funding

The Government has failed to pay its obligatory grant to the university for the past three years, and now owes the USP more than $60 million Fijian dollars.

The group says Fiji benefits hugely from the USP.

They say for every dollar invested by the Government the return to the Fiji economy is eight dollars from taxes, rents, medical spending, utilities, food and other good, and transport.

New Zealand withdrew the justice aid of $US878,000 in 2015 amid concerns about the independence of the judiciary.

Nauru was unmoved by New Zealand's actions and a former Nauru secretary of justice, David Lambourne, said at the time Nauru was mocking New Zealand.

He said the rule of law on Nauru had broken down and called for stronger international action.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern promised the money last the month after restating the offer to resettle 150 refugees from Australian offshore detention.

Deputy secretary Jeff Langley from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said there are a number of different ways the money could be channelled including to the Red Cross and other NGOs operating on the island.

He said the ministry is also talking to the Papua New Guinea government to identify needs created by the refugee population on the island.

The Government of India donated AUD 500, 000 to its Nauru counterpart to help construct the 200 metre seawall on the north side of the island.

The Nauru government contributed AUD 300,000 towards the project which included expanding raised land previously eroded by ocean waves.

India’s non-resident High Commissioner to Nauru, Vishvas Sapkal inspected the project and unveiled a name board during his first official visit to Nauru late last month.

President Baron Waqa thanked the government and people of India for assisting in the construction of seawall.

Fiji's 13-man squad became the country's first Olympic gold medallists when they triumphed at last year's Olympics.

The sevens team defeated Britain 43-7 in the final as the sport made its debut at the Games.

Before Rio, the Fijian team were also crowned as winners of the World Rugby Sevens Series after a number of fine performances.

Their achievements saw the team inducted into the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) Hall of Fame earlier this week, while they have also acted as an inspiration to the region's other sides.

In this regard, the Pacific Island countries and territories at the summit have agreed to explore options to establish greater synergies between funding sources.

A commitment was also made regarding the introduction of national legislation to ensure all Pacific Island countries and territories meet or exceed the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control taxation target and help achieve a Tobacco Free Pacific by 2025.