There’re more reasons to celebrate this festive season. From January 1 bus fares will come down and there is a possibility taxi fares will also reduce. This will be a big relief for many commuters who rely on public transport like buses to travel. It is still the most popular mode of transport because it’s cheaper and convenient.

Next year Fiji Airways will fly for the first time to San Francisco and more than 600 passengers are expected to be arriving at Nadi International Airport. San Francisco will be the third US airport that Fiji Airways will be flying to. The other two are Los Angeles and Honolulu. The flights are expected to boost our tourism industry.

San Francisco is the cultural, commercial and financial centre of northern California and the only consolidated city-county in the American state. It is described as a popular tourist destination, known for its cool summers, fog, steep rolling hills, eclectic mix of architecture and landmarks including the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, the former Alcartraz Federal Penitentiary, and Chinatown district. It has several nicknames, including The City by the Bay, Fog City, San Fran, Frisco and The Paris of the West. California is also home to more Pacific Islanders than any other state.

It is also said that Francisco is a friendlier airport than LA. It is also a popular stop for travellers going to Canada. The  new service will create more than 100 new jobs and gains in foreign exchange earnings.

Another positive development yesterday was the bonus payout to workers of Fiji Ports Corporation Limited. The Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum was present to give recognition to the contribution of the workers. He made it clear that the bonus was not a right. It was based on their KPIs (key performance indicators).

Director Vijay Maharaj said the bonus scheme provided “greater performance incentives to all employees.”

The year 2014 represented the first full year of operations post partial divestment of Fiji Ports Terminal Ltd (FPTL) shares in August 2013, as part of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with Sri Lankan firm Aitken Spencer PLC. Mr Maharaj said Fiji Ports Board and senior management continued with their commitment to deliver solid financial outcome to the company’s shareholder while providing services that would bring benefit to the people of Fiji and the broader regional community.

Fiji Ports Group posted a profit of $7,438,382 for 2014, compared to the previous year of $13,734,734. The 2013 results included a one-of-gain from disposal of equity in FPTL under PPP arrangements.

The total dividends paid to Government with respect to the 2014 financial year amounts to $3,719,191, which is 56 per cent of the company profits and represents a one per cent increase from the previous year.

Teamwork has enabled FPCL to achieve its results and the bonus scheme has had a positive impact.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama opened a rural electrification scheme on Viwa in Tailevu. The event is the villagers’ perfect Christmas gift.

On the eve of Christmas, we take this opportunity to wish all our Fiji Sun readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

NEMANI DELAIBATIKI

Feedback:  nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj