Labour Names 19, Mix Of Experience, And New Provisional Candidates

Most of their work leading up to the general election would involve footwork, personal contact and getting their message across to the masses.
Fiji Labour Party yesterday announced a mix of new and experienced provisional candidates in its 2018 General Election line up.
New to the political arena, but a familiar face in trade union circles is Taina Rokotabua, 44, of Delainamanu, Naitasiri. She is a law student at the University of the South Pacific.
During the 2014 General Election, she was a member and a strong supporter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Along with FLP parliamentary leader Aman Ravindra-Singh and provisional candidate Mikaele Mataka, the trio made the switch to FLP last year.
Since then, she had her mind set on making an impact on the national front.
“I’ve always had an interest in people’s welfare and making a difference in their lives. Service to people rather than self has always been a motivating factor for me,” she said.
Her five children had no qualms about Ms Rokotabua’s political aspirations.
“They’ve always known me to be a very strong mother, very disciplined and they’ve always respected my decisions.”
Her mother, Torika Liku Tobakeisuva was proud of Ms Rokotabua’s decision to stand.
“Like any other woman and mother, I know my daughter has a heart to serve people,” Ms Tobakeisuva said.
FLP leader Mahendra Chaudhry reminded the 19 candidates that most of their work leading up to the general election would involve “footwork, personal contact and getting their message across to the masses”.
Mr Chaudhry spent a fair bit of time criticising the FijiFirst Government and questioned the kind of legacy they were leaving behind.
Yesterday the party also launched Labour’s Social Package.
Some of the highlights include:
– A reduction in the high cost of living
– Labour will restore FNPF pension cuts
– Fair wages and workers’ rights
– Affordable quality education

From left, Torika Liku Tobakeisuva (mother), Fiji Labour Party provisional candidate Taina Rokotabua and Litia Lynell Lewairavu (daughter). Photo: Rosi Doviverata
The 18 provisional candidates announced yesterday:
Lavinia Padarath – Suva, Former trade union executive and Labour MP
Monica Raghwan – Suva business executive and former Labour MP
Surendra Lal – trade unionist, Labasa cane farmer and former Labour MP
Aman Ravindra-Singh – Lautoka lawyer.
Mikaele Mataka – Lautoka, trade unionist and social worker
Roneel Lalit Singh – Sigatoka sales executive and farmer
Taina Rokotabua –Final year law student and former trade unionist
Jone Cirinakaumoli – Ra, retired Fiji Sugar Corporation engineer
Anjila Chandra Badlu – Ba, retired school teacher
Ranil Krishil Chand – Lautoka businessman
Apolosi Rabawai Lasei – Lautoka, human rights and HIV activist
Fane Kacimaiwai – Suva school teacher.
Rupeni Nauci – Ba youth worker, executive member Fiji National Youth Council.
Avi Chaudhry – Nadi businessman
Ulaiasi Waqatanoa Tuikoro – Suva Pastor and former businessman.
Mohammed Salim – Ba businessman.
Aropiame Cavalevu – Sigatoka, Pastor.
Narendra Singh – Ba community worker and farmer.
Dharmendra Kumar – Suva lawyer
Edited by Percy Kean