Fiji

The 35 observers were divided into two groups with one group doing sea time at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and the other group undertaking the Pacific Islands Regional Fisheries Observer Syllabus Programme.

A statement from government said each group did five weeks of intensive training before going for the second part which will take another five weeks.

Deputy Director Offshore, Edward Honiwala who officially opened the second part of the programme said the observers will spend another five weeks before completing the programme.

This was confirmed yesterday by spokesperson Rev James Bhagwan.

A delegation of Methodists from Australia and New Zealand, led by former church President Reverend Dr Ilaitia Tuwere, made the official donation at the opening of the annual fundraising drive.

Part of the money is expected to be used for the building of the new residence for the church’s president at Davuilevu.  Its part of the church’s return to its historical base at Davuilevu, according to spokesperson, Reverend Bhagwan.

The Fiji Times reports the UK based sugar buyer has informed the producers it will cease buying the certified sugar from Fiji in October this year.

The move is expected to affect 13 thousand farmers and their communities who have benefitted to the tune of nearly US$12 million over the past four years.

The premiums have been used to develop farms, subsidise costs and provide aid to communities in areas like education.

After losing their first two matches, the Pearls have recorded back to back wins against Zambia and Sri Lanka.

Fiji have already come up against teams from the UK, Africa and Asia and goal-shoot Taraima Mitchell is expecting another challenge against their Caribbean opponents.

Fiji will firstly host Tonga on 19 August at Govind Park in Ba, before playing American Samoa at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on 27 August.

The two visitors will compete when Oceania FIFA World Cup qualifying commences on 31 August in Tonga. One spot will be up for grabs in Stage 2 over the course of the five-day tournament, which also features Cook Islands and Samoa.

Fiji coach Carlos Buzzetti has named a strong 23-man squad for the matches including Wellington Phoenix striker Roy Krishna, powerful attacker Osea Vakatalesau and U-20 captain Jale Dreloa.

ANZ CEO Pacific and Fiji, Vishnu Mohan, officially announced the five-year renewal of ANZ Stadium’s naming rights at the stadium today with the Chairman of the Fiji Sports Council, Peter Mazey and CEO of the Fiji Sports Council Litiana Loabuka.

“Fiji has a long and distinguished sporting history and we all know how important sport is to all Fijians and Pacific Islanders. This was clearly evident with some amazing results recorded at last month’s 2015 Pacific Games,” Mohan said.  

They played out a thrilling 30-30 draw in round two in Sacramento, Samoa denying Fiji victory with a last gasp penalty by Patrick Fa’apale, and both reached the final with unbeaten records in the six-team competition.

Injuries have robbed coach Stephen Betham of hooker Motu Matuu (delayed concussion), scrum-half Pele Cowley (shoulder) and centre Paul Perez (rib), the latter having scored a brace of tries in the draw with Samoa.

The Brumbies player, who is clear to return from suspension for the Wallabies against the All Blacks in Sydney on 9 August, is allowed to represent Australia at the Rio Olympics in August under the new contract, should they qualify.

Speight has a background playing sevens in his native Fiji and is looking forward to playing the abbreviated form of the game again.

PNG took a 1-0 lead after the 8th minute of play when Patrick Aisa powered a kick into the nets.

PNG held on to the lead going into half time.

Fiji came out stronger in the second half and dominated possession early on in the game.

This resulted in the equalizer in the 53rd minute through Tony Tuivuna.

The game looked to be going towards a draw with three minutes extra time given.

Following an impressive showing from their karetekas yesterday, they were able to keep the momentum going with a commanding display that cements their fourth place spot on the overall medals table.

Joji Veremalua claimed the men’s under 75 kilograms individual kumite honours with victory over Honoiti Lien of Tahiti, while Tumu Lango continued Vanuatu’s recent medal rush with bronze.

New Caledonia’s Iwe Rene Hmana was the other athlete who clinched a podium finish, taking bronze.