Wansolwara Issue 2: USP's 50th Anniversary

Wansolwara Issue I1: OCTOBER 2018

ISSN 1029-7316

24 Pages

An indepedent journalism student newspaper and online publication since 1996

‘One People, One Ocean’ - www.wansolwaranews.com

Meet the new VC

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a special visit to The University of the South Pacific’s Laucala campus during their three-day Fiji visit from October 23-25 this year.

Picture: SUPPLIED/USP MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Professor Pal Ahluwalia.

Picture: SUPPLIED/USP MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

MEREONI MILI

By

By

THE University of the South Pacific will continue to build on its reputation as a significant research institution that has the potential to change the lives of inhabitants in the region, says USP vice-chancellor designate, Professor Pal Ahluwalia.

Prof Ahluwalia’s appointment to the top post was made during the University’s 86th Council meeting in Nauru recently.

He is expected to formally take up the post at USP on January 1, 2019, replacing outgoing VC and president, Professor Rajesh Chandra, whose term ends in December after serving a maximum 10 years.

“The groundwork has been laid through its Strategic Plan underpinned by the goal of moving from ‘good to excellent’,” Prof Ahluwalia said in a statement earlier this year.

“USP has a real opportunity to become a truly world-class institution by building upon the promise of its mission and values. Its excellence must be celebrated and widely publicised so that it becomes the University of choice in the region.”

Prof Ahluwalia was selected after a rigorous and thorough selection process by the University’s joint committee of council and senate.

He was previously Pro VC and acting deputy VC academic at the University of South Australia. He has a PhD in politics from Flinders University and a Master and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Saskatchewan in Canada.

In 2008, Prof Ahluwalia was appointed a UNESCO Chair in Transnational Diasporas and Reconciliation Studies. In 2015, he was awarded the status of an eminent scholar by the International Studies Association.

Royal welcome

LAISEANA NASIGA

HUNDREDS of staff and students gathered at The University of the South Pacific’s Laucala campus last month to catch a glimpse of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex — a visit outgoing Vice-Chancellor Professor Rajesh Chandra dubbed the “best 50th anniversary gift” the University could ever hope for.

This was the royal couple’s first time to visit Fiji. They arrived on October 23

for a three-day visit as part of their 16-day royal tour of the South Pacific. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex observed a cultural performance by the Oceania Dance Theatre on the effects of climate change before meeting students outside the Japan-Pacific ICT Centre. The dance group received a standing ovation from the couple.

Speaking after the performance, Prince Harry said they were pleased to visit USP and looked forward to learning about the work being done across the University’s

12-member countries.

“Fifty years ago, my grandmother, The Queen, personally delivered the royal charter to your university.

“So it is a great honour for us to be here to celebrate this milestone and reflect on all that you have achieved in the region in that time,” Prince Harry said.

While delivering his address, Prof Chandra said they hoped the royals would visit USP again in the future. n More on the Royal Visit - PAGE 2

nn ioio atat brbr lele e ce bilebielece JuJu dednen olol G G s s re re tutu Pic ararininPic heYeYe Te -h 1818- T 20 20

Rajesh cellor Professor ellor Pro-Chanc USP Vice-Chan right, and groundChandra, during the on Thompson Winston for the constructi ceremony Laucala campus. at breaking G& entrance SP MARKETIN of a new Picture: SUPPLIED/U

Campus USP’s Alafuacelebrated y communit ry in anniversa the 50th SUPPLIED/ style. Picture: G & USP MARKETIN ICATIONS COMMUN

ION

from (second Sogavare and PM Manasseh Rajesh Chandra G& Islands Deputy cellor Professor MARKETIN Solomon USP Vice-Chan SUPPLIED/USP left) with ICATIONS guests. Picture: COMMUN

IT ED : L CIA SIDE E P IN S

Minister Peter PNG Prime one of many s O’Neill was dignatarie high-level USP this year. that visited USP Picture: SUPPLIED/ G& MARKETIN ICATIONS COMMUN

Charter USP’s Royal during on display al Internation Day at Archives campus.

Laucala Picture: SUPPLIED/ G& USP MARKETIN ICATIONS COMMUN

Bottom: President of Fiji Jioji left, Konrote, a gift of receives ion from appreciat ellor Winston Picture: USP Pro-Chanc in June.

G Thompson USP MARKETIN SUPPLIED/ ICATIONS & COMMUN

Lupesoliai Tuilaepa Prime Minister Malielegaoi Samoan of Dr Sa’ilele the opening year.

Neioti Aiono speech at August this delivers his Week in G& USP’s Research SP MARKETIN Picture: SUPPLIED/U ICATIONS COMMUN a unveiled the campus to celebrate USP’s Kiribati orative plaque SUPPLIED/USP commem y. Picture: ICATIONS 50th anniversar G & COMMUN MARKETIN

Selmen testsOpen USP student Harrison during the USP Journalism equipment ARA WANSOLW video recording year. Picture: Day this Serevi and Waisale Khan. maestro Rugby 7s player, Rocky Blacks 7s former All NAIKATINI Picture: MIRIAMA

Rajesh Professor Professor From left: Associate the Chandra, Leckie (author of e oraJacquelin ry commem 50th anniversa Pro-Chancellor and Council tive book) of the USP and chairman .

Thompson Winston USP Picture: SUPPLIED/ G& MARKETIN ICATIONS COMMUN

rugby sevens interview Zealand during an Former New Rocky Khan part of the Rugby was superstar Pasifik. He this year alongside at Radio seminar Serevi.

For Change maestro, Waisale LEVU rugby sevens ELIKI DRUGUNA Picture: SUPPLIED/

Dr Giulio n and facilities, ry celebratio property anniversa campuses cut the 50th ent for regional campus staff ICATIONS USP Vice-Presid G & COMMUN and Lautoka (middle), USP MARKETIN Paunga SUPPLIED/ cake. Picture:

City to celebrate the Sugar streets in ICATIONS took to the G & COMMUN staff members SP MARKETIN campus SUPPLIED/U USP Lautokain style. Picture: y anniversar

the 50th

Pages 22-23

50th orate the commem ICATIONS event to G & COMMUN during an MARKETIN staff members SUPPLIED/USP Picture: USP academic y this year. > 2018> OCTOBER anniversar

ws.com

warane

www.wansol

ns.

ry celebratio

50th anniversa during the campus at the Niue G & COMMUNICATIONS members USP staff USP MARKETIN Picture: SUPPLIED/

ws.com

warane

22

n PROFILE: Professor Randy Thaman - Page 11

n AWARDS: Excellence in Journalism - Pages 20-21

OCTOBER

ww.wansol

>2018>w

n PICTORIAL: YEAR IN PICTURES

23

STUDENT PLAN -USP Newspaper.pdf 1 12/09/2018 4:26:35 PM

Royal Visit

$5

3GB 7 Days Expiry

$10

6GB

14 Days Expiry

$15

10GB 14 Days Expiry

$20

www.wansolwaranews.com

14GB 30 Days Expiry

USP’s outgoing Vice-Chancellor and president Professor Rajesh Chandra presents a gift to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Picture: SUPPLIED/USP MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Special Price!

$69

Limited Time Offer!

C

M

Y

Pocket MiFi Unit

CM

FREE Data

MY

2GB

CY

CMY

7 Days Expiry

K

Grants for Pacific development By

MEREONI MILI

TWO new grants will be awarded to The University of the South Pacific and Fiji National University to facilitate workshops that will empower female staff members.

The announcement was made by the Duchess of Sussex during a recent visit to USP’s Laucala campus in Suva. The grants mean female faculty members would be able to encourage others to follow in their footsteps and enter higher-education so that more women become part of the decision-making process in academic institutions.

“Grants like these ensure that women are provided with the training and skills to operate effectively in their roles, and those with leadership potential are given the opportunity to be heard and recognised at the most senior level,” the Duchess said at the Japan ICT Lecture Theatre.

“While progress has been made in many areas across

the Commonwealth, there is always scope to offer more opportunities to the next generation of young adults, and specifically to young women. The Association of Commonwealth Universities, which has Her Majesty The Queen as patron, supports universities to promote equality in their own institutions.”

The Duchess reflected on her own experience as a university graduate and said she knew the personal feeling of pride and excitement that came with attending university.

“From the moment you receive your acceptance letter, to the exams you spend countless late nights studying for, the lifelong friendships you make with your fellow alumni, and the moment you receive your diploma,” she told the audience comprising academics, guests and students “The journey of higher education is an incredible, impactful and pivotal one.

“I am also fully aware of the challenges of being able to afford this level of schooling for many people

around the world – myself included. It was through scholarships, financial aid programmes and workstudy where my earnings from a job on campus went directly towards my tuition — that I was able to attend university.

“And, without question, it was worth every effort.

Everyone should be afforded the opportunity to receive the education they want, but more importantly the education they have the right to receive. And for women and girls in developing countries, this is vital.

“Providing them with access to education is the key to economic and social development. Because when girls are given the right tools to succeed, they can create incredible futures, not only for themselves but also for those around them.”

Meanwhile, the Duke launched four new Queen Elizabeth scholarships for students from the Caribbean and Pacific regions to support more young people in reducing the effects of climate change in their countries.

Advice inspires youth leaders By

Follow us on

Follow Available Us on Available fromComputer TFL Outlets & TFL Roadshow Locations. only from USP shop Laucala, Suva.

Telecom Quickdial Recharge Card is available from USP Computer shop & nearby shops. For more information call now on 112777 or visit www.tfl.com.fj

2

OCTOBER >2018>www.wansolwaranews.com

USP journalism student Apenisa Vatuniveivuke, left, was one of 10 students chosen from the Faculty of Arts, Law & Education to meet the royal couple on October 24. Picture: SUPPLIED/USP MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

MEREONI MILI

MEETING the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in person was a humbling experience for specially selected students from The University of the South Pacific including two first-year journalism students, Apenisa Vatuniveivuke and Dhruvkaran Nand.

Vatuniveivuke, who is an undergraduate student majoring in journalism and law, said he was pleased to be one of 10 students from the Faculty of Arts, Law and Education chosen to speak with the royal couple about their involvement in empowerment projects, women’s development and climate change advocacy.

“I was in the second group on

youth leadership to meet the Duchess of Sussex. We were introduced to the Duchess by her escort. But we had a chance to speak to her. I introduced myself and the work I was engaged in with civil society organisations and political parties, especially working to get young people’s voices in national discussions,” he told Wansolwara.

“And she said, ‘Oh, that’s so wonderful. I think more young people should get involved’.”

Solomon Islands student Cynthia Hou, 22, also met the Duchess.

“It was an overwhelming experience because I’ve only seen her in magazines and on television. The Duchess encouraged me to continue the work I’m doing,” Hou said.

www.wansolwaranews.com> 2018> OCTOBER

3

USP over 50 years The University of the South Pacific has come a long way since the establishment of the Laucala campus in 1968. The site at Laucala was originally developed as a Royal New Zealand Air Force base in 1951. USP’s outgoing Vice-Chancellor Professor Rajesh Chandra, whose term ends in December, spoke to Wansolwara about the University’s journey over the past 50 years.

Q

How important is the 50th celebration in terms of reflecting on the University’s past, present and future?

Prof Chandra: I think it’s an extremely important event for the University in the region. Why is it so important? One, because in the Pacific we have not had too many examples of real success. Usually when one writes about the Pacific, they’re always talking about problems, writing as much about the agencies or institutions that have failed. It is very rare to really have an institution that has gone from strength to strength, that is owned by the Pacific and serves the Pacific. So I think it is quite important.

It is also a moment for us to share all of that because we are now looking back at our achievements over 50 years and every year you get occupied with your normal work so you don’t have a chance to really look at things in the long run perspective of 50 years. It’s a moment also to reflect because there have been moments of great joy and moments of great disappointment. So this is a chance for people to reflect. I think it’s a chance to also use the celebration as a springboard to a kind of future that I’m sure leaders would have wanted to have and current leaders want to see. In the 50th celebrations, you combine all of those things.

We have many things to celebrate. When you look at the university in 1968, we started with 200 students. Now, we have about 30,000 students. We graduate 4000 students a year now. We have to look at the figures.

In our first few graduations, we would have had 49 graduates. So 49 to 4000 graduates, clearly there is much to celebrate.

We have produced the bulk of the human resources that the country needed to develop because it’s only now that you have choices.

In that 50 years roughly, USP was the only university supporting our member countries so the bulk of the people were there. We believe that because a large number of our leaders, some of them heads of government, a significant portion of parliamentarians,

nearly all of the senior public servants and all the people you need to run the civil service, or operate businesses, the university has produced them.

In terms of regional co-operation, I often argue that it’s because they all studied here, and they stayed with each other, they understood other cultures. They developed respect for everybody in the Pacific, not just their own society. It’s because of that the

1971 so I have seen very much of the university from those days, which was much like what you might see in pictures. So I have a good sense in how, over time, it has developed.

The reason I mention is, when we graduated, and when we wanted to go and study elsewhere, there was this issue around whether USP qualifications are recognised and whether you would be able to take your

USP’s outgoing Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Rajesh Chandra.

Picture: SUPPLIED/ USP MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

equivalent to any American university.

We have grown a reputation by growing our ranked publications, and we have been exceeding the targets that were set in the Strategic Plan. We have exceeded the targets for the really high ranking publications.

On the research side, although we still have a lot to do in relating it more to the member countries than we do at the moment, in terms of proving that staff here are capable of publishing in the best journals in the world, that reputation is already here.

We have grown from one campus in 1968 to 14 campuses. We have gone from centers to campuses. We have seen extremely significant improvements in our campuses.

We have made a very determined effort to address the skills and shortage in the Pacific by establishing Pacific TAFE and it has gone on to be one of the very dynamic areas of USP. Those are some of the things that the university can feel quite proud of.

But what gives me the greatest comfort is the fact that the owners of the university are full of praise for USP. So whether you listen to the Fijian, Samoan or Tongan Prime Minister, they all agree that the University has made a big contribution and that it is delivering really high quality graduates.

Q

Pacific is co-operating as much. We have grown hugely and impressively in terms of the standing and reputation of the university. We have produced just over 63,000 unique alumni. We’re not mixing the same person twice or thrice. We have given out 64,000 qualifications. The qualifications are a little bit more than the unique alumni because you can do your bachelors and masters or you can do a postgraduate diploma and masters but you remain one person for our purposes.

I came to this university as a student in

Bachelors degree and do masters, or people will ask you to do remedial work. So I am very pleased that even from the very early stage, because the university adopted the system of external examiners, we were able to go to different universities to study and they accepted our qualifications. But today, we have 26 international accreditations. Our students can study pretty much anywhere.

So the reputation of the university has gone up. We have made a lot of progress with the American accreditation, which is the whole institution. It basically says that we are

What were some of the significant challenges faced by the University over the past 50 years and how were these addressed?

Prof Chandra: As a growing university, it had its separate challenges to tackle when it had grown quite a bit. We have been here a long time and obviously, the challenge for the initial vice-chancellors was more to establish the university because all we had was what was left by RNZAF. That means a large part of what you see today was not there.

The modern part of the university didn’t exist that time so the challenge was to grow the facility, grow all 200 enrolments into something that looks more like a university rather than a high school.

You have high schools with more than

50th Anniversary 1000 students so 200 are for the university itself. The challenge is ensuring that member countries stick to their commitment to ensure that the University is allowed to govern itself without interference from governments. The University governance is truly the council rather than any government as such.

Another challenge is getting more people from the Pacific to work at the University because when the University was established, there were hardly staff from the Pacific. So there was the challenge of recruiting regional talents so that it is not only more sustainable in the long run and more reflective. So the university dealt with those challenges obviously by actively expanding and improving its financing arrangements, making sure the system worked with very good people at the helm.

Then as it grew and of course cultivated development partners, governments could not have supported the University in a way it does now. As it grew a little bit more, obviously the challenge of maintaining that growth remained. These were challenges about making sure that our financiers could move beyond what is possible for member countries to fund.

I am aware of a time at the university where it was said if the governments cannot fund then we could not be able to do it. That was a very major constraint for the university because most government funds were insufficient to fund everything that the university required. We had the challenge of scandals in governance. We had to make sure that funds were used properly. In more recent times, there was an explicit understanding that we needed another kind of financing protocol at the University.

Initially it was all government then development partners and tuition fees. Now we added a fourth one which is taking loans, both commercial loans and soft finance loans. That means for instance, we hadn’t built any student accommodation for 30 years. Why? Because government could not fund the construction and the development partner did not want to do it.

So when I took up my position, I basically said, “Well, we can’t be constrained like that. Why can’t we look at an alternative way?” So we took loans from the FNPF to build the 10th and 11th Halls. We took a loan to build the Kiribati campus and we have a loan to build the Solomon Islands campus. We are planning to take a loan for the 12th Hall.

So you can work around your constraints by looking at all those things. We improved our planning, we improved our marketing and we became much more engaged in order to deal with these challenges.

We are working with the development partners because now development partners give as as much money as government and it is important to keep them in the loop, to consult with them, to demonstrate that we are giving a greater value.

There has been an increase in the income that we can get from tuition fees now and we are constantly looking at trying to get some commercial income from some of our operations like the USP Book Centre. We have a big plan to convert the front of this university to a very large commercial development, much like the Damodar City Centre.

www.wansolwaranews.com

Q

USP has produced exceptional graduates, many who gone to do meaningful contribution to society. What is the secret behind USP’s drive to produce graduates of such calibre?

Prof Chandra: When the University was setup, the founders expressed a very clear view that they wanted the university to have esteem, they wanted people to be reputable. From that time onwards, quality has been one of the hallmarks of the university and because we have believed and fined tuned that quality. Initially that quality meant that you try to hire good people, you do your work properly and you have external examiners from major universities in the Commonwealth, in particular, who would come and look at the work and say that this university is doing good work.

The core focus is still around quality and in more recent times, we have upgraded that emphasis on quality to include bigger things, one is ensuring that we are putting in more quality assurance internal procedures.

What makes the students really excel is that we put them through a very rigorous system because you have to make them believe that they can do better, that they can

‘

patents. Some of the patents are dealing with everyday problems. We have contributed in the policy area. We have contributed to the Pacific in terms of more public debates and discussion. One thing that is making the Pacific more confident about itself is the fact that this is an institution that has succeeded with very limited resources.

Q

What can we expect from USP moving forward?

Prof Chandra: That is a very important question because when we talk about one of the elements of the 50th anniversary, we think about the future. I’m also expecting some legacies out of this anniversary because we shouldn’t just eat, dance and celebrate, although it is important to celebrate. We should think about how to mark the 50th anniversary with things that will make the anniversary better or contribute to the region better, and we have been giving a lot of thought to that.

The first thing that we can expect in the future is a new strategic plan that actually guides the university in the next six years, building on the current strengths and momentum that we have. In terms of visualising the university in the future, we will continue to increase our enrolment but I think we certainly would be close to 46,000.

For the future, the university will put lot more emphasis on entrepreneurship because people need to generate jobs as well as seek job. I talked about the challenge of digital disruption around the world. Basically, everything is being disrupted, the way teaching is taking place, the way you do your social engagement, the way people store data. Even business forms are changing. So the university really has to think constantly about how we will conduct these businesses.

Coming back to digital transformation, the university is adding a new priority around digitisation and converting a large portion of its operations to a digital platform. This means that almost every process of the university will be on a digital program. We want to automate many of the tedious routine and incorporate artificial intelligence for better service. There will be a huge amount of digitalisation.

We are pushing the boundaries on the mobile platform for learning so that one can learn anywhere and anytime.

We have introduced the lecture capture system, which will be expanded and improved. We will be living in the world of apps more than we currently do. We have already have a few. The world is moving towards big data and analytics.

We are planning to ensure that we can come to terms with that. We will be doing a lot of institutional research to improve our policies.

We will have a significant expansion of our ability to plan better than we currently do and benefiting from tools that we are putting in place. We will continue to see significant expansion and inclusion. Now that the university has grown, we want to make sure we are including people with disabilities and inclusive in terms on gender. Our overall enrolment females are around 57 per cent. At some graduations, females are 60-70 per cent of the graduates.

Hopefully we’ll see PNG as a member, and with the American accreditation, we would think it would become a lot more attractive for the countries in the North to become members.

‘

50th Anniversary

www.wansolwaranews.com

I believe that USP, being what it is as a regional institution, has enriched everybody going out. They are naturally able to work in a multicultural workplace

compete with anybody in the world. I think pushing them into believing more in themselves and pushing them to demonstrate this through the assessments they are doing is crucial. I believe that USP, being what it is as a regional institution, has enriched everybody going out. They are naturally able to work in a multicultural workplace which is now the norm now in almost every country.

We produce all rounded graduates who can work in teams.

We have been pushing this idea of a deliberate curriculum that is stating what kind of graduate you will have at the university so you see that stipulated in the strategic plan.

Q

How do you sum up USP contribution to the region?

Prof Chandra: Without human resources, the Pacific Islands could not have developed. So our job was to produce these good graduates. The fact that we produce good quality graduates means that development has been that much better and faster so that’s one of the contributions.

We have also contributed enormously to the promotion of regional co-operation and integration, understanding that small countries need to work together because one is simply too small to be playing in the big world out there.

As we have shown, with drift net fishing and climate change advocacy, these were largely the result of the Pacific pushing so hard and inserting a voice beyond the population of these Pacific countries. We have contributed to the Pacific also through research. Countries need to understand their own societies, we can bring up issues that people can see and it is not people dreaming these up in their own minds but it’s the result of investigation. We have produced five

USP Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Rajesh Chandra, fourth from left, with staff at the Nauru campus during the 50th anniversary celebration.

Picture: SUPPLIED/USP MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

It’s a moment also to reflect because there have been moments of great joy and moments of great disappointment. So this (50th anniversary) is a chance for people to reflect 4

OCTOBER >2018>www.wansolwaranews.com

www.wansolwaranews.com> 2018> OCTOBER

5

Movers & Shakers

www.wansolwaranews.com

USP’s 50th Anniversary

The University of the South Pacific prides itself on being the region’s top institution for higher learning and continues to produce exceptional graduates who have gone on to make valuable contributions in their respective professions. In this edition, we continue our focus on some of USP’s notable alumni and staff. .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

‘USP an institution of excellence’ By

KAELYN DEKARUBE

AN educator by profession, Nauru President Baron Waqa began his education journey at The University of the South Pacific’s Laucala campus in the 1980s.

He was one of a handful of Nauru nationals who chose USP to pursue their studies.

It was not only convenient and accessible at the time but a timely decision as Nauru was trying to increase its involvement in the USP family as a member country.

Mr Waqa, whose grandfather hails from the province of Tailevu, Fiji, graduated from USP in 1986 with a Bachelor of Education.

Reflecting on USP’s progress over 50 years, Mr Waqa said there were many notable changes including infrastructure and facilities.

He said advanced technology made life and studies “easier” for students today.

“There were no computers and internet back in the day. Research was done manually and assignments were handwritten.

“Technology has really changed USP with more information and reports available. Regional participation through DFL is more widespread and inclusive,” he said.

In the USP Alumni Newsletter - June Edition, Mr Waqa said there were competing universities in the region including Australia and Asia but USP was unique with its diverse culture and ethnicity.

“It will always be relevant and a part of

the Pacific community,” he shared.

Mr Waqa also spoke about the recent opening of the new USP campus on Nauru in May. He said this development would contribute immensely to education and development on Nauru.

“I would like to see more resources allocated to DFL and information made available online,” Mr Waqa said.

“I would encourage all students in Nauru and the Pacific to join the University. It is their university and it is readily available and accessible,” he said in the newsletter.

Mr Waqa congratulated USP on its 50th anniversary and hoped it would continue to be an institution of excellence for all peoples of the Pacific.

Throughout his career, Mr Waqa has always been involved in the education department working as a teacher and later holding senior positions in the department such as secretary for education.

He later took an interest in politics where he was elected by his constituent. He held multiple ministerial portfolios including education.

Today, the president of the island republic believes education is the key to success for the future generation.

“I was always a teacher and I worked hard to achieve something worthwhile in life. I was an educator and an administrator, and I live in humility in order to really understand my objectives,” he said with finality.

Nauru President Baron Waqa, who has links to the province of Tailevu in Fiji, graduated from USP in 1986 with a Bachelor of Education.

Picture: SUPPLIED

No substitute for hard work By

MEREONI MILI

WHEN Dr Rosiana Lagi joined The University of the South Pacific in 1996, she had to study through distance flexible learning (DFL) from Lakeba Island in Lau. She was a high school language and social science teacher who didn’t let distance deter her from getting her Bachelor of Education degree.

Born in Suva, Dr Lagi always wanted to give back to the community by serving the rural and maritime areas.

With more than 12 years experience as a high school teacher, Dr Lagi spent most of her teaching years in rural schools and islands including her four-year stint in Australia.

“Studying DFL was the most suitable and convenient method of studying for me as I was teaching so far away from Suva and USP being the only university offering the programme at that time was my best choice,” she said.

The proud Moala, Lau native said there were a lot of changes at the University compared with her days as a student in the 1990s, including the increasing number of programmes offered and the focus on research.

She said with better facilities and introduction of online learning, students living in rural and outer islands would have access to tertiary education which was convenient and cheap.

While students today can easily check their grades online, Dr Lagi said she would excitedly wait for her assignment feedback to be delivered to her via boat or plane.

Her assignments were done under kerosene lamps and 6

OCTOBER >2018>www.wansolwaranews.com

Dr Rosiana Lagi (middle) with her PhD supervisors Dr Frances Koya-Vaka’uta (left) and Professor Konai Helu Thaman.

Picture: SUPPLIED

she tried her best to influence teachers on Lakeba to study together and get a degree. Dr Lagi later joined USP as a part-time tutor for eight years before becoming an assistant lecturer in education.

She is now the USP Tuvalu campus director and a lecturer, a position she has held for over a year. With an interest in research and the dream to further her studies, Dr Lagi received her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) certificate in education in 2011. Her PhD thesis was titled, “Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Climate Change Adapta-

tion - Educational Implications”.

She was one of four women PhD students who created history that year, an achievement she described as her “proudest moment”.

“One of my best memories at USP was having very supportive supervisors who took me under their wings and guided me through thick and thin. I learnt a lot from them. They helped mold me to be a better researcher, teacher and mentor to others,” she said.

As a PhD student, Dr Lagi was the only South Pacific Islander among conservation professionals networking and exchanging ideas with leaders in science, policy, academia and management at one of the world’s pre-eminent scientific and cultural institutions. In 2014, she scooped the Best Talk Award at a Student Conference on Conservation Science in New York, US. “The courses I took in my programme of studies enabled me to improve in my career and the leadership strand I completed in my BEd programme have to some extent come in handy throughout my teaching years and especially now as the director of one of USP’s regional campuses,” she said.

She said her days at USP had also taught her important life values such as patience, perseverance, humility, integrity, diplomacy and consideration, self-respect and respect for others. As USP celebrates 50 years, she says the focus on serving regional members should not shift.

“I have learnt that though we come from different cultural backgrounds, we share and celebrate our differences as one people who come from the same ocean,” she said. www.wansolwaranews.com> 2018> OCTOBER

7

Movers & Shakers

www.wansolwaranews.com

Focus on education By

TELSTAR JIMMY

THE eldest of five brothers, Ralph Regenvanu was born in 1970 to parents, Dorothy and Sethy Regenvanu. His mother is an Australian-born teacher and his father is a politician from Malekula, who became the first Minister of Lands after Vanuatu’s independence in 1980.

Mr Regenvanu was a mature student when he first enrolled at The University of the South Pacific (USP) in 2007 for the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program. He chose to study law at USP because he believed it had the best program on Pacific law than any other university in the region.

Reminiscing on his earlier years at USP, Vanuatu’s current Minister for Foreign Affairs appreciated the interaction he had with many young people at that time.

“I chose law to improve my capacity to advocate for change in the policies and laws of my own country and I also wanted to learn about the Pacific laws from other countries across the region as well.”

But before he even graduated in 2011, his motivation led to his being elected into Parliament in 2008 and from there at just 38 years of age, his political career took off.

The youngest ever to be elected, Mr Regenvanu has been in Parliament for the past three terms, serving a total of 10 years so far as a Member of Parliament and being appointed to four different ministerial positions at different intervals throughout that time.

These ministries have included the Ministry of Justice & Community Services, Ministry of NiVanuatu Business, the Ministry of Lands, Geology & Mines, Energy & Water Resources and currently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Extreme Trades.

Ever since he entered the political arena, he has made headlines

by being an outspoken and transparent leader, becoming one of the most popular and respected leaders of his time. He consistently publicises all his activities, gives out financial reports on his monetary allocations and goes out of his way to discuss political issues with all the members of the public.

Due to his strong belief in entrepreneurship and education being the key to a stronger nation, the minister also uses a portion of his parliamentary allowance to assist in financing student scholarships and youth business projects.

In late 2010, when Mr Regenvanu was still an MP, he launched his own political party, Graon mo Jastis, shortly before being appointed to Cabinet.

Through this political party, with the backing of many young people as its supporters, more young and educated candidates have been encouraged to stand for elections and have made it into Parliament, such as Alfred Maoh from Santo and Andrew Napuat from Tanna.

Mr Regenvanu has been serving as Vanuatu’s Minister for Foreign Affairs since December 2017, and has in particular sought to mobilise the international community in support for the right to self-determination for the people of West Papua.

Looking back, Mr Regenvanu believes that USP greatly prepared him for his career because “a good understanding of law has been critical for my current job as a lawmaker”.

Formerly the Director of the Vanuatu Cultural Centre for over a decade, Mr Regenvanu is also an anthropologist and archeologist, with an honours degree in anthropology and development studies from the Australian Nation-

al University in 1991. His added talents as an artist also show how passionate he is about culture and his valuable contributions to the Cultural Centre led to the Vanuatu Daily Post describing him as “a world authority on custom.”

The minister’s advice to USP students still in school is to firstly study hard.

“You are lucky to have this chance, so don’t squander it,” he said.

He also encourages students to build friendships with your fellow students from other countries as these contacts will help them in the future.

The final and probably the most important advice that he gave was to “always do your job to the best of your ability. In the long run, people will notice and promote you”.

Vanuatu’s Foreign Minister Ralph Regenvanu.

Picture: UNESCAP/TWITTER

STUDENT EDITORS Editor Semi Malaki

Features Editor Koroi Tadulala

Deputy Editor Laiseana Nasiga

Sports Editor Chris Ha’arabe Venina Tinaivugona

Chief of Staff Telstar Jimmy Deputy Chief of Staff Kritika Rukmani Chief Sub-Editor Elizabeth Osifelo News Editor Aachal Chand Regional Editor Nanise Sivo

8

Regional Editor Nanise Sivo Sub-Editors Mereoni Mili Anaseini Civavonovono Advertising Editor Kaelyn Dekarube Photographer Josefa Kotobalavu

OCTOBER >2018>www.wansolwaranews.com

TEACHING STAFF Wansolwara Supervising Editor-in-Chief Geraldine Panapasa The Co-ordinator, Journalism Programme Dr Shailendra Singh Broadcast Teaching Assistant Eliki Drugunalevu

Wansolwara is the independently produced student training publication of The University of the South Pacific’s Journalism Programme. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the USP. This biannual newspaper is printed by The Fiji Sun, which distributes it nationwide as an insert. About 3,000 additional copies are distributed free at various locations around the country. An e-copy of the newspaper can also be accessed via www.wansolwaranews.com.

Contact us E-mail: wansolwaranews1@gmail.com Facebook: Wansolwara Journalists FB News Page: Wansolwara Newsroom#: 3232-186 Editors: 2733268 or 9366720 Editor-in-Chief: 3237-184

Snail Mail: The Supervising Editor-in-Chief, Wansolwara School of Language, Arts and Media (SLAM) Private Mailbag, Laucala Bay, Suva.

Twitter: @wansolwara Hashtag: #wansolwara #wansolwaves #wansolnews #uspjournalism

n Get your ecopy of Wansolwara today: www.wansolwaranews.com www.wansolwaranews.com> 2018> OCTOBER

9

Movers & Shakers

www.wansolwaranews.com

Linking people and nature By

ELIZABETH OSIFELO

FOR Professor Randy Thaman, his love for the great outdoors began with collecting rocks as a little boy.

“One day my dad brought me a little box of rocks from Nevada. It was a mineral collection. Suddenly I became very interested in looking at rocks and classifying them. From the little box of rocks, I then started to collect more rocks from the streets and from the streams,” said Professor Thaman, who is one of the longest serving academic staff member at The University of the South Pacific in Suva.

He recalls fond memories when he was five years old. His family and friends knew he was very inquisitive and with a lot of support he discovered a passion for nature. At the age six, his neighbours would take him into their gardens and showed him their succulent plants and so he learned much about plants and their importance at a very young age.

Prof Thaman was also a boy scout, starting out as a cub scout which was linked to the respect of the Native American Indians. At a very early age, he began to get a window not only to the European or palangi culture but

also realised that there was something much deeper and richer about the Indians who were much closer to nature than the Europeans had become.

He also recalls that his grandmother lived in the North Western California.

He was about six years of age when she took him to the red woods where he saw the tallest and the oldest trees in the world. It was these occasions as a boy growing up that he began to be in touch with nature.

During vacations as a family, where he enjoyed camping, nature walks and climbing mountains, he started to learn more about animals like bears and porcupines.

“Growing up in California is like New Zealand where everything is glaziers and mountains and deserts,” he said. His first experience of the islands was when his dad moved to Hawaii after graduating from law school and those were his first memories of swimming and being turned over by a wave.

Life experiences In 1965, Prof Thaman was on the first American rugby team to tour Australia and New Zealand since 1911. Upon returning from the tour he spent one week in Fiji and three weeks in French Polynesia and stayed

with local families. That was his first experience of living in the Pacific. After that “wonderful time” spent in the Pacific, Prof Thaman always wanted to live in the islands.

When he returned from the rugby tour, there was the Vietnam War. Rather than going to war, he decided to join the Peace Corps. He applied for Samoa but was picked for Tonga as a Peace Corps volunteer in 1968.

The opportunity to come to USP came up in 1974, just five years after the university opened its doors. Together, Prof Thaman and his Tongan wife Professor of Education and Culture Konai Helu Thaman, both took the opportunity wholeheartedly and still remain as USP celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Prof Thaman received his Bachelors and Masters degrees in geography from the University of California, Berkeley in 1962 and 1967 respectively, and a PhD from UCLA in 1974. He joined USP later in the same year.

Driven by his passion to teach and influence for nature, Prof Thaman says that his greatest satisfaction comes from seeing committed graduates promoting environmentally sustainable development for their people.

Professor Randy Thaman.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Strengthening Pacific heritage, arts through OCACPS By

SEMI MALAKI

THE Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies (OCACPS) has grown over two decades into a multi-disciplinary institution that educates students about Pacific heritage and arts.

This year the centre turns 21 years and has joined The University of the South Pacific’s (USP) 50th anniversary celebration to create awareness and celebrate the people-power behind the success of the centre.

Over two decades, artists and academics entered and exited the doors of OCACPS, leaving a mark that continues to inspire future generations who are passionate about preserving and promoting Pacific heritage and arts.

One of these enthusiastic Pacific scholars is the current director, Dr Cresantia Frances Koya-Vaka’uta, who has contributed a lot to the development of the centre.

Dr Koya-Vaka’uta spent most of her tertiary education at USP where she completed her undergraduate and masters degree.

In 2013, she graduated with her Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD).

“When I look back, I realised that I was extremely lucky that during my time at USP, both as an undergraduate and later a graduate student, we have amazing and inspiring scholars from the region who we could look at and imagine our own possibilities.

“They reminded us not only of our responsibilities to our people but inculcated for the first time a regional identity,” Dr Koya-Vaka’uta shared at one of her many 10

OCTOBER >2018>www.wansolwaranews.com

Dr Frances Koya-Vaka’uta.

Picture: SUPPLIED

public engagements. As the new director for OCACPS, she found it very challenging for Pacific artists to deliver the arts simply.

“Sadly, the arts are not well understood or appreciated in the islands and artists who would like to earn a sustainable livelihood from their creative works struggle to make ends meet. The irony of this is that there is an abundance of natural creativity and talent in our islands which present

untapped opportunities for our young people,” she said.

Another challenge, she believes, is the lack of support systems for artists to showcase their talents.

“Globally, the creative industries are said to be fast-growing economies but in the Pacific, we do not have systems in place that support their growth.

“This coupled with the lack of political will, limited investment and resources and

untrained sector practitioners make for very weak cultural economies and creative industries.”

However, Dr Koya-Vaka’uta believes that things are starting to change and fall into place.

“The Regional Cultural Strategy as well as national efforts are slowly raising awareness about the untapped potential that exists,” she said.

During the OCACPS Pacific Week celebration this year, Dr Koya-Vaka’uta announced that as of 2019, the centre’s Pacific Studies programme would offer new programmes of studies in the area of heritage and arts.

“For the first time, the Pacific Studies programme will offer a Bachelor of Arts major in Pacific studies, heritage and the arts, enabling higher education pathways in heritage studies, visual arts, dance and music and expressive arts as a teaching subject in teacher education,” she said.

“We will also offer the professional certificate in heritage management for culture and environment sector practitioners.

These new programmes complement existing postgraduate and graduate research programmes on offer.

“We are looking at certificated campusbased short-course programmes in the islands as the next step to add on to the social art classes held at Laucala.”

The artist residency programme, a nonformal training and development initiative established by Professor Epeli Hau’ofa in 1998, continues today with residencies in dance, music and visual arts.

www.wansolwaranews.com> 2018> OCTOBER

11

Movers & Shakers

Living on two

principles

The CEO of the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission opens up about life.

Picture: ADI ANASEINI CIVAVONOVONO

By

ADI ANASEINI CIVAVONOVONO

“MY career is driven by my personal value system that stems out from my religious belief in Christ and the applications for that is enormous.”

This is Joel Abraham’s humble story. Mr Abraham shares two of the bible principles that have been driving his life.

“One is to love your God with all your heart and the other is to love your neighbour and your neighbour is not just the person living beside you but all the people in your community,” he said.

“Talk is cheap because everybody can say, ‘I can do this’ but I’d say nobody in Fiji should be hungry, none of our brothers and sisters should suffer. I believe our personal responsibilities towards society is basically to take care of the unfortunate ones and those that need our help.”

Mr Abraham graduated from USP with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and economics in 2008. He completed a postgraduate diploma in international affairs and diplomacy and a master’s degree in the same field from the University of Fiji.

Today, he is the CEO of the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission — a position he has held since 2016. Interestingly, he shared that learning only a particular field may not be sufficient.

“As an accountant talking about globalisation, you’re talking about various relationships and so many non-financial factors that have an impact on business performance,” Mr Abraham said.

“So I wanted to find out the impact of geopolitics on

‘

I believe all knowledge is acquired knowledge. Nobody is a born lawyer or accountant. Personally for me, the thirst for knowledge has never been quenched

different businesses. If you look at the United States, their president is making statements that he will bring jobs back and cut ties and that almost started a trade war.

“I am committed to creating conducive environment that enables socioeconomic transformation to my fellow Fijians by keeping a level playing field in the Fijian markets.”

USP senior economics lecturer Dr Rup Singh described Mr Abraham as a respectful, honest and reliable individual.

“Some of the developments that I have seen under his leadership is the provision of public information, implementation of new regulations, improved staff turnover and good leadership,” Dr Singh said.

Mr Abraham developed the Fiji fuel prices formula which has been implemented too. Through the years, Mr Abraham said he was thankful that USP played an enormous role in his making.

His curiosity to learn and know what the climate change fuss was about led him to pursue another postgraduate diploma and a master’s degree in climate change at USP. “The education at USP is very affordable and I have been accepted in other universities in Australia and the United Kingdom but it is the mighty dollar that keeps you from going there.

“I believe that all knowledge is acquired knowledge.

Nobody is a born lawyer or accountant. Personally for me, the thirst for knowledge has never been quenched.”

Harm: USP gave me a sense of belonging By

USP alumnae Agnes Harm says USP has made remarkable progress over the past 50 years.

Picture: SUPPLIED

12

OCTOBER >2018>www.wansolwaranews.com

www.wansolwaranews.com

Nawari leads by example

‘

By

Movers & Shakers

www.wansolwaranews.com

VENINA TINAIVUGONA

STUDYING abroad was something that was planned out for her as a young girl but little did Agnes Harm know, fate would lead her to The University of the South Pacific.

Ms Harm graduated in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in sociology and literature and language, and minoring in politics.

Ms Harm is no stranger when it comes to issues on United Nations development programs in the Pacific. She is the United Nations coordination specialist serving 10 Pacific Island countries namely Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Nauru, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Federated States of Micronesia and Palau.

Ms Harm attributes her success to USP for helping and guiding her. She said the University provided a learning experience for her to explore different cultures of the Pacific.

“I met so many Pacific Islanders during my time at the University and learnt about their country, culture and even their language,” said Ms Harm.

Her job requires her to travel to other Pacific Island countries. She says this opportunity allowed her to reconnect with her Pacific Island friends during stopovers.

“When I travel to the region, I am bound to

‘bump into’ a USP alumni and we share the same connection and bond,” she said.

Ms Harm’s upbringing is one she treasures dearly and also a key factor to her success as she says her parents are her inspiration.

“I am a mix of ethnic Fijian and Indo-Fijian and I was born and raised in Suva,” she said.

“I have four sisters and a brother. My dad is a businessman while my mother was a master of all trade – doing everything and anything to raise us all into becoming good human beings. I am now blessed to have a devoted husband and father to our three lovely children.”

In her early years of education, Ms Harm was home-schooled. She then moved on to Suva Christian School, ending her high school education at Suva Muslim College. The University’s radio station had just opened in Ms Harm’s final year and she spent her time volunteering and hosting radio shows.

“One of the fondest memories I have about USP is the sense of belonging. You learn to appreciate diversity and inclusivity,” she said.

She congratulated the USP on reaching its 50th year in existence.

“USP is a regional university and should be celebrated as such. We should not forget the sacrifices that great men and women have made to get USP this far.”

MITIELI BALEIWAI

GROWING up on a sugarcane farm in Nadi and assisting in his grandmother’s small canteen business, Mesake Nawari had no idea he was laying the foundation of his future profession.

Mr Nawari always helped out in the community shop, balancing the canteen money. At a time when the one cent and two-cent coins were in circulation, Mr Nawari used to separate them and count every single one before his grandfather would deposit it.

“I didn’t realise that manually I was doing the accounting process and before completing Class 1, I knew how to count to 100,” he said.

Mr Nawari joined USP in 1985 as a foundation science student. Science was a subject he found interesting in high school but fate had other plans for him and he soon took on studies in commerce.

He decided to study finance but unfortunately it was not an option at USP at that time.

“It’s related to accounting but is different from it. I didn’t want to count the numbers, I wanted to make the numbers, create business, develop it, develop people doing business and that’s how I ended up in this career,” he said.

Reminiscing on his time as a first-year accounting student at USP, Mr Nawari applied for a tutor assistant position and got the job on his first try. He began assisting first-year accounting students. By his second year, he was assisting a professor with his research and in his last semester, he was marking 100-level accounting assignments while completing his accounting degree at the same time.

To him, USP was the stepping stone to a great career.

“USP provided me the opportunity to progress further in life and realise every step I took had an impact on a lot of people. Through USP I got to know a lot of people which built my contacts in the future,” he said.

Immediately after completing his final exam at USP, Mr Nawari was recruited at the Fiji Institute of Technology (now the Fiji National University) as an assistant lecturer.

After spending some time at FNU, he decided to further his studies and enrolled in the postgraduate diploma program in accounting and management.

He realised he needed industrial experience and joined the Fiji National Provident Fund and later went into fulltime teaching before completing his postgraduate diploma. Mr Nawari then joined the South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPSE) while he managing the Unit Trust of Fiji at the same time.

“I graduated at the age of 21 and became a CEO at the age of 25. I was the youngest CEO in Fiji in the 1990s,” he said proudly.

He wanted to do research on capital markets but couldn’t get data so he applied for the World Bank scholarship and was offered a place at the University of Sydney where he later completed his Master of Commerce with distinction.

Upon returning from Australia, he led the development of capital markets in Fiji, moved to South Pacific Stock Exchange before setting up a trading floor at Fiji Development Bank.

Mr Nawari led a young team in setting up Unit Trust of Fiji to be independent from the Fiji Development Bank. He then grew Unit Trust’s portfolio from $9.8 million to $21m.

He was the former CEO of Fiji TV and the current CEO of Global Harvest Holdings Ltd, the business arm of the Christian Mission Fellowship International.

He encouraged graduates to start thinking about being their own boss, basically running their own businesses.

“Even when you find a job, you should think of having a second, third, and fourth income line. Take control of your future by running your own business,” he said

Mesake Nawari has fond memories of his time at USP. Picture: MITIELI BALEIWAI

Grab your 3kg Party Pack today!

Only available in Original Flavour.

www.wansolwaranews.com> 2018> OCTOBER

13

Movers & Shakers

www.wansolwaranews.com

A life of luck and simplicity By

Why study journalism at USP? Radio Pasifik Multimedia 89.4FM training

Confidence and Award-winning communication newspaper

Wansolwara

Professor Satendra Nandan was one of the first two lecturers at USP in February 1969. Picture: SUPPLIED

Visit: https://slam.usp.ac.fj USP Journalism Programme 14

OCTOBER >2018>www.wansolwaranews.com

GERALDINE PANAPASA

For Professor Satendra Nandan, so much of life is simply luck. And if you’re lucky, “pluck can also help as well as the grace of God and blessings of others”. That’s how the Fiji-born writer-academic described his journey through life when reflecting on his time at The University of the South Pacific’s Laucala campus 50 years ago.

Life, with its many twists and turns, wasn’t always kind to Professor Nandan, who said nothing in his life or early education prepared him to become one of the first two lecturers selected to join USP in February 1969.

Back then, the other local lecturer he met on his arrival at Laucala campus in Suva was Jo Nacola.

Professor Nandan grew up in Maigania Village, on the ‘riparian banks’ of the Nadi River. No shoes, one pair of school uniform and a half-broken, jagged slate shared with his elder sister were memories he shared of life growing up in a family of seven siblings.

His family was poor, but never felt impoverished or deprived. Walking to school across the river while chewing on a sweet sugar cane was the norm for young Satendra, who revealed that it was the river that gave him some sense of movement and the “dawning recognition of the myriad sources of one’s being and becoming.

“It was also the capacity for perennial renewal for you never step in the same river twice. Besides, it’s not how many times you’ve crossed a single river; it’s how many rivers you’ve crossed in your life that really matters,” he shared.

“My joining USP was

profoundly fortunate. I had two undergraduate degrees from Delhi University where I spent four years on a scholarship valued at rupees 200 ($F5.86) per month -now $A4; the price in Canberra for a cup of cappuccino.

“It (rupees 200) was a fortune then. After my honours in English, I studied for the Bachelor of Education course. It was here I met my Jyoti, who had joined this remarkable institution from Isabella Thoburn College, Lucknow; the first women’s college established in Asia in 1922. We fell in love.

“The world changes; true love doesn’t. It only deepens and like the human breath or blood in the body it keeps you going, coups or no coups.”

The award-winning writer has published more than 15 books, and penned numerous papers and articles on a wide range of subjects. He is currently an emeritus professor at the University of Canberra, an adjunct research professor at Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, Charles Sturt University, and an honorary professor at the Humanities Research Centre at the Australian National University.

Last year, two books he authored - Dispatches from Distant Shores (Essays) and Across the Seven Seas (Poetry) – were launched at USP and received accolades from his peers.

“I was teaching English at Swami Vivekananda High School in Nadi when USP advertised a few vacant positions at the end of 1968. A shopkeeper friend showed the ad to me and urged me to apply. With an Indian degree in English, I felt I stood no chance with teachers educated and trained to teach English in NZ, Australia and England. Teaching of English had become a profitable industry and today it’s the only global language like soccer is the only truly global game,” Professor Nandan shared.

“I played a lot of soccer on the banks of the Nadi — occasionally with a fallen coconut or rags bundled in a ball. It’s here I learnt to swim and have been swimming ever since — waving against currents of all kinds but not without kindness. But I didn’t read a single book in English until I reached my secondary school. And it’s ironic that it was English that brought me to USP.” USP, in the Professor’s view, was the most significant institution established in 1968 in the South Pacific.

He said it changed both the seascape and landscape as well as the interior thoughtscape of our lives.

“It was at USP that I had many opportunities of further higher education; above all, I became more deeply aware of the region that became part of the region in my mind — perhaps my most precious gift for no region in the world for me has the largeness and beauty of Australasia.

“This is really our part of the universe — its seas, skies, stars, islands, trees, birds, bees and peoples, migrants and indigenous. Citizens all. USP was the creative pearl in the ocean of infinite variety and radiance for so many of us,” he said.

Delicious Rosemary Flavoured Freeflow chicken thighs made easy for you! Pick up a pack today.

GFI_1KG RoseMary 6X10.indd 1

05/09/2018 www.wansolwaranews.com> 2018> OCTOBER

15

5:09 PM

Movers & Shakers

www.wansolwaranews.com

Academic pays tribute to USP By

Years Anniversary

Closing Dinner

CHRIS HA’ARABE

The University of the South Pacific has produced exceptional regional leaders and great minds who are doing extremely well in the international space such as academia, public policy and the private sector, says USP alumnus Professor Paresh Narayan.

Commemorating USP’s 50th anniversary, Prof Narayan said many graduates of the University had maintained very high standards, carrying the USP identity globally.

“Set your goals, focus on them, and do not worry about what people do or say around you. Truly, the University of the South Pacific has come a long way,” he shared from Australia.

“It is a great university. Successive university VCs, particularly, Professor Chandra, deserve a lot of credit. It is a moment for us to reflect and celebrate the success of USP. The 50th anniversary is not only about celebrating but also realising the work that needs to be done to build on the work of the past 50 years.”

Born into a farming community in the Serua Province, Prof Narayan attended Vashist Muni Primary School, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial primary and secondary schools, and Suva Muslim College.

He started his career as an econometric student at USP from 1995 to 1999 and enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program,

majoring in economics and geography.

After graduating, he worked as a tutor in economics at USP while pursuing postgraduate and Master’s degree studies in the field under the Japanese Government Scholarship. He graduated in 1999 with a gold medal for the best thesis.

He was an Alfred Deakin Professor in the Deakin Business School, an Australian University. Reminiscing on his days at USP, Prof Narayan encountered many challenges but he kept on pressing towards his goal in life.

“During my days at USP, lack of library resources, lack of intellectual environment and lack of quality staff to mentor students,” said the academic.

“One has to identify different ways of achieving academic objectives, which basically boils down to taking a very independent approach to academic life. A lot of reading on your own at that stage.

“You won’t understand most things but the fact that you end up reading gives you confidence. The most satisfying thing for me was being recognised as one of the 93 most cited researchers in business school academics in the world. One of the three in Australia.”

According to a report by Deakin University, Prof Narayan was ranked among the top 1 per cent of authors in Australia and among the top 10 young economists in the world in terms of research papers in economics.

Any queries please contact the 50 Anniversary Project Office on email: USP50@usp.ac.fj th

OCTOBER >2018>www.wansolwaranews.com

Professor Paresh Narayan was rated among the top 10 young economists in the world. Picture: SUPPLIED

By

LAISEANA NASIGA

WITH the goal to inspire and encourage women to dream big, Engara Gosselin has been full of accomplishments. The former 2009 Miss Cook Islands representative to the South Pacific Pageant and a former graduate of The University of the South Pacific has always had an eye for success as she filled various roles in areas of tourism. She even became a local tutor for tourism at USP’s centre in Cook Islands.

Ms Gosselin first started as a management trainee at the Rarotonga Beach Resort and slowly climbed up the ladder to becoming a successful entrepreneur. She says USP prepared her for a better life.

“Since graduating with my Bachelor’s degree in tourism and hospitality, I have accomplished many things

Engara Gosselin with her proud parents after she graduated from USP with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in tourism and hospitality. Picture: SUPPLIED INSET: Engara Gosselin takes centre stage after being crowned the 2009 Miss Cook Islands queen. She went on to represent her country at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant. Picture: SUPPLIED

16

Sustainability Research Award among Australasian Researchers across all disciplines of academic research.

Engara aims to inspire women

The 50th Anniversary of The University of the South Pacific will conclude with a Gala Dinner at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva on 13 December 2018. Alumni and friends of USP are invited to attend an evening that will be full of memories, ORDER FORMfun and entertainment.

Tickets prices are FJ$200 which includes pre-dinner drinks, a three course table service meal and entertainment.

Why not make a table of 10 with your friends and colleagues?

This event comes only once in 50 years so do not miss out!

TICKETS NOW LE AVAILAB

Prof Narayan received the Scopus Young Researcher Award in 2014 for the best three authors in Australia in the social science category under the age of 40. He was awarded the Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Samman Award in 2015, in recognition of his substantial contributions to the profession, including contribution to public policy.

He also received the gold medal and citation by the Indian Econometric Society.

This award is given to a person under the age of 45 who has made a substantial contribution to quantitative economics.

In 2017, he was recognised

by Elsevier as the top two researchers under the Scopus Excellence in

that I am humbly proud of. I have become a successful entrepreneur.

I’ve managed a small business which I co-owned with my partner, been an ambassador for my people and country, youth leader, artist, musician, producer and cultural choreographer, respected role model for young women and now currently working for an international airline which plays a huge role in tourism industry in Cook Islands while assisting with the management of our own family villa accommodation,” she said.

Like other regional students, leaving home to study in Fiji wasn’t an easy decision but fortunately for the now 33-year-old, she had plenty of family support.

“Moving to Fiji was a very difficult experience as I lived in Rarotonga all my life. I was comfortable and safe here, however, I was quite fortunate at the time when studying in USP that my parents and two brothers were living there, as my father was contracted with the Forum Secretariat. It really made things a lot easier.

“You can say that we probably made it easier for other Cook Islands students studying there at the time knowing that my family was also in Fiji to support them too.”

Ms Gosselin said her learning experience at USP grew and developed into something she would always treasure.

She was also part of the Malaga group, now known as the Pasifika Voices.

www.wansolwaranews.com> 2018> OCTOBER

17

Movers & Shakers

Movers & Shakers

www.wansolwaranews.com

www.wansolwaranews.com

‘Surround yourself with positivity’ By

NANISE SIVO

Growing up in the land of the Friendly North in Labasa, Devika Raj never regretted joining The University of the South Pacific to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science and later a postgraduate diploma in climate change.

Passionate about science since high school, Ms Raj is a research officer at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and says she was lucky to receive an Australian Aid scholarship to complete her degree studies at USP. “USP taught me to be independent and also taught me a lot about the different cultures that make the Pacific so unique,” she shared.

When Ms Raj re-enrolled at USP in 2014 to undertake a postgraduate diploma in climate change, she says she was glad the study mode was online because it allowed her to study and work at the same time.

She graduated with her postgraduate diploma in March this year.

It took her some time to graduate because before she could finish her final unit, she received a Chevening scholarship in 2015 to complete her Master of Science degree in sustainable development at the University of Exeter in the UK. University life Ms Raj said the transition from secondary school to university life was difficult as the teaching and learning methods USP alumni Devika Raj says university life taught her independence and instilled a sense of were quite different and took a bit appreciation for different Pacific cultures. Picture: MIRIAMA NAIKATINI of getting used to.

Research officer reflects on university life

“When I first moved to Suva, I realised that staying away from my family was more difficult than I thought” she said.

Memorable experience Despite the challenges, Ms Raj knew that the University would be a place to reveal hidden talents, so with no hesitation she tried out for the university choir and did some fun things with her friends.

“In my first year, I joined the USP choir and I felt that was quite empowering because I realized that even though my voice was quite soft, I was making a contribution to the powerful sound of the choir.

“I also enjoyed the social events organised by USP and it was a chance to dress up, have fun with friends and meet new people,” she said.

Inspiration Ms Raj believes in order for someone to find their true inspiration in life, one must be with the right crowd.

“My family and friends are my inspiration.

It’s very important to choose the right people to surround yourself with, because positive people who want the best for you will always give genuine advice,” she said.

Greatest achievement Devika, the former executive officer and business manager at Na Draki Fiji Ltd, says she achieved a lot during her time at USP. She has also worked as the public information officer at the United Nations office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and represented various organisations on international platforms such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties, the International Young Leaders Assembly and the Pacific Update Conference to name a few.

Liga dares to dream big By

KOROI TADULALA

“LIFE’S accomplishment is determined by one’s attitude. The biggest achievement in life is living your purpose and mine is to be a leader and role model to those that view me as one.”

Those were the words of Ligavatu Gukisuva, the commercial and marketing director for BLK (Beyond Limits Known), who is “Passionate, hungry and Driven” (PhD) USP graduate as he likes to say.

Liga, as he is widely known, is one of many proud USP alumni. He graduated from USP with a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in August 2013 and is recognised as a marketing guru, entrepreneur, radio and television personality, community advocate, local charity supporter and an all-round “awesome guy”.

During his time at USP, he co-captained the MBA program in 2012 and entrusted with many leadership responsibilities until 2017. When asked how he managed his time juggling work, school responsibilities and being a student, he nostalgically replied, “Oh boy!”.

“It was quite a challenging role having to be the voice of my fellow students to the dean and faculty staff, especially when you have to be reasonable and have the willingness to dialogue on matters raised.

“Time management was my biggest obstacle, hence spending five hours every evening after work, then my work load was quite heavy and we had so many expansion phases, so making sure work was done first then assignments made me a 18

bit bi-polar,” he said.

While competition to be the top student can sometimes rattle a group, Liga reveals his ‘secret’ strategy.

“The make-up ghost stories we say while leaving the labs at 3am since we don’t want our colleagues to study longer than we did is the absolute best part of my student life. Surprisingly it worked. By the time I reach the carpark, most of them are gone in 60 seconds,” he said with a laugh.

He commended USP for “unlocking the potential in us” and said a number of government and corporate leaders also attained their academic training at the University.

“I speak for myself in saying, studying at USP not only opened doors for me. It was the best investment I did for my capacity-building,” he said.

“I see things differently and I am more confident with my outlook of life. One thing I never stopped doing is learning.

“We can’t rely on things that were studied some 3-5 years ago as we now live in an evolving world.

“We must continue to change ourselves to be a better version of who we were yesterday.”

In alignment with USP’s golden jubilee, Liga’s message to students is to “find out your purpose in life first and map out a plan to achieve it. Most importantly, have fun while you study”.

“For me, my dream was born on April 22, 1993 to be the prime minister of Fiji and I am currently working on that dream. As a favourite saying goes, ‘Dream, believe, achieve’.”

OCTOBER >2018>www.wansolwaranews.com

Liga Gukisuva graduated from USP with a Master of Business Administration in 2013.

Picture: SUPPLIED

Saiasi Fuli balanced his love for rugby and education while studying at USP. Picture: JOSEFA KOTOBALAVU

Saiasi Fuli receives the Coach of the Year Award from Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama at the 2018 FRU Awards Gala this year.

Picture: SUPPLIED

By

Fuli’s sacrifice for education

JOSEFA KOTOBALAVU

FORMER national player-cum-coach for Suva rugby team Saiasi Fuli has fond memories of his time at USP. Through the All-Rounder Scholarship Programme, a partnership between the USP, Government and other stakeholders, Fuli was able to complete his Bachelor of Commerce degree in 2008. Today, Fuli says he was one of the lucky recipients of the scholarship and urged others to make use of the opportunity.

“For me, receiving that scholarship and studying at the USP shaped the life in front of me and allowed me to prioritise what’s there in the future,” said Fuli, who donned the national jersey in rugby sevens and 15s.

During a Fiji team tour to Wales in 2007, he received a message from a friend, urging him to apply for the scholarship at USP. He never regretted the decision to apply and soon found himself studying at the prestigious institution. The scholarship program focused on athletes who were at their peak in their respective sports and possessed the right commitment and attitude to complete the university program.

“It was a very enjoyable time studying at USP. I was also involved in sports development at the University but there came a time when I realised that school work was more important than my rugby career,” he said.

After his first year at USP, he decided to drop one of

the two things he loved - education and sports. He chose to drop the latter, one of the biggest decisions he had to make.

“When I decided to drop rugby, it was really one of the most challenging things I’ve had to do. It meant giving up international rugby opportunities. At the time I was also

As rugby players, we need to plan and look ahead. Look at what’s in the future after rugby because we are not going to play rugby or any other sport our whole lives working for Government under the Ministry of Finance so I had to balance three plates in my life — school, rugby and work. I looked at the three plates and decided to quit playing rugby, though not completely. I figured I could still be involved with local rugby by developing local players.”

Life after rugby was his next plan and this was where his directed his attention to, attaining higher-education qualification.

“As rugby players, we need to plan and look ahead.

Look at what’s in the future after rugby because we are not going to play rugby or any other sport our whole

lives,” he said.

The Kadavu native and Suva rugby coach led the team to victory at the Skipper Cup competition this year. He was assistant coach for the Fiji Drua rugby team, assistant coach for the Fiji 7s team and a full-time staff member at the Fiji Rugby Union’s high performance unit, whose specialty is identifying potential players for national duties.

Fuli also spent three years with Cricket Fiji as a development manager.

He is the first coach in Fiji to obtain his second level world rugby coaching certificate. At the time of his certification, he was committed to the dual role of head coach for USP and assistant coach for Suva Rugby Union.

He played rugby for USP for two years. After graduation he was approached to coach the University’s rugby team from 2008 to 2010. During his time as coach, the USP rugby team qualified for the Escort Shield and won the Koroturaga championship for the first time.

He was able to develop more national rugby talents such as Patrick Osborne, Api Ratuniyarawa, Waisale Vatuvoka, James Brown and Ropate Ratu among others.

Other sporting greats that had gone through USP’s All-Rounder Scholarship Programme include Naca Cawanibuka, who is the strength and conditioning manager for the Fiji 7s team that won gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, soccer rep Avinesh Swami, athlete Waisea Finau and volleyball player Mereoni Lewesia.

www.wansolwaranews.com> 2018> OCTOBER

19

USP Journalism Students Awards

‘Celebrating Excellence in Journalism’

A night to remember

From left: Telstar Jimmy, Koroi Tadulala and Mereoni Mili. Picture: HARRISON SELMEN

Top students scoop awards By

Final-year journalism students with USP Journalism coordinator Dr Shailendra Singh, Auckland University of Technology’s Professor David Robie (second from right) and Wansolwara supervising editor-in-chief Geraldine Panapasa (right). Picture: HARRISON SELMEN

MEREONI MILI

THE 18th USP Journalism Students Awards ended on a high note at Laucala campus on October 19 with 14 awards and more than $6000 in cash prizes given out for excellence in journalism.

Students from the Solomon Islands left a memorable impression, taking the top honour in most of the categories.

Final-year journalism students, Elizabeth Osifelo from the Solomon Islands and Koroi Tadulala from Fiji scooped the premier Tanoa Award for the Most Outstanding Journalism Students, sponsored by Fiji Sun. Speaking at the awards, Osifelo was overwhelmed with the recognition and support.

“The most important thing for us is being a responsible journalist – journalism has taught us not be passive but active – to pay attention to detail, to always be on your feet and to ask questions. We learnt that we must read to develop our thinking,” said the president of the USP Journalism Students Association.

“At USP, we learnt that as journalists, we have a very important role to play in society. We got first-hand

experience by reporting for our newspapers and website.

“Some of us came to USP fresh out of school with no skills or experience. After three years, we are much more experienced, far more confident and more ready than ever before to take on the world. We are sad to be leaving but we will remain family, no matter where in the world we end up.”

Keynote speaker Professor David Robie from Auckland University of Technology reflected on his time at the University and was instrumental in setting up the USP Journalism Students Awards.

“It is with pride that I can look back at my five years with USP bridging the start of the millennium. Among high points were gaining my doctorate in history/politics at USP – the first journalism educator to do so in the Pacific – and launching these Journalism Awards, initially with the Storyboard and Tanoa awards and a host of sponsors,” he said.

“When I look at the outstanding achievements in the years since then with current Journalism Coordinator Dr Shailendra Singh and his colleagues Eliki Drugunalevu and Geraldine Panapasa, it is with some pleasure.

Final-year journalism student Semi Malaki from Tuvalu with friend Pepetua Latasi. Picture: HARRISON SELMEN

20

OCTOBER >2018>www.wansolwaranews.com

Koroi Tadulala and Elizabeth Osifelo receive the Fiji Sun Tanoa Award for most outstanding journalism students from Fiji Sun managing editor business Maraia Vula as Dr Shailendra Singh, left, and Professor David Robie, right, look on. Picture: HARRISON SELMEN

Who won what?

FijiLive Most Promising First Year Student Award: Fredrick Kusu (Solomon Islands) FijiLive Best Online Reporting Award: Chris Ha’arabe (Solomon Islands) Communications Fiji Limited Best Radio Student Award: Rosalie Nongebatu (Solomon Islands) Fiji Television Limited Best Television Student Award: Sharon Nanau (Solomon Islands) The Fiji Times Best News Reporting Award: Mereoni Mili & Anaseini Civavonovono The Fiji Times Best Sports Reporting Award: Mitieli Baleiwai & Venina Tinaivugona Islands Business Award for Best Feature Reporting: Laiseana Nasiga Mai TV Award for Best Editor: Drue Slatter

“And USP should be rightly delighted with one of the major successful journalism programmes of the Asia-Pacific region.

“Wansolwara newspaper, which celebrated two decades of publishing in 2016, has been a tremendous success. Not many journalism school publications have such sustained longevity and have won so many international awards.”

USP journalism alumni and president of the Media Association of Solomon Islands, Charles Kadamana, was also a distinguished

guest at the event.

He said the awards event was a fitting occasion for USP’s 50th anniversary.

“To those who received awards, I congratulate you.

You deserve it. For others, do not be discouraged, rather you should be motivated to do better next time,” he said.

“USP has been the breeding ground for nurturing future journalists to meet the needs of the region.

“Many graduates have taken up leadership role within the government, private sector, institutions, and

Internews/Earth Journalism Network Awards for Best Mojo Documentary (Individual and Group) – Jared Koli (Solomon Islands for the Individual award) and Group 4 winners Kaelyn Dekarube (Nauru), Sharon Nanau, Eliza Kukutu (Solomon Islands), Harrison Selmen (Vanuatu) & Kirisitiana Uluwai Pacific Islands News Association Encouragement Award: Dhruvkaran Nand Wansolwara Award for Most Improved Student: Virashna Singh The Fiji Times Storyboard Award for Best Regional Reporting – Rosalie Nongebatu & Semi Malaki (Tuvalu)

From left: Aachal Chand, Rohit Kumar and Virashna Singh. Picture: HARRISON SELMEN

PREMIER AWARD: Fiji Sun Tanoa Award for the Most Outstanding Journalism Students – Koroi Tadulala & Elizabeth Osifelo

in the media industry. My message to students is that you carry a big responsibility. My advice is to make good use of your time while studying at USP. “Every year thousands of students across the region struggle to secure scholarships so you should regard yourselves as the luckiest ones.”

Organised by USP Journalism, the event in its 18thyear is the longest running journalism awards in the region. It is the only awards for journalism in Fiji at the moment.

The Co-ordinator of USP Journalism, Dr Shailendra Singh, said the prestigious event recognises and rewards students who excel in their coursework, which includes producing news for print, online and broadcast media.

Other sponsors of the awards include Fiji Times Limited, Fiji Television Limited, Mai TV, FijiLive, Communications Fiji Limited, Islands Business, Pacific Islands News Association as well as international organization Internews and Earth Journalism Network.

Kirisitiana Uluwai, left, and Mitieli Baleiwai.

Picture: HARRISON SELMEN

Professor David Robie, The Fiji Times editorin-chief Fred Wesley and Dr Shailendra Singh.

Picture: HARRISON SELMEN

USP Journalism students played hosts at the awards night on October 19, 2018. Picture: HARRISON SELMEN

www.wansolwaranews.com> 2018> OCTOBER

21

2018 - The Year

in Pictures

Golden Jubilee celebration USP Vice-Chancellor Professor Rajesh Chandra, right, and Pro-Chancellor Winston Thompson during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new entrance at Laucala campus.

Picture: SUPPLIED/USP MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

USP’s Alafua Campus community celebrated the 50th anniversary in style. Picture: SUPPLIED/ USP MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Solomon Islands Deputy PM Manasseh Sogavare (second from left) with USP Vice-Chancellor Professor Rajesh Chandra and guests. Picture: SUPPLIED/USP MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill was one of many high-level dignataries that visited USP this year.

Picture: SUPPLIED/USP MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

From left: Professor Rajesh Chandra, Associate Professor Jacqueline Leckie (author of the 50th anniversary commemorative book) and Pro-Chancellor and chairman of the USP Council Winston Thompson.

Picture: SUPPLIED/USP MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Former New Zealand rugby sevens superstar Rocky Khan during an interview at Radio Pasifik. He was part of the Rugby For Change seminar this year alongside rugby sevens maestro, Waisale Serevi.

Picture: SUPPLIED/ELIKI DRUGUNALEVU

USP staff members at the Niue campus during the 50th anniversary celebrations.

Picture: SUPPLIED/USP MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

22

Bottom: President of Fiji Jioji Konrote, left, receives a gift of appreciation from USP Pro-Chancellor Winston Thompson in June. Picture: SUPPLIED/USP MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

OCTOBER >2018>www.wansolwaranews.com

USP’s Royal Charter on display during International Archives Day at Laucala campus.

Picture: SUPPLIED/ USP MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

USP’s Kiribati campus unveiled a commemorative plaque to celebrate the 50th anniversary. Picture: SUPPLIED/USP MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Rugby 7s maestro Waisale Serevi and former All Blacks 7s player, Rocky Khan.

Picture: MIRIAMA NAIKATINI

Artists from USP’s Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies participate in the opening procession of the “We are the Ocean” Heritage and Arts Festival.

Picture: SUPPLIED/USP MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

USP Lautoka campus staff members took to the streets in the Sugar City to celebrate the 50th anniversary in style. Picture: SUPPLIED/USP MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Neioti Aiono Dr Sa’ilele Malielegaoi delivers his speech at the opening of USP’s Research Week in August this year.

Picture: SUPPLIED/USP MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

USP Journalism student Harrison Selmen tests video recording equipment during the USP Open Day this year. Picture: WANSOLWARA

USP academic staff members during an event to commemorate the 50th anniversary this year. Picture: SUPPLIED/USP MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

www.wansolwaranews.com> 2018> OCTOBER

23

MAKE YOUR REPS COUNT Increase training output Boost your recovery Quicken your results

MANA - the affordable, great tasting, locally made sports supplement brand which boasts the quality to be competitive against top sports supplement throughout the world.

High calorie formulation which aids recovery & provides extra calories for hard gainers & athletes wanting to put on serious mass.

Help trigger protein synthesis, reduce muscle soreness and enhance strength gains.

Promotes muscle growth and repair.

Support post work out recovery, preserve muscle tissue and boost protein synthesis.

For explosive energy & focus during training.

Help improve size & strength and promote muscular endurance & recovery.

Increase energy, reduce muscle soreness and increase muscle endurance to train longer.

For further queries contact us | Toll-Free number: 0800 338 7777 | Email: mana.info@gfinternational.com.au |

24

OCTOBER >2018>www.wansolwaranews.com

A slow release protein blend is known to reduce muscle breakdown by providing a sustained release of amino acids into the body.

Increase energy & focus for training.

Provide an energy boost, burn calories, and help support weight loss.

@Mana.Sports.Supplements