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!
