IT'S OFFICIAL: FIJI FIRST!
Julian Fox
SUVA: 19th Jan -- It's official. Fiji will be the first country in the world to enter the third millenium, says the New York-based MIllenium World Time Zone organisation. So the Salesians, who have just recently entered Fiji to stay (more about that after 31st Jan when the new community officially opens) will be amongst the first to greet the Year 2000. And given that they are also in Samoa, they should be the last to see out the old millenium, but there is skullduggery afoot! Adriaan Rodenburg, executive chairman of 'Millenium Fiji' said he expected soon that Fiji would also be listed as the country with the last sunset of the present millenium instead of Samoa. After representation from Fiji, pointing out that the 180 degree Meridian goes precisely through Fiji, the World Time Zone organisation is expected to make an official correction. "Common sense will prevail" said Mr.; Rodenburg yesterday; "It's just so obvious that Fiji has the only genuine claim to being first into every day and the new millenium". Somehow, despite his confidence, one suspects that argument is not yet over!
