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{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\author user}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2005\mo12\dy2\hr10\min49}{\revtim\yr2005\mo12\dy2\hr18\min58}{\printim\yr2004\mo3\dy24\hr18\min2}{\version4}{\edmins3}{\nofpages3}{\nofwords946}{\nofchars5393}{\*\company  }
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\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7494584 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7494584 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9650309 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7494584 AT SUVA
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\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7026395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid8866048 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9650309 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7494584 CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. HAA0}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid9650309 
021 OF 2004
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9650309 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid9650309 BETWEEN:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7026395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid8866048 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9650309 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 VILIAME RATOA BAKOSOKOSO
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid9650309 Appellant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7026395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid8866048 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9650309 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid9650309 AND:
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9650309 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 STATE
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid9650309 Respondent
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7026395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid8866048 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14770129\charrsid9650309 Counsel}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9650309\charrsid9650309 s}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14770129\charrsid9650309 :
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14770129\charrsid9650309 
\par Appellant:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid9650309 - In Person
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9650309 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9650309 \'85\'85\'85\'85..}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid9650309 for the State

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\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14770129\charrsid9650309 Hearing:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid9650309 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14770129\charrsid9650309 Judgment:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid9650309 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid8866048 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7494584 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7494584 JUDGMENT
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\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 
This is an appeal against sentence.  The appellant was convicted on one count of larceny from the person and sentenced on the 13th of November 2003.  He received 12 months imprisonment.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid8866048 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7494584 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7494584 Particulars of Offence
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13785346 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13785346\charrsid13785346 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7026395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 The victim and her friend were returning h}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13785346 ome by bus. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 They got off at t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965 heir home stop in Veisari, }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13785346 to walk home. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 The appellant came up from behind the victim, grabbed her}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13785346 
 handbag and made off with it. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 Identification of the appellant was corroborat}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13785346 ed by the prosecution witness. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 She knew the appellant prior}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965  to the night of this incident.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 

\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7494584 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7494584 The Grounds of Appeal
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13785346 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13785346\charrsid13785346 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7026395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 In a typewritten letter the appellant commences by saying he wish}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13785346 es to appeal against sentence. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 However, in the body of his petition one of his grounds of appeal is that the learned trial magis
trate breached his constitutio}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13785346 nal rights to representation. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 
As it appeared to me that went more towards conviction then sentence, I allowed}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13785346  the appeal to extend to both. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 The Sta}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13785346 te }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12794419 was}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13785346  not prejudiced by this.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395  They had diligently supplied the Court with written submissions befo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13785346 re commencement of the appeal. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 The submissions covered both conviction and sentence.
\par 
\par In the grounds of appeal the appellant pleaded:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7494584\charrsid7026395 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7494584 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8866048 - }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 
Breach of constitutional rights.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8866048 - }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 Failure to consider a prompt guilty plea.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8866048 - }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 A harsh and excessive sentence.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8866048 - }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 An ignorance of criminal process and procedure.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8866048 - }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 
A mitigation tantamount to saying that the delay in making the complaint was not properly weighed by the learned magistrate in his decision.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7026395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 
\par At appeal the appellant enhanced his grounds in this way.
\par 
\par The State provided a most helpful written su}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965 bmission in advance of appeal. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 They acknowledged the appeal would be extend}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965 ed to conviction and sentence. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 The State analysed the decision of}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid8866048 Suren Singh & Others v The State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 
 [2000] Criminal Appeal 035/00 a decision of my sister Justice Shameem on the issue of Section 28(1)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 (d) of the Constitution.

\par 
\par As for sentence they remind me of two Tariff Decisions the }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid8866048 State v Poniasi Saulekaleka}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 
 [2001] Criminal Appeal 050 and }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid8866048 Lote Raikabula v The State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395  [1990] C}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965 riminal Appeal No. 59. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 
These decisions indicate a sentence of between 10 to 12 months imprisonment in similar circumstances is not excessive.
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7494584 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7494584 The Conviction
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8866048 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8866048\charrsid8866048 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7026395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 The appellant says he was denied his rights under Section 28(1)}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965  (d) of the Constitution. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 
The purpose of that section is to secure a fair trial including the right of the accused to choose to be legally represented. A purposive reading of that provision simply means that an accused must be given that advice including t
he right to apply for legal aid if he so desires.
\par 
\par A failure to advise an accused of the right or failure to draw his attention to the right at the correct time does not automaticall}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965 y lead to a successful appeal. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 A breach simply opens the door to further inquiry as to whether any failure to ensure that right is given and understood did in fact prejudice the appellant thereby }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965 making the proceeding unfair.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 
\par 
\par I have reviewed the record and note that at the first appearance on the 3rd of July 2003 a bench warrant was issued for the absen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965 t accused who appeared late. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 He subsequently appeared and he was remand}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965 ed to the 23rd of August 2003. }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 When he appeared on that day the charges were read and explained to the accused who acknowledged that he understood them and entered a plea of not guilt}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965 y. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 However, the court notes this was only a first phase and then makes a remand for mention on the 16th of September 2003}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965  for a second phase. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 The learned magistrate then bailed the accused.
\par 
\par At the next appearance on the 16th of September 2003 the accused was remanded to the 12th of November 2003 for hearing. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965 He was told of the witnesses, }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 reminded of the need to have witnesses for himself and also told of his constitutional rights to counsel representation.
\par 
\par The matter was remanded for hearing to the 12th of November 2003.
\par 
\par Accordingly two months before the substantive hearing I find that the court had informed the appellant of his section 28 rights to be represented by counsel.
\par 
\par There is no indication in the record that the appellant at any time asked or insisted on counsel but neither is there a clear reco}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965 rd of his waiver of that right.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395  I am however prepared to infer that he was purposefully advised of his right to choose to be legally represented and simply did nothing about that.
\par 
\par I am fortified in that view because during the course of the investigation at the time of his caution interview and charge the usual full caution was administered to him including a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965 
dvice of his right to counsel. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 The ingredients of the offence clearly stated.
\par 
\par In addition I find that he ade}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965 quately conducted his defence. The allegation was simple. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 His defence was lack of}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965  identity and I did not do it. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 He was able to cross examine on the essential issue then ga}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965 ve evidence on his own behalf. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 In short he was able to effectively and properly put}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965  his defence during the trial. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 The proceedings conducted were fair and did not in an}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965 y way prejudice the appellant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 
\par 
\par I find that there was no breach of his Section 28(1)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965  (d) rights as }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 those rights were adequately given to him
 at a sufficiently proximate ti}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965 me to the substantive hearing. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 There was no prejudice by de}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965 lay in advise of those rights. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 At trial he was able to effectivel}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965 
y and properly put his defence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395  In this regard I adopt the reasoning of my learned sister Justice Shameem }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 
in Suren Singh }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 (supra).
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7494584 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7494584 Appeal Against Sentence
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6061965 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965\charrsid7494584 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7494584 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7494584 
The learned magistrate gave a comprehensive decision that properly weighed the aggravating and mitigating features of this offending.  The decision was not wrong in principle or law.
\par 
\par The tariff for these offences in the first offenders indicates imprisonment between 12 to 18 months (refer }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7494584 State v Poniasi Saulekaleka}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7494584  and }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7494584 Lote Raikabula v the State}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7494584  (supra)).

\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965\charrsid7494584  \'85\'85}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7494584 .there was little to mitigate this selfish and serious offending involving as it did an}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965\charrsid7494584  attack on a woman at night.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7494584  The emotional harm and fear experienced by this victim wil}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965\charrsid7494584 l be with her for a long time. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7494584 The sentence of imprisonment was deserved to not excessive.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7494584 Conclusion
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7026395\charrsid7494584 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7494584 Appeal dismissed.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7026395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7026395 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7494584 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7494584 Gerard Winter
\par JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7026395 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid6061965 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7494584 At Suva
\par April, 200}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6061965\charrsid7494584 4}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14095214\charrsid7494584 
\par }}