu Osea Gavidi, the spokesperson for the vanua of Nasoqo.
"I have requested the landowners to at least give the FNPF and NBRL 14 days or until the end of this month for FNPF to pay up the last payment through the NLTB.
"They have to pay up, otherwise the landowners will take back their land,"he warned.
"They have to pay up, otherwise the landowners will take back their land,"he warned.
The development follows international golfer Vijay Singh's withdrawal from the project in which he was to design the resort's star attraction a world class golf course.
"For the vanua of Nasoqo, Vijay Singh matters to them,"he said.
"For the vanua of Nasoqo, Vijay Singh matters to them,"he said.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Vijay Singh Cancels his Gold Course Design Contract for Natadola Resort
INTERNATIONAL golfer Vijay Singh has cancelled his design contract for the championship golf course at the Natadola Resort project, it has been revealed.
Renee Lee, legal representative for IMG Worldwide Inc which manages the world-renowned golfer, said he was very disappointed with the Natadola situation.
The Rest @ Fiji Times
This appears to be tied up with the recent controversial firing of the Gerard Sailot as Resort Manager by IMG. The Landowners, led by Ratu Osea Gavid, had also opposed this firing.
-Lee
Renee Lee, legal representative for IMG Worldwide Inc which manages the world-renowned golfer, said he was very disappointed with the Natadola situation.
The Rest @ Fiji Times
This appears to be tied up with the recent controversial firing of the Gerard Sailot as Resort Manager by IMG. The Landowners, led by Ratu Osea Gavid, had also opposed this firing.
-Lee
Pakistani Interest in Natadola Bay Resport: Landowners Want to Neogtiate
Ratu Osea Gavidi responds to Toursim Ministers comments 15 Apr 2007 13:14:30
Natadola landowners say they will not approve of any transaction connected to their land until their interests and aspirations are met.
Landowners’ spokesman Ratu Osea Gavidi says they’ve learnt their lessons well.The comment by Ratu Osea follows revelations by Tourism minister Benedette Rounds Ganilau that a Pakistani company is interested in taking over the Natadola Bay Resort project.
from Radio Fiji
Natadola landowners say they will not approve of any transaction connected to their land until their interests and aspirations are met.
Landowners’ spokesman Ratu Osea Gavidi says they’ve learnt their lessons well.The comment by Ratu Osea follows revelations by Tourism minister Benedette Rounds Ganilau that a Pakistani company is interested in taking over the Natadola Bay Resort project.
from Radio Fiji
Friday, April 13, 2007
Bainimarama Bans the Meeting of the Great Council of Chiefs
The interim Government has suspended all meetings of the Great Council of Chiefs, saying it does not recognise it.
In reaction to the council's rejection on Wednesday of the nomination by President Ratu Josefa Iloilo of a Vice President, interim Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said all government resources within the council secretariat would now be re-directed to other government departments.
"The GCC will only be convened if, and when, the interim government sees it appropriate," he said.
The Rest @ The Fiji Times
In reaction to the council's rejection on Wednesday of the nomination by President Ratu Josefa Iloilo of a Vice President, interim Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said all government resources within the council secretariat would now be re-directed to other government departments.
"The GCC will only be convened if, and when, the interim government sees it appropriate," he said.
The Rest @ The Fiji Times
Bainimarama Tweaking the Nose of the US
Update: 1.32pm INTERIM Prime Minister, Commander Voreqe Bainimarama said he will only engage with countries and parties that are genuinely committed to assisting Fiji in moving forward.
Commander Bainimarama's comment was to explain his refusal to meet the United States Assistant Secretary for State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, Glyn Davies.
The rest @ the Fiji Times
Commander Bainimarama's comment was to explain his refusal to meet the United States Assistant Secretary for State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, Glyn Davies.
The rest @ the Fiji Times
American Embassy in Suva
THE security measures placed by the American Embassy on Loftus Street in Suva will be removed by the end of next week.
The directive by interim Prime Minister Commander Voreqe Bainimarama to the relevant ministries and authorities is in line with the withdrawal of military personnel from the various checkpoints and the relaxation of restrictions at those installations.
'Look at what they are doing here on our doorstep on Loftus Street. Somehow, they have ended up getting this whole street closed, thereby denying the taxpayers who have funded the construction of this road,'' Commander Bainimarama said.
Loftus Street has been cordoned off since the September 11 2001 bombing of the Twin Towers in New York.
The directive by interim Prime Minister Commander Voreqe Bainimarama to the relevant ministries and authorities is in line with the withdrawal of military personnel from the various checkpoints and the relaxation of restrictions at those installations.
'Look at what they are doing here on our doorstep on Loftus Street. Somehow, they have ended up getting this whole street closed, thereby denying the taxpayers who have funded the construction of this road,'' Commander Bainimarama said.
Loftus Street has been cordoned off since the September 11 2001 bombing of the Twin Towers in New York.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Fiji Poor Continue to Migrate from Rural to City Squatter Suburbs
The rise in squatter settlements in Fiji is alarming. From the latest figures provided by the Ecumenical Centre for Research, Education and Advocacy (ECREA) there are 180 squatter settlements across the country. ECREA director Father Kevin Barr says the situation is worst in the greater Suva area.
An estimated 16.4 per cent of the capital city's population lives in squatter camps. This is really alarming. Why is there a rise in squatter population and settlements? This is now a national problem. The squatter problem is a big socio-economic and developmental issue as it is deep-rooted in poverty, unemployment, inequality, mal-development and land tenure insecurities. Can this problem be solved?
The Rest @ The Fiji Sun
An estimated 16.4 per cent of the capital city's population lives in squatter camps. This is really alarming. Why is there a rise in squatter population and settlements? This is now a national problem. The squatter problem is a big socio-economic and developmental issue as it is deep-rooted in poverty, unemployment, inequality, mal-development and land tenure insecurities. Can this problem be solved?
The Rest @ The Fiji Sun
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Vodpone Offers to Send Tsunmi Notices Via Cell phone
FIJI's mobile phone company Vodafone Fiji offered its assistance to send out SMS messages to its customers warning of a possible tsunami but was told by a government official not to bother.
Vodafone Fiji Value Added Services product manager Winston Penjueli said when the early warning came out on Monday, he called Mineral Resources Department Mineral Development director Ifereimi Dau to offer their services in sending out a broadcast to the whole 290,000 customers in Fiji, free of charge as a community service.
"He (Mr Dau) said they were still monitoring it but didn't feel there was a need," Mr Penjueli said.
"He knew it wouldn't affect us at all."
"He said not to send any now but they were still monitoring it and it wasn't a threat."
Read the rest from the Fiji Times
Vodafone Fiji Value Added Services product manager Winston Penjueli said when the early warning came out on Monday, he called Mineral Resources Department Mineral Development director Ifereimi Dau to offer their services in sending out a broadcast to the whole 290,000 customers in Fiji, free of charge as a community service.
"He (Mr Dau) said they were still monitoring it but didn't feel there was a need," Mr Penjueli said.
"He knew it wouldn't affect us at all."
"He said not to send any now but they were still monitoring it and it wasn't a threat."
Read the rest from the Fiji Times
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Tomasi Vakatora Appointed as New Fintel President
AMALGAMATED Telecom Holdings Limited's new acting chief executive is its company secretary, Tomasi Vakatora.
An ATH statement said the appointment was made by its board of directors at its meeting last Wednesday.
The appointment took effect on Sunday.
Group chairman Kanti Tappoo said Mr Vakatora deserved the opportunity to serve at the helm of the company, having played key roles in the acquisition of ATH by the Fiji National Provident Fund in late 1998, developed the company into fully operational mode in early 1999 through to the public offer of ATH shares and the company's public listing in early 2002 and addressed numerous issues and challenges that ATH faced to date.
Read the Rest from Fiji Times
An ATH statement said the appointment was made by its board of directors at its meeting last Wednesday.
The appointment took effect on Sunday.
Group chairman Kanti Tappoo said Mr Vakatora deserved the opportunity to serve at the helm of the company, having played key roles in the acquisition of ATH by the Fiji National Provident Fund in late 1998, developed the company into fully operational mode in early 1999 through to the public offer of ATH shares and the company's public listing in early 2002 and addressed numerous issues and challenges that ATH faced to date.
Read the Rest from Fiji Times
WESTPAC Banking in Fiji drops interst trates
Update: 4.40pm WESTPAC Banking Corporation will be reduce lending rates to all customers by 50 basis points or 0.5 per cent effective May 1st, 2007
.
The reduction in rates reflects the improved liquidity situation that has followed since the introduction of the Credit Ceiling by the Reserve Bank of Fiji on November 30, 2006.
Westpac General Manager John Cashmore said Westpac welcomes the Reserve Bank's announcement on Friday of a reduction in the Statutory Reserve Deposit requirement from 7 per cent of deposits to 6 per cent
The Rest from the Fiji Times
.
The reduction in rates reflects the improved liquidity situation that has followed since the introduction of the Credit Ceiling by the Reserve Bank of Fiji on November 30, 2006.
Westpac General Manager John Cashmore said Westpac welcomes the Reserve Bank's announcement on Friday of a reduction in the Statutory Reserve Deposit requirement from 7 per cent of deposits to 6 per cent
The Rest from the Fiji Times
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)