Posted by Terikano Takesau on August 9, 2009 at 9:59pm
NEW COMMUNICATIONS FOR RABI: Vodafone is currently working on the establishment of a reception tower to cater for its services on the island and other nearby areas. The island was recently overshadowed by helicopters carrying equipment and workers to the highest peak which is to be the site and left the Banaban community on Rabi island in awe bringing many from as far as Buakonikai village to watch the choppers overhead causing many to have a stiff neck and locked jaw the next day. This is a major milestone in terms of communication between those on the island and overseas or in other parts of Fiji who are longing to enjoy the tranquility of Rabi.
UPGRADE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH RABI: The other development in terms of health was the visitation of the health inspector to Rabi for the past week who will be present for another two weeks to do a routine inspection of all villages, stores and make a profile for all communities. The first week brought a shock to many who have had to run around cleaning up in haste for fear of being summoned. Legal notices were and are being issued to all those who failed to comply with health standards in terms of housing, sanitation and animal raising. Many dwellings were noted to be poorly maintained as far back as the phosphate money led to their establishment. As far as cleanliness is concerned Rabi lags behind many other communities. In advocating for health the health inspector sat in a Rabi Health Centre Board of Visitors meeting on the 6th of August to appeal for the need of a health inspector and advocate for change in terms of health to raise the standard of living on the island since some of the Board members were also part of village health committees. This is a good move by the Ministry of Health as it advocates for cleanliness in light of boosting tourism now that there are visiting cruise ships such as the Tui Tai and the Blue Lagoon Cruises making stops to enjoy the festivities on the island.
The Rabi Health Centre Board of Visitors acts on behalf of the Banaban community on the island to assist and see that the health interests of the people are served. They were appointed in March this year by the current Acting Senior Medical Officer on Rabi, Dr. Sam Fullman, and are as follows:
Mr. Tamba Reiati-Board Chairman (Uma), Ms. Helen Rota-Secretary (Buakonikai), Mr. Aretana Kabure-Treasurer (Tabiang), Ms. Terikano Takesau (Tabwewa), Mrs. Tawa Boris (Uma), Mr. Rui Mauteti (Buakonikai), Mr. Frank Atera (Tabiang). The eighth member is the medical officer himself.
RABI KAVA (YAQONA) DEVELOPMENT NOW (TAX-FREE ZONE): In as far as Rabi is concerned its well known reputation for yaqona is thriving keeping many busy in the plantation and also keeping some at bay at home knocked out till midday due to its potent effects lingering from the previous night's kava session. Full utilisation of marketing of Rabi kava is not at its peak and should be done to maximise the income generating capacity of the island now that it is has been declared a Tax-Free zone by the government of the day and with its "Go North" policy Rabi can definitely benefit from this initiative.