Children not going to school in dark: Smith-Johns

Fiji's Information Ministry permanent secretary, Sharon Smith-Johns has reiterated that school children will not be going to school in the dark from next week Monday as daylight savings start on October 21.

She made the announcement this morning amid speculations from various school managements saying it is not necessary to practice daylight savings in the country at a time when students will be busy preparing for external examinations.

Smith-Johns explained why daylight saving was necessary in Fiji.

"In June the sun rises at 6.38am and sets at 5.42pm but from October the sun rises at 6.33am and sets at 7.09pm."

“Today’s government firstly looks at the needs of the children and its’ people and the idea of daylight saving is not going to create a setback for anyone as it will give ample time for people to comeback home and do their chores in the broad daylight,” Smith-Johns said.

Daylight savings come into effect from October 21 that is this Sunday with clocks going forward an hour ahead at 2am.

By Indrani Krishna