From Left- Co-author Mr.Lionel Joseph, Ms. Priyatma SIngh, Dean of SOST Professor Shawkat Ali, Ms. Drishna Charan and Mr. Ravneel Raj. Photo: UNI FIJI.

The Pacific region is highly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change due to their high dependence on natural resources and limited access to funding and latest technology. Developing resilient coastal communities in the Pacific require better understanding of climate change impacts.

It is against this backdrop that the “Symposium on Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Strategies in Coastal Communities” was organized by the Research and Transfer Centre “Applications of Life Sciences” of the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (Germany), the International Climate Change Information Programme (ICCIP) and ADRA Samoa.

School of Science and Technology (SOST) academics received 3^rd place for best paper award at the World Symposium on Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Strategies to Costal Communities at Apia, Samoa on July 5-7, 2017.

Ms. Priyatma Singh and Mr. Kushaal Raj presented a paper titled “At the Frontline of Climate Change: Adaptation, Limitations and Way Forward for the South Pacific Island States” at the symposium, co-authored by Ms. Dhrishna Charan, Mr. Ravneel Raj and Mr. Lionel Joseph of SOST.

According to Ms. Singh “it was an honor to be recognized by prominent international scholars such as Professor. Walter Leal, who heads the Research and Transfer Centre, Sustainable Development and Climate Change Management, in Germany”.

The Symposium attracted approximately 100 academics and researchers from all over the world.

The Science team duly acknowledge the Vice-Chancellor of The University of Fiji, Professor Prem Misir for promoting a culture of interdisciplinary research and is also indebted to the Dean of SOST, Professor Shawkat Ali for his continued support, guidance and encouragement.

UNI FIJI

University of Fiji Campus in Saweni. Photo: SUPPLIED

The University of Fiji will offer a new online eco-tourism course from Semester 2, 2017.

The eco-tourism course will benefit students intending to pursue a career in sustainable tourism.

Dr Ranasinghe Amaradasa, Dean, School of Business and Economics (SOBE) explained that the new eco-tourism course offered students an insight into the tourism industry.

“The eco-tourism course exposes the students to knowledge in eco-tourism that will assist students in critical evaluation and effective management of the tourism sector,” he explained.

SOBE will offer online courses in Accounting and Economics at Foundation level from Semester 2, 2017. Online courses enable flexible learning for students having difficulty in attending face-to-face classes at the University’s Campuses.

Semester 2, 2017 will commence on July 17, 2017.

Students are urged to register.

His Excellency the President Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote yesterday received the Team Fiji for the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games at Borron House. Photo:  DEPTFO

His Excellency the President Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konusi Konrote today led the nation in conveying well wishes to Team Fiji as they prepare for the upcoming 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games.

The team who will represent Fiji at the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas presented their iTatau to His Excellency at Borron House this morning to the Head of State.

“For this year’s games, I have every confidence that you have all prepared well to represent the nation and showcase your skills,” President Konrote said.

“I urge you to practice good sportsmanship and values such as trust, teamwork and perseverance so that you can achieve the anticipated results.”

President Konrote added that the games will be an opportunity for the young athletes to experience the level of competition at an international level.

Team Fiji Chef de Mission, Tomasi Tiko said the international event will be a good exposure for the young athletes.

“We hope that they will enjoy themselves and do the country proud,” Mr Tiko said.

“We have a total of 42 members who will be representing the country in the sport of rugby, tennis, swimming and athletics.

“We expect a tough competition and wish the athletes well in the games.”

The 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games will be held from the 18^th – 23^rd of this month.

DEPTFO

The Navosa rugby team with the kids at the Special School in Sigatoka. Photo: VODAFONE FIJI.

Rewa and Navosa are all prepared for a grand final showdown today at the ANZ Stadium.

Both camps have prepared well and are looking forward to the match.

The FRU CEO John  O’Connor  stated that they expect a tough battle today.  While both teams have qualified to compete in the FRU Skipper Cup Premiership, they battle to win the $10,000 first prize and also the right to defend the HFC Bank Bainimarama Shield.

Mr O’Connor highlighted that Navosa has been unbeaten for the whole season and they will want to maintain their unbeaten record.  They are also the defending Champions and will want to take the Trophy back home to Navosa.

It is a battle of two Vanuas and we urge the supporters of both Teams to come out and support their Teams.

The Under 20 final between the Nasinu Under 20 Team and the Ba Under 20 Team kicks off at 3.00pm.

The match kicks off at 5.00pm.

The captain’s with the Webb Ellis Trophy. Photo: FRU

Vodafone Flying Fijians Coach, John McKee has named another strong line up to play against the Manu Samoa team in their second 2017 Pacific Nations Cup match at the Apia Stadium this Saturday.

Preparations for the team to defend their title has been going well and McKee says that they expect a very tough challenge on Saturday.

“With the PNC up for grabs and Samoa desperate to qualify for RWC in this series we expect a very tough challenge on Saturday.”

“We are very determined to defend the PNC title which we have held since 2015.”

He added that it was vital for the players to focus on all facets of the game which includes execution under pressure in order to win the match.

“The players must focus on getting the small tasks right and executing our plays under pressure to win this match. We missed out on a couple of tries last week because we were not accurate in our finishing or with the last pass.”

“The Team will have to work very hard in defence.  Samoa have a very talented backline and we cannot afford to give them too much time and space.”

The Vodafone Flying Fijians will clash with the Manu Samoans at 2pm (Samoa Time) at Apia Stadium this Saturday.

The selected players are:

Campese Maáfu, Tuapati Talemaitoga, Manasa Saulo, Tevita Cavubati, Leone Nakarawa, Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Akapusi Qera ©, Nemani Nagusa, Henry Seniloli, Ben Volavola, Patrick Osborne, Jale Vatubua, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Vereniki Goneva, Timoci Nagusa.

Reserves: Sunia Koto, Joeli Veitayaki, Kalivati Tawake, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, Viliame Mata, Frank Lomani, Eroni Vasiteri, Josua Tuisova

FRU

Brett Rumford with the World Super 6 Perth trophy. Photo: PGA of AUSTRALIA.

Brett Rumford is heading to the Fiji International for the first time and will be in search of a big win when he tees up at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course from 17-20 August.

The West Australian arrives in Fiji having already won in 2017, his victory at the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth, like the Fiji International, was tri-sanctioned alongside the European Tour and Asian Tour.

While the win secured Rumford’s career on the European Tour for the next two years it also gave him the top spot on the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit.

With AU$1.5million on offer at the Fiji International, a victory would see Rumford cement his place heading into the final events of the 2017 season.

“The Fiji International is a very attractive tournament for me; it’s in a beautiful destination but it can also have a big impact on my career moving forward,” said Rumford, who currently leads the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit by more than AU$100,000 over New Zealander Michael Hendry.

“With it being sanctioned by the European Tour it is a good opportunity for me to move up in the Race to Dubai Rankings, I would love to be playing the DP World Tour Championship at the end of the year.

“But this is also an important tournament for me on the PGA Tour of Australasia; a goal of mine this year is to win the Order of Merit which will provide me starts in The Open and World Golf Championship tournaments next year.”

A prominent player on both the European Tour and ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia, the Fijian government are pleased to welcome Rumford to Fiji for the first time.

“We are thrilled that Brett Rumford will be visiting Fiji for the first time and playing in the Fiji International,” said the Honourable Faiyaz Siddiq Koya, the Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism.

“The Fiji International is an important event for Fiji as we continue to build our reputation and capacity to host world class sporting events”.

“The fact that the Fiji International is also important to Brett’s career is indication of the tournament’s significance on the international golf calendar.”

Rumford is a welcome addition to the Fiji International field which will be headlined by local hero Vijay Singh.

“Each year the Australian field teeing it up at the Fiji International gets stronger. Brett Rumford playing in the event is fantastic and shows the importance players place on winning the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit,” said Gavin Kirkman, CEO of the PGA of Australia which oversees the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.

“Creating playing opportunities for our members is extremely important. The Fiji International assists in doing this, not only as another tournament on our schedule, but the prize money ensures the event has an impact on the Order of Merit and the tri-sanctioning also allows our players the chance to compete in European Tour and Asian Tour events.”

PGA OF AUSTRALIA

Sigatoka Andhra Sangam College with with the Minister for Health Rosy Akbar. Photo: DEPTFO

By LUKE NACEI

Sigatoka Andhra Sangam College has won the School’s Chef Challenge 2017’.

The event which was hosted by the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort last Friday and Saturday which saw 16 schools participating at the annual event.

The initiative is an Outrigger Kitchen Team community project that has been running for the past four years, giving school students from Years 9-13 an opportunity to take part and showcase their talents as aspiring chefs which is very strongly backed by the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort.

Outrigger Fiji Executive Chef and the School’s Chef Challenge originator, Shailesh Naidu who also happen to be the Past President for Fiji Chefs Association says that as a kitchen team at Outrigger they have always wanted to do something that reflects their profession and we appreciate Outrigger Fiji executives for giving us this opportunity.

“This is our commitment to associate with the community and give something back to our people. Hence I have put together this program to showcase an element of tourism industry,” he said.

“I thank the students for showing interest in cooking. I think it’s a very important skill in life every one need a feed and  I know students competing have different goals in life, I’m not asking all to become chefs but it’s one of those things that you need to know a bit of it.

He said a lot of kids these days go for further studies to universities or aboard are cooking their own meals, at least with these basic skills the parents will be rest assured the kids would be eating well.

Students participating at the ‘School’s Chef Challenge 2017. Photo: DEPTFO

“These days it’s a unique touch to cook for friends and families and you don’t have to be a qualified chef to do that, it’s more of your interest and passion. I am sure there’s lot of Hubbies and Dads who take keen interest in cooking.”

Mr Naidu added: “Gone are the days that it’s only a mum or wife thing to do, said Naidu.”

In 2012, Mr Naidu worked with only one school Sigatoka Andhra and organized this competition. The following year, he was approached to involve other schools so they had eight schools from the province.

“Last year we had 15 schools, 4 from Nadi and 2 from Lautoka joining in as well. This year we got the entire schools of Nadroga /Navosa province and schools from Nadi, Lautoka, Ba and possibly schools from the Southern side joining us this year, total of 16 schools,” he said.

Mr Naidu says there has been great interest in the initiative and it speaks for itself – increasing from one school to 16 fifteen schools in just 5 years with around 180 competitors.

“We used to run this event at one of the schools home economics room but with the popularity we brought it to Outrigger and set up the resort Ball Room into a flash air con kitchen for the kids on cook up a storm,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Health Rosy Akbar was chief quest at the culmination of the event. She gave away $2000 to the winners.

Minister Akbar thanked the students for their participation and urged them to be ambassadors of healthy living while highlighting to them the increasing numbers of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Winners:

Egg Dish: Vashist Muni College

Salada Creation: Cuvu College

Chicken Dish: Sigatoka Andrha Sangam College

Seafood Dish: Sigatoka Andhra Sangam College

Vegetarian Dish: Sigatoka Methodist College

Cake decoration: Cuvu College

School of the Year: Sigatoka Andhra College.

COP23 will be held on November 17.

As the result of a journalism competition that concluded this week, ten journalists from the Pacific island region have been chosen to travel to and report from this year’s UN climate conference taking place in Bonn, Germany (COP23, 6 – 17 November).

The ten outstanding journalists from print, on-line and radio/TV will receive sponsored participation in the conference, media training at the prestigious DW Akademie and access to UN and other experts.

The Pacific island journalism competition reflects the important role the small island developing State of Fiji will be playing at the 23rd Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change – the official title of the conference.

Fiji will be presiding over COP23 and the Fijian Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama, will undertake the key role of COP President on behalf of all countries attending.

The competition was generously funded by the German Government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Nick Nuttall, Director of Communications of the UNFCCC and Spokesperson for COP23, said:

“We are impressed by the high standard of the entries to the competition and would have liked to invite everyone who submitted their work under the competition, but that is unfortunately not possible. We’re now looking forward to welcoming the 10 winners in Bonn in November.

I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Germany’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for financially supporting this competition, and to the Fijian COP23 Presidency for its advice and getting the message out about the competition in the Pacific region. The Presidency, the government of Germany and the UNFCCC were concerned that the costs of getting to and from Bonn would have been prohibitive for many journalists from that region.”

“We all acknowledged that it was vital to have media from that location here to report to their publics and witness the negotiations, the rich array of Global Climate Action events taking place and the cultural activities that surround such conferences,” he added.

The 10 participants were selected by a judging committee consisting of two members of the UNFCCC; two from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs communications branch; and two independent judges representing the Fijian COP23 Presidency. Their decision of the jury is final.

The jury selected six winners from print and online, two from radio and two from TV.

The winners are:

Print and Online

• Ofani Eremae (Solomon Star, Solomon Islands)
• Iliesa Tora (The Nuku’alofa Times, Tonga)
• Lani Wendt Young (Samoa Planet, Samoa)
• Jared Koli (The Island Sun, Solomon Islands)
• Lice Movono (The Fiji Times, Fiji)
• Anita Roberts (Vanuatu Daily Post, Vanuatu)

Radio

• Mereoni Mili (Wansolwara – University of the South Pacific, Fiji)
• Georgina Kekea (Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation, Solomon Islands)

TV

• Elenoa Turagaiviu (FBC News, Fiji)
• Florence Jonduo (EMTV, Papua New Guinea)

UNITED NATIONS FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Prime Minister Hon. Voreqe Bainimarama and the Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services Hon. Alex O’Connor with team of Endoscopy Unit at the CWM Hospital. Photo: DEPTFO

The Gastroenterology Training Programme will provide excellent work in supplying local talent and expertise to the Fijian people on health treatment options that they can rely on.

This was highlighted by the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama while launching the programme at the Colonial War Memorial hospital in Suva today.

PM Bainimarama said Government has expanded access to health services throughout our islands and this programme has taken those services to another level, by giving our doctors and nurses invaluable skills to carry out safe, hygienic and effective procedures that – ultimately – save lives.

The Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama with his wife welcomed last evening in Sydney. Photo: DEPTFO

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama was officially welcomed last evening by the staff and families of Fiji’s High Commission in Canberra and Fiji’s Consulate General office in Sydney.

Prime Minister Bainimarama is this week leading Fiji’s trade delegation to the Fiji-Queensland Trade & Investment Symposium.

It was an opportunity for the PM to update the staff and their families on the work carried out by the Government including the recent national budget that was passed in the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji.

Accompaning the Prime Minister are the Ministers for Industry and Trade and Minister for Agriculture who held side meetings this week in Brisbane. Senior officials representing various Government ministries and agencies are also on this delegation to hold separate meetings and awareness events.

DEPTFO

PS for Health Philip Davies at the opening of the new cardiac stress test clinic in Nadi today. Photo: LUKE NACEI.

By LUKE NACEI

The Permanent Secretary for Health Philip Davies today opened a new cardiac stress test clinic at the Sarada Medical Centre in Nadi.

PS for Health Philip Davies.

These he says will extend the services provided for the local population at the Medical Centre.

“The clinic we are opening today is a potential life saver,” he said.

“It may look like something you would expect to see at an upmarket gym and when the clinic is operating there will be people jogging on the treadmill but the equipment you see here can give doctors insights into the working of a patient’s heart and their general physical condition.”

He adds, people are fortunate enough to live a time in a country where modern medicine can cure many previously incurable conditions.

However, he is yet reminding the public to be responsible in looking after their health and that of their own families.

“We are fortunate that many diseases that used to be major killers in our community have been eliminated or are close to being eliminated.”

There are there a five medical professionals serving at the medical Centre. The medical centre invested $30,000 AUS dollars in the new exercise stress test equipment.

The Farebrother challenge to kick start this weekend. Photo: FRU

The first Challenge for the 2017 HFC Bank Farebrother Challenge kicks off this Saturday between defending champions Nadroga and Naitasiri.

The Fiji Rugby Union expects a tough battle as Naitasiri will be out to beat Nadroga to redeem their early exit from the Skipper Cup competition.  Naitasiri last won the HFC Bank Farebrother Challenge in 2013 and they have revealed that they will leave no stones unturned as they prepare for this Saturday.

Nadroga on the other hand have held the HFC Bank Farebrother Trophy for a record 81 times since the inception of the challenge and will be out to defend their title with the might of the Stallions.

FRU CEO, Mr John O’Connor has encouraged all fans to come down and watch the much anticipated match that will be an exciting encounter between the two teams.

At the press conference this afternoon, HFC Bank Acting CEO, Mr  Raj Sharma, said that HFC Bank was very excited as major sponsors of the tournament and proud to be associated with the HFC Bank Farebrother Challenge which was also known as the prestigious Holy Grail of local rugby in Fiji.

“We’re honoured to contribute towards the growth and betterment of rugby in Fiji.  The results are positive for the whole country especially for everyone involved in rugby.  We wish all the teams who will challenge for the HFC Bank Farebrother Challenge starting this Saturday and the following weeks to come all the very best.”  The HFC Bank is proud to be the official sponsor for the coveted Rugby Trophy in Fiji.

Also revealed today was the HFC Bank Ratu Josaia V. Bainimarama Shield which will be challenged by the top four teams that qualified for the Vodafone Vanua Challenge Semi Finals.

Vodafone Vanua Challenge Champions, Navosa will take on Ovalau in the first challenge this Friday, 21 July, followed by Lautoka and the last challenge will be against Rewa who were the losing Vodafone Vanua finalist.

CEO FRU thanked the HFC Bank for agreeing to sponsor the Bainimarama Shield Challenge.

Both matches will be played at Lawaqa Park on Friday and Saturday respectfully and will kick off at 3pm.

FRU MEDIA

His Excellency the President Major General (retired) Jioji Konrote. Photo: DEPTFO

His Excellency the President Major General (retired) Jioji Konrote officially opened the 18th Commonwealth Heads of Valuation Agencies Conference 2017 yesterday.

The Fijian Head of State noted that the 2017 CHOVA Conference, offers Fiji an opportunity to devise strategies to improve ways to effectively address new challenges and be compatible with other Commonwealth
Countries.

DEPTFO NEWS

FNU Volunteers at the Fiji International. Photo: SUPPLIED

Fiji National University (FNU) students will once again help deliver the Fiji International at Natadola Bay Championship Course from 17 – 20 August.

The internationally recognised event provides an opportunity for FNU students to contribute their skill set in the workforce to gain invaluable experience to assist not only their studies, but future employment opportunities

This is the second year running the university has partnered with the tournament following on from a successful 2016 where 60 students gained experience staging an international sporting event.

That number is expected to grow to 100 students from FNU’s Namaka Campus in 2017 with the opportunity proving very useful to Business of Hospitality and Tourism students last year.

In addition to the abundance of experience the students will receive in sectors relevant to their studies, a $5,000 FJD Scholarship will be awarded on behalf of the Fiji International to a volunteer who displays outstanding effort and commitment in their role for the week.

“We were delighted to continue our relationship with the Fiji International this year,” said Professor Nigel Healey, Vice Chancellor of Fiji National University.

“Our students last year gained so much from their hands-on experience of assisting in an internationally televised sporting event.

“The opportunity to apply the theory learned in the classroom to a real-world scenario is truly invaluable for when they eventually graduate and enter the workforce.

“On behalf of the Fiji National University I’d like to extend a sincere thank you to the Fiji International for also providing a financial bonus to one of the student volunteers with the scholarship on offer in 2017. It will no doubt make an immense difference to furthering their studies in Fiji.”

The Fiji International has a plethora of tasks for the student volunteers from working behind the scenes of the television broadcast, providing support to scorers and even marshalling during the event where they’ll rub shoulders with some of the best golfers in the world.

Gavin Kirkman, CEO of the PGA of Australia, which oversees the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia, said the support of the FNU students has a massive impact on the success of the tournament.

“We were so impressed with the FNU students last year, their enthusiasm and willingness to get involved went a long way to the success of the 2016 Fiji International,” Kirkman said.

“To be able to recognise a student for their hard work with the scholarship is a deserving reward for the crucial role all the volunteers play during the week.

“Through events like the Fiji International, Fiji is becoming recognised for their ability to stage large international sporting events. We are pleased to help the future event workforce of Fiji establish their skill which can then be transferred to running these events.”

All FNU students who volunteer their time to assist in the successful staging of the Fiji International will be rewarded with a completion of work certificate from the PGA of Australia, the tournament organiser, which will be valuable in their CV of achievements when they are applying for their first roles out of University.

“The Fiji International is this year tri-sanctioned by the European Tour, Asian Tour and ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia so to have organisations of their caliber on the students resume is certainly a great addition,” added Kirkman.

Each student will receive training ahead of the 2017 Fiji International to ensure they understand the roles they have been assigned to.

PGA AUSTRALIA

Students of Lautoka Andhra Sangam College at the Agriculture booth at the FNU Open Day in Namaka. Photo: LUKE NACEI

By LUKE NACEI

Fiji National University head of Hospitality and Tourism Studies School, Eric Jioje is urging students in the western division to take advantage of the university’s open day.

Speaking to the media today, Mr Jioje said that the open day is a platform where students get an opportunity to explore and know more about what they have to offer.

He said it is where their decision to further pursue their studies is established.

“When I was in high school we never had this open day so for me this is to the benefit of these school students they can see what programs we are offering whether it’s the high education programs,” he said.

“Everything is provided all information and even our experienced lecturers and head of school they are all here to give proper advice to all students if students have this information than they can make informed choices and decision about what they want to do for their future carrier.”

Mr Jioje said students will visit all the booths available at the Namaka Campus.

“We have got the College of Business and Hospitality and the College of Humanities and Education, College of Fisheries and Forestry and College of Engineering Science and Technology they are all having their displays over here and we are catering for at least, majority of the secondary school in the western division and I think we have got a couple of schools from Ba already here and there is some coming all the way from Sigatoka and Nadi and this is basically for today and tomorrow as well.

He adds: “We have gout business houses coming in we have got Bio Security and LTA and the Ministry for Education are also here. They are doing partial promotion and conducting some sorts of interviews with potential students.

FNU Namaka campus is expecting 50 schools from the western division to attend the two days open day.

“There are around 3000 to 4000 students here from the west that we are expecting,” he said.

Meanwhile, the open day is strategic placed in both Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.

“The massive one is at the Nasinu Campus which will cater for the Suva schools, Nadi is to cater for the Western division and then you have one in Labasa that caters for the northern division,” he added.

Winner Sheral Mar. Photo: VODAFONE FIJI

An elated Sheral Mar ofWaqadra inNadi walked away with $6,000 worth of smart devices. The win came after Sheral was announced the winner of the SmartPack text and win promotion.

Mar took home the smart package after texting only four times to take part in the test and win promotion.“I have been with Vodafone for decades and have been taking part in all promotions. And now with only $4, I won $6,000 worth in prizes”, said Mar.

Vodafone’s Manager Sponsorship, Mr. AdriuVakarau congratulated Sheral on her win whilst handing over the smart devices to her and her eldest son.

Everyone is a winner with us! With our 23rd birthday promotion going on for the month of July, we are giving away 23 smartphones every day to our customers ranging to Samsung S8 and S8+ as well. All customers have to do is purchase any device or recharge from any of our stores Fiji wide to go into the draw. You never know you can be the lucky one walking away with an awesome

VODAFONE FIJI

Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Mereseini Vuniwaqa (fourth from right) with the Nadi Bula Festival contestants at the Prince Charles Park Ground last night. Photo: DEPTFO.

By ANA SOVA

The Digicel Nadi Bula Festival was officially opened last Saturday night by the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Mereseini Vuniwaqa at the Prince Charles Park Ground.

Minister Vuniwaqa applauded the festival committee for its continued assistance to the local community.

She said the committee’s efforts in helping out families in terms of medical expenses, and those that lose their belongings in house fires were commendable.

She also thanked the committee for renovating the Nadi hospital as well as donating $20,000 to the building extension at the Nadi Special School which is aligned to the Ministry of Women’s vision.

With the theme of the carnival “Transition Starts Where You Live”, Minister Vuniwaqa said that climate change and its adverse effects, constituted a major challenge for people, governments and ecologists around the globe.

However, she said, for the Pacific, the scenario in question was both distinctive and urgent.

Minister Vuniwaqa informed the people of Nadi of the 10 cents per plastic bag surcharge saying this will encourage customers to bring their own environmental friendly shopping bags.

“Largely contributing to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 13, which Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is actively championing,” Ms. Vuniwaqa said.

She also acknowledged the festival organizing committee for a proactive approach and dedication towards the fight against climate change.

Minister Vuniwaqa commended on the commitment, hard work and the resourcefulness of Fijians who have made Nadi what it is today.

Meanwhile, nine contestants will be vying for the crown at the week-long festival.

The 2017 Digicel Nadi Bula Festival Queen contestants and members of the Nadi Hash House Harriers standing in front of the first Fiji Interhash billboard on Denarau Road in Nadi. Photo: FIJI INTERHASH.

By ANA SOVA

The 2017 Digicel Nadi Bula Festival Queen Contestants came out in support of Fiji Interhash 2018 event.

The contestants had joined members of Nadi Hash House Harriers for their usual Monday event this week.

They were introduced to the social running club known as Hash House Harriers.

Nadi chapter will be hosting the biennial event next year from 24th-27th May 2018.

The girls were keen to know and were delighted to be part of Hash House Harriers and pledging to join weekly runs once the Bula Festival was over.

They are also keen to be volunteers for the 2018 event

WAF CEO, Mr Opetaia Ravai (seated centre), with forum participants. Photo: WAF

The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) yesterday (26/07) held its first ever ‘Customer Forum’, at the Albert Park Pavilion Conference Room, in Suva.

While opening the forum, WAF Chief Executive Officer, Mr Opetaia Ravai said that the “WAF Customer Forum is a platform to formally engage with customers on a regular basis to provide updates on WAF developments and plans and discuss issues arising and listening to their views and feedback on our service delivery”.

Mr Ravai said that the main aim of this forum was to foster trust, value and understanding for WAF’s customers.

“This forum is designed to transmit information and create awareness in a timely, cost effective and organised manner with a long term objective of bringing attitudinal and behavioural changes in the society in terms of water conservation and waste management including WAF services as a whole.

“It is good that we have a forum like this to talk to you and present to you our challenges and our successes and we hear directly from you, because you are the most important stakeholder in any business.”

“Today, Ladies and Gentlemen I am so thankful to see you here, you represent the various sectors of our business community,” said Mr Ravai.

The event provided the opportunity for discussions with WAF’s commercial, residential and domestic customers, as well as institutions.

Mr Ravai said that plans are underway to conduct forums similar to this inaugural event, in the Western and Northern regions later this year.

Meanwhile, Mr Ravai encouraged those present at the forum to apply for a ‘myBill Infor Card’.

“We have designed this card, in direct response to customer complaints, in the hope of resolving the issue of missing water bills and to reduce the inconvenience of being disconnected.”

Representatives from For Earth (South Pacific) Limited; Ashabhai & Company Limited; Motibhai & Company Limited; Oceania Water Group Fiji, Scope Pacific; Suva City Council; Nasinu Town Council; Fiji Commerce Commission; Republic of the Fiji Military Forces; Consumer Council of Fiji and the Fiji National University were in attendance.

WAF

DIVA for Equality members with staff and students of UniFiji. Photo: UNI FIJI

The University of Fiji recognises the impacts of climate change on the Small Island Developing States. UniFiji creates monthly awareness activities to support climate change issues in the lead up to Fiji’s Presidency to COP23 in November, 2017 in Bonn, Germany. UniFiji hosted the fifth COP23 awareness session on Friday, July 21, 2017.

Initiated by the Vice-Chancellor and facilitated by the School of Science & Technology, the fifth session was conducted by a local NGO, Diverse Voices and Action (DIVA) for Equality.

DIVA for Equality is also co-convener of Pacific Partnerships on Gender, Climate Change & Sustainable Development; the Pacific Urgent Action Hub for Climate Justice, and Women and Gender Constituency Liaison to the COP 23 Presidency.

DIVA’s Political Advisor, Ms. Noelene Nabulivou and Management Collective, Ms. Maria Nailevu spoke on the topic ‘The Gender Dimension of Climate Justice’.

The presentation provided an understanding of feminist politics, overview of linkages between gender and climate justice and an insight into the ‘Just transition to a Plastic Free Pacific’ and ‘Women Defend Commons’ campaigns linking to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The next COP23 awareness seminar session will be on the topic, “Effect of Climate Change on Fisheries” and is scheduled to be held this week Friday, July 28, 2017 at the University of Fiji’s Saweni Campus from 1-2pm.