Mining: Fiji's "new and illegal" economic life-line

The illegal and treasonous "minista" (and ALP left-over in the cabinet who is ever anxious to justify his presence), Netani Sukanaivalu in charge of lands and minerals is ecstatic over the new cash-cow of mineral resources.

Sukanaivalu is hedging his bets that Fiji's mineral resources could take-over the tourism industry in terms of foreign exchange earnings.

Too bad though that in order to realize this pipe-dream, access to land and sea all need consent from We the People, that is the land and i qoliqoli owners.

Bainimarama as the self-imposed incoming Melanesian Spearhead Group Chair only has to look across the ditch to understand just how unsuccessful the idea of deep-sea mining is taking root with our neighbours.

More importantly, the impacts on the ocean will be closely monitored by global scientists.

Fundamentally it's the same old hype that we heard way back then, when gold was be-all and end-all for Fiji's economy.

New biggest income earner
Maciu Malo
Monday, January 31, 2011

MINERAL resources are set to surpass tourism as the biggest income earner for the nation.

Lands and Mineral Resources Minister Netani Sukanaivalu, told The Fiji Times, the booming mineral resources industry would rake in billions of dollars annually for the next 20 to 30 years.

He said the success of the Namosi gold and copper mines, the Vatukoula gold mine, coupled with deep sea exploration in Naselai waters, would bring in much needed revenue for the Government.

"I believe mineral resources are our future," he said.

"It's going to be a billion dollar empire and our job in the Ministry for Lands and Resources is to match the mining sector development within the next four years or so. We support tourism but right now mineral is running ahead of tourism."

Mr Sukanaivalu said the Tuvatu Gold Mine and the black sand in the Ba delta would soon be opened for business.

He said oil and gas exploration would also get under way in five months time.

"We have three companies that are applying for an exploration licence to mine our deep sea and we have the oil exploration right now and they will start drilling in June or July at Naselai.

"That will cut our supply to 30-50 per cent of gas and oil."

He said his ministry needed to prepare itself in terms of manpower and resources. Thirteen investors have shown interest to mine at Mount Kasi.

Mr Sukanaivalu said the committee had been screening all applicants and would submit their recommendations to the ministry.

"The ministry will then send its final recommendation for the Prime Minister to make the final decision," he said.

More micro-managing by the illegal and treasonous regime

Once again, the illegal and treasonous Voreqe Bainimarama dabbles in things beyond his calling and expertise.

While the name of this currently targetted (and past his/her use-by date) CEO is being with-held, the "investigation basis" appears to fit the bill of Fijian Holdings.

Probe into top CEO, payouts
losalinir@fijisun.com.fj
1/31/2011

The chief executive officer of one of the country's major companies is being investigated for alleged corruption.

When he was asked, this was confirmed yesterday by the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

The Fiji Sun was reliably informed that the investigation is based on:

- The CEO receiving two salaries. One as the CEO of the company and the other as the board chairman of one of the subsidiary companies.

- The approval by the CEO for a $155,000 payout with a company car to one of the company managers who resigned. This was done despite the fact that the manager who received this was not entitled to the payout.

Sources indicated that the manager's resignation came after the Government found he had allowed the CEO to be paid the two salary packages.

The source also indicated that this forced Prime Minister Bainimarama to intervene and call for an investigation.

He then directed that the money and the car be returned immediately.

Up to now, according to the source, only the car and $50,000 have been recovered.

Commodore Bainimarama confirmed sending out the directive.

"Investigation is currently underway and I have nothing more to say," he said.

The company's CEO failed to respond to queries sent by the Fiji Sun.

When contacted, the CEO agreed to attend to the queries but did not respond.

Also the company's board chairman was contacted at home and indicated that he was busy and would later return the call.

However, this also had not eventuated when this edition went to press last night.

Air Pacific's Expat Recruitment Drive Begins

We've said it over and over (and over again).

Even the Transport Workers Union chimed in despite the illegal and treasonous tourism "Minister", Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum's attempt to convince us otherwise.

The recruitment drive for expats only (selling a Fiji/Pacific airline and its products) has begun.

And the losers ultimately -- despite the illogical reasoning -- will be citizens and taxpayers who dig deep in their pockets to help pay for the airline.

Air Pacific Appoints New PR & Communications Manager
Wednesday, 26 January 2011

Inline with Air Pacific’s new company strategy for commercial operations, Air Pacific has appointed Anna Denby as PR & Communications Manager effective 04th January 2011. Anna will be based in Air Pacific’s Sydney office.

Miss Denby comes from a strong Tourism & Travel background including RTO, NTO and hotel group representation. Miss Denby will be managing all PR & Communications for Air Pacific across all markets including Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Los Angeles and the South Pacific Islands.

“I’m very excited about the new direction Air Pacific is taking for 2011” said Miss Denby. “Air Pacific has a proud history and holds an enviable position as the prime carrier of the South Pacific. I’m really looking forward to getting the brand out there and working closely with our partners to ensure the key messages are being received by the industry and consumers”.

Air Pacific’s General Manager Sales and Marketing, Michael Nacola, stated, “We’re delighted to have someone of Anna’s caliber on-board. She has extensive tourism and travel experience that will add value to our team. Anna will lead marketing communications to trade partners and consumers on fare offerings, product changes and business enhancements and has the requisite skills and contacts to manage this important role. We have an exciting year ahead as we look to raise the profile of our brand in key markets and cement our position as the carrier of choice to Fiji and the South Pacific.”

Source = Air Pacific

Fiji's tax folks on a self-promotion high

I mean really, what is the news here?

The tax folks up at the Fiji Inland Revenue & Customs Authority (FIRCA) are gloating about an IMPOSED tax registration exercise, the benefits towards the state's coffers yet to be fully understood or realized and now they see fit to wallow in a"record collection" of revenue for 2010.

What could be so newsworthy about that? These suckers basically sit back and our money jumps into their coffers, because we unwillingly pay taxes to an illegal and treasonous regime, while we get nothing to show for it.

With the illegal and treasonous Lt Col Pio Tikoduadua and his confused worldviews shabby performance thus far, it is no wonder he would be desperate for SOMETHING to boast about.

FIRCA achieves record collection
Thursday, January 27, 2011

The Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority achieved its highest ever level of revenue collection last year.

FIRCA Board Chairman Colonel Pio Tikoduadua described the 2010 revenue collections as outstanding, surpassing the revised projected revenue by $22.3m.

Tikoduadua says last year’s collection also increased by $91m when compared to 2009.

This positive outcome has been attributed to the solid collection of Value Added Tax.

Tikoduadua says Hotel turnover tax and customs duty collected were also above the forecast, and although the total income tax collected was below the forecast, PAYE which is the major component of Income Tax exceeded expectations.

Report by: Roland Koroi