EARS of generous giving - Lautoka Sugar Festival Association

GOLDEN YEARS

of generous giving 

SUGAR FESTIVAL 2011 PAGE 3 

MESSAGE FROM 

Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama 

CF(Mil), Ost.J, MSD, jssc, psc 

Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National 

Development and Statistics, Public Service, People’s Charter 

for Change and Progress, Information, iTaukei Affairs, 

Provincial Development, Multi-Ethnic Affairs, 

Sugar Industry, Lands and Mineral Resources 

____________________ 

I am indeed honoured to have been invited again to contribute a message to your 

Souvenir Magazine for 2011. 

At the outset let me congratulate your Association in attaining this milestone of a 

golden jubilee of service (since 1961) to the people of Lautoka and the surrounding 

districts. 

That you have survived and continued to provide entertainment and fun for a wide 

cross section of our diverse community and still be able to raise funds for the needy 

for a week each year for the past 50 years calls for celebration and jubilation. 

In that regard I am very proud of the achievement of the Sugar Festival Association. 

You have displayed perseverance and an unwavering commitment to raising funds 

for a worthy cause amidst testing economic times. Such festivals bring about a sense 

of belonging, a sense of purpose and empowerment to the people who attend that 

their destiny is in their hands. In the wider context it also gives the public at large the 

realization that the Fiji of tomorrow and beyond is largely influenced by the decisions 

taken by its people today. 

In this connection may I suggest that an oratory contest be held as part of the 

week-long festival whereby secondary school students in Lautoka could participate 

and speak on topics such as “Working Together to Build a Better Fiji for All”; “The 

Cleanliness of Our Sugar City is in Our Hands”; “Joining Hands to Help the Less 

Fortunate” and others that could foster civic pride. 

These topics may help drive home this year’s theme of Golden Years of Generous Giving. I 

know that by your very own example this theme is very appropriate and forward 

looking. 

I congratulate the Sugar Festival Association and its sponsors for your joint 

contribution to nation building over the last five decades and look forward to many 

more in years to come. 

May you all have a rewarding golden jubilee celebration.





Message From 

Mr. Bijesh Chand (J.P.) 

President of the Lautoka Sugar Festival Association 

It gives me great pleasure and honour to extend a message towards this 

special edition of the Golden Jubilee Digicel Sugar Festival. 

The Lautoka Sugar City will be hive of activities for 10 days from 20th – 30th July 2011 as we 

celebrate the 50th Year since the inception of the Sugar Festival. 

To begin with, on behalf of the entire Sugar Festival Association members, I would like to 

sincerely thank our major sponsor, Digicel Fiji, for this year’s Sugar Festival. The inclusion of 

Fiji’s bigger and better mobile network company has definitely added lots of sweetness to our 

Golden Jubilee celebration. Sugar Festival being the second largest festival in the country and 

one of the popular events in the Western calendar is eagerly awaited by 

thousands of people every year. However, the enthusiasm and excitement for this year’s 

festival seems far more than what we used to have in the last several years. Our dedicated 

members have been working tirelessly with our sponsors to put up a festival atmosphere 

which will be remembered for the next many years to come. 

We have compiled a special history book as well for the Golden Jubilee which comprises 

major highlights of the festivals from the very beginning 50 years ago. We have also paid 

special tribute to all former Sugar Festival Association Executives who had worked 

tirelessly to run the affairs of the association. At this juncture, I must admit that since the 

present committee took over the affairs of the association in 1998, we have progressed 

tremendously and have immensely assisted the underprivileged members of our society in 

numerous ways. Whether it is free funeral services, book distributions for schools, 

wheelchairs and groceries for the destitute families or medical assistance, we have been 

making an impact in the daily lives of many unfortunate members of our society. The 

Association is very appreciative of Dr Kamlesh Sharma of Canberra, Australia who has very 

kindly donated computers, laptops, projectors and flash drives which has been distributed to 

the needy schools & organisations in the Western Division. However, it is very 

unfortunate that while the association is doing its utmost best to assist the needy, we are not 

receiving enough support from some big business houses. This sadly implies that 

majority corporate organizations have no heart for charity or for the poor. 

Nonetheless, the association will continue with its effort to improve the livelihood of the 

underprivileged members of the society. Taking this opportunity, I would like to sincerely 

acknowledge the commitment and efforts of the association members and look forward to 

their continued support. Finally, I would like to thank all who have contributed in any way 

towards the festival in the previous years and would urge everyone to come in large numbers 

again during these 10 days of festivity and be part of this worthy cause. 

May God Bless You All and Fiji 

Bijesh Chand (J.P)





Dr Kamlesh Sharma 

BA, LLB, LLM, GDLP, GDCSP,CDC Dip, CGPA, MBA, 

MA, MCOM, DBA, CPA, FCIS, FPNA, FAICD, JP 

Adjunct Fellow, School of Law, University of Western Sydney, NSW. 

Chairperson - Academic Board and Governing Council Member - Australian 

Learning, Training and Education Centre, Melbourne Victoria. 

Author and Publisher: KPS Publications, Canberra. 

Barrister and Solicitor: Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory; 

the High Court of Australia and the High Court of Fiji. 

A humanitarian activity of grand proportion in action and what a privilege to be 

part of the Sugar Festival’s golden jubilee celebrations! 

Each volunteer assisting the Sugar Festival Association with open heart 

without any reward or recognition is like a rain drop. When these rain drops 

meet, it turns into the force of flowing currents in the river of charitable 

activities. 

The outcome is one of the largest annual Festival in Fiji and thousands of 

beneficiaries in our community who need desperate assistance. The 

Association always rises to the occasion when a call for assistance is made to 

it. What a marvellous difference it makes to thousands of disadvantaged 

individuals in our communities. 

May the almighty bless everyone that is associated with the Association and 

give them the required strength, determination and courage to continue with 

the excellent humanitarian work. 

Looking after each other in times of need is a special characteristic of Fijians 

who show the world that while they may not be well-off as individuals, it is their 

fundamental duty to assist each other in times of need. 

It is traits like these that equip us to go through any disaster that the almighty 

decides to test us on! We are Fijians and we can stand up to all types of 

difficulties no matter what they are. These are the special qualities that make 

us unique as citizens of our beloved island home, Fiji. 

I wish everyone a very safe, enjoyable and fun filled 2011 Sugar Festival. 

May the blessing of the God be with you all!


GOLDEN YEARS 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS 

BIJESH CHAND JP 

President 

GYAN CHAND PRASAD 

Member 

BALAVU TORA 

Secretary 

VINOD KUMAR 

Asst Secretary 

PUSP RAJ JP 

Senior V. President 

KARALAINI BULA 

Member 

HEM RAJ 

Treasurer 

ANITA RAJ 

Admin Officer 

SHIVA RAJAN 

Vice President 

MICHAEL FAGA 

Member


Bula vinaka and Namaste to all. 

It is of great pleasure that I present the activities of the Association for the year 2010, briefly: 

1. MEETINGS: 

A total of 12 meetings were held, as at end of June, 2011. 

2. ASSISTANCE TO SCHOOLS: 

Altogether 2950 students from 37 schools were assisted with the relevant exercise books, lecture pads and stationery. Some schools 

missed out as they did not respond to our written announcement of this project. 

3. APPLICATION FOR ASSISTANCE: 

Applications poured into the Sugar Festival office for:- assistance for burnt homes, they were assisted by way of supplying building 

materials, and household kitchen goods & groceries. Medical Assistance we have assisted a good number of people from the 

community with treatments done locally and overseas. 

4. FREE FUNERAL SERVICE VEHICLE: 

The Association provides a vehicle to service the community, at no cost, for funeral services. Gratitude of thanks goes to our vehicle 

director – Vinesh Chand (Sam) , who works tirelessly at odd hours. 

5. POLICE CARAVAN - LAUTOKA POLICE STATION: 

The Association had constructed, donated and maintains the police caravan given to Lautoka Police Station. 

6. MEMBERSHIP: 

The committee is served by nine (9) Executive Members with fifteen (15) co-opted members. 

7. FESTIVAL 2010: 

The Festival was organised with great success. The Association met up with a few hiccups in the initial stages; nevertheless, we went 

through “thick and thin” with the sturdiness of our ‘foundation’ and hardworking members. We hosted ten (10) contestants and the 

charity funds raised was $24,943.00 

8. OVERSEAS ASSISTANCE: 

A donation of 70 computers received from Dr. Kamlesh Sharma of Canberra, Australia, which is bonus to us, also assisted the very 

needy schools. These computers were distributed to 43 schools in Lautoka and the Western Division on January 26th, 2011, by Dr 

Sharma and his wife. As my report go to the printers – we welcome with much gratitude the arrival of 63 laptops and 26 P.Cs. There 

are more computers to arrive in the very near future. A big vinaka vakalevu and dhanyawaad to Dr. Sharma for the sponsorship of the 

printing of lottery books and the prizes. Dr. Sharma also funded the printing of the History books and our souvenir magazine. Finally, 

we also thank James Falzon for the donation of the computers as well. 

9. OFFICE ADMINISTRATION: 

The Sugar Festival Association office is located at 49 Vitogo Parade, Lautoka, information & our 

contacts being;- 

Telephone/Fax - 6668010 

Digicel Contact - 7162802 

Postal Address - P.O. Box 2233, Lautoka 

Email Address - sugarfesass@connect.com.fj 

Website - www.lautokasugarfestival.com 

Office Hours - 8:30am-4:30pm (Mon-Fri) 

Office Administrator - Mrs Anita Raj 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: 

Many thanks to the Committee Members, co-opted members, volunteers, for the much admired outstanding assistance rendered to the 

community and the general public. Your kind assistance will continue to extend to the celebration of our Golden Jubilee with its theme, 

being GOLDEN YEARS OF GENEROUS GIVING. Vinaka vakalevu/Dhanyawaad, may God bless you all. 

Balavu Tora 


Message from 

Secretary 

Lautoka Sugar Festival Association


Message from 

Mr Hem Raj 

Treasurer 

Lautoka Sugar Festival Association 


It is my pleasure to report the audited financial statements of 2009 through this magazine.


SUGAR FESTIVAL 2011 PAGE 11





MESSAGE FROM THE LAUTOKA CITY COUNCIL 

SPECIAL ADMINISTRATOR, 

MR.PRAVEEN BALA FOR THE SUGAR FESTIVAL 

ASSOCIATION’S GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION. 

Once again we have reached the time of the year that turns our boroughs into a haven of 

festival celebrations. 

As the days get warmer and shorter, the months of June and July will see Lautoka 

celebrate its diversity and vibrancy. Apart from other carnivals, Sugar Festival, 

Association will commemorate its fifty years of existence or in other words its 

‘Golden Jubilee Celebration’ 

All of us are a part of this honored tradition of festivals that are surrounded by the beauty 

and fragrance of the blossoming activities and optimism which are firmly rooted in and 

associated with this festival season. 

I, on behalf of the citizens of Lautoka City, wish to congratulate Sugar Festival 

Committee Members and all those who are without recognition but somehow involved or 

assist in the formation, development and re-structuring of the Association through these 

fifty long years. 

The Sugar Festival has over the years served to be one of the more popular events in the 

western calendar, and I believe this year’s festival is no exception but a milestone further, 

‘THE CELEBRATION OF ITS GOLDEN JUBILEE’. 

Sugar Festival Association has braved the odds to embrace and uphold its conviction in 

the cause it set out to champion providing assistance in kinds and monetary form to the 

underprivileged or needy population of our community. 

The Lautoka City Council in its effort to support the purpose and its aspiration to see the 

theme of this year’s celebration ‘GOLDEN YEAR OF GENEROUS GIVING’ 

materializes, is also sponsoring a contestant apart from granting the use of its various 

facilities for the staging of this event. The council believes that through these deeds and 

means it is indirectly serving the ratepayers of Lautoka. 

These celebrations are a time for peace, merriment and understanding as they bring 

harmony and joy to our many communities. I am then again proud to be the Special 

Administrator of such diverse part of the region and wish you all safe and fulfilling 

festive season. 

PRAVEEN BALA 

SPECIAL ADMINISTRATOR

We also do Catering 




The Association is proud and privileged to have friends and partners from Australia who have continuously 

supported us from year 2010. Their support has uplifted the status of the Association and is testimony that there 

are others who care for the underprivileged in Fiji. 

The Association conveys its sincere appreciation gratitude and respect to Dr Kamlesh Sharma of Canberra, Mr. 

James Falzon of Sydney and Mr. Pankaj Goel of Melbourne, Australia. 

Dr Sharma being a down to earth person assisted the Association in the following ways: 

1. Wrote the book “Gulaam” and dedicated it to the Association. All proceeds for book sales went towards 

charity. 

2. Wrote the book “Fiji My Island Home” and again dedicated it to the Association. Once again all 

proceeds for book sales went towards charity. 

3. Wrote the History Book 50 yearsof the Association and paid for the printing. Assisting Dr Kamlesh 

Sharma, Mr Pankaj Goel of Melbourne, Australia did the cover design and layout. 

4. Dr Sharma donated two (2) new projectors and laptops to the Association for its internal use. 

5. Altogether 85 computers and 200 new memory sticks were donated by Dr. Sharma and James Falzon. The 

above items have been distributed to 30 Primary, 5 Secondary schools, Sunshine Special school, Western 

Disable Peoples Association, Lautoka Special Education, Ba Boys Home and FRIEND 

6. Recently the Association received 63 laptops from Dr. Sharma. The Association together with Dr. Sharma 

will distribute laptops to selected schools in Nadi and Lautoka during the festival 2011. All associated costs 

have been met by Dr Sharma and assisted by Mr. James Falzon. 

7. Dr Sharma supported the Association through the printing of 5,000 lottery tickets. He also donated the 1st 

and 2nd and 5th to 10th prizes totaling $4,500.00 for the same. 

8. Dr Sharma paid for the entire cost of printing this year’s magazine as well. 

After evaluating the total cost and value of the donation from Australia and in Fiji for the both in cash and kind, it 

amounts to well over F$170,000.00. 

The above figure is an eye opener for the people of Fiji and former residents who have re-settled overseas. Dr 

Sharma after leaving Fiji many years ago still 

demonstrates his love for the people here. 

Let’s join hands to assist others in need. 


MEET THE DONORS FROM AUSTRALIA 


BA, LLB, LLM, GDLP, CGPA, GDCSP, MBA, MCOM, DBA, FCIS, FAICD, 

FPNA, ASA, JP 

Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory 

(ACT), 

High Court of Australia and High Court of Fiji 

Currently working as a Senior Executive Officer in the Australian Public Service 

James Patrick FALZON- Director 

Bachelor of Business (Marketing), and currently studying an MBA through the Royal Melbourne 

Institute of 

Technology (RMIT); Associate Fellow Australian Marketing Institute. 

James is an excellent communicator and is actively involved in major accounts and the community 

generally. 

James and his family live locally in the ACT. 

Specialist in leasing IT to Australian Govt Depts and has a lease on the IT in several depts.


The Chairman of Lautoka District Advisory Council 

and Lautoka Rural Local Authority 

Faiaaz Ali 


As the Chairperson of the above organization I salute the Lautoka Sugar Festival Association Executive 

members for their assistance to our needy community. When I approached the committee on behalf of needy 

people I was never denied. 

The Association has also partly funded for the implementation of People’s Charter of the nation and I wish to 

thank them. 

The Association celebrates the Golden Jubilee Celebrations which will be of its kind. The whole nation is 

warmly invited to come and enjoy the most extra-ordinary festivities of the year in the West. 

Sugar festival is sweet thus come and enjoy sweetly. 

Best Wishes and God bless the Association. 

MESSAGE FROM FAIAAZ ALI


SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE ASSOCIATION FROM 2001 TO 2010 

1. FREE Funeral Service to over 1300 homes 

2. Scholarships to students $35,000.00 (2001-2006) 

3. Donated exercise books/stationery to students from classes one to form 7 


2007 - 3,500 students (39 schools) 



2011 - 3,500 approx students (64 schools) 

4. Medical treatment overseas 

5. Medical treatment local 

6. Burnt house’s assistance by way of supplying building materials or household goods & 

groceries 

7. Cash donations to various needy people and organisations 

8. Contribution to PM’s Cyclone Thomas Appeal fund 2010 - $10,000.00 

9. Donation of 70 computers received from Dr Kamlesh P Sharma of Canberra, 

Australia to 43 needy schools. 

FREE Funeral Vehicle provided by Sugar Festival Association to Late Bechu Prasad (JP), 

of Sabeto Lautoka, vehicle driven by Vinesh Chand.




Festival Foundation 

The Junior Chamber of Commerce 

(Lautoka Jaycees) were the founding 

organisers of the Sugar Festival in the 1960s 

and the funds raised in those years were 

allocated to charitable organisations such as 

the Fiji Crippled Children Society. The very 

first Sugar Festival was held in 1961 under 

the leadership of Mr Y P Reddy, President of 

the Lautoka Jaycees, Mr Keith Marlow, the 

Mayor of Lautoka and Mr U C Shinivasan, 

Chairman of the Organising Committee. 

A total of 14 contestants vied for the 1961 

Miss Sugar title and a variety night was 

organised from all sections of the 

community as part of the Festival activities. 

The first Miss Sugar title winner was Betty 

Benjamin who was sponsored by Combined 

Banks, Sports and Social Club. The Lautoka 

Jaycees continued with the Festival in 1962 

and 1963. According to the Fiji Times, the 

1962 Festival was known as the ‘Great 

North-West Sugar Festival’ and was held 

from October 1 to 8, 1962. A total of 13 

participants vied for the Miss Sugar title. The 

introduction parade was held on 2 October 

1962 at 7.30 pm in front of a large crowd at 

the famous and well-known venue of 

Lautoka Globe cinema which was 

located just opposite the current Lautoka 

market. 

The Festival offered more than five hundred 

pounds in prize money for Miss Sugar title 

including a fortnight’s holiday in Honolulu as 

a VIP Guest of Canadian Pacific 

Airlines. The 1962 Sugar Festival was 

officially opened by the Mayor of Lautoka, Cr 

R B Ingleton. The Churchill Park in Lautoka 

was packed with nearly 4,000 enthusiastic 

crowd. As reported in the media, the 

Commissioner Western, J A C Hill was 

joined on the opening night by Y P Reddy, 

National President of the Jaycees and Garry 

K Allen, President of the Lautoka Jaycees. 

The Sugar Festival became the main 

attraction in Lautoka and was attended by 

people of all ages and background from Fiji 

and abroad. Fiji’s sugar industry did not 

allow those who were present at the official 

opening to forget that the Festival lauded 

the keystone of the country’s economic 

structure. As Mr Allen was announcing the 

appearance of the 13 aspirants to the crown 

of Miss Sugar, his words were drowned by 

the clamour of the diesel locomotive hauling 

the Ba sugar train to the Lautoka mill. The 

Festival program included many activities 

including Indian night, European and 

Chinese night, Fijian night, soccer, water 

carnival and fishing, cycle race, hockey, 


choir competition, cession ceremony, best 

dressed window, trade exhibition and bula 

shirt competition. The 1962 Miss Sugar 

Crown was won by Miss Nanise Nasilasila 

who was sponsored by Reddy’s Wines and 

Spirits. Miss Anne Wong (sponsored by the 

Chinese community) shared the second 

place with Miss Livia Rose Chongsu who 

was sponsored by the South Pacific Sugar 

Mills. 

On 22 July 1964, a Committee comprising 

of Cr R B Ingleton (Chairman and Mayor of 

Lautoka), J L Kimber (Secretary and Town 

Clerk) and J Robertson (Treasurer) 

suggested that the running of the Sugar 

Festival be managed by three service clubs 

(Lautoka Jaycees, Apex and Rotary). The 

Sugar Festival was held from 8 October 

to 10 October 1964 in close collaboration 

amongst the Lautoka Jaycees, the Rotary 

and Apex Clubs. This was the early signs of 

cooperation and goodwill amongst the 

service clubs in Lautoka to turn the Festival 

into an annual event. The Festival was 

officially opened in 1964 by the Mayor of 

Lautoka, Cr R B Ingleton. 

In his message to the community, Cr 

Ingleton said that in previous years, the 

Festival had been run by the Lautoka 

Jaycees at a minimum of expense to be 

enjoyed by all sections of the community 

and to give to young members of the club 

experience in the organisation of public 

functions and public relations. The 1964 

Miss Sugar Crown was won by Miss Shirley 

Anthony of Lautoka. She was sponsored by 

the British American Insurance Company. 

Prizes for the best dressed shop window 

went to Guraji’s Store for the second year in 

a row. Mr Guraji himself won the best bula 

shirt contest with a special creation of his 

own depicting the spirit of the Sugar 

Festival. 

Interestingly, the best dressed building prize 

was awarded to the Lautoka Post Office. 

The Sugar Festival continued as an annual 

event under the stewardship of the Lautoka 

Jaycees until 1980 when it was announced 

that the running of the Festival would be 

handed over to a public committee. In 

announcing the change, Lautoka Jaycees 

President, Mr Nitin Punja said that a motion 

had been passed by the Lautoka Jaycees to 

phase out their control of the Festival. 

Eventually, the service groups including 

Lautoka Jaycees decided to hand over the 

control of the Festival in 1981 to Lautoka 

Sugar Festival Association. Several 

volunteers have worked tirelessly since the 

1960s with a few remaining to relive the 

memories of the humble beginnings of the 

Sugar Festival. Mr Raymond Moti was the first 

President of the Sugar Festival 

Association in 1981 and continued in this 

position until 1983. Mr Moti is now the 

International Director of Lifebread 

International, an Australian mission based at 

the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. 

During the 1981 Sugar Festival, the former 

Prime Minister of India, Late Mrs Indira 

Gandhi was the guest of honour together with 

then Prime Minister of Fiji, Late Ratu Sir 

Kamisese Mara. Following the retirement of 

Raymond Moti in 1983, the following 

individuals then became the former 

Presidents of the Association: 

Joseph L Dass 

Late Benjamin Shri Bhagwan 

Late Mili Ah Tong 

Steven Singh 

Late Lakshman Prasad Maharaj 

The Festival was not held in 2000 due to the 

upheavals in the country. 

However, it was through the leadership of the 

then mayor of Lautoka city, Late Mr Lakshman 

Prasad (LP) Maharaj that the festival was 

reactivated in 2001. Mr Maharaj served as 

the President of the Association from 2001 to 

2003. The committee is proud to be 

continuing the vision of Mr Maharaj which was 

to keep Lautoka alive through Festivals and 

many other activities in order to draw people 

closer to the city. Apart from the Executive 

Committee and co-opted members of the 

Sugar Festival Association, there is a fully 

equipped office that is open throughout the 

year to assist the Association in its operations. 

Miss Sugar (Miss Betty Benjamin), (centre) with her 

ladies-in-waiting Miss Lena Harman (left) and Miss 

Tui Muni after the crowning ceremony at Churchill 

Park on Saturday night October 9th 1961.

The President Mr Bijesh Chand JP 

receiving the cheque from the 

Regional Manager West 

Cynthia Rasch as the major sponsor 



Signing of the Digicel Major 

Sponsorship Agreement by 

the President Bijesh Chand JP 

and Kamal Haer, 

Head of Marketing Digicel 

Balavu Tora dancing away after 

receiving the Laptop from 

Dr Sharma.


MANAVOLAU 

YABEVULA 

RAMENDRA 

SHARMA 

ADI ANA 

WARA 

SANJAY 

GOUNDAR 


CO-OPTED MEMBERS 

SARVESH 

MAHARAJ 

SHELVIN S 

SINGH 

ROHAN 

PRASAD 

HAFIZ 

RAHEMAN 

RAJESH 

NARAYAN 

ZHENMING 

WU 

MAVIS 

GAUNAVOU 

SHRI 

CHARAN 

MUKESH 

CHAND 

AMBALIKA 

KRISHNA 

ROHITASH 

BALGOVIND 

AKSHAY 

KUMAR



SUGAR FESTIVAL 2011 

Claire Manulevu 

Sponsored By: Pacific Agenices (Fiji) Ltd 

Artika Vikashni Singh 

Sponsored By: Sugar City Lotto Shop 

CONTESTANTS 

Radha Priya Baldeo 

Sponsored By: Can Pacific Realty Ltd 

Sili Lagia Mucunabitu 

Sponsored By: FRINCOS Hire Ltd 

Keshvi Romanishi Lal 

Sponsored By: Lautoka Hospital 

Ronita Prasad 

Sponsored By: Singh’s Rental Cars


Shayal Priyanka Kumar 

Sponsored By: Autocare 

Laisa Yabakisiga 

Sponsored By: Lautoka City Council 


Matelita Vunivalu 

Sponsored By: Laser Electric 

Akosita Talei Ratumaimuri 

Sponsored By: Haze Electrical Ltd 

Renee Duguivalu 

Sponsored By: General Machinery Ltd 

Seena Shakti Ram 

Sponsored By: Coral View Island Resort 

Ana Madigibuli 

Sponsored By: Fiji Sun



Message from the Founder President 

of the Sugar Festival Association: 

“It gives me great pleasure to send this message on the occasion of the 50th 

Anniversary of the Sugar Festival in the City of my birthplace, Lautoka. I take this 

opportunity firstly to thank God for providing selfless men and women who have been 

able to carry the torch of the festival which is now in its Golden Jubilee year. I pay 

tribute to the pioneers, Lautoka Jaycees, for its foresight and leadership when it 

organised the inaugural festival fifty years ago and continued to do so for a long 

while. 

In 1981, the Lautoka Jaycees approached me to takeover as the Sugar Festival 

Committee chairman and asked me to form a community based organisation. I 

vividly remember the day when Mr Nitin Punja and Mr Vincent Krishna, two 

prominent members of the Lautoka Jaycees at the time, who came into my office 

and asked me to help. I agreed to their request and in 1981 with the help of the then 

Commissioner Western, Mr Poseci Bune, we included the visit to Lautoka of the late 

Prime Minister of India, Mrs Indira Gandhi, in the program of the festival. 

Through the help of a wide cross section of the community such as the business 

community, the Chiefs and villages within Lautoka, the cane farming community, we 

established the Sugar Festival Association in 1982 and I am honoured to have been 

the Founder President. Here I also pay tribute to the team that worked with me and 

I especially remember the late former Mayor of Lautoka, Mrs Mili Ah Tong, who went 

around with me visiting various Chiefs and villages and the Sirdars in the 

Canefarming community of Lautoka to ensure the sucess of the festival. 

I am glad the logo which I devised then “Sun and Fun, We are One” is still being 

used today. I would also like to congratulate the current officials and members of the 

Sugar Festival association for the sterling work they are doing and to see that the 

Festival continues to provide value and entertainment to the community of Lautoka 

and beyond. 

“Congratulations and God Bless You.” 

Ps Dr Raymond Moti 

International Director 

Lifebread International Mission 

Australia


Pre Festival Activities 

Sunday, July 17, 2011 

- Sugar Festival Annual Cup Tournament – Venue Churchill Park, Lautoka, 10 am 

Between Sigatoka, Nadi, Lautoka, Tavua (Main Teams) 

Tilak High School Vs Central College (Curtain Raiser) 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Day & Night Programme 

Wednesday, July 20, 2011 

Food Stalls, Flea Markets, Gaming Stalls, Fun Rides 

Fire Walking and entertainment continues 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Friday, July 22, 2011 



PROGRAMME 

SHEILA NIGHT Sponsored By Bank of Baroda 

Coordinator – Gyan Chand Prasad Chief Guest – CEO Bank of Baroda 

Items: 

Appearance of Digicel Sugar Contestants 

5 displays by Sharoon - Miracle Show 

Fire Walking 

Item by Tilak High School Students 

Dandiya by Indian Cultural Centre 

Classical Dance by Indian Cultural Centre 

Bhangra by Khalsa College Students 


5 displays by Sharoon - Miracle Show 



Dandiya by Indian Cultural Centre 

Diya Dance by Indian Cultural Centre 

5 displays by Sharon 


Action Dance by Indian Cultural Centre 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Thursday, July 21, 2011 


ORIENTAL NIGHT 

Coordinators –Ming & Shiva Rajan Chief Guest – Pravin Bala – Special Administrator Lautoka City Council 

Items: 


Chinese Lion dance 

Pilipino dance 

Day 

10.00am – Senior Citizens Day & 

LAUNCHING OF SUGAR FESTIVAL 50 YEARS HISTORY BOOK 

Venue Churchill Park Ground No. 1 

Coordinators – Pusp Raj JP, Balavu Tora & Gyan Chand Prasad 

Programme: 

- Senior Citizens Meet 

- Welcome 

- Introduction - Chief Guest Justice Davendra Pathik 

- Address of Chief Guest 

- Launching of History Book 

Korean fan dance 

Kung Fu Group 

Fire Walking 

- Item by Lautoka Central Primary School Students 

- Speakers from the Community- on Senior Citizens 

- Presentation of gifts and certificates 

- Luncheon

Evening 

5.00pm to 7.00pm – LAUNCHING OF BOOK “FIJI My ISLAND HOME” 

Venue Cathay Hotel Hall 

Program: 

- Welcome 

- Introduction of Chief Guest – Justice Anthony Gates 

- Address of Chief Guest 

- Launching of Book 

- Introduction of Author – Dr Kamlesh Sharma 

- Address of Author 

- Items by Lautoka Sanatan Primary School 

- Donation of Laptops and Computers 

- Social 

PRINCESS NIGHT Sponsored By Island Electrical Wholesalers Ltd 

Coordinator –Michael Faga Chief Guest: Mr James Falzon of Sydney, Australia 

Item: 


Items performed by Sugar Princess 

Ball Gown and Question from the box 

Fire Walking 

Saturday, July 23, 2011 



DIGICEL SUGAR FESTIVAL 

THEME: Golden years 


Director of Program & Senior 

OFFICIAL OPENING NIGHT Sponsored By Mix FM/ Fiji’s Best Mix 

Coordinator –Michael Faga Chief Guest: Dr Kamlesh Sharma of Canberra, Australia 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Item: 

Fire Walking 

Entertainers 

Introduction of Digicel Sugar Contestants 

Top six contestants chosen 

Entertainment: “Bring it on” with Mix FM/ Fiji’s Best Mix 

Crowning of Sugar Princess 

GATE TAKING $1.00 FLAT 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Sunday, July 24, 2011 


Day 

10.00 am - Car Rally organized by Fiji Car Club 

Venue: Navutu Industrial Area 

Coordinators – Jack Reddy and Cecil James 

2.00 pm Church Service – Churchill Park Ground No.1 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Monday, July 25, 2011 


Day 

10.00 am - Flower Show 

Venue: Sugar City Mall 

Coordinator –Shri Charan

GOLDEN JUBILEE – 2011 

of Generous Giving 


Vice President – Pusp Raj JP 

Evening 

VAKAVITI & KINGS NIGHT Sponsored By Classic Buses Ltd 

Coordinators –Balavu Tora & Michael Faga 

LADy SUNSHINE - Traditional Attire & Stage Interview 

Item: 

Introduction of Digicel Sugar Contestants 

Entertainment – Andhra College Group (2) 

Namoli youth Entertainment Group 

Introduction of Kings Contestants 

Group Performance 

Catholic youth Group 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Tuesday, July 26, 2011 


Day 

Digicel Sugar Contestants visit to South Sea Orchids - Sponsored Brunch at Chit Chat Cafe 

Evening 

TEENS NIGHT 

Coordinator – Michael Faga 

Day 

Digicel Sugar Contestants visit Lautoka Hospital – Women’s Ward 

Lunch sponsored by Lautoka City Council 

Evening 

TALENT NIGHT of Digicel Sugar Queens 

Coordinators – Mavis Gaunavou & Michael Faga Chief Guest – Joel Sahai 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Thursday, July 28, 2011 


Day 

9.00am - Baby Show Sponsored By Johnson & Johnson 

Venue: Churchill Park, Lautoka (Behind the pavilion) 

Coordinator – Anita 

Contestants Lunch sponsored by South Seas Club Restaurant 

Lady Sunshine Private Judging 

Evening 

PASIFIKA NIGHT 

Coordinator – Balavu Tora Chief Guest – Digby Bossley 

2nd public Judging of Digicel Sugar Contestants 


Talent Category- Kings Contestant 

Catholic youth Group 

Kings I.Q. 

Crowning 

Fire Walking 

1st Public Judging of Digicel Sugar Contestants 

Entertainment by Teens Contestants 

Talent by Teens Queen 

Ball Gown & Questions 

Crowing of Teen Queen 

Announcement of top 5 Teens 

Fire walking 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Wednesday, July 27, 2011 

Food Stalls, Flea Markets, Gaming Stalls, Fun Rides

Item: 

Andhra College Multicultural Group (2) 

Entertainments- Andhra College Multicultural Group 

Lady Sunshine Talent Show 

Entertainment – Catholic youth Group 

Friday, July 29, 2011 


Day 

Window Display Judging 

Sugar Contestants Visit to FRIEND Cottage in Tuvu 

Refreshments: sponsored by FRIEND 

Private Judging at FRIEND 

Evening 

PRISCILLA NIGHT 

Coordinator – Michael Faga 



GATE TAKINGS - ADULT $3.00 CHILDREN $1.00 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Saturday, July 30, 2011 


Day 

8.00am to 10.00am – Judging of best decorated shops 

1.00pm - Floats Parade - Assemble at Marine Drive 

Procession Route – Marine Drive, Naviti Street, Yasawa Street, Vitogo Pde, towards Traffic Lights, Namoli Avenue, Drasa Avenue, 

Tavewa Avenue, Verona Street, into Churchill Park Ground No.2 and 3 

- Marching of Bands – Fiji Police, Fiji Military Forces, Fiji National University and ST Thomas High School. 

- Judging of Floats/announcements/Presentation 

3.00pm - Announcement and crowning ceremony: 

- Miss Photogenic 

- Miss friendly face 

- Best Speaker 

Evening 

TIARA NIGHT 

7.30 pm to 8.30 pm 

Fire walking 

Crowning of Lady Sunshine 

Closing Entertainment 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

- Best Talent Show 

- Best Attire - Deportment 

- Welcome address 

- Address – Chief Guest 

- Introduction of Contestants/Reigning Queen/Executive Member and Head Judge 

- Drawing of Lottery Tickets 

- Announcement and Crowning – 

- Miss Personality 

- Miss People’s Choice 

- 2nd Runner-up Miss Charity 2011 

- 1st Runner-up Miss Charity 2011 

- Miss Charity Digicel Sugar Festival 2011 

- 2nd Runner-up Miss Sugar 2011 

- 1st Runner-up Miss Sugar 2011 

- Miss Digicel Sugar 2011 

8.30 pm to 11.30pm WINNER’S NIGHT BASH AND AWARDS NIGHT 

Venue: Top Floor South Seas Club, Lautoka



Baby Show 


Baby Show 


Baby Show 

Baby Show







DISTRIBUTION OF 

COMPUTERS 




AND BOOKS 


MEMORIES 

OF THE PAST 

Cecil James at the Car Rally 


Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi Vice President of Fiji 

with Rajesh Punja & 

Sashi Kiran of Friend 


Veena Bhatnagar 

Radio Fiji compering





Dealers in Quality Vehicles 

Namaka Nadi 6720808, 9934923







HAIR SERVICES 

* Mens & Ladies Designer haircuts.* Straightening, color, perm, treatments 

* Special Occasions Bookings 

BEAUTY SPA SERVICES 

* Facial therapy, clinical treatments using latest technology. 

* Body treatments-Body sugar glow exfoliations, wraps. * Waxing 

Manicure, Pedicure * Acrylic, gel, nail art. * Bridal Dress up & pin ups, 

Mehndi & Makeup







Global Flight Centre Limited 

2 Bila St, 

PO Box 4403 Email: samut@connect.com.fj 

PH: 6650755 / 6650057 

Fax: 6669767 

Lautoka Mobile: 9992713 

We do ticketing for all major airlines of the world and also do rental car/tour or hotel reservations. 

Get the best fares from the experts and call in to discuss your chances of migration overseas 

We have also opened a office in Sigatoka and it a first IATA travel agency and which also has a visitor 

information centre 

Contact us for following visas to any country. 

Visitor ,student,work. 

Appeals on refused visas 

Skilled migration 

Partner migration 

Business migration 

Sibling migration 

Others 

Please contact Moshim Ali,Zaid Mohammed,Ravniel Krishna,Hussain Samut in Lautoka Office 

CHM 

Or 

Shahina sharif, Asmita Devi in Sigatoka office 

“We will get you there” 

Email: samut@connect.com.fj 

The best and fresh Yaqara beef, lamb and goat are sold in the shop 

We only sell the local meats which is Certified Halal by Fiji Muslim League 

Contact our reliable and friendly staff: Anil, Robert, Ziyad and Raiz 

Call in for a quote for weddings, parties etc 

Fresh prawns and fresh fish are also sold 

Crest and Fresh Chicken are also sold 

Phone: (679) 6650755 

P.O. Box 4403 

Lautoka 

Fiji 

The Shop only sells locally produced meat and sea food with the best price in town







Abdul Sattar Aziz 

Akuila Tamani 

Anne Underwood 

Arnold Richmond 

Arvind Singh 

Ashok Muni 

Atul Sharma 

Bigyan Jagmohan 

Billy Chong Sue 

Chandra Kumar 

Deo Saran 

DIC Sharma 

Elenoa Adi Mala 

Gaffar Ahmed 

Hasmukh Desai 

Jadgish Punja 

Jayanti Punja 

Kamlesh Rao 

Kesaia Bouwalu 

Lusia Yakub 

Ms Peckham 

Nanku Prasad 

Nikhil Singh 

Padma Lochan 

Permal Achari 

Pranil Singh 

Raghu N Chetty 

Raymond Moti 

Rehmi Kumar 

Rosil Lal 

Sanjay Prakesh 

Satish Lal 

Sayed Muktar Shah 

Shiek Dada Sahid 

Stella Driu 

Subhas Chand 

Sunil Chand 

Usman Ali 

Vijendra Prasad 

Vincent Krishna 

Vishwa Mudliar 

Yogesh Punja 

Thanks & Appreciation 

The Association accords its heartfelt thanks and sincere 

appreciation to the following people, firm and companies for 

their contribution and assistance in the past. The Association 

very humbly apologies to all those whose names may have 

been missed out due to the non-availability of records. 

Current Members 

Bijesh Chand JP Pusp Raj JP 

Shiva Rajan Hem Raj 

Adi Laisa Balavu Vinod Kumar 

Gyan Chand Prasad Micheal Faga 

Karalaini Bula Anita Raj 


Abdul Shaheed 

Amrat Ghela 

Apete Qereqeretabua 

Arun Sami 

Ashok Kumar 

Ashok Sahai 

Balwant Chauhan 

Bill Williams 

Cecilia Hicks 

Daya Ram 

Desmond B Sagaitu 

Don Burness 

Francis Tavaiqia 

Gurmeet Singh 

Ilisapeci Viriki 

Jaswanti Govind 

Joseph L Dass 

Lekh Ram 

Megh N Krishnan 

Ms Varitema 

Narend Singh 

Nitin Punja 

Paula Rafiq 

Philip Anil Chand 

Prem Chandra 

Rakesh Singh 

Reame Kunaqoro 

Rev E A Subarmani 

Sakiasi Cagica 

Sardar Narsimlu 

Savitri Chauhan 

Sharda Chand 

Sikeli Lolorua 

Steven Singh 

Sugrim Chand 

Tony Singh 

Varitemo Raiova 

Vinay Singh 

Virend Kumar 

Vyas D Sharma 

Yusuf Sahib 


Co-Opted Members - 2011 

Adi Ana Wara Amal Prasad 

Ambalika Krishna Hafiz Rahiman 

Manavolau Yabevula Mukesh Chand 

Rajesh Narain Ramend Sharma 

Rohan Prasad Rohitash Balgovind 

Salvin Singh Sanjay Goundar 

Sarvesh Maharaj Vijay Krishna 

Overseas Sponsors 


James Falza N 

Pankaz Goel 

Major Sponsors 

Carter Holt Harvey Fiji 

Digicel 

Flour Mills of Fiji 

Vodafone 

Media 

City Star News Communication Fiji Ltd 

Fiji Broadcasting Station Fiji Sun 

Fiji Television Ltd Mai TV 

Mix Fm Radio Bula Namaste 

Radio Paschim The Fiji Times 

The Jet Newspaper 

Others 

Ernst & Young Commissioner Western 

Fiji Police Band Fiji Military Force Band 

Lautoka Scouts Association Fiji Police Force and Band 

Natabua High School Band Namaka Public School 

Namaka Marching Girls National University Fiji Band 

ST Thomas High School Band The Fiji Times Archives 

Deceased 

Ashik Hussein Benjamin Bhagwan 

Bruce Rounds Rose Marry Satanji-Gideon 

Ishwar Lal Jagdish Prasad 

Jiten Singh Josefa Niumataiwalu 

Kaisala Tofinga Lakshman Prasad Maharaj 

Mili Ah Tong Rajend Prasad 

Mosese Raimuria Rohit Kumar 

Schools 

AmiChandra Memorial School Ba Provincial School 

Drasa Indian School Drasa Secondary School 

Ghandi Bhawan Memorial School Jasper William Primary School 

Jasper Williams High School Khalsa College 

Lauotka Zhong Hua Lautoka Ahmadiya Primary School 

Lautoka Andhra College Lautoka Arya Samaj School 

Lautoka Central College Lautoka Central Primary School 

Lautoka Delana School Lautoka Methodist School 

Lautoka Primary School Lautoka Sanatan School 

Lautoka Sanatan Primary School Lautoka Sunshine School 

Natabua High School Natabua Primary School 

ST Thomas High School Vitogo District School 

ST Thomas Primary School Tilak High School 

Vakabuli Fijian School


Adventure Marine Ltd 

Air Terminal Services 

ALTEC- 

ANZ Banking Group 

ATS Nadi Airport 

Autocare (Fiji) Ltd 

Air Pacific 

All Engineering (Fiji) Ltd 

American Outlet Ltd 

Atil Kumar Enterprises Ltd 

Austec Electrical & Electronics 

Automart Ltd 

Bank of Baroda 

Beachcomber Island Resort 

Blue Gas 

British American Tobacco 

Bargain Box Ltd 

Bekana Garden Island Resort 

Bombay Trading Limited 

BW Holdings Ltd 

Carter Holt Harvey Fiji 

Chovhan Pharmacy 

City Takeaway & Restaurant 

Colonial (BSP) 

Construction Equip Hire Ltd 

CPS (Caines Photofast) 

Crystal Restaurant Function Centre 

Cargo 

Crime Free Committed - Lautoka 

Construction Equipment 

Chandar Sen Brothers 

City Auto Electrical 

Classic Buses Ltd 

Commercial Interiors International 

DD Singh 

Dee Cees Group of Companies 

Design Engineering Ltd 

Downtown Fastfood &Takeaways 

D Kalyan 

DD Singh Auto Electrical Services 

Deo Narayan General 

Digital Print (Fiji) Ltd 

Dauds Transport Eddie Hin Ltd 

Engineering Works Limited 

Emperor Gold Mines 

Fiji Gas 

Fiji Meats Ltd 

Fiji Sugar Corporation 

First Landing Resort Vuda Point 


FMF 

Friend 

Frincos Hire 

Fiji Car Club 

Fiji Pine Ltd 

Fiji Waters Ltd 

Flame Tree 

FoodTown 

FRINCOS 

Garden of Sleeping Giants 

General Truck & Contractors 

Gani & Association 

General Machinery 

Global Flight Centre Ltd 

Harry’s Printery 

Haze Electrical 

Hire Ltd 

Hasmat Amusement 

Haze Electrical Ltd 

Hydraulic Hose Services Ltd 

Hyperchem Pharmacy 

Hussain’s Solar 

Interioz (Fiji) Ltd 

Islands Electric Wholesalers Ltd 

Impressions of Lautoka 

Islands Ref & Electrical Wholesalers Ltd 

Jacks Handicraft Nadi 

Jai Hydraulic & Industrial Suppliers 

Jacks of Fiji 

Johnson & Johnson 

Just Jeans 

K Chand &Sons 

Kadar Buksh Ltd 

Keshwas Mart 

Kreative Design 

Kundan Singh & Sons Service Station 

K Chand Transport 

Kaysons 

Klin Chemicals (Fiji) 

Kula Bird Park 

Latif Holdings 

Lautoka Chamber of Commerce 

Lautoka General Transport Company 

Lautoka Hospital 

Lautoka Retails Association 

LYZ Pty Ltd Maptco Fiji Ltd 

Laiser Electric 

Lautoka City Council 

Lautoka Customs & Shipping 

Companies 

Lautoka Health Centre 

Lautoka Netball Association 

Lautoka Soccer Association 

M. Hanif Industries Ltd 

Masco Engineers Ltd 

Modem Electric Ltd 

M H Hyper Market 

Marine Drive Motors Services 

Mobile Construction 

Morris Hedstrom 

Nadi Town Council 

Nasau Farms 

Nesh Investment Limited 

Northern Club 

New Star Aluminum City Ltd 

Naran Ghela & Sons Ltd 

Neritak Limited 

Olimags 

Ocean Soaps Ltd 

P Kumar Electrical Service Ltd 

Pacific General Builders & Hardware Ltd 

Pivot Point 

Post Fiji Limited 

Paper Chase (Sharp Photocopies) 

PNT Express Courier 

Potent Electric Co. Ltd 

Public Work Department 

Praveena’s Service Station 

Punjas & Sons Ltd 

RB Patel Group Ltd 

Reliable Marketing Ltd 

Ramesh Investments Ltd 

Reddy Diamond Hardware Ltd 

Sahay Brothers Ltd 

Sen Brothers Transport Co 

Shell Fiji Ltd 

Shop N Save Supermarket 

Sigatoka Motor Spares Ltd 

Singh’s Photo Lab Ltd 

Singh’s Restaurant 

Sinopec 

South Seas Club Restaurant 

Speedy Clearance Agency 

Sugar City Mall Lotto 

Sunrise Transport 

Sushil’s Furnishing 

S Adam Transport Co. 

Secure UR Bag Ltd 

Shambu Music House 

Sunbeam Transport Ltd 

Supreme Fuel 

Sunny Victor’s Digging Works 

Shiv’s Engineering Works 

Shreedhar Motors Ltd 

Sigatoka Town Council 

Singhs Rental Cars 

Sivams Digging Works 

Subrail’s Furniture 

Technicool 

Tigers Superfast Takeaway Co Ltd 

Totally Equipped Fiji 

Tropical Health Laboratories 

The University Of Fiji 

Time Electric 

Tri- Dees Spare Parts 

Tulsi Construction Ltd 

Turtle Island Resort 

Universal Office Supplies 

Vijendras Tailoring Centre 

Vinesh Signs 

Vodafone 

Village Restaurant 

Vinod Patel 

Western Customs Brokers Ltd 

Wilderness Ethic Adventure Fiji 

Water Front Hotel 

Westpac Corporation Banking 

Williams & Gosling Ltd


The Organiser for Sugar Festival 

Annual Cup Tournament 2011 

Welcome to the Sugar festival Golden Jubilee Soccer tournament. 


I am very much honored to be the coordinator of this tournament. 

For the first year we are having this annual tournament and we will be hosting this annual soccer tournament 

every year. 

I am pleased to announce that the Sugar Festival Association is the major sponsor of the tournament and there 

are good prizes. 

Also I am organizing the Secondary Schools to participate in this tournament. As my goal is to improve and 

have more development of soccer in the Lautoka district. 

I hope to have other sponsors supporting the development of soccer for adult and children. 

Thank you all and enjoy the soccer tournament. 

Vinod Kumar 

MESSAGE FROM VINOD KUMAR

EARS of generous giving - Lautoka Sugar Festival Association

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