Local experts critical for new discoveries

Developing experts in Fiji and the South Pacific region is critical in further discoveries and documentation of new species. USP, as a highly recognised institution in Fiji is one place where opportunities are given to develop quality researchers. This is because of the quality resources available and the institution’s successful collaboration with quality researchers abroad. USP has proved to have developed quality researchers and this could be seen by the success of the student researchers it produces. For instance, the discovery of a newly recorded plant in Fiji by a Graduate student researcher and field assistants at USP shows the capability of Fiji in making new discoveries on their own without depending on foreign scientists to make new discoveries for them. The plant, which was a bryophyte plant, was a result of a study taken for the first time in Fiji and the region. USP Vice-Chancellor Professor Rajesh Chandra said the finding of a plant species never recorded in Fiji before was an example of the need to develop our capacity for research within the Pacific Island countries. He said it represented a significant step in the development of independence of our societies and nation and it was important that people in Fiji realise this. Collections Manager and Adjunct Curator at the Field Museum ofNational History in USA Dr Matt Von Konrat said the discovery reinforces the fact that there are many exciting discoveries remaining both for Fiji and the region. Konrat said the new finding highlighted that nothing could replace having a resident expert. 

Fighting Poverty in Fiji

More than 250,000 people in the Fiji Islands are estimated to be living in poverty, while many more are living on or just above the poverty line. It is said that Fijian communities, especially those in rural areas suffer the most extreme consequences of poverty. Despite the many fights against poverty in Fiji, it seems nothing has been effective enough as the poverty rates in Fiji kept increasing. What we need is a new approach, actually, one that has been in existence long before the modern world became an influence. I have often been reminded of the days when our ancestors would enjoy living on the natural resources that were available. They had farms, they went fishing, went  hunting for food and fruits to make a living and they lived well. I think its time that those living in rural areas in Fiji realize the resources available to them and make use of it for a living. During my primary and secondary school years, I have often come across many students whose families earn a living through farming. There was no problem in the payment of school fees.

During the ground-breaking ceremony of a new multi-purpose hall for women in Savusavu earlier this year, Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation Doctor Jiko Luveni said it was the duty of all citizens to ensure poverty issues were controlled.

She said families needed to be self-sufficient instead of depending on social welfare assistance.

This is one thing Fiji citizens must be aware of, to be self-sufficient. Who knows, causes for poverty may be due to laziness. There are many kinds of work that are available in rural areas, where villagers could make a living from. Unemployment should never be deemed as a cause for poverty. Many a times, people have often though high quality education was a solution to ending poverty as they would get a good job later in life. There needs to be a change in the mindsets of people. Instead of sitting down and lamenting on things not achievable, people in rural areas need to make use of the resources available. With a resourceful environment they live in, they do not need to count themselves unlucky just because they do not have access to things those in urban areas have access to. If they are saying that life is difficult, they need to think about how their ancestors managed to live through the years through the use of natural resources. 



Minister for Women Doctor Jiko Luveni at the ground breaking ceremony of the new multi-purpose hall in Savusavu.