text:
Pensioner’s Petition for Justice to the Prime Minister of Fiji
The pensioner signatories:
- Believe they have been discriminated against and treated unjustly and unfairly by the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) and the Government in the changes to the Fund’s pension system.
- Contend that their existing pension contracts have been broken by the FNPF and wish to have this, and other issues, addressed in court. As a first step they request support from the Prime Minister to deal with the gross injustices of the Transition Decree and the substantive FNPF Decree that follows it.
- Assert that their fundamental rights have been breached in a number of areas and that the changes are also in violation of the Peoples’ Charter which provides the guiding influence for overall Government policy.
- Call for the establishment of a full independent inquiry to consider and make recommendations on all the issues, contradictions and discrepancies that surround the actions of the FNPF in its proposals for change.
- Seek constitutional support for the rights of pensioners.
Please read the full text of this important petition and give your support by clicking on the ” COMMENT” section and adding your name, and if you wish a comment.
The full text of the petition
We the undersigned are petitioning you, as the head of Government, in our search for justice and relief from oppression in a dispute with the Fiji National Provident Fund. The dispute has widened to include the Government of Fiji which, for reasons we do not understand, is supporting the FNPF in its penalizing of innocent pensioners.
This petition contains details of our deeply felt grievances. Our worst fears were more than realized in the FNPF Transition Decree. We were acutely aware that a decree of this nature would likely be used against us. But its provisions and effect are shocking. In our view it has taken Fiji into a realm of legal extremism. It became the final move of the Government and the FNPF to deal with the problem of pensioners and their reduced payments.
It gives effect for the first time in Fiji’s history to the breaking of binding pension contracts. Previously, when changes to pension arrangements were introduced, the FNPF honoured the contracts that were in place because they were irrevocable. The FNPF has now abandoned this legally correct approach which has been endorsed by independent legal advice. There is also acknowledgement from FNPF consultants that the Fund had contractual obligations that should be met. In fact the consultants said in a report that
sufficient funds should be set aside to fulfill payments at contracted rates. They knew the FNPF could afford to pay and that it should pay.
A critical question is why the FNPF rejected this advice from consultants it trusted, who are familiar with every aspect of its operations? The FNPF has never explained this. In the interests of transparency and good governance, aggrieved pensioners are entitled to an explanation.
The consultants later tried to shift their position on contracts in a public statement. But this was not persuasive in light of their very clear references in a written report. They also added a telling disclaimer to their remarks, including those on contracts, which explained that what they had said were opinions, not intended as legal or financial advice.
The fairest way forward is for the contract question to be adjudicated by the High Court.
Crossing a line
The FNPF has now crossed a line by ignoring sound and authoritative advice and must be ready for the far-reaching consequences of this. Reputation, trust and credibility are everything to an institution such as the FNPF. But already, in the eyes of many, the FNPF’s image has been badly damaged because of its appalling performance over the pension controversy. Pensioners are cynically asking when it will cancel its new proposals? A newspaper correspondent captured the mood of the moment when he said assurances from the FNPF that new pension rates are fixed for life are a joke. He says an amendment to the FNPF decree can be “signed and sealed at the blink of an eye”.
The iniquitous Transition Decree
We request you now to consider and address the issue of the iniquitous Transition Decree. Not only does it endorse the rescinding of contracts. It also denies us our fundamental right of seeking redress for our concerns through the court system. This form of safeguard – a cornerstone of liberal democracies – is of critical importance not only to all Fijians. It is essential also for the business community and the foreign investors Fiji is endeavouring to attract to promote economic growth.
Along with sanctity of contracts, legal rights of redress are a prerequisite for creating a healthy investment climate. The need for legal enforcement of contracts is acknowledged by your Government in the documentation for the Peoples Charter. So is the rule of law which encompasses rights of redress and appeal.
The 1997 constitution properly addresses this. It provides that every party to a civil dispute has the right to have the matter determined by a court of law, or if appropriate, by an independent and impartial tribunal. The Transition Decree completely ignores this basic legal principle.
Additionally its undemocratic provisions have already been noted and criticised overseas as Fiji tries to position itself for consultations paving the way for a return to parliamentary government.
The role of the Attorney General
The decree is also notable because it gives the Attorney General the power to put an end to the civil action already instituted by the aggrieved pensioner David Burness. According to Dr Shaista Shameem, Mr Burness’s counsel, this would represent direct interference by the Attorney General with the powers of the judiciary. He would be taking this action in a case in which he is joined – the AG is the third respondent in the Burness matter. In Dr Shameem’s view this would be evidence of abuse of power by decree. Obviously this is a very serious matter indeed.
Additionally the decree is in breach of articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which Fiji has affirmed. Prime Minister, on 24th September 2011 you personally informed the United Nations General Assembly in your annual address to that august body that ‘Fiji’s Commitment to the United Nations Charter remains steadfast’. You will know that, inter alia, the UN Charter’s purpose is to ‘reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights’ as expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The particular fundamental rights of pensioners that are breached by the FNPF Transition Decree are: (i) the right to life, liberty and security (Article 3); (ii) the right to be free from discrimination (Article 7); (iii) the right to an effective remedy from the courts (Articles 8 and 10); (iv) right to property (Article 17); (v) right to social security (Article 22); (vi) the right to social protection (Article 23); and (vii) the right to a standard of living and social security in old age (Article 25).
The Decree is a flagrant violation of the Government’s proposed policy on the aged which would prohibit all forms of discrimination against the elderly.
It is also discriminatory in that it treats groups of pensioners differently, despite the government’s oft-stated stand against discrimination of any kind. The discrimination is compounded when it specifically hurts a weak and vulnerable minority.
Thanks to the Transition Decree their rights as citizens to have their grievances determined by the courts have been annihilated.
A question that will never go away is why the FNPF, with Government support, has sought refuge in an unjust law, if it was so confident of the legitimacy of recent pension decisions it has made?
Exercise your power for the people
Prime Minister, you are head of the Government and Minister of Finance. You have greater power than any of your predecessors. We are therefore urgently asking you to exercise that power to restore to our group the rights and the entitlements that have been taken from us. You have been described as a man of the people. We are the people, mainly the poor, retired workers and some from the middle class.
We ask that you stand with us now and revoke in their entirety the Transition Decree and the substantive legislation that is to follow it. They are not worthy of the kind of Fiji your government is committed to building.
If by the time you receive this, the Burness case has been removed by the Transition Decree from the jurisdiction of the judge, we ask that a new decree be implemented to nullify that action thus ensuring that the system of justice is allowed to proceed without hindrance.
We are entitled to expect as well that you will give full consideration to all the other FNPF issues that bear down us and continue to cause so much anger, anxiety and despair.
You demonstrated recently that your authority extends to the FNPF when you countermanded its decision not to offer assistance to flood victims. We ask that you please exercise that authority on our behalf to give us the hearing that is our right.
- This can be achieved by staging a full independent inquiry to consider all the issues, contradictions and discrepancies that surround the actions of the FNPF in its reform agenda. Many of them are touched on in this petition. The petitioners would be very happy to work with you and the FNPF in drawing up the framework and terms of reference for an inquiry. Let us together show Fiji and the world that through co-operation and compromise we can find common ground over this divisive issue.
The sense of wrong we feel over our treatment by the Government and the FNPF is such that we intend to seek specific constitutional protection for the rights of pensioners.
Never again must legitimate grievances and representations by senior citizens who have served their country well be contemptuously cast aside. Our rights must be enshrined and guaranteed. If they are not the Government’s policy on the aged will be discredited and compromised. The same will apply to your aspirations for a liberal, inclusive, modern and equal society which caters for the interests of all. You cannot achieve these goals while there is discrimination against some pensioners and suppression of their rights.
We now address in more detail serious concerns about the FNPF’s handling of the pension issue. Our basic assertion is that the Fund has failed to substantiate its case for defaulting on current pensions. The FNPF has never demonstrated that payments to the existing pensioners will make it insolvent. It has failed to exercise a duty of care.
A flawed approach
When you inaugurated the review process in Suva last May you made some comments which require close scrutiny. These comments were subsequently repeated by the FNPF as the basis for its claim that existing pensions should be cut.
You spoke about the “handsome” amounts paid to about 10,800 pensioners and said these were unsustainable.
Whoever provided you with that information did not conduct proper research.
The FNPF itself later corrected what you had said. It disclosed that 89 per cent, or some 9600 of the 10,800 pensioners, were receiving monthly payments below the $800 poverty line set by the FNPF.
This meant that a fundamental argument for pension reductions was plain wrong.
The vast majority were not receiving handsome payments. They were at the poverty level.
The FNPF then said there would be no reductions in payments to these elderly people already living in poverty. It would later partly break that promise when it changed its poverty line to $300. We ask why? How could an important organization like the FNPF simply walk away from a commitment it made to the needy? What kind of corporate governance was this?
Singled out for discrimination
The remainder of the pensioners – about 1200 – were mostly middle or working class and their payments reflect this. They were selected to bear the brunt of the reductions. This was seen by the intended victims as a clear case of discrimination. They were to be singled out for separate and detrimental treatment which would violate the foundation policies of the Government, including those in the Peoples’ Charter, and many other anti-discrimination measures.
Big pensions small in numbers
There is a widespread suspicion that the main target of the pensions cuts is a group of less than 50 who receive large monthly payments. It should not be forgotten that these recipients are legally entitled to their pensions which they qualified for in accordance with the law and the rules of the FNPF. If a prime aim of the FNPF changes was to act against those on big payments, then they are largely self-defeating. Members of this group are in a position to benefit from the refund option more than other pensioners.
As stated, we believe it was the payments to them that triggered the decisions which are now the subject of this petition and which will affect the poor, retired workers and middle class the most.
Where is the justice in this?
More muddle and discrimination
In the convoluted process leading to the FNPF’s final announcements on its “reforms” there were further drastic changes which again exposed the muddled, erratic and capricious nature of the Fund’s decision-making. It was evident that the FNPF did not have a proper plan and was improvising.
The FNPF, without explanation, opted for a new poverty line of $300 a month. According to our estimates the FNPF’s choice of a lower poverty figure, means pensioners facing reductions have increased from 1200 to 3600. The FNPF’s earlier figures appear to be no longer relevant. A new group of pensioners who were promised exemption now face the bitter reality of a future on substantially lower incomes. This has caused turmoil and stress among them. They have been betrayed.
Subsidies: Pensioners paid their share
Much is made of subsidies received by pensioners from other members of the FNPF. They were made to feel guilty about this. It’s as though they had done something wrong. But the subsidy element was part of the Fund’s structure. Current pensioners themselves paid their share of subsidies without complaint before they retired. They do not wish to hear any more prejudiced, one-sided and misleading subsidy arguments directed against them.
Another strand of thought, backed up by research, figures and financials, is that the subsidy claims are untrue. Details of the case to substantiate this can be provided.
Subsidies are now ruled out by the Government, although it appears that they may play a role in the new arrangements announced by the FNPF for certain pension increases.
This too should be examined to ascertain whether subsidies apply and what this means for the Government’s ‘no subsidy’ policy. The entire question of subsidy payments nationally should also be reviewed within the context of the decision against pensioners. Is it acceptable to pay subsidies to certain groups but not to others? Is there another element of discrimination here? Similarly, is it acceptable to give incentives and concessions to some, while denying pensioners their rightful and legal payments? Another central question is whether the FNPF through some parts of its new plans, has strayed into the welfare area which should be the preserve of the Government?
Half a lifetime of sustainability
When the FNPF review started, a key point mentioned by you was the sustainability of the fund for 40 years. This was subsequently increased by the Fund to 45 years. As many of the review victims of the FNPF and Government have emphasised consistently this did not provide any sort of foundation for defaulting on payments to the existing pensioners. By the admission of the Fund and the Government, the FNPF could carry on for half a lifetime under the prevailing system. This gave ample time for the Fund to be reformed while meeting its contractual commitments to the current pensioners.
With 89 per cent of the 10,800 pensioners you referred to at the May symposium receiving poverty amounts, it was at any rate inconceivable to us that the remaining 11 per cent endangered the viability of the FNPF. That has never, ever been proven.
Our conviction was reinforced by the claim of the FNPF CEO Mr Aisake Taito that the fund was acting from a position of strength. Later you also told the nation the FNPF was in a “strong financial position.” This unquestionably projected the FNPF as well able to meet its commitments, including payment of contracted pensions. That was underscored by the recommendation of the Fund consultants for arrangements to be made to continue with these pensions. (To add a further element of confusion to the picture the consultants, in December, suddenly went into reverse and announced that the FNPF could be insolvent within seven years! This came out of nowhere and was subject to a disclaimer. It is hard to take it seriously given the disclaimer and consistent and considered references to viability up to 2050/2055. But the calculations behind the new and unproven variation by the consultants should be fully examined in an official inquiry.)
Why the rush to break contracts?
We ask again why was there such a determination to act against existing FNPF pensioners? Was it simply to deal with those receiving the large payments? Or were other factors involved?
Why was the FNPF, from its position of strength, in such a rush to smash contracts – with all that entails – instead of letting those in place run their course? We are a diminishing liability. Our numbers are coming down as pensioners pass on. This natural attrition is a financial benefit to the FNPF. There is a substantial benefit also to the FNPF when a pensioner dies early.
All of us will be long gone before 40 or 45 years has elapsed. Our plea is for the FNPF to leave us alone in our final years, without inflicting on us the disruption and stress caused by savage reductions in income for citizens who will find it difficult to re-enter the workforce to make up for their loss. Our retirements were planned on the basis of contracted pensions. The Government and the FNPF have without justification cut away the foundations of the last phase of our lives.
Life expectancy questions
Life expectancy estimates are vital for future pension projections. How long people will live is central to viability of pension schemes. It has never been clear to us which statistics the FNPF used in assessing the sustainability of the Fund. It was suggested by the FNPF consultants at one point that Australian figures formed part of the Fund’s calculations. If this is so they would be completely inappropriate. In November a Fiji health system review proclaimed that local life expectancy had declined from 72.9 years to 67.8 years. These findings would have major significance for the FNPF’s pension planning. But were they used? We believe the FNPF has a responsibility to explain the life expectancy statistics it used for its reform programme.
A broken pledge
In a public statement on August 6 last year, the FNPF pledged that proposed changes would be phased over a five year period. It broke that promise. There is no phase-in period of five years. The FNPF CEO has been unable to explain why the fund reneged on this. Its action was a further blow to the FNPF’s already battered image and credibility.
The cruelty of the Budget
Your Budget speech on November 25 last year contained the broad details of the FNPF pension reductions. In our view it was not appropriate for that announcement to be made in the budget. The Government does not own the FNPF. We respectfully suggest the announcement should have come from the FNPF.
The budget address contained a declaration full of cruel irony and staggering insensitivity for the FNPF’s victims. You followed your comments about the FNPF changes with a revelation that civil service pensioners, former members of the disciplined force, war veterans, retired judges, former prime ministers, ministers and members of Parliament, would receive a 20 per cent increase in their entitlements. A 20 per cent increase!
So while some pensioners would be having their payments cut by about half, others would be the beneficiaries of a large increase. No details were given of how many would get the substantially bigger amounts, but we assume it will be several thousand.
We assert Prime Minister that this too is discriminatory. A significant number of FNPF members would get less; civil service pensioners would receive more. Why were the two groups treated so differently?
Some pensioners also saw that while they were left out in the cold many taxpayers received a substantial bonus through a reduction in income taxes. It was further evidence of what can only be seen as a campaign directed against certain hapless pensioners.
Is the Government pension increase sustainable?
It is relevant to inquire whether a full actuarial study was conducted on the sustainability of the major increases for Government pensioners? How are they to be paid? What will they cost? Information about this is of crucial interest to the public which in the end pays the bill. The disadvantaged FNPF pensioners too will help to meet this increase for the civil service pensioners through value added tax and other government fees and charges. There is further serious injustice in this.
The Ministry of Finance Economic and Fiscal Update of November 12, 2011, lists State guarantees and contingent liabilities. Included in this is an amount of $973 million for the FNPF. What does this relate to? Is it for Government pension payments? If it is why is it listed as a state guaranteed contingent liability? Is it connected to a Government guarantee laid out in Section 10 of the FNPF Act Cap 219? Could we please ask what the position of the Government is in terms of honouring the guarantee to meet contracted payments to existing pensioners?
In an earlier fiscal update there was a reference to FNPF members’ contributions accounting for nearly 75 per cent of total Government contingent liabilities. What does this mean?
For pensioners and the public at large there are questions here that require clarification, particularly when the FNPF is so prominently in the news.
The FNPF CEO, Mr Taito, thinks we have been trying to stop the reforms. That is patently untrue. We accept that changes need to be made and have said this often. But we are completely and passionately opposed to the decision to cut certain current pensions for the many reasons outlined in this petition.
Propaganda attack by FNPF
In its propaganda attack against its own members, the FNPF sank to a new low in July last year. Someone in the Fund deliberately released confidential information to a newspaper about particular pension accounts. The information was published. This episode was unprecedented in the annals of the FNPF and other corporate bodies. It was an indication of the extent to which the FNPF was prepared to go in its determination to attain its ends in the pension dispute. Pensioners protested about what was regarded as a scandalous infringement of corporate ethics and values by the FNPF. At least one pensioner called for the FNPF to investigate the security breach and give a public assurance that members’ account details from that point on would be protected, secure and forever confidential. There was no response from the FNPF.
Petitioners would still like a proper inquiry into this incident within the context of good governance and accountability. They also want the FNPF to adopt a “whistleblower” policy protecting those who name FNPF employees guilty of leaking confidential information such as pension account details or who disclose instances of unethical, and dubious practice.
Refunds will become bitter pills
In its new policy, the FNPF is offering refunds of the original amounts pensioners had in their accounts. This appears to be another breach of commitment by the FNPF because a refund is not a pension. Our view is that the FNPF has adopted this option as some sort of “sweetener” or to soften the impact of what the Fund has done. We understand that a good number of pensioners are taking refunds. Unfortunately this sweetener will become a bitter pill for many who accept it. When the money is spent, which in numerous instances is likely to be sooner rather than later, what will happen to the recipients? Destitution will stare them in the face. There will be more claimants for social welfare payments. What a tragic outcome for the FNPF “reform” programme. What a social and human disaster for the pensioners concerned.
Many dimensions to the hurt
There are numerous dimensions – social, material, physical and psychological – to the hurt visited on the signatories by the current situation. Think of the mental torment and the impact on health related to uncertainty and anxiety which has hovered for many months. It has been described as a sword hanging over the pensioners who were expecting to become victims.
One lady of 70 experiences such severe fits of depression that she has spoken of not wishing to live.
A manager was made redundant before he retired. For 14 months he and his wife lived off their savings. “When I got to 55 it was a big relief. We felt safe and secure,” he says. “But later, along with other pensioners we went through hell waiting and wondering. The mental anguish is awful really. To top it all, we are being put on this guilt trip because we received pensions at the higher rate. Never mind that this is what we were offered in accordance with the law.”
This same pensioner went into a state of despair at the prospect of being unable to service a home improvement loan negotiated on the basis of his pension. His predicament has not been resolved.
Here is an extract from an email: “Like us all I have too have been very stressed at the thought of my pension being reduced. It was barely enough to live on now let alone reduction and inflation….I have been doing some work for aid agencies…..but sadly am forced to look at full time employment again.”
A pensioner and his wife (also a pensioner) went for their annual media check-ups. His wife had not been sleeping well for the past few months while, for the first time in his life, he was experiencing consistently high blood pressure. He says: “Talking this through with our doctors, we have all concluded that the outcome is a result of pressure, stress and worry about the way we are being treated by the FNPF and the threat to reduce our pensions. Maybe this is what they want; for us all to suffer and thus reduce our numbers.”
A pensioner from the western division told a friend of her worries about meeting her financial commitments, adding that for the first time she was having heart palpitations.
Another pensioner, suffering from a terminal illness, died this month. The FNPF cast a shadow over the final period of his life. He was haunted by anxiety about the possibility of having to sell his house. He joined in discussions with other pensioners about their predicament and made a special effort to attend public consultations.
One of those who spoke out strongly at an FNPF meeting cares for her dependent mother, while funding overseas education for a daughter. She is already trying to come to terms with the likelihood of becoming a burden on her children.
An eminent professional person said bitterly that he had his retirement mapped out based on his pension. Now he is looking at seeking employment again.
There are many more stories among senior citizens of stress and deep anxiety, psychological pressure, broken dreams and disturbed lives related to the FNPF’s determination to act against existing pensioners from its position of strength.
Retirement was not meant to be like this. This is no way for any pension fund or society to treat elderly people.
We look to you Prime Minister to reverse what has been inflicted on us. We ask you to do this in the name of social justice, compassion, good governance, inclusion and respect for those in the last season of their time on earth.
Signed by pensioners and supporters: We ask that you click on the COMMENTS Section at the top of the page, and add your name and if you wish your comments to this petition, it is as easy as that.
Christopher Jackson Mar said:
An excellent plea for the helpless aged.
Nola Koroi said:
Trust and contract have been betrayed. Along with countless others, my ability to care and provide for family and grandchildren has been severely compromised. They are the ones who will be pitifully penalised by the moneylaundering “reforms” being inflicted on the aged and infirm. Alas, it is now a misnomer for me to call the Fund “Provident”.
Workers and tax payers who’s efforts enabled Fiji to progress and develope in the past have been subjected to a grave injustice by this disgraceful decision to attack their pension entitlements.
Pat Fraser -7884 said:
I strongly urge everyone to support this heartfelt plea .
The bottom line is the fact that for the most part these older pensioners were those who worked at getting a higher education in order to attain a higher rated job which provided a higher salary. That salary commanded higher employer and employee FNPF contributions – compulsory contributions. These particular pensioners contributed more to the FNPF than others and for a longer period of time. They are entitled to their contractual pensions.
Jackie and Harry Powell said:
Jackie and Harry Powell
Mrs. Koroi has highlighted what most Fiji families do with their earnings, be it wages or pensions and that is we not only support our own family but our extended families as well, even our housemaid and garden boy are regarded affectionately as our family who we also support through education. Sadly the extension of our support to others will now be severely curtailed.
Kamal Singh said:
The arguments in the petition has a lot of merits and the Prime Minister as the leader
is obliged to listen to the griviences of the pensioners with open mind
John Cauty said:
I agree absolutely and support the “Petition”
Liz & Lori Morris said:
We support this attempt to again highlight the plight of pensioners. Mrs Koroi hit it squarely on the head. Sadly, the consequence of these reforms to individuals and families, that domino effect, is almost impossible to calculate. We have been betrayed by those who were appointed to safeguard our interests and rights as pensioners, and in the process our longheld faith and trust in FNPF has been destroyed. We have also been denied our right to legal recourse. It is clear that once you no longer pay contributions into ‘the business’ as they now refer to it, they have no further use for you and are uninterested in your welfare. RIP Peter Erbsleben.
Steve Parker said:
Hi Liz and Lori; Good on ya mates.
We support this petition as it supports the betrayed pensioners. I am sure the Prime Minister is intelligent enough to understand the contents of this petition and will take appropriate action fairly quickly to deal with the problem the pensioners are facing in regard to the breaking of the legally binding pension contract.
Harvie Probert said:
I support this petition. There were a number of ways the Fund could have bridged any gap. I was a signatory to the agreement in 1995 that started the reduction in the pension rate from 25% to 15% and to be reviewed again in 2005 to put it on a actuarily sound basis. Over the years the number of eligible people taking the pension increased from around 12% to a peak of around 24%. I expect that this number will reduce substantially in the future as the trust in the pension contract has been destroyed.
Arthur Smith said:
Well written. Thank you for the effort you put into research and presentation.
A friend of mine has been on a government pension for over 30 years. His total annualpension is the same as mine. He ends up witha 20% increase and I (we) end up losing almost half. Be that it may I fully agree with the sentiments expressed, especially with not being able to have our grievances addressed through the law courts.
Norman Yee said:
A very comprehensive letter and well put. I support it fully
Alison Cupit said:
I wholeheartedly agree and support the petition.
R Rickman EW700 said:
I support this petition, not only will the actions taken by FNPF management and board destroy the lives of the aged who have worked hard during their lives, it will also ultimately destroy the fund itself, because without trust, and now there is none, it will slowly collapse. The speed of the collapse will be linked to the inability of the government to pay the interest on the $2.8 billion it has “Borrowed” from the fund and repayment by Air Pacific of F$400,000,000 (Four hundred million) taken to buy aircraft that were available to lease. Does anyone know how much commission changed hands on this purchase?
The fund is not serving the original and perhaps the future purpose intended.
Appoint Jackson Mar to the Board to restructure it.
Emosi Sakuwai said:
I wholeheartedly agree and support the petition
Robin Storck said:
I support this petition. I have been completely discusted how the FNPF has treated us all, they have blocked all our aproaches to the press, have not answered any of our written letters and queries, by doing this they have showed their sheer determination to obey the Government of the day to push this through, so that they, the government, will have a fund to supply them money in the future if it cannot be borrowed elsewhere.
We pensioners have proven their figures are absolutely wrong on many fronts, to the extent of their accountant invited Maurice Marr to a meeting to pick his brain.
We can still prove that their figures are wrong, but they just will not listen.There is money missing all over the place according to our figures. Why did they not accept our invitation to sit down together and work out a mutual solution which would have prevented all these hard feelings. “Yes sir, No sir, three bags full sir”
Robin Storck, Korotogo.
Pensioner Number 3126
(as we are known at the FNPF)
This petition has my full support, a very well researched article and is one the Head of Government must face up to, however I fear it will not get past first base as with the many other well presented arguments addressed to the FNPF Board and Management in an attempt to have them leave in place existing pension rates.I can see mounting unease amongst all existing pensioners when they come to learn the realities of trying to make both ends meet from March 1st onwards.
I fully support this petition.
we support this petition
malcolm and olita harrison
Matthew Rickman said:
Having been educated in Fijian schools all my life, a rule that was always taught to us, and was also a big part of Fijian culture was to “Respect your elders”.
This action by the FNPF and its support by the Fiji Government is the highest disrespect it can bestow on the elderly of this country.
To deprive the elderly of what is rightfully theirs, at a time when they are old and vulnerable, is the worst thing any Government can do to their senior population.
They should be ashamed to call themselves Fijian, and should start learning how to RESPECT themselves, their people, and especially their elders.
I support this petition and also suggest that the FNPF board in its entirety be replaced by more competent and honest individuals.
This is outrageous and iniquitous but the fight is not over yet. Just because they have a Decree doesn’t mean the decision is final. The concern is not so much for the present but for the future. The majority of our workers will not be able to subsist, once they retire, on the paltry annuity FNPF is offering – it will simply mean increased levels of poverty and more hardship all-round. We had made a comprehensive submission to the FNPF on the issue – to no avail.
I fully support this petition.
Ravin Swamy said:
I wholeheartedly agree and fully support the petition
Angelina Naidu Fiji
Yes the FNPF management staff and structure seem to be in need of a ‘clean out’! About time Fiji stopped taking from its people and give something back! We are a country of much resource and huge potential – it is largely due to BAD management, greed, ignorance and arrogance that we find ourselves still struggling for maturity as a country.
Mrs Prudence Rouse - Vuda said:
We are a country where we fail to recognise that we have
“Elders and Betters” (as the saying goes)
That is, we have people here who do know better and it is hightime we chose to resort to the best advice.
It is more than obvious, it is evident that the Fiji National Provident Fund has been rifled. It has been stolen from and mismanaged for very many years. And it is sad to note that our near metropolitan neighbours appear to be giving sanctuary and solace to those who allegedly have done both these things. Yet, they take care of their own
elderly and vulnerable and also of those who suffer accidental injury: as they should. As we in Fiji should and ought and should have done since our independence.
We have chosen to think that “water under a bridge” is more important. One may ask WHY?
Justice requires Good Judgement. No more and
no less. But to receive good judgement, one must have access to justice and due process FIRST.
This is the fundamental test of a decent and honest society.
We seem to be addressing “deaf ears”. All said and done! I suggest that we
pensioners should organise a march to the Government House and demand for
Justice. I doubt we’ll get it otherwise!
I wholeheartedly agree with Mohammed. Making representations to FNPF has been useless. It doesn’t listen to reason or rationale. The court avenue has been stuffed by the decree. We are simply being taken for a ride by the Court registry.
The only way to achieve anything is to take to the streets. I am all for a protest gathering either at government buildings or in front of Aisake Taito’s office in Ellery Street where we can hold up the traffic and not budge until they listen.
Why should pensioners be forced to pay for mismanagement and corruption at the FNPF and by government’s imprudent investments which have led to such massive losses of our Provident fund?
Why should the bankrupt Air Pacific benefit from $400 million of our money at a time when the Fund says it cannot continue to meet its contractual obligations to its members? Like Natadola, how much of this loan to Air Pacific will get back to the Fund?
Why should we the elderly be forced to live in poverty while those in power enjoy the trappings of office by awarding themselves mega salaries so that by the time they retire, they will still be able to maintain a luxurious lifestyle?
Yes, I support this petition to the letter and call on all pensioners present and future
to show their anger and disgust by staging a protest rally outside the FNPF office in Suva.
How about it folks?
Posted at 01:40 on 24 February, 2012 UTC
An estimated 150 pensioners in French Polynesia have taken to the streets of the capital, Papeete, to defend their interest.
The march by the local SDIRAF retirees group was aimed at pushing for higher pensions to compensate them for the increase in the cost of living.
The rally also took aim at local politicians and expressed concern at the dire financial situation at the pension fund.
The protest leaders are reported to be received by the French High Commission.
The high cost of living is a concern in most French overseas territories, with La Reunion experiencing riots this week.
News Content © Radio New Zealand International
PO Box 123, Wellington, New Zealand
Ram Karan Singh and Shakuntla Singh said:
We support this petition.
Mohammed Yunus said:
I support this petition.
Kathleen Taito said:
Thank you for a detailed and thoughtful petition which I fully support.

domain: law


text:
In response to questions regarding what can be copied at Copy Center, we have developed the Copy Center Copying Protocol to address the law on trademarks, copyrighted works and restricted materials worldwide.
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text:
Hackney Council tackles extortionate rent hikes and rogue landlords
- Credit: Archant
Hackney Council is calling on the next government to help struggling families by reforming the private-rented housing system to rein in the likes of rogue landlords, 50 per cent rent hikes and extortionate letting agency fees.
The authority has laid out a 10-point plan including inflation-capped rent rises and longer tenancies which they believe would benefit the country’s nine million private renters.
The move follows a review by the Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission which heard evidence collected from tenants by local private renters campaign group Digs.
Since 2011, private rents in Hackney have risen by 21 percent, outstripping inflation, and the annual income needed to afford the average rent for a one bedroom home in the borough is £42,937, meaning many families are being forced out of the borough.
The council has also launched a poster campaign to promote the legal rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords, and has launched an online Change.org petition for residents to sign which will be presented to the next government later in the year.
You may also want to watch:
Cllr Philip Glanville, cabinet member for housing, said: “A generation of people in this country are being priced out of the property market, and forced into private rented accommodation.
“Children and families are being uprooted every six months by insecure tenancies and beyond-inflation rent increases.
- 1 Jailed: 'Dangerous' Hackney predator found with 1,600 indecent child images
- 2 Hackney road closures 'will cost lives', says volunteer ambulance service
- 3 Joint Covid patrols launched to ensure lockdown rules are followed
- 4 Police appeal for help to trace wanted Dalston man
- 5 'Common sense' prevails as Stamford Hill testing centre moved out of estate
- 6 Covid-safe shared workspaces in Hackney on flexibility without formalities
- 7 Stoke Newington School looks to raise £60K for student laptops
- 8 Homerton High Street attack: Man in his 50s stabbed in the back
- 9 Police divers search for man who fell from boat into freezing River Lea
- 10 Lockdown: Thirteen card players busted by police in Hackney social club
“There is now a clearer case than ever for fundamental reform of the private rented sector, to allow individuals and families to make secure homes for themselves.”
Last month Cllr Glanville accompanied council officers investigating conditions in a privately-rented windowless studio flat off Chatsworth Road, which was being rented out at £900 a month despite breaching minimum space standards and electrical and fire safety regulations.
One anonymous case study from Hackney Wick said a letting agent re-valued their a home with a 50 percent rent increase.
“I want to feel like I know that I can pay my rent in three months’ time because it won’t be 50 percent higher than it is at the moment,” they said.
“Really simple things could be to make landlords offer tenants long tenancies with limits on how much rent can rise.”
A teacher from Clapton added: “At the moment we spend 50 percent of our income on rent.
“We do not have central heating and electric heaters that have been installed consume electricity ravenously whilst heating ineffectively – we plan to stay here until the summer, when I will leave my teaching job and then move somewhere cheaper.”
Click here to view the petition.

domain: sociology


text:
Update on Racism Allegations at Justice Canada
The controversy concerns allegations that visible minority lawyers have been subjected to systemic discrimination.
The most recent issue of The Lawyers Weekly has looked into the issue in an article entitled Allegations of racism at the DOJ cause a stir. The article quotes Justice Canada visible minority lawyers about their allegedly negative experiences in the department.
It also mentions statistics:
"DOJ employment equity data for 2006-2007 obtained by The Lawyers Weekly disclose that 88 per cent of visible minority lawyers are concentrated in the department’s two lowest salary categories, as compared to 71 per cent of white lawyers in the lower ranks. Visible minority lawyers are totally absent from top management. The data also show that the DOJ’s visible minority employees have a higher turn-over rate than their white colleagues ... "The department is looking into beefing up its minority promotion programs:
"An anonymous government survey at the DOJ in 2005 revealed that 41 per cent of visible minority respondents felt they were not fairly classified in their employment category when compared to others doing similar work, versus 34 per cent of white employees who felt they were unfairly classified..."
"Ines Kwan, a human rights lawyer of Chinese heritage who chairs the DOJ’s Advisory Committee on Visible Minorities, said DOJ is 'definitely not perfect' but 'it is a microcosm of Canadian society and there is discrimination in Canadian society so in that respect I don’t think it unusual. There are problems, but I don’t think everyone’s experience has been like Mark Persaud’s [one of the minority lawyers behind many of the complaints]. I think that the experience is varied.'
"She said she believes that 'senior management has taken this issue very, very seriously and that myself personally, and the committee, we are confident that things will be done to improve the situation'."
"The advisory committee has told the deputy minister more visible minority lawyers should be promoted. It is presently awaiting approval from senior management for a new national mentoring program, Kwan said. 'It looks good'."

domain: news


sommai - Fotolia
Quantum computing emerged from the lab in the 1990s when researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology used trapped ions to create the first quantum logic gates. Then, quantum computing went back in the lab, re-emerging on occasion to report fitful steps of progress.
These days, the drumroll of quantum computing is more pronounced -- and a newly emerging notion of quantum machine learning may amplify it further yet.
In September, Microsoft discussed a new programming language integrated with Visual Studio for work on quantum simulators and quantum computers. This month, the company released a preview of what it calls Q#, as part of a free software development kit (SDK).
In October, Intel delivered a superconducting prototype chip to QuTech, a Netherlands-based research center that is its partner in the quantum pursuit, for use in testing quantum concepts.
And in November, IBM vowed to open up its first superconducting IBM Q systems to clients by the end of 2017. Earlier, IBM had introduced an SDK for quantum computing programmers.
All of this isn't to say that quantum computing will soon move out of the realm of research and development. But it may be time for a larger number of IT professionals, including data pros, to give some thought to the topic.
It came out of the lab
The budding potential of quantum machine learning may be borne out by deals like one that recently saw consulting company Accenture form an alliance with startup 1QB Information Technologies Inc. to begin to bring quantum computing analytics to businesses. Earlier this year, Accenture and 1QBit, as the startup calls itself, began work with biotech giant Biogen to develop quantum-oriented tools for drug discovery.
Accenture's experience with analytics and systems integration can help 1QBit fulfill its mission to connect research-oriented quantum work with real-world applications, according to Kausar Samli, COO at the Vancouver, B.C.-based quantum computing platform and services company.
"We hope to come to better understand and build approaches for doing analytics with quantum practices," Samli said. "Accenture has a strong analytics background, and this allows us to dive into the area together."
Application areas of interest are likely to include scheduling, optimization and logistics, as well as social network analysis, chemicals and financial engineering, he said.
Did somebody say 'quantum leap'?
Oil and gas explorers and materials researchers -- not to mention cryptologists -- have long used supercomputers to do tough analytics. But their immense data sets can, at times, stymie even the greatest supercomputers. These folks are interested in new means of computing because they promise a massive leap in capabilities.
Quantum computer potential is based on the promise of quantum mechanics. This was a tricky bit of physics discovered about 100 years ago. Rather than being based, like conventional computers, on bits that hold one of two states, quantum computers are based on qubits, or quantum bits, that can hold up to two states at the same time.
That means supporting states of not just 0 or 1, but, also states of 0 and/or 1. The nuance is slight, but, by exploiting quantum mechanical effects at an atomic scale, the qubit greatly boosts raw computing power. Theoretically, the quantum architecture goes far beyond that of today's computers, and much of today's work revolves around actually proving that quantum computers can outpace conventional computers in practice.
Golden age of quantum machine learning
Machine learning is another technology -- one not that far removed from the lab -- that may help vault the use of quantum computing forward. Such quantum machine learning is of interest to Google, which is pitted against IBM and others in a breakneck quest to build working quantum computing hardware that may surpass conventional systems.
Google sees search applications, among others, as apt for quantum computing, but it also sees quantum machine learning as a possible pathway to solving computing problems that, for now, seem somewhat unsolvable.
IBM has a similar impression, and it too is pushing quantum computing research into the area of machine learning. Not coincidentally, Big Blue chose this month's Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems in Long Beach, Calif. -- an event focused on machine learning and computational neuroscience -- to display an early model of its gold-plated superconducting qubit system. No, the booth swag didn't include qubits of zircon, but users might eventually find analytics gold with the system.
For 1QBit's Samli, the application of quantum computing to machine learning makes sense. He pointed out that much of the work of machine learning today is preprocessing -- large-scale preprocessing.
That means working to narrow the deepest processing to the most relevant data. It's a basic principle familiar to any data manager. But it becomes a bigger and bigger problem as the data sets get bigger and bigger, which is part and parcel of big data machine learning these days.
"Before we can effectively do machine learning, we have to first analyze big data. The machine learning sets tend to be highly dimensional data sets. You have to reduce the complexity of the raw data for further computing," Samli said.
Still, Samli cautioned that recent quantum advances shouldn't obscure the fact that there is much more work ahead before quantum computing has broad commercial use.
According to Samli, 1QBit's approach is to build software that isn't tied to any single type of quantum hardware and to support quantum simulations on conventional hardware, as well. For quite some time to come, and more and more going forward, he said, a hybrid combination of the conventional and the quantum will be practiced.
Caution on quantum machine learning is in order. The obstacles to overcome for quantum computing in general include error correction, the persistence of the qubit -- referred to in quantum circles as its coherence time -- and verification of quantum algorithms, not to mention the many vagaries that attend the operations of the low-temperature superconducting systems that represent most quantum computing activity to date.
But, with quantum computing, it may be time to temper caution with some curiosity, especially given the role that quantum technologies could play in expanding analytics on large data troves.


I have read through the Quick Installation Guide (pdf file) and have to confess to being quite confused by it.
At some point it is necessary to "dial" into the 3G service in order to Connect, i.e. to get from blinking blue to steady blue. The "number" to dial will be a GPRS type, such as *99***1#
If you plug the dongle into the PC (with its software properly installed) there will be a dialup connection in the Network Connections folder. Double clicking this will connect to the service and, when using the router, it [the router] needs to be able to perform this function.


You have a dilemma. Your 1958 to 1967 Corvette radio plays perfectly but the exterior face of it looks terrible. The bezel is pitted. The selector slider is worn and the buttons are loose or missing. The repair for these problems is very simple. Just make a call to Zip Corvette Parts, 8067 Fast Lane, Mechanicsville, VA 23111, 1-800-962-9632. They now have a Corvette Radio Faceplate Kit. This Kit includes a new chrome faceplate, faceplate lens, push bar or selector bar and 5 buttons. This Kit is easy to install and will renew the face of your Corvette’s radio turning it from a fading star into a shining star. We installed a Faceplate Kit on our Project 64 Corvette’s radio. It went on easily and only took a few short hours. So let’s get started and give our radio a much needed facelift.
01: Here is our Corvette Radio Faceplate Kit. It includes a new chrome faceplate bezel, faceplate lens, selector bar and spring, chrome buttons and set screws.
02: Start by removing your radio from the dash as per your Corvette shop manual. Now remove the faceplate retaining screws and carefully lift off the faceplate.
03: Remove the buttons next. These are sometimes hard to remove. You may have to use pliers or vise grips. Here we also used small pieces of wood so that we did not totally destroy the old buttons. Also remember to pull the buttons straight off. Do not rock them back and forth. This could damage the button mechanism.
04: Since we wanted everything to look new, we refinished the metal background area on the dial. Tape and paper off all of the surrounding area. Then use 1000 grit paper to remove any rust or scale. Light, even pressure should be all that is needed. After it is sanded, use Semi-Gloss Black spray to refinish the background plate.
05: Carefully remove the Corvette faceplate lens retaining clips. These will have to be re-used on the new faceplate.
06: Assemble the new radio faceplate by installing the selector bar. Align the two tabs on the back of the bar with the slot in the faceplate. Place the flat retaining spring down over the tabs and onto the stepped area of the slider bar. Now place a screwdriver down into the selector bar slot between the tabs and carefully spread the tabs slightly apart. Break off the top legs of the tab. Now the selector bar slider should be held in place by the retaining spring.
07: Place the faceplate lens and backup metal plate into the faceplate and re-install the retaining clips.
08: Install the new radio push button knobs. Make sure the button stems are fully extended. Hold the stem firmly in place with a pair of needle nose pliers. Slide the new button onto the stem making sure it is all the way down onto the stem.
09: Use the supplied set screws to secure each button onto its stem.
10: Align the slot in the selector bar slider with the selector arm shaft and carefully install the faceplate onto the Corvette radio. Now re-install the faceplate retaining screws. Move the selector bar back and forth and check to make sure the dial is changing as it should.
11: Here is our Corvette’s radio all assembled with its new faceplate and buttons ready to be re-installed. A quick and easy way to give your aging Corvette radio a new facelift.
Corvette Radio Facelift: How to restore the exterior face of the 1958-1967 Corvette Radios
The Author would like to thank Scott Coral of Greg Donahue Collector Car Restorations, Inc. for his assistance with this article.
Zip Corvette Parts
8067 Fast Lane | Mechanicsville, VA 23111 | (800) 962-9632
Corvette Parts List Related to Article:


text:
Folks still haven’t learned not to try Halle Berry.
After the Oscar winner shared a quote on Instagram that read, “Women don’t owe you s-t’ some commenters decided to criticize her romantic past … and it didn’t go over well.
View this post on Instagram
“With all of your accomplishments, fame, beauty, it seems, as if, you CAN’T keep a man,” said one troll to which Berry responded, “Who said I wanted to keep them?
“I’m all about living your best life, if you make a wrong move, course correct and re-spin and start again!” she added.
When another commenter wrote, “says the women who can’t keep a man”, Berry quickly responded, ”Who says I wanna keep the wrong man? cuz…..I don’t.”
The thrice married mother of two, also responded to a commenter who pointed out that she has to pay alimony and child support to her ex-boyfriend, Gabriel Aubry, who allegedly called her the n-word.
“It takes great strength eryday (sic) to pay it, and BTW it’s wrong and it’s extortion!,” she wrote.
The two have long battled it out in court over custody of their 12-year-old daughter Nahla and in 2014, a Los Angeles Superior Court ruled for Berry to pay Aubry $16,000 a month in child support.
Before Aubry, Berry was married to MLB player David Justice. She then wed singer-songwriter Eric Benét but they split in 2005. Her last marriage was to French actor Olivier Martinez with whom she shares a son, Mateo, 7. They separated in 2016 after three years of marriage.
She is currently dating musician Van Hunt and seems to be extremely happy. She even clapped back at actress LisaRaye who claimed Berry was bad in bed.
Her response? “Ms. @TheRealLRaye1, ask my man @vanhunt he’ll tell ya all y’all need ta know,” with a crying-laughing emoji.
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domain: entertainment


FORT IRWIN, Calif. During Exercise Atropian Phoenix, specialized U.S. Army units are working to keep the worlds most dangerous weapons out of circulation.
American Soldiers from the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives Command and the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, trained last week at this Mojave Desert post in California to ensure the U.S. Army remains ready to conduct decisive action operations across the full hazard CBRNE spectrum.
The exercise integrates 20th CBRNE Command Soldiers with ground combat units from the 2nd Bde. Lancers from JBLM.
The 20th CBRNE deputy commander, Col. Kyle Nordmeyer, said Atropian Phoenix enables the units to tackle a variety of conventional, irregular and hybrid threats and to locate, identify and eliminate enemy threat systems, including explosive and unconventional improvised explosive devices and weapons of mass destruction.
The exercise encompasses three locations across the nation: the 20th CBRNE Command Operational Command Post on Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.; the 48th Chemical Brigade Headquarters on Fort Hood, Texas; and the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif.
According to 20th CBRNE Command chief of staff, Col. Richard A. Schueneman, the exercise gives the Department of Defenses only dedicated CBRNE command the assurance it has the right capabilities in the right places.
We are evaluating the capabilities of a CBRNE Battalion Task Force to determine if we have the right personnel and equipment to support a land force commanders CBRNE hazards mission requirements which include countering WMD, IED and conventional threats during this rotation, Schueneman said.
As the Armys sole formation tasked with combating Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive threats, the 20th CBRNE Command not only trains to support U.S. military operations around the globe, but also works with U.S. government agencies to defend the homeland against CBRNE threats.


text:
I received an update from Taco Cabana announcing their new breakfast taco, "Two Texas Originals in one taco" it says. They are pimping a breakfast taco with polish link sausage. I am not sure I feel really good about putting polish salchichas in a breakfast taco. Where I grew up, you could buy "German Tacos" at most football games, local dances, county fairs and the like, basically sausag wrapped in a flour tortilla with mustard availabe to smear on it. I thought then, and still think, that these are pretty good. Makes a great snack, for sure. I like chorizo, myself. In fact, odds are that I will make Robb Walsh's chorizo recipe this weekend. His recipe can be found here.
Taco Cabana's Sausage & Egg Breakfast Taco Combo, $4.29 and includes two tacos with coffee, juice or a 20 oz drink. Single tacos are $1.69. Served during regular breakfast hours and for a limited time.
Not so terribly tasty in my book so I won't be buying them, however, you might. Ya been informed.

domain: food


text:
Contemporary 70mm NASA color positive transparency film depicting Neil Armstrong on the surface of the moon from the Apollo 11 mission. With a fragment of Kapton foil insulation from the mission. Included is a certificate of authenticity for the transparency as well as additional photographs of the Kapton foil fragment and the camera model used to capture the photos.Negative; height: 2 3/4 in x width: 2 3/4 in. Fragment; height: 9 mm x width: 6 mm. Matted; height: 11 in x width: 8 in.
Please contact us for a detailed condition report. Please note that the lack of a condition statement does not imply perfect condition. Email firstname.lastname@example.org with any condition questions.

domain: artistic


text:
LEAH RUCHED MINI DRESS - Black
Shipping calculated at checkout.
The LEAH RUCHED MINI DRESS has captured our hearts! It features a square ruffled neckline, puffy sleeves with elasticated cuffs and ruffled detailing throughout.
- Partially lined
- Model wears size 8
Please note: Prints may be irregular & varies depending on size. Colours may vary due to screen resolution and sizes may differ between styles.

domain: design


text:
Older accommodation but clean and set out among the gardens. 5 minute walk to the main street of town. Another 10 minutes to the beach. Plenty of restaurants close by.
Room were large with a fridge, verandah and a/c.
Very good breakfast included.
Staff were friendly and courteous.
Definitely not a party hotel. Quiet and older clientel.
Only one issue, the Television is way too small.
- Free Wifi
- Free parking

domain: travel


text:
Just a year ago, Freida Pinto was a relatively unknown model living in a modest Mumbai suburb, engaged to a man she’d met at university.
Next Sunday, Freida will be centre stage at the Oscars. And single.
It’s been quite a year for the beautiful star of hit film Slumdog Millionaire.
And, according to friends and family back home, Freida, 24, was destined for fame and fortune.
But when Slumdog, which swept the Golden Globes and the Baftas and is nominated for 10 Oscars, took off at the end of last year, Freida dumped Rohan Antao – the man who had supported her career every step of the way.
Rohan, 24, was devastated, and still remains convinced she will come back.
They met four years ago at St Xavier’s University in Mumbai. Freida, who plays Latika in the Oscar-nominated movie, was studying English literature and he was reading chemistry. They soon became inseparable.
A university pal said: “They were really into each other. Rohan would do anything for Freida. They were best pals as well as lovers.”
After they graduated, he helped to develop her website, did publicity and marketing for her, and fixed her dresses before fashion shoots.
But the pal who lives in Mumbai said: “Freida called off the engagement after the film took off. She could never have imagined how rapidly her career would grow and it’s all been overwhelming.
“Since the release of the film, she’s hardly been in Mumbai and even when she is, she’s too busy working.
“Whether it’s permanent or temporary she’s not sure, but for now they are not together.
“But Rohan took it very badly. He is still cut up about it now and hoping they will get back together. He has still not changed his relationship status on Facebook – it still says he is engaged.
“But no one else believes she will come back now. She is off pursuing her dreams.”
When she left uni she had became a successful model and TV presenter – with Rohan’s backing.
But she had never done a day’s acting until Slumdog director Danny Boyle’s casting agent arrived in Mumbai in 2007. Danny put Freida through months of exhausting audition tasks before offering her the job and she signed up for acting lessons at Mumbai’s Barry John acting studio.
He encouraged her to gain confidence by performing out on the streets – as our exclusive picture shows. Now she is fast becoming a household name. Rumours have persisted that Freida and her 18-year-old British co-star Dev Patel, who plays the orphan Jamal in the movie, are more than just friends.
Talking to the Sunday Mirror before the Baftas, Dev admitted he fancies her – but denied an affair. He said: “She is very beautiful. Absolutely gorgeous. Everyone’s agreed on that. But there’s no romance, no.”
However, last week they were seen leaving a London nightclub together at 3.30am.
And now she is a single girl, who knows what might happen...


text: A plot of land with a total area of 2,500 square meters is available for sale in Mikrothebes, Magnesia. It is a flat plot with south orientation. Within it, there is a building of 120 sq.m. which can also be used as a business. It has a warehouse and a comfortable parking space. It is directly accessible from the asphalt and is located next to the national road. Its central location and proximity to adjacent country and rural roads make it a very good investment option.

domain: geography


Lots of families nowadays are conserving hundreds – if not thousands – of dollars each month with solar panels. Solar panels, naturally, are placed on top of houses or in lawns, where they gather solar energy and then convert that energy into electrical energy. Given that solar energy is sustainable and endless, they can assist slash down electrical expenses significantly.
The Finest Solar Power Companies In Manor GA 31550
A solar water panel is generally 1 meter wide by 2 meters long. Depending upon the just how much warm water you need, 1 to 3 panels is generally enough. The number panels needed can quickly be computed by a reputable solar installer.
Evaluate your needs and budget to figure out whether solar power is a great choice for you. There are a number of things you have to think about. If your home is off the primary grid, it’s possible that solar energy represents an exceptional chance. When you can afford a greater setup expense, this is worth examining ways to secure free solar electric now.
The Solar Power Installers To Select From
Primarily choose exact area where you can fulfill the power requirements of the fountains as the little ones basically require solar provider while the huge shapes require run on electrical sources that are positioned aside.
Then you can go on and purchase this Solar Knowledge Series, if you are looking for the best option as well as the best task for you. If you are a hopeful solar expert then this one is absolutely for you. Here you get to discover a lot for instance you will know how you can have a profession with a solar company.
What Amount Does Solar Cost You Near Manor Georgia 31550?
Monitor your solar roofing system’s energy output to spot problems or loss of efficiency. Although it’s typical for effectiveness to alter with the seasons and decrease somewhat with age, a significant output drop indicates a problem. A year’s worth of monthly output information makes a fantastic baseline to inspect your current solar output versus. It takes just a few seconds to check and update a spreadsheet each month. You’ll be able to make excellent on those service warranties and secure your financial investment if you do discover a drop in efficiency. Frequency: monthly.
It is up to us to make wise conclusions going forward so that our young kids can pass along a thoroughly clean environment to their young kids. The buck stops right here with us. Know-how is power and what we finish with this electrical power will determine the premium of daily living for prospective generations. We can not stand blindly by and check out our world pure sources remaining diminished at report expenses. There are Alternative Vitality Assets.
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Fun Fact of the Day: Yesterday, Miami Marlins CF Ichiro Suzuki reached 4,257 career hits, passing Pete Rose’s record! That includes 1,278 hits Suzuki made during 9 seasons in Japanese league. Congrats, Ichiro! And Pete, if you don’t have anything nice to say…
On the chopping block. The Colorado Rockies designated SS Jose Reyes for assignment (psst—that means he’s off the roster and the Rockies have 10 days to trade him, release him, or have him accept a demotion to the minors). Welcome back? Reyes just finished a 51-game suspension for grabbing his wife by the throat and ramming her into a sliding glass door while vacationing in Hawaii. “Reyes, who?” While Reyes was suspended, the Rockies gave the SS starting job to rookie Trevor Story, and he made Rockies fans forget all about that shady Reyes character. Story has really been making a name for himself, including hitting 17 home runs so far this season.
A Brave cycle. Last night, the Atlanta Braves beat the Cincinnati Reds 9-8 in 13 innings. Both teams are pretty terrible this year, so this game is not the type of thing we usually write about, except that the Braves’ Freddie Freeman hit the first cycle of the season! (Hey you! That means he hit a single, double, triple, and homered all in one game.) Meanwhile in more noteworthy baseball games… The Washington Nationals got some redemption, beating the fearsome Chicago Cubs in 2 games of the 3-game series, after being swept by the Cubs in May.
Spotlight on the U.S. Open
Wondering why your dad is planning to sit in front of the TV all Father’s Day weekend? It's probably because the U.S. Open starts today! Here’s what you need to know to chat with your dad during the commercial breaks.
Why are all the players sweating through their polos? This year’s U.S. Open is at the Oakmont Country Club, which is considered the hardest course in golf. The last U.S. Open at Oakmont was in 2007 and Angel Cabrera won with a score of 5-over par. Yes, that was the winning score.
Will one of the favorites win? Everyone’s still excited about the big 3 youngsters: Jason Day, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy, who are ranked No. 1, 2 and 3 in the world, respectively. Day is the odds on favorite to win because he’s coming in hot, winning 7 of his past 20 events. He also has a great U.S. Open track record, finishing in the top-10 for his past 5 starts. That said, he’s fighting off a cold and is freaking out under the pressure of being ranked #1 in the world.
Should Jordan Spieth really be on the short list? Sure, Jordan choked epically in the final round of the Masters a couple of months ago, but he’s bouncing back. Last month, he won a PGA Tour event and didn’t even get distracted by a heckler who shouted, “Remember the Masters?”
What about good old Lefty? Phil Mickelson’s birthday is today and we know what he has on his wish list. Phil admitted that he cares the most about this championship, because it would complete his career grand slam of all 4 major titles. Unfortunately, he also said it’s the hardest course he’s ever played and he hasn’t won a title since the 2013 British Open.
Is that a Tiger hiding in the trees? Nope, Tiger Woods is still out recovering from last year’s back surgeries.
Seen and Heard
A feel good story. Tonight, sideline reporter Craig Sager will be covering the NBA Finals for the first time in his 34-year career. It is a well-deserved opportunity for the beloved reporter and sartorial genius, who has been battling leukemia for the past 2 years. Of course the question on everyone’s lips is “What will he be wearing?” Don’t worry, he ran to Neiman Marcus to get some new threads.
NBA Finals Game 6—Golden State Warriors @ Cleveland Cavaliers, the Warriors lead the series 3-2. Tune in to see if the Warriors can bring home the title, now that Draymond Green is back from serving his 1-game suspension for hitting LeBron James in his naughty bits. The Warriors will still be down a player with center Andrew Bogut sitting out the rest of the playoffs with a bruised leg. 9pm ET on ABC.
Copa America Centenario—Tune in to see USA v. Ecuador in the quarterfinals. 9:30pm ET on Fox Sports 1
U.S. Open Day 1—10am-5pm ET on Fox Sports 1, 5-8pm on Fox


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Ombre spring button down cardigan - the Topanga
The Topanga just screams Spring! The colors are a glorious ombre of blue to pale green. This cardigan has functional buttons, so it can be worn open or buttoned up. V-neck style neckline. Pair with white denim and a tank top for a cool casual Spring look or with a button up white blouse and trouser denim for a casual dressed up look.


Natural gas from Pande and Temane fields, in which Sasol holds a majority stake, is produced and processed at central facility before moving to Mozambique and South Africa, Reuters said.
Federal judge Sergio Moro said Jorge Zelada excessively awarded Vantage Drilling a 2009 contract for drillship Titanium Explorer in exchange for bribes stashed in undeclared Monaco and Switzerland accounts, Reuters reported.
The gas rate in the proof of concept short horizontal well continues to build, and there is about 360 m of coal. Since mid-December, the gas rate has increased over time, and is now beyond 361Mcf/d.
The international rig count fell to 1,095, down by 218 from December 2014; while the U.S. rig count dropped to 637, down by 996 from the count on Jan. 23, 2015.
Uganda discovered crude reserves in Albertine Rift Basin near border with Democratic Republic of Congo in 2006. Latest licensing round will have six blocks covering about 3,000 sq km, Reuters said.
The referendum requested by some regional governments concerns a recently passed law stating that concessions already granted should last until the oilfield in question is depleted, Reuters said.
Both wells will probably yield light or superlight crude, and are within the Mexican extension of the Perdido Fold Belt, which has been highly productive on the U.S. side, Reuters said.
The well will test the Kvalross prospect, which has significant oil and gas resource potential within the Lower Triassic Klappmyss Formation clinoform reservoir, and the Kvaltann prospect.
New wells would be drilled around 4 km from site of Sidoarjo mud volcano to a depth about one-third as deep as the well Lapindo drilled in 2006 when Sidoarjo erupted, Reuters said.
The well, which is located in Block SB307/308, targeted hydrocarbons in Miocene-aged sands. Imbok-1 was drilled with the West Prospero jackup rig.
Wei-4 well, southwest of China's coastal city of Beihai, tested a daily output of 1,264 tonnes of crude and 71,800 cm of natural gas at a first layer, Reuters said.
Drillers removed 2 oil rigs in the week ended Dec. 31, bringing the total rig count down to 536, Baker Hughes Inc. said in its closely followed report, Reuters said.


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Master actress Nursel Köse has successfully portrayed different characters by taking part in both the cinema industry and TV series for many years. The famous actress has an important success in conveying the feeling of every role she plays to the audience.
The actress whose role as Keriman is still not forgotten in the series Paramparça (Shattered), also did a great job as Kudret in the series Avlu (Courtyard). Nursel Köse, who recently took part in the drama projects Güvercin, Arıza and Üç Kuruş, gave every role her due.
Nursel Köse chose the movie Üçüncü Gün (The Third Day) among the offers she received after the finale of the Üç Kuruş series, which was planned as a single season.
The movie starring Berk Atan and Yağmur Tanrısevsin is a romantic comedy story. Nursel Köse is a successful name that we have always watched in drama series and we have not seen much in projects with comedy elements.
Nursel Köse’s fans will now have the opportunity to watch the master actress in a romantic comedy story.
The story of two young people who met on social media and fell in love with each other in the movie Üçüncü Gün, in which names such as Derya Alabora, Zuhal Yalçın, Nurseli İdiz, Efe Tunçer, Zeynep Ecem Karavus, Ceren Taşçı are also in the cast, will be told.
Fans are already looking forward to Nursel Köse’s new role in the new project.
Exclusive content on our YouTube channel

domain: celebrity


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Listening to a short but much thought provoking dialogue with a friend, we both couldn’t avoid bringing ethics into the subject. The discussion was centered on a highly sensitive subject among Gambians (people of my country). As usual, we changed the topic to a broader coverage almost applying it to the whole continent or (more accurately to countries without presidential term-limits). My friend told me that he believes that term limits for politicians especially for presidents could be a good way of improving governance as political figures will likely be more transparent if they know that their positions as president is not a permanent contract. If this is so, I told him that it both has tremendous chances of improving accountability but it does not also go without institutional challenges and political will to move on with such arrangements. Then we shifted our focus to a more recent example of our subject: elections in Zimbabwe!
In 2008, Zimbabweans like this 31st of July, 2013 went to the polls to elect their president and members of parliament. Both elections have been marred by controversy but the latter been more peaceful. Despite this fact, this 2013 election is also a subject of disagreement especially among the major opposition and some Western commentators. Some of them have reported that the election was set in a way to favor the ruling party and its aspiring candidates as members of parliament which was characterized by violence and wide intimidation of opposition figures and their supporters. Some sources have also reported that the election happened in an unorganized manner where the needed political and security reforms have not been initiated to support a free and fair election that gives equal opportunity to the participating parties and candidates.
In power since 1980 (as the only known leader of Zimbabwe after gaining independence from Britain), some commentators both within and outside Africa criticize Mugabe as power-hungry even though his ‘iron fist’ ruling has led to economic decline, increased poverty and widespread unemployment. Mugabe and his regime have been accused of corruption at the expense of the poor masses. Due to allegations of widespread human rights abuse, the regime has faced isolation especially from Britain and by extension the EU thus increasing the pain of economic decline. In the past few years, however, there has been improvement on production and trade mainly from natural resources. Despite this, poverty is common existence and economic isolation is yet to be history especially among the poor who are less-connected to the regime.
True, Zimbabwe as a nation has gone through some political turmoil that has in no small way impact on the economy and living condition of the majority of the people. However, I wonder if some African countries will be able to improve the challenge of ‘good governance’ through limiting presidential terms (likely to two terms). With a report of the electoral body declaring Mugabe with a 61% of votes and a parliament victory of two-thirds for his ZANU-PF party, what will be the faith of the nation in the next five years may be too early to conclude. However, I believe that there should be key priorities of economic growth, eliminating corruption, improving the human rights situation and constitutional supremacy among other important agendas. Accept it or not, the results of this election has brought new amid continuing controversy against Mugabe as a ‘nationalist’ he has claimed to be or an official of the few elite against the interest of the poor majority.
As mentioned earlier, while some reporters claimed that the electoral process was more peaceful than the 2008 one, some have labeled it as ‘widely flawed’ and the main opposition declaring the results ‘null and void’. Against all odds, Mugabe is sworn in for the 7th time as the leader of Zimbabwe and shall reign for the next five years. At this crucial moment for the county’s political life, it is now time to work on national reconciliation and interest. Attracting investors and donor commitment for nation rebuilding should be high on the agenda of President Mugabe as the holder of Zimbabwe’s highest office for the next half a decade.


The 56-year-old said:
[Image via ABC.]
She strikes again!
Denise Bidot made headlines when she became the first plus-size catwalker to work the runway for several straight-size designers during fashion week, and now she's making headlines again!
The model appears in an unretouched Lane Bryant ad that proudly showcases her stretch marks in an image destined to go viral.
In an age where women like Ashley Graham continue paving the way for other plus-size models, Denise is joining the ranks by doing her part as well.
No doubt this photo will resonate will millions of women around the globe who find that they don't exactly look like Victoria's Secret models.
Props to Lane Bryant for running this shot!
[Image via Lane Bryant]
Ughhh. Not again.
Why, you ask?
While no exact reasoning was provided, sources believe it's a size issue and not a problem with nudity — considering ads with thinner women (*cough* Victoria's Secret) doing the same thing are already airing.
The beautiful commercial shows a series of body-confident women saying lines like:
It's been four years since Gwen DeVoe launched Full Figured Fashion Week, and this week it's back and better than ever in New York City.
After kicking off festivities on Wednesday with a harbor cruise and big and tall male fashion show, a special runway presentation was held at
Welsh designer and fur-lover Julien Macdonald is the current co-judge of Britain's Next Top Model.
And according to the designer, plus-size girls were not allowed on the show. Says Julien:
"There were no plus-size models. This is a serious show. You can't have a plus-size girl winning - it makes it a joke.
It's not fair on them — you're setting them up for a fall. I know what would happen to them. They are looked down on."
Looks like this idiot would be good friends with Australia's Next Top Model judge Charlotte Dawson who also hates on the curvy ladies.
Oh, and Star by Julien Macdonald currently offers dresses in UK sizes 18/20 (US sizes 16/18). Hopefully the plus-size ladies will stop buying his plus-size clothing!
What do U think about Julien's comments?
Looks like that censored Lane Bryant commercial from last month has really helped the plus-size company.
The spoof features a skeleton modeling a black bra and panties.
Check out the clip above and let us know your thoughts.
Are Fox and ABC hating on the big girls? According to Lane Bryant, it seems they are!
Turns out the television networks are refusing to air some sexy lingerie ads featuring curvy women during time periods when they've broadcast other racy ads in the past.
According to a statement on Lane Bryant's website:
"ABC and Fox have made the decision to define beauty for you by denying our new, groundbreaking Cacique commercial from airing freely on their networks.
Yes, these are the same networks that have scantily-clad housewives so desperate they seduce every man on the block — and don't forget Bart Simpson, who has shown us the moon more often than NASA, all in what they call 'family hour.'
While it's no secret that Victoria's Secret 'The Nakeds' ads are prancing around on major networks leaving little to the imagination, steaming up TV screens and baring nearly everything but their souls, our sultry siren who shows sophisticated sass is somehow deemed inappropriate … Does this smack of a double standard? Yep. It does to us, too."
The Lane Bryant ad was online until recently, but has since been removed from the company's website and YouTube.
The ad features several gorgeous plus-sized models showing off some lingerie. But apparently the networks were bothered by all the "cleavage" shown.
The company claims ABC "restricted our airtime" and refused to air the spot during Dancing With the Stars. Wait, doesn't Niecy Nash show a lot of cleavage on DWTS?
As for Fox, they "demanded excessive re-edits and rebuffed it three times before relenting to air it during the final 10 minutes of American Idol, but only after we threatened to pull the ad buy."


COMPTON — “This is where I live so I try to make it look good,” said Willowbrook Middle School eighth-grader Relando Collier Jr.
He and 22 of his schoolmates presented their award-winning community service projects in Washington, D.C. at the Jefferson Awards Foundation’s (JAF) Students In Action (SIA) national competition earlier this month.
Collier also was selected to participate in a panel discussion with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.
“I was surprised to be chosen,” he said. “It’s exciting for me. I’m just going to do what I’m supposed to do, and that’s representing Compton.”
Relando’s father said he’s in awe of his son and his school’s accomplishments.
“I knew he played a big part in Willowbrook going to D.C. and when I got word he’s on the panel, it really blew my mind. … I’m so proud,” Relando Collier Sr. said.
In April, Willowbrook won top honors at the Jefferson Awards Foundation’s Students In Action greater Los Angeles competition, earning the right to represent the region in the national competition
They competed against winning schools from cities including Boston, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and New York in D.C.
The Jefferson Awards Foundation’s Students In Action challenges students at middle and high schools around the country to organize community service teams, inspire activism in their schools, and highlight their efforts through presentations.
“To achieve real academic success we’ve learned schools must support the whole child,” said Satra Zurita, president of the Compton school board. The Willowbrook Middle School students who traveled to Washington, D.C. are being recognized for their hard work to support their own community.
“Programs like the Jefferson Awards are another example of how Compton Unified supports our students in the classroom and in the community.”
City Councilwoman Janna Zurita, who was at Willowbrook to help send off their D.C.-bound students, said their accomplishments put a spotlight on the good coming out of Compton.
“This is very exciting for the students,” Zurita said. “For many of them, this trip is also their first plane ride. I wish them luck and congratulations to Compton Unified, the school, the principal, and to the board members.”
Principal Dennis Perry said that win or lose, Willowbrook students have already made their school proud through their community service projects and by winning at the regionals.
“Not only did they win, but also exceeded expectations with top honors. Now they’re representing Los Angeles County in D.C.,” he said.
Perry added that aside from earning recognition, what’s most important is having students realize their own power to make the world a better place.
“We want our students to understand this community is theirs,” he said. “This world is theirs. We want them to be prepared to take their proper place in shaping and changing in how their world looks. That starts with community service projects.”
Like many of his classmates, eighth-grader Craig Martin said he’s never been to Washington, D.C. and looks forward to the experience of touring its many historic sites.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the White House and the memorials they have out there,” he said. “It’s a once in a lifetime experience for me.”
Craig’s father said he couldn’t be more proud of his son.
“This is something I never got a chance to do,” he said. “Maybe this will change his outlook on life and the things he’s going through. This trip reminds him that hard work pays off.”
Eighth-grader Alexandra Cervantes sees the trip to D.C. as an opportunity to change people’s perceptions of Compton.
“Going to nationals is a great way to show Willowbrook is actually a great school from a good place full of good people,” she said.
Her father, Alejandro Cervantes, said he hopes the trip to D.C. is an eye-opener.
“I’m very excited and proud of my daughter,” he said. “She has accomplished a lot. She’s going to meet kids from other parts of the country. It’s her first time traveling. She’s going to have new experiences that are really good for her.”
Seventh-grader Dmont’e Scott, said that aside from seeing all the sites in the nation’s capital, he hopes to share his school’s message that making a difference in the world begins at home.
“I feel awesome when I help the community out by doing things for people in need. My friends and I want to help the world, and it starts with Compton.”


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As per request I've reworked and modified Separate Ways into a wallpaper. About 6 hours later it is done.
NOTE: The field of view is slightly different for the different resolutions as I had to move image elements to make it all fit correctly. Also the shuttle angle has changed from the original due to wide screen and I've added a couple more clouds here and there.
You can download a RAR archive containing the resolutions listed below to the right. Please also have a look at the original artwork if you have a minute:
4:3 1024x768 1152x864 1280x960 1600x1200
16:9 1280x720 1366x768 1600x900 1920x1080
16:10 1280x800 1440x900 1680x1050 1920x1200
COMPOSITION: A basic cloud render which I've then modified in PS. Composed the scene in Lightwave for correct lighting and then postworked the rest in Photoshop. Painted in some more clouds, as well as the planets in post work as well.
MESHES:Firefly class & Shuttle by Sean P. Kennedy.
You may have to download WinRAR (rarlabs.com) and install it on your computer. You can then use that to extract the RAR archive from the download which will give you image files that you can set as a Desktop wallpaper. I hope that helps you further.
Yeah it definitely would be. Depending on what phone you have you might be able to open RAR archives if there is an app for your phone. Depends on the model. Otherwise on a computer you can use WinRAR (Windows, Mac or Linux versions are available).
That would be difficult to pull off. I'm not that good with interiors. I prefer nature, the space of the outdoors. I don't even like indoor photography. But... maybe it would be something to think about.

domain: hobby


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The Pembroke Academy library has a wonderful collection of yearbooks. We also seem to have extras that need a home! Below is the list of yearbooks and quantity available at no cost.
Please note: 1 yearbook per person
Please call or email Julie Quesnell: firstname.lastname@example.org or 485-7881.
Pembroke Academy Bicentennial: https://www.facebook.com/PABicentennial/
The Spartans Speak Student Newspaper: http://spartansspeak.sau53.org/

domain: library