Ken Sigrah's Posts - Banaban Voice2024-03-28T23:48:37ZKen Sigrahhttps://banabanvoice.ning.com/profile/KenSigrahhttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/63609184?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://banabanvoice.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=8hxmrhwvk7zs&xn_auth=noRabi and Taveuni will support Rotuma trade: PMtag:banabanvoice.ning.com,2011-03-19:2211587:BlogPost:860612011-03-19T10:05:24.000ZKen Sigrahhttps://banabanvoice.ning.com/profile/KenSigrah
<div>FBCL Saturday, March 19, 2011</div>
<div align="left" id="full_story"><div style="float: right;"><a href="http://www.radiofiji.com.fj/news_images/35255AxtKV.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.radiofiji.com.fj/news_images/thumbtails/2t35255AxtKV.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 4px;"></img></a><p style="padding-left: 4px; width: 180px; font-size: 11px;"><span style="margin-top: 4px; display: block; color: #999999; font-weight: bold;">Taken from / By: Google</span></p>
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<p><strong><font face="Arial" size="2">The Island of Rotuma has started its trade with Tuvalu with the sale of Dalo…</font></strong></p>
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<div>FBCL Saturday, March 19, 2011</div>
<div align="left" id="full_story"><div style="float: right;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.radiofiji.com.fj/news_images/35255AxtKV.jpg"><img src="http://www.radiofiji.com.fj/news_images/thumbtails/2t35255AxtKV.jpg" border="0" style="display: block; padding: 4px;"/></a><p style="padding-left: 4px; width: 180px; font-size: 11px;"><span style="margin-top: 4px; display: block; color: #999999; font-weight: bold;">Taken from / By: Google</span></p>
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<p><strong><font face="Arial" size="2">The Island of Rotuma has started its trade with Tuvalu with the sale of Dalo at $2.00 a kilo.</font></strong></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2">This was revealed by Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama while speaking at Nakalawaca Village in Tailevu.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2">Bainimarama says they are also working on upgrading the jetty on Rabi Island to allow people there and those in Taveuni to support Rotuma and Kiribati with the trade.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2">He says government is now working on increasing the price of dalo in the country.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2">Bainimarama says dalo today is being sold at 60 cents a kilo which is a big loss to farmers.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial" size="2">He says they are working to increase the price of dalo, to be between $1.20 to $1.80.</font></p>
</div>High demand for virgin oil for Rabi Womentag:banabanvoice.ning.com,2011-03-03:2211587:BlogPost:829522011-03-03T08:59:08.000ZKen Sigrahhttps://banabanvoice.ning.com/profile/KenSigrah
<div id="storyHeader"><p>FIJI TIME ONLINE Serafina Silaitoga Thursday, March 03, 2011</p>
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<div id="storyContent"><p class="intro">ALTHOUGH demand for virgin coconut oil produced by the women of Rabi has increased, the women remain concerned about the lack of facilities to help them produce more.</p>
<p>Banaban Women's group leader Terikano Takesau said her members have been pressured to meet demands, thus the extra hours of input.</p>
<p>"We are working from our own homes," she…</p>
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<div id="storyHeader"><p>FIJI TIME ONLINE Serafina Silaitoga Thursday, March 03, 2011</p>
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<div id="storyContent"><p class="intro">ALTHOUGH demand for virgin coconut oil produced by the women of Rabi has increased, the women remain concerned about the lack of facilities to help them produce more.</p>
<p>Banaban Women's group leader Terikano Takesau said her members have been pressured to meet demands, thus the extra hours of input.</p>
<p>"We are working from our own homes," she said.</p>
<p>"The women bring their oil to our office once they finish, it's all stocked in our little warehouse."</p>
<p>Ms Takesau said the women have had to work extra hours to produce the virgin coconut oil to meet the demands from clients.</p>
<p>"But although we have managed to meet the demand so far, our biggest challenge is the lack of resources and facilities," she said.</p>
<p>Mrs Takesau said the virgin coconut oil program under the ATH Vodafone Foundation World of Difference had changed their mindset.</p>
<p>"They are beginning to see the importance of having small businesses, especially when we live in an isolated area and how our micro enterprises can make a difference," she said.</p>
<p>"The women have not been empowered to work with others in producing the oil but have started their own vegetable gardens and handicraft work which they sell and earn for their families."</p>
<p>Mrs Takesau said the women's clubs on Rabi Island have joined forces to produce virgin coconut oil.</p>
</div>RABI LATEST DEVELOPMENTS 31 August 2010tag:banabanvoice.ning.com,2010-08-31:2211587:BlogPost:592462010-08-31T09:30:00.000ZKen Sigrahhttps://banabanvoice.ning.com/profile/KenSigrah
On Tue, Aug 31, 2010 at 4:51 PM, Biara Touakin -<span dir="ltr"><a href="mailto:-touakinb@yahoo.com" target="_blank">touakinb@yahoo.com</a></span> wrote:<br></br>
<blockquote class="gmail_quote"><div><div><div>N te Moanibong ae nako 23/8/10 ao a roko kaain te ITC man te Tautaeka ni Biiti ba a karaoa te internet service ibukiia te bota-n-aomata. A uoti aua (4) te computer ao teuana ana satelite antenna are a kateia i mainikun te Librari i Nuku. E bane aia makuri n te Kaonobong 28/8/10 ao a kitana…</div>
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On Tue, Aug 31, 2010 at 4:51 PM, Biara Touakin -<span dir="ltr"><a href="mailto:-touakinb@yahoo.com" target="_blank">touakinb@yahoo.com</a></span> wrote:<br/>
<blockquote class="gmail_quote"><div><div><div>N te Moanibong ae nako 23/8/10 ao a roko kaain te ITC man te Tautaeka ni Biiti ba a karaoa te internet service ibukiia te bota-n-aomata. A uoti aua (4) te computer ao teuana ana satelite antenna are a kateia i mainikun te Librari i Nuku. E bane aia makuri n te Kaonobong 28/8/10 ao a kitana ikai n te Tabati 29/8/10.</div>
<div>N te Moanibong 30th August ao ea uki te e-community centre n te Community Library i Nuku. Aio are a bon kona iai n reitaki kaain Rambi ma aia utu i tinanikun Rambi iaon te internet. Ngkanne te connection nakon te internet aio e bon babaireaki man ana aobiti te ITC Suva ngaia are e bon kanganga naba te roko n taian sites ibukin tamnei aika a bubuaka ao taian sites naba ibukin te chat. E bon ti kona n uki nakon taian sites ibukin te e-mail.</div>
<div>Bon te karautaeka naba ba ti aki kona n roko n te Banaban Voice, te bebo ke te tagged, ti te <a href="http://banaban.com/" target="_blank">banaban.com</a> ao te <a href="http://banabans.com.fj/" target="_blank">banabans.com.fj</a>. Ngkanne ti kona naba n roko n te Banaban Message Board.</div>
<div>Te connection e free ma te Kauntira ena katea ana charge ibukin baan te generator. E taku Bouka ba ena bon baireaki ao ena manga katanoataaki.</div>
<div>Irariki aio a a bon tia n roko tewana te motor-bike ao tewana te batika te toutou ibun te Rabi Health Centre. E taekinna Dr Iobi ba aikai a bon kamanemaneaki man te Global Fund ibukin buokan kaitaraan te aoraki ae te "Kangenge".</div>
<div>Ibukin te jetty, e bon tiku naba n arona: Ea tia n tei te auti ao ea tia naba n taunaki man te kawai nakon te tabo are ena tei iai rabatan te jetty ma e tuai n roko karaoana.</div>
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</blockquote>Nominations for Rabi by-electionstag:banabanvoice.ning.com,2010-07-10:2211587:BlogPost:552562010-07-10T02:30:00.000ZKen Sigrahhttps://banabanvoice.ning.com/profile/KenSigrah
<p align="left"></p>
<p><font size="3">KATANOATA NAMBA 4</font></p>
<p><font size="3">RCL BY-ELECTION 2010</font></p>
<p><font size="3">Aikai aika a anga araia ibukin te rineaki n te rinerine (By-Election) aei 2010</font></p>
<p></p>
<p><font size="3">Tabwewa Community:</font></p>
<p></p>
<p><font size="3">General Seat</font></p>
<p><font size="3">Biniati Sigrah</font></p>
<p><font size="3">Burenikamaraia Terubea</font></p>
<p><font size="3">Namatan Tearawa…</font></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p align="left"></p>
<p><font size="3">KATANOATA NAMBA 4</font></p>
<p><font size="3">RCL BY-ELECTION 2010</font></p>
<p><font size="3">Aikai aika a anga araia ibukin te rineaki n te rinerine (By-Election) aei 2010</font></p>
<p></p>
<p><font size="3">Tabwewa Community:</font></p>
<p></p>
<p><font size="3">General Seat</font></p>
<p><font size="3">Biniati Sigrah</font></p>
<p><font size="3">Burenikamaraia Terubea</font></p>
<p><font size="3">Namatan Tearawa</font></p>
<p></p>
<p><font size="3">Uma Community:</font></p>
<p><font size="3">Elder Seat:</font></p>
<p><font size="3">Ioane Terama</font></p>
<p><font size="3">Kaato Hedstrom</font></p>
<p><font size="3">Taumanibure Burataake</font></p>
<p><font size="3">Tekea Kaitarawa</font></p>
<p></p>
<p><font size="3">General Seat</font></p>
<p><font size="3">Abetai Burataake</font></p>
<p><font size="3">Butintoa Tawita</font></p>
<p><font size="3">Kaiea Bakanebo</font></p>
<p><font size="3">Motetira Karawa</font></p>
<p></p>
<p><font size="3">Ngkana iai totokoan ara aikai mai iroum ao koa taiaoka ni kawara ana aobiti te Kauntira</font></p>
<p><font size="3">nakon te bong ae te Kaabong 15/7/2010 ba ana ongora am koaua te Kamitina n itera Meang (Commissioner Northern) ao te Provincial Administrator Cakaudrove.</font></p>
<p></p>
<p><font size="3">Ake kam raroa ma Rambi kama taiaoka ni karokoi am koaua n te koroboki nakon aobiti aikai:</font></p>
<p><font size="3">DO Lautoka, DO Macuata ao RCL Suva.</font></p>
<p></p>
<p><font size="3">Kam raba</font></p>
<p><font size="3">B Teaoti</font></p>
<p><font size="3">Ibukin Te Returning Officer CND, PA Cakaudrove</font></p>AIDS emerging as real threat in Fijitag:banabanvoice.ning.com,2010-04-21:2211587:BlogPost:461702010-04-21T11:28:13.000ZKen Sigrahhttps://banabanvoice.ning.com/profile/KenSigrah
<p class="published"><a href="http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/pacbeat/stories/201004/s2878459.htm">ABC RADIO AUSTRALIA</a> Updated <span class="timestamp">April 21, 2010 08:18:24</span></p>
<p class="first">The UN Independent Commission on AIDS in the Pacific says that Fiji now has the second highest HIV/AIDS infection rate in the Pacific after PNG. The Commission On AIDS was established by UN AIDS as an independent body to gauge community response to HIV in the Pacific both at national and…</p>
<p class="published"><a href="http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/pacbeat/stories/201004/s2878459.htm">ABC RADIO AUSTRALIA</a> Updated <span class="timestamp">April 21, 2010 08:18:24</span></p>
<p class="first">The UN Independent Commission on AIDS in the Pacific says that Fiji now has the second highest HIV/AIDS infection rate in the Pacific after PNG. The Commission On AIDS was established by UN AIDS as an independent body to gauge community response to HIV in the Pacific both at national and regional level and has recently launched in Fiji. About 0.5 per cent of the Fijian population are infected with H-I-V, compared to around one percent in PNG.<br/><br/><i>Presenter: Geraldine Coutts<br/>Speaker: Stuart Watson, Coordinator for the Pacific, UN AIDS</i></p>
<ul class="storyMedia">
<li class="first"><strong>Listen:</strong></li>
<li><a href="http://www.abc.net.au/ra/pacbeat/stories/m1868547.asx">Windows Media</a></li>
</ul>Rabi Diver Missingtag:banabanvoice.ning.com,2010-02-16:2211587:BlogPost:419882010-02-16T09:06:30.000ZKen Sigrahhttps://banabanvoice.ning.com/profile/KenSigrah
<p>Fijivillage.com 16 February, 2010 The Police Search and Rescue team are still looking for a 19yr old diver who went missing in the Bua waters yesterday.The diver originally from Rabi went to dive for beach-de-mer with a group of men when he was discovered missing.<br/><br/></p>
<p>Fijivillage.com 16 February, 2010 The Police Search and Rescue team are still looking for a 19yr old diver who went missing in the Bua waters yesterday.The diver originally from Rabi went to dive for beach-de-mer with a group of men when he was discovered missing.<br/><br/></p>Vodafone expands footprint including Rabitag:banabanvoice.ning.com,2010-02-13:2211587:BlogPost:419372010-02-13T08:30:00.000ZKen Sigrahhttps://banabanvoice.ning.com/profile/KenSigrah
<p class="intro">FIJI TIMES ONLINE Sat 13 February 2010</p>
<p class="intro">Being a monopoly player for a long while, Vodafone in many ways is leading the telecommunication industry in the provision of services.It has the largest retail chain -- some opening until 9pm -- a fully fledged customer care centre, it offers vehicle tracking, web top up, e-shop, and a "live agent chat" service through which any of their customers can contact Vodafone agents via internet chat.…</p>
<p class="intro">FIJI TIMES ONLINE Sat 13 February 2010</p>
<p class="intro">Being a monopoly player for a long while, Vodafone in many ways is leading the telecommunication industry in the provision of services.It has the largest retail chain -- some opening until 9pm -- a fully fledged customer care centre, it offers vehicle tracking, web top up, e-shop, and a "live agent chat" service through which any of their customers can contact Vodafone agents via internet chat.</p>
<p class="intro"></p>
<p>But its biggest contribution has been in community service, giving scholarships and different plans for students.</p>
<p>However, the company said its Blood SMS has been the most popular where people needing blood have been helped.</p>
<p></p>
<p>The country's blood bank usually requests Vodafone if they need a certain type of blood, which the company then informs its customers through a text message. The company will expand its rural coverage with <strong>Rabi being the latest base station covering Udu Point and all coastal villages on Vanua Levu</strong>, Natewa Bay, parts of Taveuni and Qamea powered by renewable energy.</p>
<p></p>
<p>"Our footprint is increasing all the time in the rural areas with more sites planned for the maritime areas," Vodafone managing director Aslam Khan said.</p>
<p></p>
<p class="intro">BEING a monopoly player for a long while, Vodafone in many ways is leading the telecommunication industry in the provision of services.</p>
<p class="intro"></p>
<p>It has the largest retail chain -- some opening until 9pm -- a fully fledged customer care centre, it offers vehicle tracking, web top up, e-shop, and a "live agent chat" service through which any of their customers can contact Vodafone agents via internet chat.</p>
<p></p>
<p>But its biggest contribution has been in community service, giving scholarships and different plans for students.</p>
<p>However, the company said its Blood SMS has been the most popular where people needing blood have been helped.</p>
<p></p>
<p>The country's blood bank usually requests Vodafone if they need a certain type of blood, which the company then informs its customers through a text message. The company will expand its rural coverage with Rabi being the latest base station covering Udu Point and all coastal villages on Vanua Levu, Natewa Bay, parts of Taveuni and Qamea powered by renewable energy.</p>
<p>"Our footprint is increasing all the time in the rural areas with more sites planned for the maritime areas," Vodafone managing director Aslam Khan said.</p>Phosphate Islanders Celebrate Brother and Sister Double Graduationtag:banabanvoice.ning.com,2009-12-28:2211587:BlogPost:394092009-12-28T10:43:02.000ZKen Sigrahhttps://banabanvoice.ning.com/profile/KenSigrah
<a href="http://www.spasifikmag.com/publiceducationpage/15dec09phosphateislanderscelebrate/" target="_blank">spasifikmag.com</a> Wellington NZ<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.spasifikmag.com/images/latest%20updates/December%2009/15dec09PhosphateTwins.png"></img></p>
A Wellington brother and sister will celebrate their graduations from university over the next month, in a rare occasion for their small ethnic community.<br />
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Quentin Smith, aged 26, graduated from Massey University with a degree in Bachelor of Business Studies (Information Systems) this November and this month, his…
<a href="http://www.spasifikmag.com/publiceducationpage/15dec09phosphateislanderscelebrate/" target="_blank">spasifikmag.com</a> Wellington NZ<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://www.spasifikmag.com/images/latest%20updates/December%2009/15dec09PhosphateTwins.png"/></p>
A Wellington brother and sister will celebrate their graduations from university over the next month, in a rare occasion for their small ethnic community.<br />
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Quentin Smith, aged 26, graduated from Massey University with a degree in Bachelor of Business Studies (Information Systems) this November and this month, his sister Tracy Smith, aged 24, will graduate from Victoria University of Wellington with a degree in Bachelor of Commerce & Administration (Accounting/Economics).<br />
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The Smith siblings trace their ancestry to the island of Banaba or Ocean Island in the Central Pacific nation of Kiribati. Between 1900 and 1978, the phosphate rich soil of Banaba was mined and over 20 million tones carted overseas to fertilize the agricultural fields of New Zealand and Australia.<br />
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After World War II the Banabans were resettled to the island of Rabi in Fiji. Their resettlement is commemorated annually on December 15th. However, today the Banabans are a people with some of the worst socio-economic profiles in the Pacific.<br />
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Quentin and Tracy are nevertheless proud of their Banaban heritage, and both plan to contribute to the development of their small migrant community here in Wellington as well as their communities back on Rabi and Banaba.<br />
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The brother and sister worked part-time while studying at university. Quentin would like to pursue a career in Information Systems and Tracy hopes to become a Chartered Accountant.<br />
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The siblings attribute their academic success to the solid work ethic instilled in them by their mother, Julia Teiannang, and the loving support of their extended family.<br />
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As the 40-strong community of Banabans in Wellington gather together for their December 15th celebrations this year, they will be filled with thanksgiving and great hopes for their future.<br />
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Source: Wellington Banaba Rabi AssociationIslander work scheme bears no fruittag:banabanvoice.ning.com,2009-11-21:2211587:BlogPost:373332009-11-21T21:04:02.000ZKen Sigrahhttps://banabanvoice.ning.com/profile/KenSigrah
The Melbourne Age TOM HYLAND November 22, 2009<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://images.theage.com.au/2009/11/21/876403/svFRUIT-420x0.jpg"></img></p>
<i>Lake Boga fruit grower Michael Tripodi blames red tape and costs for the failure of a plan to attract seasonal workers from struggling island nations. Photo: Craig Sillitoe</i><br />
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A PLAN to bring Pacific Islanders to work on Australian fruit farms has stalled, as red tape entangles a scheme initially hailed as a ''win-win'' for labour-starved growers and struggling island nations.<br />
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Harvesting of this…
The Melbourne Age TOM HYLAND November 22, 2009<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://images.theage.com.au/2009/11/21/876403/svFRUIT-420x0.jpg"/></p>
<i>Lake Boga fruit grower Michael Tripodi blames red tape and costs for the failure of a plan to attract seasonal workers from struggling island nations. Photo: Craig Sillitoe</i><br />
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A PLAN to bring Pacific Islanders to work on Australian fruit farms has stalled, as red tape entangles a scheme initially hailed as a ''win-win'' for labour-starved growers and struggling island nations.<br />
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Harvesting of this summer's crop is already under way - without Pacific workers, more than a year after the Federal Government launched its seasonal workers scheme to allow islanders to come here for up to seven months.<br />
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Industry bodies fear islanders who do arrive now, in the second phase of the three-year pilot scheme, will be too late for this year's harvest. It will be the second harvest in a row to miss out on Pacific labour.<br />
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The first group, comprising 56 workers from Tonga and Vanuatu, arrived in February - too late for last summer's harvest in Swan Hill and Griffith.<br />
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Frustrated with delays and what they say are onerous Government conditions, some growers are using labour contractors who are known to exploit workers, many of them illegal migrants.<br />
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Costs are also deterring some growers from taking part - even though the Government and industry bodies have warned all along that Pacific workers will not be cheap.<br />
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After years of lobbying from the horticulture industry, and pressure from Pacific nations, the Government announced in August last year it would give 2500 visas to workers from Kiribati, Tonga, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea.<br />
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Growers hoped the scheme would save some of the $700 million worth of produce that rots each year for want of pickers, while Pacific nations hoped workers' salaries would boost their economies. So far, neither party's hopes have been met.<br />
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The global financial crisis has also meant there is more local labour available, reducing pressure on growers.<br />
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But Horticulture Australia Council chief executive Kris Newton said a bigger problem has been bureaucratic controls that deterred growers from using the scheme.<br />
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The Government insists Pacific workers are recruited through approved labour hire companies - a condition strongly opposed by the industry, Ms Newton said, because of ''nasty reports of exploited migrants and illegal workers employed by labour contractors''.<br />
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Secondly, the industry was frustrated by the lack of control given to regional advisory bodies set up to help run the scheme.<br />
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''Almost all of the autonomy and power to make any decisions was removed,'' Ms Newton said. ''The people on the ground … have been reduced to ciphers in the current process.''<br />
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While Ms Newton is confident federal officials now recognise the industry's frustrations, others are less optimistic.<br />
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A source with inside knowledge of the scheme said it had been marked by ''bureaucratic bullshit and excessive micro-management''.<br />
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''It's been a total debacle in Canberra,'' said the source, who asked not to be identified.<br />
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The source said the requirement that growers obtain workers though officially approved labour hire companies was a major obstacle to farmers, some of whom wanted to recruit Pacific Islanders direct.<br />
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While growers were legally obliged to pay workers about $18 an hour, going through a company pushed the cost to $22 an hour, or more.<br />
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This meant growers fell back on dubious contractors, some of which charge as little as $15 an hour - but give workers, many of them illegal migrants, as little as $9.<br />
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Denita Wawn of the National Farmers Federation said the first phase of the scheme had been a ''reality check'' for some growers, who had assumed it would be cheaper. But she said the NFF was disappointed in the delay with bringing the second group of workers out.<br />
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''This should have been finalised three months ago,'' Mrs Wawn said. ''There have been unnecessary delays and we have been exceptionally disappointed with that.''<br />
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While the NFF accepted the need for clear controls, ''the rigidity and the time that it's taken in implementing it, has been unacceptable'', she said.<br />
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The scheme is administered by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, headed by Julia Gillard.<br />
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Ms Gillard's spokesman said conditions attached to the scheme were designed to ensure seasonal workers were protected by Australian workplace laws.<br />
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He denied the second group of Pacific workers was being delayed, saying their arrival was a matter for growers and labour hire firms, and that a group of workers was ready to leave Kiribati once work is available and identified by growers.<br />
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He said the Government had stressed Pacific workers would not be a cheap labour option for growers, and would in fact cost more than Australians, because of transport and other costs.<br />
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Michael Tripodi, president of the Swan Hill Summer Fruits Association, said red tape and the need use approved labour companies had deterred growers from using the scheme. But cost was a crucial factor.<br />
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He pays a contractor $18 an hour for casual labour; under the Pacific scheme he would have to pay more than $22.<br />
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''They've priced themselves out of the market,'' he said.<br />
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''The costs involved just aren't realistic. It's not fairyland on the land. If we don't watch our pennies, if we're not efficient, we'll go broke. It's as simple as that.''Congratulations.tag:banabanvoice.ning.com,2009-08-29:2211587:BlogPost:275832009-08-29T10:01:52.000ZKen Sigrahhttps://banabanvoice.ning.com/profile/KenSigrah
Mauri Teeira Biira,<br />
Congratulations for being member number 600 of Banaban Voice. Hope you enjoy this site and also can contibute as in photos, news and views.<br />
<br />
Teke raoi and keep in touch.<br />
<br />
Ken.
Mauri Teeira Biira,<br />
Congratulations for being member number 600 of Banaban Voice. Hope you enjoy this site and also can contibute as in photos, news and views.<br />
<br />
Teke raoi and keep in touch.<br />
<br />
Ken.Newly elected and declared members of Rabi Council of Leaders, 24th May 2009tag:banabanvoice.ning.com,2009-04-24:2211587:BlogPost:126812009-04-24T14:00:00.000ZKen Sigrahhttps://banabanvoice.ning.com/profile/KenSigrah
Tabwewa - Elders seat - Paulo Vanualailai. General seat- Manate Tabakea.<br />
Uma -Elders seat -Teatu Rewi. General seat - Tebaia Tawita<br />
Tabiang - Tiare Bureti; Iekerua Noere<br />
Buakonikai -Takire Timeon; Titaku Tabuariki<br />
<br />
See you next Friday when Chairman count down takes place.
Tabwewa - Elders seat - Paulo Vanualailai. General seat- Manate Tabakea.<br />
Uma -Elders seat -Teatu Rewi. General seat - Tebaia Tawita<br />
Tabiang - Tiare Bureti; Iekerua Noere<br />
Buakonikai -Takire Timeon; Titaku Tabuariki<br />
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See you next Friday when Chairman count down takes place.Election Updatestag:banabanvoice.ning.com,2009-01-30:2211587:BlogPost:42582009-01-30T10:14:06.000ZKen Sigrahhttps://banabanvoice.ning.com/profile/KenSigrah
Message #425 | 30-Jan-09, 16:55:45, GMT +10 | Perplexed<br />
<a href="http://users3.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g30-04300-e5">Banaban Message Board</a><br />
<br />
Ken & Stacey<br />
<br />
Congratulations for pegging the first milestone…..passing the first 100 members mark! It simply goes to show how popular and useful the website has become not only to the Banabans but also to the Non-Banabans who have taken your interest to heart. Looking forward to your achieving the next 100 registrations in no time.<br />
<br />
Thank you…
Message #425 | 30-Jan-09, 16:55:45, GMT +10 | Perplexed<br />
<a href="http://users3.smartgb.com/g/g.php?a=s&i=g30-04300-e5">Banaban Message Board</a><br />
<br />
Ken & Stacey<br />
<br />
Congratulations for pegging the first milestone…..passing the first 100 members mark! It simply goes to show how popular and useful the website has become not only to the Banabans but also to the Non-Banabans who have taken your interest to heart. Looking forward to your achieving the next 100 registrations in no time.<br />
<br />
Thank you Ken for clearing the mysterious air and saving your readers (especially the voters in the forth-coming election) from being opinionated in the wrong direction. It is so very saddening indeed to learn of such well-intentioned and heart-felt gestures by Ruth Rawson's contributions being abused by 'politik' (dirty politics). I think apologies are appropriate in these circumstances.<br />
<br />
I have this funny feeling this could be part of the answer to your prayers for the coming election that voters are given that more time to 'look deeper into the hearts' of campaigning candidates. That little bit more time will also allow the candidates to show the voters their true colours.<br />
<br />
The postponement of the impending election of Rabi Council of Leaders seem to struck a common chord with commenting members of the Banaban Voice. Most if not all looked up for "Divine Blessings and Guidance". Some even went to the extent of declaring their faith and asserting that it is according to God's Will that delays did take place to give Banabans more time to seek His Will in prayer to make the right choice of members to take up the RCL roles. It is indeed pleasing to know Banabans, do not only value greatly their identity, traditions and customs but they also hold at the highest regard Christian faith, principles and values. The rather instant and united dependence on the The Almighty God somewhat reminds me of what Mother Theresa once said:-<br />
<br />
<i>People are often unreasonable, irrational and self-centred.<br />
Forgive them anyway.<br />
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.<br />
Be kind anyway.<br />
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.<br />
Succeed anyway.<br />
If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you.<br />
Be honest and sincere anyway.<br />
What you spent years creating, others could destroy overnight.<br />
Create anyway.<br />
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.<br />
Be happy anyway.<br />
The good you do today will often be forgotten.<br />
Do good anyway.<br />
Give the best you have, and it may never be enough.<br />
Give your best anyway.<br />
In the final analysis, it is between you and God.<br />
It was never between you and them anyway.</i><br />
<br />
Perplexed (NZ)Ruth Rawson's aid work with SDA Rabitag:banabanvoice.ning.com,2009-01-28:2211587:BlogPost:38372009-01-28T01:58:09.000ZKen Sigrahhttps://banabanvoice.ning.com/profile/KenSigrah
Kam na mauri,<br />
<br />
Aio ana reta Ruthy Rawson ni kaota ibukin ana waaki ni buoka nakon te SDA church I Nuku.<br />
<br />
Ana waaki Ruthy aio ea tia Butau Bureitetau ni kabongana n te aro ni kewe ao ni kabuakaka inanon ana campaign.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Dear Rabi Council of Leaders,<br />
<br />
Mauri from Albury, Australia.<br />
<br />
I am writing to you to explain why and how the Nuku SDA community building was restored.<br />
<br />
My name is Ruthy and in 1978 I worked as a teacher at Vatuvonu school at Buca Bay. I taught many Rabi students that year -…</i>
Kam na mauri,<br />
<br />
Aio ana reta Ruthy Rawson ni kaota ibukin ana waaki ni buoka nakon te SDA church I Nuku.<br />
<br />
Ana waaki Ruthy aio ea tia Butau Bureitetau ni kabongana n te aro ni kewe ao ni kabuakaka inanon ana campaign.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Dear Rabi Council of Leaders,<br />
<br />
Mauri from Albury, Australia.<br />
<br />
I am writing to you to explain why and how the Nuku SDA community building was restored.<br />
<br />
My name is Ruthy and in 1978 I worked as a teacher at Vatuvonu school at Buca Bay. I taught many Rabi students that year - Rakera, Eritabeta, Rinaba, Runga, Barikitea, Teute, Tebeioua to name a few (sorry if the spelling is incorrect). I visited Rabi and stayed in some of these people's homes.<br />
<br />
In 1979/80 I returned to Rabi and stayed again with my SDA friends. In 1986 I returned with my husband and again stayed at Nuku in SDA church members homes.<br />
<br />
In 2007 I returned with my daughter to holiday again within the SDA community at Nuku. This time I saw the damage to the 'Dorcas' or community building. My Rabi SDA friends wondered whether I might be able to help in its repair. I was able to. I came back to Austrlaia, shared the story with many of my friends here, worked hard and raised the money for it's restoration. I then contacted my Rabi friends, saying I had raised the money.<br />
<br />
I returned to Rabi in April, 2008 and paid for the materials for the restoration of the building. This was a very happy time for me. I did this because I wanted to help my wonderful SDA Rabi friends, there was no other reason. I did it of my own free will. This had nothing to do with any other Rabi people or the Rabi Council. I do not think that I have ever personally met anyone from the council ever. Certainly the matter of the restoration of the building had nothing to do with any council member.<br />
<br />
A part of my heart lives on Rabi. I love my Rabi friends and I hope that I will be able to travel to Rabi again this year to visit them.<br />
<br />
I hope that I have not done anything to upset the council. My actions were done only out of love for my friends.<br />
<br />
Thank you, Ruthy Rawson</i><br />
<br />
Ti au bubuti nakoimi bwa kam na kawakini ngkami mai irouia taan campaign aika bati ni kewekewe nai aron te Uaei.<br />
<br />
<br />
Teke raoi,<br />
<br />
KenBwanaan Rabi, Monday 5th January 2009.tag:banabanvoice.ning.com,2009-01-05:2211587:BlogPost:16822009-01-05T13:24:07.000ZKen Sigrahhttps://banabanvoice.ning.com/profile/KenSigrah
Inanon ana kanako bwana Bwanaan Rabi nte Moanibong 5 bongin Tianuare 2009 ao aio ngkane kanoan te maroro.<br />
<br />
Te kaoti iango irouia taan Rineaki ao taan Rinerine.<br />
<br />
Ngai I kaoti iango naba mai iAotiteria ikai ao au koaua are i taekina nte tarebon nakon Bwanaan Rabi boni buokaia ara tia Rinerine ba ana kanga ni kinaia aia Kauntira aika na mate raoi rineakia:-<br />
<br />
1. Rinea am Kauntira ae ata kainanom ngkoe ae ko aki mwakuri. E riai am Kauntira ni karekei itera aika kona ni kamwakuri iai bwa ea onga te…
Inanon ana kanako bwana Bwanaan Rabi nte Moanibong 5 bongin Tianuare 2009 ao aio ngkane kanoan te maroro.<br />
<br />
Te kaoti iango irouia taan Rineaki ao taan Rinerine.<br />
<br />
Ngai I kaoti iango naba mai iAotiteria ikai ao au koaua are i taekina nte tarebon nakon Bwanaan Rabi boni buokaia ara tia Rinerine ba ana kanga ni kinaia aia Kauntira aika na mate raoi rineakia:-<br />
<br />
1. Rinea am Kauntira ae ata kainanom ngkoe ae ko aki mwakuri. E riai am Kauntira ni karekei itera aika kona ni kamwakuri iai bwa ea onga te karo ni kona ni kabooa roon natina n reirei, n tararua ana kara ao mani kariki rakea ana utu. A bati itera aika konaki ni karekeaki ibukin itera aikai ma ea bon nakon ana kona bwai am Kauntira ae ko nang rineia.<br />
<br />
2.Ena iai ana atatai nte politic. Uringa bwa 2 ara Tautaeka ao 2 naba ara Tua.....Banaban Settlement Act iaan Biti ao te Banaban provision Chapter 9 iaan te Kiribati Constitution. Te tia Tei ena riai ni iai ana atatai inanon Tua aikai bwa ngaia tein raoi waen Tei Banaba.<br />
<br />
3.Rinea am Kauntira ae ena kona n nora tein ana Roro n Rikirake inanon ana tei ae 4 te ririki. Te Kauntira ae kona ni kauki mataroan Aotiteria ma New Zealand ibukin te scholarship, trianing oppotunities etc. Uringa bwa akona n reke itera aikai bwa aba aikai a korakora baeia iroura ma ati kantaninga bwanara rinanon kawaina ae eti. Te Kauntira ae kan tei e riai n atai kawai aikai.<br />
<br />
4.Koa riai n rinea am Kauntira ae iai ana kona bwai ni kerekea katiian ana mwane man itera riki tabeua nakon<br />
are tia bon okioki naba inanon ara batiketi ae eaki kona moa ni kamwakuria ara boota n aomata. Abara ae Banaba e bati kaubwaina ae kakaninganinga ngkai SOPAC ae enang bati ni karabaki taekana nakoira ngaira kain Banaba bwa tia kawa n ataia ao tia manga karaoa abara ae Banaba ao ena manga maeu te Rii Ni Banaba (Banaban Identity). E riai am Kauntira ae kona rineia bwa ena kona naba ni kaoti nakoi kaubwain Banaba aikai.<br />
<br />
Titirakinia itera aikai ao ngaia a riai kaekai ngkami ma te koaua. Te nakoa ae te Kauntira e riai n aki kamangoraki bwa ngaia Kautuun ara Tautaeka. 'Ea oria ngke tikarako e riai bwa tina keiaki mwaka'.<br />
<br />
Au kabane ngkane nakoia raou ni IBanaba aika kam nang rinrine bwa ngkana areke ami Kauntira aika boou ao tibangara ae moan te kakawaki bwa tina boutokoia, taubai mangaia ao mani waaki mangaia bwa ngaia reken kabwaiara ao ngkana tiaki ao e mate buaka ara rinerine ao tia bon titiku naba n arora aio ni karokoa e bua araia ara boota n aomata ae Tei Banaba.<br />
<br />
Kam na tekeraoi n ami rinerine. Tekeraoin te Roro ni IBanaba ane inanoni baimi.<br />
<br />
Raomi ni koaua, Ken.Islander work scheme bears no fruittag:banabanvoice.ning.com,1999-11-30:2211587:BlogPost:373321999-11-30T02:00:00.000ZKen Sigrahhttps://banabanvoice.ning.com/profile/KenSigrah
The Melbourne Age TOM HYLAND November 22, 2009<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://images.theage.com.au/2009/11/21/876403/svFRUIT-420x0.jpg"></img></p>
<i>Lake Boga fruit grower Michael Tripodi blames red tape and costs for the failure of a plan to attract seasonal workers from struggling island nations. Photo: Craig Sillitoe</i><br />
<br />
A PLAN to bring Pacific Islanders to work on Australian fruit farms has stalled, as red tape entangles a scheme initially hailed as a ''win-win'' for labour-starved growers and struggling island nations.<br />
<br />
Harvesting of this…
The Melbourne Age TOM HYLAND November 22, 2009<br />
<p style="text-align:left"><img src="http://images.theage.com.au/2009/11/21/876403/svFRUIT-420x0.jpg"/></p>
<i>Lake Boga fruit grower Michael Tripodi blames red tape and costs for the failure of a plan to attract seasonal workers from struggling island nations. Photo: Craig Sillitoe</i><br />
<br />
A PLAN to bring Pacific Islanders to work on Australian fruit farms has stalled, as red tape entangles a scheme initially hailed as a ''win-win'' for labour-starved growers and struggling island nations.<br />
<br />
Harvesting of this summer's crop is already under way - without Pacific workers, more than a year after the Federal Government launched its seasonal workers scheme to allow islanders to come here for up to seven months.<br />
<br />
Industry bodies fear islanders who do arrive now, in the second phase of the three-year pilot scheme, will be too late for this year's harvest. It will be the second harvest in a row to miss out on Pacific labour.<br />
<br />
The first group, comprising 56 workers from Tonga and Vanuatu, arrived in February - too late for last summer's harvest in Swan Hill and Griffith.<br />
<br />
Frustrated with delays and what they say are onerous Government conditions, some growers are using labour contractors who are known to exploit workers, many of them illegal migrants.<br />
<br />
Costs are also deterring some growers from taking part - even though the Government and industry bodies have warned all along that Pacific workers will not be cheap.<br />
<br />
After years of lobbying from the horticulture industry, and pressure from Pacific nations, the Government announced in August last year it would give 2500 visas to workers from Kiribati, Tonga, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea.<br />
<br />
Growers hoped the scheme would save some of the $700 million worth of produce that rots each year for want of pickers, while Pacific nations hoped workers' salaries would boost their economies. So far, neither party's hopes have been met.<br />
<br />
The global financial crisis has also meant there is more local labour available, reducing pressure on growers.<br />
<br />
But Horticulture Australia Council chief executive Kris Newton said a bigger problem has been bureaucratic controls that deterred growers from using the scheme.<br />
<br />
The Government insists Pacific workers are recruited through approved labour hire companies - a condition strongly opposed by the industry, Ms Newton said, because of ''nasty reports of exploited migrants and illegal workers employed by labour contractors''.<br />
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Secondly, the industry was frustrated by the lack of control given to regional advisory bodies set up to help run the scheme.<br />
<br />
''Almost all of the autonomy and power to make any decisions was removed,'' Ms Newton said. ''The people on the ground … have been reduced to ciphers in the current process.''<br />
<br />
While Ms Newton is confident federal officials now recognise the industry's frustrations, others are less optimistic.<br />
<br />
A source with inside knowledge of the scheme said it had been marked by ''bureaucratic bullshit and excessive micro-management''.<br />
<br />
''It's been a total debacle in Canberra,'' said the source, who asked not to be identified.<br />
<br />
The source said the requirement that growers obtain workers though officially approved labour hire companies was a major obstacle to farmers, some of whom wanted to recruit Pacific Islanders direct.<br />
<br />
While growers were legally obliged to pay workers about $18 an hour, going through a company pushed the cost to $22 an hour, or more.<br />
<br />
This meant growers fell back on dubious contractors, some of which charge as little as $15 an hour - but give workers, many of them illegal migrants, as little as $9.<br />
<br />
Denita Wawn of the National Farmers Federation said the first phase of the scheme had been a ''reality check'' for some growers, who had assumed it would be cheaper. But she said the NFF was disappointed in the delay with bringing the second group of workers out.<br />
<br />
''This should have been finalised three months ago,'' Mrs Wawn said. ''There have been unnecessary delays and we have been exceptionally disappointed with that.''<br />
<br />
While the NFF accepted the need for clear controls, ''the rigidity and the time that it's taken in implementing it, has been unacceptable'', she said.<br />
<br />
The scheme is administered by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, headed by Julia Gillard.<br />
<br />
Ms Gillard's spokesman said conditions attached to the scheme were designed to ensure seasonal workers were protected by Australian workplace laws.<br />
<br />
He denied the second group of Pacific workers was being delayed, saying their arrival was a matter for growers and labour hire firms, and that a group of workers was ready to leave Kiribati once work is available and identified by growers.<br />
<br />
He said the Government had stressed Pacific workers would not be a cheap labour option for growers, and would in fact cost more than Australians, because of transport and other costs.<br />
<br />
Michael Tripodi, president of the Swan Hill Summer Fruits Association, said red tape and the need use approved labour companies had deterred growers from using the scheme. But cost was a crucial factor.<br />
<br />
He pays a contractor $18 an hour for casual labour; under the Pacific scheme he