TALANOA SESSION
TECHNICAL COLLEGE PROPOSED FOR ISLAND
Glen Emberson, a livestock farmer of Levuka, believes in the potential of young people on the island.
Over the past years, he has been pushing for the setting up of a technical college in Levuka. On Tuesday night during a packed town hall meeting, he reminded the Government delegation led by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama of the idea he mooted a few years ago.
Despite the limited number of job opportunities available in Levuka, Mr Emberson said a technical college would enable young people around the country, particularly those in the Lomaiviti Group gain access to a vocational qualification. Mr Emberson is originally from the West, but meeting the love of his life, Shelly Douglas-Emberson - working with Levuka youths has become a passion.
He works closely with Police and youth groups.
Like the rest of Fiji and the world, Levuka was also affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some businesses were shut down with employees out of work. “COVID-19 showed that respect and care for each other matter in times of crisis,” he said.
According to the 2017 Bureau of Statistics census, Ovalau has a total population of 9606.
Lomaiviti’s total population stands at 15,657.
In response, Minister for Employment, Productivity, Industrial Relations, Youth and Sports Praveen Bala said relevant stakeholders including the Fiji National University and the Fiji National Sports Commission would conduct a survey to ascertain the viability of a
COVID-19 showed that respect and care for each other matter in times of crisis. Glen Emberson Levuka livestock farmer
technical college in Levuka.
Other issues:
The need to follow proper processes when approving proposed town developments. A member of the public was directed to report a suspected scam involving a secondhand car dealer to Police. Mr Bainimarama said his office had received numerous complaints of the alleged scam involving the same company. Government ministers who attended the town hall meeting included:
Mr Bala
Minister for Health And Medical Services Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete,
Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Inia Seruiratu,
Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Infrastructure and Meteorological Services, Jone Usamate, Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Waterways, Mahendra Reddy,
Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Jale Sigarara, and Assistant Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Selai Adimaitoga.