FORMER senator Ro Teimumu Kepa says Fiji has to move ahead.
And this has led her to accept the position of Women and Culture Minister in
the
interim government.
Ro Teimumu confirmed she had rejected the offer earlier due to security reasons.
"I declined the offer first because we live so near Parliament and because
of the
climate around the complex, I decided not to be involved in any government or
administration as it may not have been safe for my family.
"But now we have moved out of the place and I realise that the country
has to be
taken forward, we can't be in a position where we are stagnant and allow other
factors from stopping us moving ahead."
She said she had to make a stand. Ro Teimumu said she looked forward to her
job
of assisting and working out policies to improve the living standards of women.
"I feel the ministry has qualified people to achieve success in whatever
plans we
have for the country."
She said she is prepared to accept views from women around the country in
drawing up plans and programmes, which will assist them live better lives.
Fiji's Daily Post
POLICE have refuted rumours that its Commissioner Isikia Savua and Assistance
Commissioner Operations Jahir Khan have left the country to settle overseas.
Police public relations officer Inspector Sera Bernard said Mr Savua is attending
a
seven day regional security meeting in Vanuatu.
Inspector Bernard said Mr Savua was advised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
to
attend the meeting.
During Mr Savua's absence, Assistant Commissioner Crime, Moses Driver will
act
in his place.
"Mr Savua briefed Mr Driver on the directions to be taken before his departure.
He has the confidence in his officers to take control of this situation in his
short
absence.
Mr Savua left last Tuesday and is expected to return this week.
He is being briefed daily on the situation in Fiji by Mr Driver.
Inspector Bernard said Mr Khan is ill and is on leave and will resume work
shortly.
It is believed that Mr Khan went to the United States of America for medical
treatment.
Fiji's Daily Post
LABASA came to a standstill again after threats that rebel supporters were
to march
through the northern town. Businesses closed as people rushed home early.
Deputy mayor Dr Pradeep Singh said the "great rush in the town" was
due to fear.
"After people heard that there would be a march in town, shopowners closed
their
stores and rushed home."
He said schools in the town remain closed due to security reasons.
"Schools have closed since Tuesday," he said.
However, rebel spokesman Ratu Josefa Dimuri denied there were threats of a
march.
He assured residents on the safety of their lives and properties.
Some residents yesterday said they did not understand the events in Labasa.
One resident said the political fiasco has been "too much for the people
in the
Friendly North".
"We feel so scared, our children are missing so much school work and I
wonder
when will all this finish," he said.
"What wrong have we done? It has been God's will that we are born Indians."
The residents have called on the military to be more effective in solving the
crisis in
the north.
"I think it will be good if the military speeds up its job to resolve
the situation."
Military spokesperson Major Howard Politini confirmed yesterday that rumours
of a
march by rebel groups resulted in the town's early closure.
Fiji's Daily Post
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