Fiji

Fiji records Measles and Enteroviruses cases

These diseases is caused by a family of viruses called enteroviruses.

Permanent Secretary Doctor James Fong says the disease can be mistaken for what many have read about monkeypox.

Thus, he said the ministry was yet to diagnose a case of monkeypox.

Fong says Fiji is in the middle of its chickenpox season, and measles cases have also been noted.

FBC reports the PS says the ministry has released a number of health advisories and guidelines to all clinicians in the public and private sectors in order to facilitate early case identification and reporting.

Pacific Islands Forum launch new regional blueprint

The '2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent' was endorsed by regional heads of governments on 14 July, as the curtains fell on the 51st Forum Leaders' Meeting in Suva.

"As Pacific Leaders, our vision is for a resilient Pacific Region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity, that ensures all Pacific peoples can lead free, healthy and productive lives," the 2050 strategy's leaders' vision states.

Forum chairman and Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said the new regional blueprint "is about who we are".

Fiji held by Solomons as PNG win in Oceania Nations Cup action

Fiji took the lead in the first half when Vanisha Kumar powered past the Solomons goalkeeper Margaret Kofela.

But the Solomons, which was playing in its first Nations Cup game since 2010, gained an equaliser before half-time.

Jemina David was tumbled over in the box by Unaisi Tuberi and a penalty kick was awarded. Solomons captain Ileen Pegi sent the goalkeeper the wrong way for the leveller.

Fiji gained the upper hand in the second half, with Mereoni Tora twice heading wide and Kumar forcing a fine reaction save from Kofela, but their foes held on for the point.

'Forum Family' to convene in Suva for the 51st leaders' meeting

Pacific leaders from 18 member countries, including Australia and New Zealand, will gather face-to face for the first time since 2019 to discuss a basket of issues affecting the region.

The meeting, hosted by the Fijian government, is billed as one of the most significant in recent history as the region gradually emerges from the grips of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Fijian government sees the convening as "an opportunity to strengthen relationships and reset goals and priorities for regionalism and collective action as a Forum Family".

Fiji records new Oceania youth weightlifting record

Eroni Talemaigau won three bronze medals for Team Fiji in his division and created a new Oceania Youth record of 115kg in the Clean and Jerk.

FASANOC said the youngster lifted 82kg in the snatch and 105kg in the Clean & Jerk for a total lift of 187kg.

He was challenged by 105kg but secured two out of three votes needed to proceed to the next round.

Talemaigau missed his first two lifts in the Snatch and failed the second and third in the C and J.

Coastal communities in Fiji affected by ocean flooding

Its director Vasiti Soko said the coastal inundation experienced on Wednesday was caused by a low depression to the far south of Fiji, which is slowly moving eastwards, coinciding with seasonal king tides.

Ms Soko said initial reports indicate the flooding has so far caused only minimal damage but she is urging communities in affected areas to remain vigilant as authorities continue to monitor the situation today.

Climate change a bigger threat than war, Fiji tells security summit

"Machine guns, fighter jets... are not our primary security concern. The single greatest threat to our very existence is climate change," Fiji Defence Minister Inia Seruiratu said.

He was addressing a summit in Singapore which has focused on China-US tensions and the Ukraine war.

Cyclones have repeatedly battered Fiji and other low-lying Pacific countries.

"It threatens our very hopes and dreams of prosperity. Human-induced, devastating climate change," Mr Seruiratu told the forum, called the Shangri-La Dialogue.

Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika's success benefits national teams

With the objective of increasing the competitiveness of the international game, World Rugby has part-funded the franchises to provide an impactful environment and pathway that will ultimately benefit Fiji, Samoa and Tonga on the biggest stage – Rugby World Cup.

The selection of 43 players for the Pacific Nations Cup from Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua is an important step in that journey, providing each union with the benefit of access to a group of players performing in an environment geared towards achieving success at international level.

Russian superyacht leaves Fiji for US following a court ruling

Fiji's Supreme Court lifted a stay order which had prevented the U.S. from seizing the superyacht Amadea.

A US Justice Department's Taskforce has focused on seizing yachts and other luxury assets of Russian oligarchs in a bid to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine.

The 106m Amadea arrived in Fiji on 13 April after an 18-day voyage from Mexico.

It was seized by Fiji authorities after the country's High Court granted a US warrant last month that linked the yacht to sanctioned Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov.

Fiji likely to host a round of World Sevens Series

New Zealand Rugby confirmed that they are continuing to explore the idea of having their round of the series in the island nation.

After the announcement of the return of the Hamilton 7s yesterday, NZR head of tournaments and competitions, Cameron Good, said the change of landscape had meant they had instead always been planning to return to Hamilton next year.

He added talks are underway with Fiji Rugby on the opportunities that are available.