Diving area to be set up in Suva

A diving area will be set up in Suva where divers can explore derelict ships which are to be sunk in the Harbour. About 18 vessels have been impounded with a few days given to owners to put a claim on them. If there are not claimants, the Fiji Ports Corporation Limited plans to sink the ships in a common area and build an artificial reef for diving to attract divers to Suva. The project is the first for Fiji and is an exciting experience for the port authorities. The impact on the environment has, however, not been disclosed in releases made to the public. While on this subject, it maybe high time that the authorities move the industrial area currently located at Walu Bay, to another location outside the city. The pollution from factory and plant waste has longed seeped into the harbour spoiling what could otherwise be a beautiful and pristine one. Such a move would also help extend the commercial zone to that part of the city which would be an advantage as the current CBD is getting very congested and will be more so with the upcoming buildings completed for the MH Carpenters Plaza, the Tappoo City and the Mid-city Complex.

Vigil to celebrate Women Peace builders

A vigil to celebrate women peace builders in Fiji and the Pacific will be held today, 31 October 2006, from 12pm to 2pm at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Suva. For more information, call telephone +679 3307207.

Tourism Training segments in Suva

The following segments are scheduled for Suva in the upcoming Tourism Training program :

• 4 December 2006, Food Handling for Restaurants, Fiji Club, Suva;
• 4 to 6 December 2006, Cake Decoration for Christmas, FIT School of Hospitality and Tourism, Nasese, Suva;
• 7 to 8 December 2006, Margarine Sculpture, FIT School of Hospitality and Tourism, Nasese, Suva;
• 7 to 8 December 2006, Crisis Management in Tourism, TPAF Nabua, Suva;
• 8 to 9 December 2006, Kitchen Hygiene, Fiji Club, Suva;
• Date and venue to be advised, Salesmanship;
• Date and venue to be advised, Tour Guiding.

Programs are also scheduled for other town centres.

For more information, contact Training and Productivity Authority of Fiji, Namaka Centre, on telephones +679 6725730, +679 6725720, or e-mail info@tpaf.ac.fj.

Note from GV : For accommodation in Suva, check out our two bedroom rental home through links at the right hand side of this blog. We currently offer a 20% discount for all bookings to 31 March 2007. To contact us, e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj or call +679 3396427 or +679 9921427.

Post National Budget 2007 Forum Breakfast

A Post Budget Forum Breakfast will be held at Holiday Inn, Suva, on Saturday, 4 November 2006. Here is the program :

• 8.25am, Arrival of the Prime Minister;
• 8.30am, Breakfast Prayer;
• 8.35am, Buffet Breakfast begins;
• 9am, Welcome by the Chairman of the Fiji Broadcasting Corporation Limited;
• 9.05am, Moderator's opening statement with Ministers then invited to present a brief overview of their respective portfolio's budgets;
• 9.45am, Open Forum;
• 10.20am, Summary comments by Moderator;
• 10.30am, Departure of the Prime Minister and Ministers.

The Post-Budget Forum offers the opportunity for the Prime Minister and several of his key Cabinet ministers to talk about key strategies and features of the 2007 National Budget. It also enables stakeholders in both the private and public sectors to present the Government instant feedback on its National Budget.

Limited seats available at F$50.00 each. For bookings, please contact Talica on telephone +679 3314333 or e-mail ceo@fbcl.com.fj.

Note from GV : For accommodation in Suva, check out our two bedroom rental home through links at the right hand side of this blog. The home has a Personal Computer and Broadband Internet access provided complimentary for guests' use. A special rate of F$112.00 per night (inclusive of a 20% discount) is offered for all bookings up to 31 March 2007. To contact us, e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj or call +679 3396427 or +679 9921427.

Another Art Exhibition in Suva

Art Exhibition "Waka-ni-vuku - Roots of Sagacity" opens on Wednesday, 8 November 2006 and runs up to Saturday, 11 November 2006 at the Oceania Centre, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva. Oceania Centre based artist, Irami Buli, shows his latest series of paintings based on the theme "roots of profound wisdom". Earlier this year, Buli represented Fiji at the World International Art Exhibition in Bangalore and New Delhi where he scooped a major award beating 72 other countries. Opening hours are :

• Wednesday, 8 November 2006, from 5.30pm;
• Thursday, 9 November to Saturday, 11 November 2006, 9am to 4pm.

The paintings will be available for purchase. No admission fee is required to visit the exhibition. Fore more information, contact Ann on telephone +679 3232832.

Another Internet Provider for Suva

FINTEL, Fiji International Telecommunications Limited, will set up an Internet Service Provider, KIDANET, from December 2006 to service the Suva-Nausori and Suva-Lami areas. The company hopes to sign up at least 300 customers before spreading to other parts of the country. With Connect Fiji and Unwired already operating in the Suva/Nausori/Lami areas, the introduction of another company will see more competition which should ultimately benefit consumers. Over the last year, we have seen Internet rental rates fall dramatically with an increase in speed provided to customers. Note from GV : For business or holiday travellers to Suva, our two bedroom rental home is very affordably priced for short stays with a new Personal Computer and Broadband Internet access provided complimentary for guests' use. At present a 20% discount promotion is being offered with our rate per night for the entire home set at F$112.00. Pls click on the appropriate links at the right hand side of this blog to get more details on amenities provided and view photos of the rental home. To contact us, you can e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj or call telephones +679 3396427 or +679 9921427.

Enjoy the Melbourne Cup horse races at Holiday Inn

Holiday Inn Suva and the Rotary Club of Suva is organising the annual Melbourne Cup horse race events at the Holiday Inn on Tuesday, 7 November 2006 from 12pm. Choose from :

• Buffet Lunch in the Lali Room including a fashion show, race coverage, auction, betting and lucky door prices at F$30.00 per person. Purchase your Calcutta tickets with Rotary to be included in the draw to win. Total price pool is F$10,000.00;
• Poolside BBQ Buffet including pool side entertainment with a live band, horse race betting, lucky door prizes and prizes for best hat and best dressed.

Bookings required through Deepak Rathod, Rotary Club of Suva, telephone +679 3391899 or Cathy Wong, Holiday Inn Suva, telephone +679 3301600 extension 166.

Note from GV : For accommodation in Suva, check out our two bedroom rental on links at the right hand side of this blog and then e-mail us on gilbert@connect.com.fj or call telephones +679 3396427 or +679 9921427.

Upcoming Events in Suva (Updated 27.10.06)

The following events are scheduled for Suva: One-off Events:

• Mokosoi Fiji, suppliers of Fiji's Pure Natural Coconut Collection, Factory Clearance Sale, Tuesday, 24 October, to Saturday, 28 October 2006, from 9am to 4pm (on each day), Lot 24 Toti Street, Wailada, Lami, near Suva;
• National Games for the Disabled, Friday, 27 October 2006, from 8am, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Celebrations for the island of Matuku in the Lau Group, Friday, 27 October, and Saturday, 28 October, 2006, Sukuna Park, Suva;
• Fiji Institute of Directors Business Luncheon to discuss Corporate Governance, Friday, 27 October 2006, from 12.30pm, Holiday Inn, Suva (Guest Speaker : Ms Helen Lynch, a director of Westpac Banking Corporation, Pacific Brand Limited and Molecular Bioscience, Australia and Chairman of Westpac Responsibility & Sustainability Committee);
• Alliance Francaise Photo Training Workshop with professional photographer, Adi Nacola, Saturday, 28 October 2006, from 8.30am to 6pm, Alliance Francaise, 14 McGregor Road, Suva (Fee is F$6.00 per person);
• Westpac Businesswomen's Awards Night, Friday, 27 October 2007, from 6.30pm, Tradewinds Convention Centre, Lami, near Suva;
• Fiji Swimming Grand Prix, Saturday, 28 October 2006, Suva (to feature distance events of 800m and 1,500m);
• Annesley Methodist School Old Scholars Annual Day Celebrations, Saturday, 28 October 2006, from 9.30am, Annesley Methodist School, Toorak, Suva;
• Fiji Golf Club Ladies Open Tournament, Saturday, 28 October 2006, from 7am, Fiji Golf Club, Vatuwaqa, Suva;
• Fiji Golf Club Monthly Medal Event, Saturday, 28 October, 2006, from 8.15am, Fiji Golf Club, Vatuwaqa, Suva;
• Fiji National Darts Singles Competition, Saturday, 28 October and Sunday, 29 October 2006, starts 11am, China Club, Nasese, Suva;
• Halloween Nite, Saturday, 28 October 2006, Arts Village, Pacific Harbour;
• LTA Velocity Cycling Series 4km cycling hill climb from Sawani to Colo-i-Suva, Sunday, 29 October 2006, 6am to 9am, from Sawani (on the Nausori side of the Shell Service Station);
• Halloween Wine Tasting, Tuesday, 31 October 2006, 6pm to 8pm, Bad Dog Restaurant, Suva;
• Pacific Writers Forum Reading Night, Wednesday, 1 November 2006, from 7pm, Defence Club, 57 Gordon Street, Suva;
• Bollywood Concert, Wednesday, 1 November 2006, starts 7.3opm, FMF Dome, Laucala Bay, Suva (Hosted by Lalit Pandit with Shaan, Amisha Patel and Sunidhi Chauhan from Bollywood, India);
• Theatre: ‘Blood Wedding’, a local production of the internationally acclaimed play by celebrated Spanish playwright, Federico Garcia Lorca, Wednesday, 1 November, to Saturday, 4 November 2006, starts 8pm each night, Aus-aid Performance Space, Laucala Campus, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Primary School Art & Craft Exhibition PEMAC Festival 2006, Thursday, 2 November, to Saturday, 4 November 2006, Suva Civic Centre (Opening hours: Thursday - 11am to 4pm, Friday - 9am to 4pm, Saturday - 9am to 2.300pm);
• Post Budget Forum Breakfast, Saturday, 4 November 2006, 8.25am to 10.30am, Holiday Inn, Suva;
• Farebrother/Sanyo Cups Rugby Challenge, Naitasiri vs Nadroga, Saturday, 4 November 2006, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Annual Melbourne Cup Horse Race Celebrations, Tuesday, 7 November 2006, from 12pm, Holiday Inn, Suva;
• Art Exhibition "Waka-ni-vuku - Roots of Sagacity", opens Wednesday, 8 November 2006, from 5.30pm, then from Thursday, 9 November to Saturday, 11 November 2006, 9am to 4pm, Oceania Centre, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Alliance Francaise organised photo contest with theme, "Smiles of Fiji", deadline for entries, Wednesday, 15 November 2006, Alliance Francaise, 14 McGregor Road, Suva;
• Sumeet Tappoo (and other top Indian musicians) Concert, Wednesday, 15 November 2006, from 7.30pm, Suva Civic Centre;
• Annual Fiji Primary Schools Athletics Competition (Twisties Games), Friday, 17 November, and Saturday, 18 November 2006, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Marist Gala Dinner to celebrate the work of the Marist Brothers in Fiji, Saturday, 18 November 2006, from 6.30pm, Holiday Inn, Suva;
• Alliance Francaise organised photo contest with theme, "Smiles of Fiji", display of the best photos from the contest, Friday, 24 November 2006, Alliance Francaise, 14 McGregor Road, Suva;
• Bulafiji.com Under 18 Rugby League Competition, 1 to 30 November, Suva; Fiji International Volleyball Tournament, 27 November to 2 December, Suva;
• Tourism Training segments for Suva, 4 to 9 December 2006, at various venues in Suva;
• Oceania Athletics Grand Prix, 9 to 11 December 2006, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Oceania Hockey Qualifiers for Olympics, 2007 - time to be confirmed, Suva;
• East Asia-Pacific Under 15 Cricket 8's tournament, 24 January to 29 January, 2007, Albert Park, Suva;
• World Netball Championships, 10 to 21 July 2007, Suva;
• Ocenia Women's Hockey Qualifiers for 2008 Olympic Games, from 10 September 2007, Suva;
• 18th Hobbie 16 World Championship, 10 to 20 October 2007, Suva & Pacific Harbour (venue to be confirmed);
• Queen Victoria School's 100th Anniversary Celebrations, November 2007.

Recurring Events:

• Masi Gallery – Contemporary masi costumes, including the wedding costume of Adi Litia Dugdale Mara, the daughter of Ratu Mara and display of bird paintings by William Belcher, Fiji Museum, Suva;
• Stormy Monday Blues Night, Mondays, from 9pm, Golden Dragon Nightclub, Victoria Parade;
• Suva Orchid and Horticultural Group Meeting, from 5.30pm, every first Monday of the month, Wesley Church, Butt Street, Suva;
• Latin Fitness Class, 6pm to 7pm, every Tuesdays, The Playhouse, Selbourne Street;
• Pottery demonstrations, every Tuesday and Thursday, and daily every first week of the month, Fiji Museum;
• Rasta Tuesday, from 9pm, Tuesdays, Golden Dragon Nightclub, Suva;
• Stage Sevens, Wednesdays, 5.45pm to 7.30pm, Auditorium, FIT Arts, Culture & Design, Carpenter Street, Raiwai (Tickets at the door at F$3.00, students and scholars F$2.00);
• Fiji Arts Club Dance Class, 6pm to 7pm, every Wednesdays, The Playhouse, Selbourne Street;
• Jazz at the Holiday Inn, every Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 6pm to 10pm, Holiday Inn;
• Rucksack Club Meeting, every second Wednesday of the month, from 6.45pm, St Andrew's Church Hall, Suva;
• Socrates Café where people gather to discuss and debate the topic of the month, first Thursday of each month, 7pm to 8.30pm, IMDVD, Sports City Mall, Laucala Bay (Topic this month : 'Your Personality and Character: Born or Developed?');
• French Conversation Group to practice your French, every Friday from 12.35pm to 1.35pm, Talanoa room, second floor of FAL building, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay (admission required - contact rankin_s@usp.ac.fj);
• Kid’s Creative Dance Classes, Term 3 starts Friday, 15 September 2006, from 2:30pm, Alliance Française, 14 McGregor Road;
• Soul, funk, disco and classics DJ music, from 8pm, Fridays, Traps Lounge, Victoria Parade;
• Velocity Cycling Ride, from 7am, every Saturday, leaves from The Roc, FNPF Dolphins Plaza;
• Arts Village Firewalking Show, starts 11am, every Saturday, Grandstand, Arts Village, Pacific Harbour;
• Waitui Cycles Ride, starts 6am, every Sunday, leaves from Waitui Cycles, Garden City;
• Sunday Church Services, 8am or 10.45am, Wesley Church, Butt Street;
• Jazz by the Beach, Sundays, 1pm to 5pm, Pearl South Pacific, Pacific Harbour.

For accommodation for any events, please check out a two bedroom rental home with seaviews in Suva on links at the right hand side of this blog or contact telephone (679) 3396427, (679) 9921427 or e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj directly. Those that wish to have their events included can contact me on the e-mail address provided above.

National Games for the Disabled today

Close to 600 athletes will participate in a one day "National Games for the Disabled" at the Post Fiji Stadium today. Athletes from 19 special education schools and institutions from around Fiji will participate. Events will focus on track and field events, volleyball and rugby for the hearing impaired. Competition will be in grades of below 9 years, 9 to 11 years, 12 to 14 years, and 15 years and over. Also taking part are 8 elite athletes who will be taking part in the FESPIC Games to be held at Kuala Lumpur on 25 November to 1 December 2006. The Suva program beings at 8am.

Suva to host East Asia-Pacific Under 15 Cricket 8's tournament

Suva will host the East Asia-Pacific Under 15 Cricket 8's tournament from 24 to 29 January at Albert Park. Competing countries will include Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Japan, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga, and the Cook Islands. The first such tournament was held in Melbourne in 2005 where PNG won, Vanuatu was 2nd and Fiji finished 3rd. Note from GV : For visitors who will be in Suva during that time, try out our two bedroom rental home for accommodation. The home has sea views, and provides a Personal Computer with Broadband Internet access complimentary for guests' use. Our special rate (inclusive of a 20% discount) is F$112.00 per night for the entire home. Check links at the right hand side of this blog for details on amenities provided and photos of the home. An on-line guestbook is also provided where you can read comments left by our previous guests. To contact us, you can e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj or call telephones +679 3396427 and +679 9921427.

Fiji Primary Schools Annual Athletics Meet scheduled for November 2006

The annual Fiji primary schools athletics competition will be held at the Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva, on 17 and 18 November, 2006. Primary school students have been preparing and gearing up for their annual event which is referred to locally as the Twisties Games (compared to the Coca Cola Games for secondary school students which is hosted around end April each year). Participating districts this year will be Suva, Ra, Lautoka, Tavua/Vatukoula, Nadi, Nadroga/Navosa, Kadavu, Koro, Rewa, Nasinu, Serua/Beqa, Tailevu North, Tailevu South, Taveuni, Yasawa, Wainibuka, Namosi and Cakaudrove/Bua/Macuata. Ra has been a force to reckon with in recent years providing stiff competition from the young athletes from Suva. Note from GV : If you plan to visit Suva during that time, check out our two bedroom rental home in Suva through links at the right hand side of this blog. Our contacts are : e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj or telephones +679 3396427 or +679 9921427.

Halloween Nite at the Arts Village - a special for Suva people

A Halloween Nite is being held on Saturday, 28 October 2006 at the Arts Village, Pacific Harbour. To attract people from Suva, the organisers are providing bus services, Suva-Pacific Harbour-Suva, for just F$5.00 return. For more details, call telephone +679 9922278. Check it out!

New Korean volunteers arrive

Eight Korean volunteers were welcomed at the Government Training Centre on Monday, 23 October 2006, bringing the total of Korean volunteers serving in Fiji to 26. The Korean volunteer program has the primary objective of contributing to the well-being of developing countries, promoting friendship between Korea and the host country and sharing knowledge and skills of Korean volunteers with people in developing countries. Korean volunteers in Fiji serve in various areas with one medical doctor working at Rakiraki Hospital since 1997. Fiji has gained immensely from the kindness of Korea, Japan, the USA, and Australia who have been sending their volunteers to Fiji for a good number of years.

Internet firm plans new wireless network

Unwired Fiji is testing a new wireless network aimed at the corporate market. The new Unwired Fiji Skyfibre network uses proprietary wireless technology that is to run parallel to the existing Broadband network. The new wireless network is to be launched in November 2006. Unwired said the new network was a fixed point to multi-point service ideal for high-end users who did not need the portability of the current network, which is designed for small to medium-level users. The new skyfibre network can offer almost unlimited speed and capacity and will cover a similar area to the current network. Note from GV : Unwired Fiji currently has a limited network range and is only available from Lami to the Valelevu, Nasinu area in the Suva area. Valelevu is located about 5 and a half miles from the Suva CBD. Our two bedroom rental home in Suva has a Personal Computer and Broadband Internet access provided complimentary for guests' use. Check links at the right hand side of this blog for more details.

Another concert by Bollywood stars

There will be another concert in Suva on 1 November 2006 hosted by Lalit Pandit and his musicians from Bollywood, India. Other performers will be Shaan, Amisha Patel and Sunidhi Chauhan. The concert will be held at the FMF Dome and will start at 7.30pm on that day. Tickets are available at South Pacific Recordings, Suva.

Korean Trade Show opens today

The first ever Korean Trade Show to be held in Fiji will open today at the Suva Civic Centre, Lower Auditorium in Suva. The show will boast a grand display and sale of Korean merchandise and assorted goods. Over 30 local and Korean companies will be involved in either showcasing products for which they are agents or displaying and selling their own. Korea is known for industrial products and members of the public will get to see Korean brands like Hyundai, Kia, Ssang Yong and electronic goods such as LG and Samsung. The show continues tomorrow with opening hours from around 10am to 10pm on both days. Apart from the main trade show, visitors will also get the opportunity to taste Korean dishes and snacks. Take time to visit the show to look and perhaps get some bargains.

LTA Velocity Cycling Race Series 2006

The LTA Velocity Cycling Series continues on Sunday, 29 October 2006, with a 4km cycling hill climb from Sawani to Colo-i-Suva. The race starts from Sawani (on the Nausori side of the Shell Service Station) there and will continue for 4km through the hills there and finish at Colo-i-Suva. The race starts is from 6am to 9am. Note from GV : Remember if you need accommodation in Suva, check out our two bedroom rental home with links at the right hand side of this blog. The home has seaviews and is equipped with a Personal Computer and Broadband Internet access for guests' use. To contact us, you can e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj or call telephone +679 3396427 or +679 9921427.

Mokosoi Fiji factory sale continues

The factory sale at Mokosoi Fiji continues from today, Tuesday, 24 October, to Saturday, 28 October 2006 at its outlet at Lot 24 Toti Street, Wailada, Lami, near Suva. Mokosoi Fiji are suppliers of Fiji's Pure Natural Coconut Collection. Opening hours are from 9am to 4pm (on each day). Visit the sale to get some bargains.

Suva to meet Naitasiri in Farebrother Cup Rugby Challenge

Suva will meet Naitasiri this Saturday in its bid to wrest the Farebrother Rugby Cup from neighbour's Naitasiri. Naitasiri is the current holder of the Cup after winning the Cup from Suva last year. Apart from the Farebrother challenge, the two teams will also play for the Highlanders Trophy. The match will also be used to select players for the Colonial Cup for which Suva and Naitasiri players play. The match will start at 3.30pm, Saturday, 28 October 2006.

National Darts Competition

The Cardos Fiji National Darts Singles Competition will be held on Saturday, 28 October and Sunday, 29 October 2006 at the China Club, Nasese, Suva. Registration closes today with an entry fee of F$5.00 per player. Contact Mahen Singh on +679 9445507 or Prem Chand on +679 9205808 for details.

Paddle Board Event Impressive

Local teams impressed organisers of the Inaugural Air Pacific Blue Water Classic event which was held at Pacific Harbour on Saturday. The event was held in a river instead of the open ocean. It attracted paddlers from USA, Australia, New Zealand, France and Japan with about 35 paddlers competing. Paddle Boarding is today amongst one of the fastest growing water sports in the world. After the success of the event, the organisers are now planning for the second event to be held next year.

Annesley Methodist School Old Scholars Day

The Annesley Methodist School Old Scholars will have their annual day celebrations at the school on Saturday, 28 October 2006, from 9.30am. Annesley is one of the oldest primary schools in Suva and is run by the Methodist Church of Fiji. Students from the school go onto Suva Methodist Primary School to complete their primary school education before going onto Dudley School. The school is located in Toorak, Suva, and is still housed in a couple of old wooden buildings. Former students of the school have gone onto become successful people in the many areas of society they contribute to.

Muslims to break fast tomorrow

Muslims celebrate Eid tomorrow, marking the end of the month-long Ramadan period of fasting. Eid is the end of a fasting period of about 29 to 30 days. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. All is done is praying and during that period Muslims have another kind of prayer in addition to the five that are usually done. Muslims believe that during Ramadan, their holy book, the Koran, was send down from heaven as guide for man and as a declaration and means of salvation. During Ramadan, the faithful are not allowed to eat or drink during daylight hours. At the end of the day, the fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the "Iftar". During the evening following the "Iftar", it is customary for Muslims to visit family and friends. The fast continues the next morning.

Oceania Hockey Qualifiers for Olympics to be hosted in Suva

The Fiji Hockey Federation will host the Oceania women's hockey qualifying tournament in Suva next year. The qualifiers are for the upcoming Olympic Games to be held in Beijing, China, in 2008. The national women's team defending the gold medal at the South Pacific Games next year will go straight into the qualifying tournament after the Apia games next year. The Fiji Federation said it was a good opportunity for the Fiji women's team to play against Australia, one of the top teams in the world. The event will be held from 10 September 2007. Entries are expected from Australia, New Zealand and the two top teams from the 2007 South Pacific Games hockey tournament. The winner of the tournament automatically qualifies for the Olympic Games. Note from GV : To book your accommodation in Suva in advance for this event, check out our two bedroom rental home's links at the right hands side of this blog and then e-mail us on gilbert@connect.com.fj or telephone +679 3396427 or +679 9921427.

Korean Trade Show in Suva

A Trade Show co-hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Fiji Korea Council will be held on Wednesday, 25 October and Thursday, 26 October 2006 at the Suva Civic Centre, Lower Auditorium. Details are provided below :

• Opening hours : Wednesday, 25 October 2006, from 11am to 10pm and Thursday, 26 October 2006, from 10am to 10pm;
• On display and sale will be a range of Korean merchandise including cars (Hyundai, Kia, Ssang Yong), electronic goods (LG, Samsung, etc), textile, shoes, food, etc;
• Admission is free.

Get some bargains there!

Note from GV : If you require accommodation in Suva, our two bedroom rental home is available. Check links at the right hand side of this blog, for details on amenities provided and photos of the home. A 20% discount applies for all bookings up to 31 March 2007. To contact us, you can e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj or call telephone numbers +679 3396427 or +679 9921427.

Pacific Arts, the Way Forward : The Case of Tongan Music Seminar

The Pacific Institute of Advanced Studies in Development and Governance and the Oceania Centre for Arts and Culture of the University of the South Pacific is hosting a seminar on "Pacific Arts, the Way Forward : The Case of Tongan Music" by Dr Okusitino Mahina, Lecturer in Pacific Political Economy & Pacific Arts, University of Auckland. The seminar will explore some of the aesthetic, pragmatic and hypnotic qualities of traditional classical Tongan music, in the broader context of aesthetics, defined as the science of beauty, with a view to reflectively develop a way forward for Pacific arts. It will be held on Wednesday, 25 October 2006, from 1pm to 2pm at the Oceania Centre for Arts and Culture, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva. Light refreshments will be served. For more information contact Ms Arati Sudhakar, telephone +679 3232655 or e-mail sudhakar_a@usp.ac.fj. Note from GV : For accommodation in a two bedroom rental home with Broadband Internet access in Suva, check links at the right hand side of this blog for details on amenities and photos and e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj. A 20% discount applies for all bookings up to 31 March 2007.

Indian Musicians Concert in November

Sumeet Tappoo and other top Indian musicians will be performing in Suva in November. The concert will be held on Wednesday, 15 November 2006, from 7.30pm at the Suva Civic Centre. Tickets are F$20.00 per person and are available from Dharma Nand on telephone +679 3590912 or +679 9264145, South Pacific Recordings Suva, or the Procera Music Shop, Harifam Centre, Suva. Note from GV : If you need accommodation in Suva, check out our two bedroom rental home in Suva which is going at a 20% discount on the rate per night. The home has seaviews and provides a Personal Computer together with Broadband Internet access for guests' use. To contact us, you can e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj or call telephone +679 3396427 or +679 9921427.

Fijian-English dictionary launched

The "Macquarie Dictionary of English for the Fijian Islands" was launched yesterday in Suva. The trilingual dictionary is in English, Fijian and Hindi. The dictionary would be of good use to tourists who come to Fiji as they would be able to use it to get the Fijian or Hindi translation of English words. The fact that most people in Fiji speak English has also helped our tourism. The dictionary also contains common language used on the streets of Fiji e.g. "Uro". The dictionary is available at the Fiji Times office in Suva and is being sold at the introductory price of F$32.50 for a hard cover copy and F$22.50 for a soft cover. For enquiries about mail order, call Foto Ledua on telephone +679 3221675 or e-mail dictionary@fijitimes.com.fj.

Upcoming Events in Suva (Updated 20.10.06)

The following events are scheduled for Suva: One-off Events:

• Mara Mira The Honeymoon Boat in the Sayawa Garden, a globe-trotting art project that evolves at each destination through collaborations with local artists, opening 6pm, Friday, 29 September 2006 to Wednesday, 21 October 2006, UN Garden, in front of the Suva Olympic Pool, Victoria Parade;
• Art Exhibition ‘Kishore Lal & Boogey Gibbons - A New Fijian Urban Art Collection’, Saturday, 14 October 2006, opening 7pm, and runs to Tuesday, 24 October 2006. Opening times - Monday toThursday, 9am to 5pm; Friday and Saturday, 10am to 1.30pm, Alliance Française, 14 McGregor Road, Suva;
• Mokosoi Fiji, suppliers of Fiji's Pure Natural Coconut Collection, Factory Clearance Sale, Friday, 20 October, and Saturday, 21 October 2006, from 9am to 4pm (on each day), Lot 24 Toti Street, Wailada, Lami, near Suva;
• Korean Trade Show co-hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Fiji Korea Council, Wednesday, 25 October 2006, 11am to 10pm, and Thursday, 26 October 2006, 10am to 10pm, Suva Civic Centre, Lower Auditorium;
• Seminar: Pacific Arts, the Way Forward: The Case of Tongan Music, Wednesday, 25 October 2006, 1pm to 2pm, Oceania Centre for Arts and Culture, USP, Laucala Campus, Suva;
• Funk/Hip Hop class, Wednesday, 25 October 2006, 6pm to 7pm, The Playhouse, Selbourne Street, Suva;
• Celebrations for the island of Matuku in the Lau Group, Friday, 27 October, and Saturday, 28 October, 2006, Sukuna Park, Suva;
• Fiji Institute of Directors Business Luncheon to discuss Corporate Governance, Friday, 27 October 2006, from 12.30pm, Holiday Inn, Suva (Guest Speaker : Ms Helen Lynch, a director of Westpac Banking Corporation, Pacific Brand Limited and Molecular Bioscience, Australia and Chairman of Westpac Responsibility & Sustainability Committee);
• Alliance Francaise Photo Training Workshop with professional photographer, Adi Nacola, Saturday, 28 October 2006, from 8.30am to 6pm, Alliance Francaise, 14 McGregor Road, Suva (Fee is F$6.00 per person);
• Westpac Businesswomen's Awards Night, Friday, 27 October 2007, from 6.30pm, Tradewinds Convention Centre, Lami, near Suva;
• Fiji Swimming Grand Prix, 28 October 2006, Suva (to feature distance events of 800m and 1,500m);
• Fiji Golf Club Open Tournament, Saturday, 28 October, and Sunday, 29 October 2006, Fiji Golf Club, Vatuwaqa, Suva;
• Alliance Francaise organised photo contest with theme, "Smiles of Fiji", deadline for entries, Wednesday, 15 November 2006, Alliance Francaise, 14 McGregor Road, Suva;
• Sumeet Tappoo (and other top Indian musicians) Concert, Wednesday, 15 November 2006, from 7.30pm, Suva Civic Centre;
• Marist Gala Dinner to celebrate the work of the Marist Brothers in Fiji, Saturday, 18 November 2006, from 6.30pm, Holiday Inn, Suva;
• Alliance Francaise organised photo contest with theme, "Smiles of Fiji", display of the best photos from the contest, Friday, 24 November 2006, Alliance Francaise, 14 McGregor Road, Suva;
• Bulafiji.com Under 18 Rugby League Competition, 1 to 30 November, Suva; Fiji International Volleyball Tournament, 27 November to 2 December, Suva;
• World Netball Championships, 10 to 21 July 2007, Suva;
• Ocenia Women's Hockey Qualifiers for 2008 Olympic Games, from 10 September 2007, Suva;
• 18th Hobbie 16 World Championship, 10 to 20 October 2007, Suva & Pacific Harbour (venue to be confirmed);
• Queen Victoria School's 100th Anniversary Celebrations, November 2007.

Recurring Events:

• Masi Gallery – Contemporary masi costumes, including the wedding costume of Adi Litia Dugdale Mara, the daughter of Ratu Mara and display of bird paintings by William Belcher, Fiji Museum, Suva;
• Stormy Monday Blues Night, Mondays, from 9pm, Golden Dragon Nightclub, Victoria Parade;
• Suva Orchid and Horticultural Group Meeting, from 5.30pm, every first Monday of the month, Wesley Church, Butt Street, Suva;
• Latin Fitness Class, 6pm to 7pm, every Tuesdays, The Playhouse, Selbourne Street;
• Pottery demonstrations, every Tuesday and Thursday, and daily every first week of the month, Fiji Museum;
• Rasta Tuesday, from 9pm, Tuesdays, Golden Dragon Nightclub, Suva;
• Stage Sevens, Wednesdays, 5.45pm to 7.30pm, Auditorium, FIT Arts, Culture & Design, Carpenter Street, Raiwai (Tickets at the door at F$3.00, students and scholars F$2.00);
• Fiji Arts Club Dance Class, 6pm to 7pm, every Wednesdays, The Playhouse, Selbourne Street;
• Jazz at the Holiday Inn, every Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 6pm to 10pm, Holiday Inn;
• Rucksack Club Meeting, every second Wednesday of the month, from 6.45pm, St Andrew's Church Hall, Suva;
• Socrates Café where people gather to discuss and debate the topic of the month. This months topic is ‘Do I Exist?’, first Thursday of each month, 7pm to 8.30pm, IMDVD, Sports City Mall, Laucala Bay;
• French Conversation Group to practice your French, every Friday from 12.35pm to 1.35pm, Talanoa room, second floor of FAL building, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay (admission required - contact rankin_s@usp.ac.fj);
• Kid’s Creative Dance Classes, Term 3 starts Friday, 15 September 2006, from 2:30pm, Alliance Française, 14 McGregor Road;
• Soul, funk, disco and classics DJ music, from 8pm, Fridays, Traps Lounge, Victoria Parade; Velocity Cycling Ride, from 7am, every Saturday, leaves from The Roc, FNPF Dolphins Plaza;
• Arts Village Firewalking Show, starts 11am, every Saturday, Grandstand, Arts Village, Pacific Harbour;
• Waitui Cycles Ride, starts 6am, every Sunday, leaves from Waitui Cycles, Garden City;
• Sunday Church Services, 8am or 10.45am, Wesley Church, Butt Street;
• Jazz by the Beach, Sundays, 1pm to 5pm, Pearl South Pacific, Pacific Harbour.

For accommodation for any events, please check out a two bedroom rental home with seaviews in Suva on links at the right hand side of this blog or contact telephone (679) 3396427, (679) 9921427 or e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj directly. Those that wish to have their events included can contact me on the e-mail address provided above.

Mokosoi Products Sale

Mokosoi Fiji, suppliers of Fiji's Pure Natural Coconut Collection, will have a factory clearance sale today, 20 October and tomorrow, 21 October 2006, from 9am to 4pm (on each day), at Lot 24 Toti Street, Wailada, Lami, near Suva. Many products will be sold at reduced charges. For those that buy these products, pls visit the sale to check out the bargains.

Westpac Businesswomen's Awards 2006

The annual Westpac Businesswomen's Awards to recognise and award women's achievements in Fiji will be held on Friday, 27 October 2007, at the Tradewinds Convention Centre, from 6.30pm. Tickets are on sale at F$100.00 each or a table for ten at F$1,000.00. For more details or to book call Jyoti Maharaj, Westpac, on telephone +679 3217444. Note from GV : Check out our two bedroom rental home in Suva for accommodation during your stay through links at the right hand side of this blog. Our contacts are : e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj and telephone +679 3396427 or +679 9921427.

Fiji Golf Club Open Tournament later this month

The Fiji Golf Club Open Tournament will be held on Saturday, 28 October, and Sunday, 29 October 2006 at the Fiji Golf Club, Vatuwaqa, Suva. Competitiion is expected to be stiff with some very good upcoming young golfers entering the tournament. Entry fee is F$50.00 and includes two breakfasts, two lunches and the prize-giving cocktail on Sunday. Entries close on 25 October 2006. Contact the Fiji Golf Club on telephone +679 3381184. Note from GV : Check out our two bedroom rental home through links at the right hand side of this blog, if you need accommodation. Our rate per night (inclusive of a 20% discount) is F$112.00. The home has a Personal computer and Broadband Internet access provided complimentary for guests' use. For those that need accommodation for Christmas and New Year, enquire early. To contact us, you can e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj or call telephone +679 3396427 or +679 9921427.

Subscribe to e-mail alerts from this blog

You can now subscribe to e-mail alerts of updates we make to our blog by typing your e-mail address and hitting the "Subscribe" key in the box above. As we update our blog, you will be sent an alert to your e-mail. You need to get back to our blog to read the updates in detail. We hope that this added service will be useful to you.

Diwali - the Festival of Lights

The Diwali illuminations with lighted diyas bring the supernatural brightness and joy with the hope of finding light in darkness, achieving knowledge where there is ignorance and spreading love amidst hatred. Diwali is also known as the Festival of Lights. Light is significant in Hinduism because it signifies goodness. So, during the Festival of Lights, 'deeps', or oil lamps, are burned throughout the day and into the night to ward off darkness and evil. Home are filled with these oil lamps, candles and lights. Some people use decorated lights candles, some decorated diya or clay lamps, and other decorative lights and put them in their windows for the festival. Traditionally, people used 'earthern lamps' with cotton wicks and oil to light up the dark night. As man progresses, tradition gives way to modernity with earthern lamps now replaced by candles of various colours and forms. Electric lights of different shapes and sizes have also come in. The idea behind the Festival of Lights comes from various versions of an ancient Hindu story. In northern India, the tale tells about Lord Rama's return from a 12-year exile and the celebration by the people for their beloved hero. The pious and rejoicing people decorated their city with candles and lights to welcome him back. In southern India, the story talks of Goddess Durga's triumph over the evil demon, Narakasura. This triumph of good over evil brought back the light of knowledge and truth to mankind. In Suva, Diwali celebrations have become contemporary in keeping with the changing times. Until a decade ago, most city households used to illuminate their houses with the warm, sparkling bright lights of earthern lamps. Now, in addition to these diyas, wax candles of various colours and forms and coloured electric lights of different shapes and sizes are used. Catch a glimpse of these lights by taking a walk or ride around on Saturday evening.

Diwali to be celebrated this Saturday

Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, will be celebrated by all Hindus in Fiji this Saturday. The festival is celebrated once a year and is the time when all Hindu homes are adorned with lights, "diyas" and the families light firecrackers. There has been a ban of heavy firecrackers in recent years after accidents claiming some lives of those using them. However, it can be expected that Hindus will not let the ban hinder their enjoyment of the festival as they celebrate the victory of good over evil. If you are lucky enough, an Hindu friend or family may invite you to their home to be part of the celebrations and taste some good Indian sweets and cooking. Otherwise, if you live next to a Hindu family, it is the time when they share sweets and other food with their neighbours - so expect some. For those with cars, it is always a good time to drive around in the early evening to watch all the fancy light displays by all Hindu homes. Have fun!

Athletics Competition

An athletics competition for national squad members and interested secondary school and primary school students will be held on Friday, 20 October 2006, at the Post Fiji Stadium. The program, which starts at 5.30pm, will feature the following events :

• shot put;
• long jump;
• 100 m sprint;
• 5,000 m distance run;
• 800 m distance run;
• 400 m hurdles;
• triple jump;
• discuss;
• 200 m sprint;
• 4 x 100 m relay.

If you wish to see some good competition from our youth, be there!

Harvest Volleyball Tournament

The Harvest Volleyball tournament for men and women will be held on Saturday, 21 October 2006, at the Multipurpose Courts, Laucala Bay, Suva. Contact Netani Talemaitoga on telephone +679 9217435 or Paula Suguturaga on telephone +679 9261581 for more details.

Learn to Swim for Charity

Learn to Swim program for beginners to stroke correction will have a 3 day class from Monday, 16 October 2006 to Wednesday, 18 October 2006. Classes are at : 6am to 8am, and 5pm to 7pm. There are 30 minutes sessions per class. Fees are as follows :

• 3 by 3 day sessions, F$10.00;
• 6 by 3 day sessions, F$20.00.

To book, call Caroline on telephone +679 9203215. All money will be donated to the Aids Council of Fiji.

Regional Conference on Institutions, Globalisation, and their Impacts on Labour Markets in Pacific Island Countries

The Faculty of Business and Economics, School of Economics, University of the South Pacific and the European Union is holding a Regional Conference on Institutions, Globalisation, and their Impacts on Labour Markets in Pacific Island Countries from 17 to 19 October 2006 at the USP's Laucala Campus in Suva. The conference will deal with labour market institutions and the impact of global economic integration on the Pacific Island countries bringing into focus contemporary issues affecting the labour market in these countries with respect to changes in the global economic environment. The conference will include two types of sessions : Plenary sessions where policy papers will be presented while more technical academic papers will be presented during paper sessions. Members of the public and other interested parties are invited to attend. Enquiries to Associate Professor, Dr Mahendra Reddy, telephone +679 3232089 or e-mail reddy_m@usp.ac.fj or Mr Rajiv Naidu, telephone +679 3232522 or e-mail naidu_r@usp.ac.fj.

Alliance Francaise Photo Training Workshop

The Alliance Francaise is organising a Photo Training Workshop with professional photographer, Adi Nacola, for those who are interested in taking part in the 2006 Alliance Francaise Photo Contest (Theme : Smiles of Fiji) and have no experience in photography technique. The Workshop will be held on Saturday, 28 October 2006, from 8.30am to 6pm at the Alliance Francaise, 14 McGregor Road, Suva. Fee is F$6.00 per person. Limited seats available. For more information, contact the Cultural Assistant, Alliance Francaise de Suva, telephone +679 3313802 or e-mail allifra@connect.com.fj.

A person's opinion on laziness and kava drinking

We provide below a quote of a person's opinion on laziness and kava drinking.

• "It is definitely 'scapegoating' if we blame yaqona (or kava) for our laziness. Yaqona is not the problem. People are. We learnt that lesson from Dennis Boddy with whom we worked in the late '60s. Now and again our office staff would go and have "a pint" at the GPH Sports Bar. And when they leave after a pint, Mr Boddy would tell us : 'Make sure that everyone turns up to work tomorrow, because I will not take any drunkenness excuse from anyone.' Exactly. Why blame the beer if we are just lazy to drag ourselves out of our beds because the pints turned into gallons last evening? We eventually got the message, which was to avoid drunkenness, not to drink too much and be dedicated to our profession. He advocated temperance rather than abstitence. Then the abstitence people came in, and inadvertently brought in a yaqona-drinking culture in lieu of beer drinking, which kept people up all night and got them so doped that they become zombies of sort. Even so it is still a personal choice, isn't it? So why blame yaqona? People just need to be disciplined and control their yaqona consumption. Excessive yaqona drinking is a contributor I agree. But people are the problem, aren't they? People are not helpless and people can combat it come what may." A Naigulevu, Tamavua, Suva.

Anyone has any comment on this? Post your comments on this blog.

Upcoming Events in Suva (Updated 13.10.06)

The following events are scheduled for Suva: One-off Events:

• Mara Mira The Honeymoon Boat in the Sayawa Garden, a globe-trotting art project that evolves at each destination through collaborations with local artists, opening 6pm, Friday, 29 September 2006 to Wednesday, 21 October 2006, UN Garden, in front of the Suva Olympic Pool, Victoria Parade;
• Women in Sport Commission "Gender Equity Workshop", Friday, 13 October and Saturday, 14 October 2006, at the Fiji Association of Sports & National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) Office. (Invitation extended to all interested women in sport. Call FASANOC on telephone +679 3303525 or e-mail fasanoc@fasanoc.org.fj for more details);
• Cycling - The Centry Plus Ride (110km) from Suva to Korovou and return via Colo-i-Suva, Sunday, 15 October 2006, starting 6am, from Waitui Cycles, Garden City, Raiwai, Suva (contact John Chandler, on telephone +679 3372419 or Yee Wah Sing on +679 9927152;
• Fiji Hindu Society Diwali Celebrations, Saturday, 14 October 2006, starting 6.30pm, Kshatriya Hall, Desvouex Road, Suva (Tickets are F$7.00 per person. Contact Salesh Kumar on telephone +679 3232879 for tickets);
• Art Exhibition ‘Kishore Lal & Boogey Gibbons - A New Fijian Urban Art Collection’, Saturday, 14 October 2006, opening 7pm, and runs to Tuesday, 24 October 2006. Opening times - Monday toThursday, 9am to 5pm; Friday and Saturday, 10am to 1.30pm, Alliance Française, 14 McGregor Road, Suva;
• Learn to Swim Program 3-day Class from Monday, 16 October 2006, to Wednesday, 18 October 2006, from 6am to 8am, and 5pm to 7pm (Call Caroline on telephone +679 9203215);
• Faculty of Business and Economics, School of Economics, University of the South Pacific and the European Union's Regional Conference on Institutions, Globalisation, and their Impacts on Labour Markets in Pacific Island Countries, from Tuesday, 17 October, to Thursday, 19 October 2006, USP's Laucala Campus, Suva (Enquiries to Associate Professor, Dr Mahendra Reddy, telephone +679 3232089 or e-mail reddy_m@usp.ac.fj or Mr Rajiv Naidu, telephone +679 3232522 or e-mail naidu_r@usp.ac.fj);
• Cinema night ‘Jeanne and the Perfect Guy’, Wednesday, 18 October 2006, from 7.30pm, Alliance Française, 14 McGregor Road, Suva;
• Funk/Hip Hop class, Wednesday, 18 October 2006, 6pm to 7pm, The Playhouse, Selbourne Street, Suva;
• Triathlon - to include Olympic 750/20/5, Short sprint 300/10/3, Junior event 300/3/1, Cycle event 20km, Duathlon (any two events), Sunday, 22 October 2006, National Aquatic Centre, Laucala Bay, Suva (contact Ian on telephone +679 9995625 or Clive on telephone +679 9924868;
• Celebrations for the island of Matuku in the Lau Group, Friday, 27 October, and Saturday, 28 October, 2006, Sukuna Park, Suva;
• Fiji Institute of Directors Business Luncheon to discuss Corporate Governance, Friday, 27 October 2006, from 12.30pm, Holiday Inn, Suva (Guest Speaker : Ms Helen Lynch, a director of Westpac Banking Corporation, Pacific Brand Limited and Molecular Bioscience, Australia and Chairman of Westpac Responsibility & Sustainability Committee);
• Alliance Francaise Photo Training Workshop with professional photographer, Adi Nacola, Saturday, 28 October 2006, from 8.30am to 6pm, Alliance Francaise, 14 McGregor Road, Suva (Fee is F$6.00 per person);
• Fiji Swimming Grand Prix, 28 October 2006, Suva (to feature distance events of 800m and 1,500m);
• Alliance Francaise organised photo contest with theme, "Smiles of Fiji", deadline for entries, Wednesday, 15 November 2006, Alliance Francaise, 14 McGregor Road, Suva;
• Marist Gala Dinner to celebrate the work of the Marist Brothers in Fiji, Saturday, 18 November 2006, from 6.30pm, Holiday Inn, Suva;
• Alliance Francaise organised photo contest with theme, "Smiles of Fiji", display of the best photos from the contest, Friday, 24 November 2006, Alliance Francaise, 14 McGregor Road, Suva;
• Bulafiji.com Under 18 Rugby League Competition, 1 to 30 November, Suva;
• Fiji International Volleyball Tournament, 27 November to 2 December, Suva;
• World Netball Championships, 10 to 21 July 2007, Suva;
• 18th Hobbie 16 World Championship, 10 to 20 October 2007, Suva & Pacific Harbour (venue to be confirmed);
• Queen Victoria School's 100th Anniversary Celebrations, November 2007.

Recurring Events:

• Masi Gallery – Contemporary masi costumes, including the wedding costume of Adi Litia Dugdale Mara, the daughter of Ratu Mara and display of bird paintings by William Belcher, Fiji Museum, Suva;
• Stormy Monday Blues Night, Mondays, from 9pm, Golden Dragon Nightclub, Victoria Parade;
• Suva Orchid and Horticultural Group Meeting, from 5.30pm, every first Monday of the month, Wesley Church, Butt Street, Suva;
• Latin Fitness Class, 6pm to 7pm, every Tuesdays, The Playhouse, Selbourne Street;
• Pottery demonstrations, every Tuesday and Thursday, and daily every first week of the month, Fiji Museum;
• Rasta Tuesday, from 9pm, Tuesdays, Golden Dragon Nightclub, Suva;
• Stage Sevens, Wednesdays, 5.45pm to 7.30pm, Auditorium, FIT Arts, Culture & Design, Carpenter Street, Raiwai (Tickets at the door at F$3.00, students and scholars F$2.00); Fiji Arts Club Dance Class, 6pm to 7pm, every Wednesdays, The Playhouse, Selbourne Street;
• Jazz at the Holiday Inn, every Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 6pm to 10pm, Holiday Inn;
• Rucksack Club Meeting, every second Wednesday of the month, from 6.45pm, St Andrew's Church Hall, Suva;
• Socrates Café where people gather to discuss and debate the topic of the month. This months topic is ‘Do I Exist?’, first Thursday of each month, 7pm to 8.30pm, IMDVD, Sports City Mall, Laucala Bay;
• French Conversation Group to practice your French, every Friday from 12.35pm to 1.35pm, Talanoa room, second floor of FAL building, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay (admission required - contact rankin_s@usp.ac.fj);
• Kid’s Creative Dance Classes, Term 3 starts Friday, 15 September 2006, from 2:30pm, Alliance Française, 14 McGregor Road;
• Soul, funk, disco and classics DJ music, from 8pm, Fridays, Traps Lounge, Victoria Parade;
• Velocity Cycling Ride, from 7am, every Saturday, leaves from The Roc, FNPF Dolphins Plaza;
• Arts Village Firewalking Show, starts 11am, every Saturday, Grandstand, Arts Village, Pacific Harbour;
• Waitui Cycles Ride, starts 6am, every Sunday, leaves from Waitui Cycles, Garden City;
• Sunday Church Services, 8am or 10.45am, Wesley Church, Butt Street;
• Jazz by the Beach, Sundays, 1pm to 5pm, Pearl South Pacific, Pacific Harbour.

For accommodation for any events, please check out a two bedroom rental home with seaviews in Suva on links at the right hand side of this blog or contact telephone (679) 3396427, (679) 9921427 or e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj directly. Those that wish to have their events included can contact me on the e-mail address provided above.

Artistic talents of Fiji's future generation should soar

The Ministry of Education has formally introduced a new curriculum framework for schools by introducing Expressive and Creative Arts as a subject to enhance asthetic and creative skills of students. Bonus grants were made to schools who participated at the recent "Tadra Kahani" festival. According to organisers, Tadra Kahani 2006 was a success as more than 12,000 people turned up to watch the event at the FMF Dome, Laucala Bay, Suva. About 2,000 students participated in the 2-day event. The festival is something that students and adults alike look forward to to view the artistic, creative and production skills of students as their produce their own skits, plays, drama and dance around a theme which is given by the festival's organisers. With Government going out to promote and encourage the Audio-Visual and Film Industry in Fiji, we should hope that the encouragement of such skills in our young will augur well to promote Fiji's artistic and expressive skills and talent.

A National Arts Festival suggested for Fiji

The 3rd Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival has come to an end in Suva. The Festival ended on Wednesday, 11 October 2006, with a finale closing ceremony at the Post Fiji Stadium at Laucala Bay in Suva. We provide below a copy of a letter to the Editor of the Fiji Times which was published in today's paper. Here it is :

• "The recent Melanesian Arts Festival brought out the best of Melanesia through performances, displays and exhibitions. Now that it's over, Fiji should consider having one of its own - a national arts festival. This will be an excellent way to protect and preserve the unique identities and ways of life of the peoples of this nation. Sadly, an increasing number of young cannot even speak their mother tongue fluently or have limited knowledge of basic aspects of their culture. A national arts festival will have additional benefits, such as promoting improved understanding of cultural values and indirectly, promote unity among members of society. The festival could raise awareness of the different lifestyles throughout Fiji, including those in coastal areas, rural areas and outer islands. If planned and executed properly, the festival could be a tourist attraction in future. There should be no reason why Fiji cannot host a national arts festival. The planning and expense involved should not be a deterrent because our cultures are priceless. More so, it ensures our future generations will be well informed of their identities and are good ambassadors." Floyd Robin Robinson, Hamilton, New Zealand.

Well ....... we could not agree more. Let us hope that the Fiji Government's Ministries of Fijian Affairs and Multi-Ethnic Affairs take this suggestion up. The Festival provided a background for the various ethnic groups to come together at the related celebrations for Fiji's Independence Day - something which has not been seen since the 1970s and early 1980s when multiracialism was alive and well in Fiji. Let's look forward to a national arts festival from 2007.

Our rates compared to Tanoa Plaza Suva

Tanoa Plaza advertises today it's rate per night (excluding taxes) of F$150.00 and for the weekends of F$140.00. The rate is for single occupancy only. And this is all for a single room in a hotel. Our current special rate per night (inclusive of a 20% discount being offered as a promotion to 31 March, 2007) is F$112.00. And what does that get you? Yes, the following:

• accommodation in a beautifully designed two bedroom rental home with seaviews;
• plush sofa and two comfortable double beds - one in each bedroom;
• dining and cooking utensils as the apartment is self catering which means you save on the expensive prices at a hotel's restaurant;
• free start up pack inclusive of coffee/cocoa, tea, milk, sugar, salt & pepper, hand towel, toilet paper; soaps; dishwashing liquid/paste;
• a Personal Computer and Broadband Internet Access provided complimentary for guests' use;
• a writing table for your business or holiday correspondence;
• Sky TV;
• free local calls;
• a free daily newspaper for guests staying over two weeks;
• 3 free sessions per week at the Hyndai Fitness Centre or the National Aquatic Centre (or a combination of both) for guests staying over four weeks.

Plus,

• the rate applies to a maximum number of guests in the home of 4 people; and
• taxes are included in the advertised rate.

Research has shown that vacation rentals or private homes are more cheaper and more plush than those hotel rooms. So, do you still want to stay at that hotel? To check out details on amenities provided and photos of the home, pls click on the appropriate links at the right hand side of this blog. If you wish to contact us, you can e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj or call telephone numbers (679) 3396427 or (679) 9921427.

Luncheon to discuss Corporate Governance

The Fiji Institute of Directors hosts a business luncheon on Friday, 27 October 2006, from 12.30pm at the Holiday Inn, Suva. The topic to be discussed during the luncheon is Corporate Governance and the Guest Speaker will be Ms Helen Lynch. Ms Lynch is a director of Westpac Banking Corporation, Pacific Brand Limited and Molecular Bioscience, Australia. She is also Chairman of Westpac Responsibility & Sustainability Committee and is a former director of Coles Myer Limited, Southcorp Limited and OPSM Group. Luncheon tickets are F$35.00 per person or F$350.00 for a table for 10. Contact Lavenia Vuatalevu on telephone (679) 3217616 for further information or to secure a ticket.

Matuku Day Celebrations later this month

The island of Matuku in the Lau Group will hold their celebrations at Sukuna Park, Suva, on Friday, 27 October and Saturday, 28 October, 2006. Pls visit the park on those days to be entertained by traditional dances from that island and also an opportunity to buy art and handicraft the island is known for.

New Caledonian band vows crowd at the Melanesian Festival

New Caledonia's Peuuadedu band has been a hit with the crowd since it started playing at the Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival in Suva. A band member said it was interesting to see the reaction from the crowd when the band took the stage. The 7-member band plays music with a reggae influence and sing in their own dialect. "We do really enjoy the reaction from the crowd and I can say that the Fiji crowd is the best. We can really tell that they do have a passion for music and it feels good to see the smiles on their faces when we sing. What makes our singing unique is that we sing in our own "kanak" language and I think that is what the Fiji fans like", the band member said. He said the band members looked forward to every outing especially during the lunch hour shows at Sukuna Park, Suva. Another band that is also a crowd favourite is X-BEATS from Papua New Guinea. The 8-member band vows to keep the crowd on their feet until they return next week. Meanwhile, there will be multicultural displays, songs and dances at Albert Park this morning to celebrate Fiji's 36th Anniversary since gaining Independence from Great Britain. The show will be preceded by a military tattoo. If you would like to watch some interesting dances from Fiji's multicultural community and from the visiting Melanesian delegations, be at Albert Park this morning.

Melanesian Festival an opportunity for relatives to meet

Traditional art and cultures are not the only things that are being strengthened at the Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival underway in Suva. Family links and traditional ties are also being made between long-lost relatives. Ema Vakabu, a lady in Suva, always knew that she had links in the Solomon Islands but had never met any of her relatives from there. Mrs Valabu is of Solomon Islands origin and has spent all her life living in a small Solomon community at Wailoku, outside Suva. Mrs Vakabu was at Marcellin Primary School as she tried to trace her roots and in the process met up with a nephew. She was there to invite some of the delegation to have lunch with her family at home. Mrs Vakabu was happy to have met her nephew, Peter Kennedy at the school. Peter's father is Mrs Vakabu's cousin. They are from Lau, Malaita. Mrs Vakabu's parents were the first in their family to settle in Fiji. Note from GV : Check out our two bedroom rental home in Suva with seaviews through links at the right hand side of this blog. A 20% discount applies to all bookings up to 31 March 2007. Christmas and New Year is currently available. To contact us, you can e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj or call (679) 3396427 or (679) 9921427.

Multi-cultural events to feature on Fiji Day celebrations in Suva

Fiji Day celebrations in Suva tomorrow will be marked by a range of multicultural dance items and songs. It will feature entertainment from the Chinese, Rotuman, Indian, Wallis and Futuna, Banaban and Fijian communities. Thirty participants will show off culinary arts in a food preparation demonstration when the program gets underway at 10am at Albert Park. Villagers of Lau, Bua, Cakaudrove, Nadroga and Vatulele will put their crafts on display and singer, Saimoni Vuatalevu, will perform from 12pm to 3pm. Go watch a range of multi-cultural events and items tomorrow at Albert Park. Oh by the way, there's that beautiful military tatoo to watch as well in the morning. Check out the detailed program of celebrations in an entry on 5 October 2006 on this blog. Note from GV : Remember our 20% discount on offer for booking our two bedroom rental home in Suva. The home has a Personal Computer and Broadband Internet access provided complimentary for guests' use. The applicable rate is F$112.00 per night and the promotion runs up to 31 March 2007. Check out links at the right hand side of this blog for details on amenities provided and photos of the home. Then e-mail us on gilbert@connect.com.fj to enquire and book your preferred dates. Keep reading this blog to see what is coming up in Suva.

Colours liven up Suva

The city of Suva, Fiji, came alive yesterday as the colours of the Melanesian people were displayed in various ways in a march through the capital's main streets. People from all walks of life lined both sides of the streets to view a colourful parade by delegates of the 3rd Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival currently being held in Suva. The delegation from a highland tribe of Papua New Guinea led the march with their traditional costumes and chants. The PNG Manus or coastal people displayed their traditional dance on a float decorated with betel nuts. The Solomon Islands delegation serenaded the procession with their harmonious bamboo pipes and melodious string band. New Caledonians lit up the city with their bright orange dresses and shirts accompanied by their war chants performed by their men. The Vanuatu delegation showcased the relationship between people and the environment with the colourful masks they were wearing. The Fiji delegation was led by Ratu Popi Cakobau, a descendant of Ratu Seru Cakobau of Bau. The delegation showed off the chiefly costumes of some of the provinces in Fiji. Fiji's Independence Day celebrations continue tomorrow at Albert Park. See detailed program of celebrations in an entry on 5 October 2006 on this blog.

Torres Strait Islanders dance at festival

Deep Sea dancers from the Torres Strait islands put on a display at the 3rd Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival currently being held in Suva, Fiji. The 15-member delegation is the smallest team to be represented at the festival but that did not deter them from performing their best at the event. The group comes from the eastern side of the Torres Straits, an island known as Murray Island. However, they have all moved to Thursday Island, which is the centre of administration for Torres Straits. The delegation leader said what caught their attention during the festival was the friendliness of the people of Fiji. She said that everyone seemed just willing to help and that they were blessed to be here and be part of the Melanesian family. The festival continues on Monday, 9 October 2006 and will run until Wednesday, 11 October 2006, before a closing ceremony at the Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva, at 7pm that day. Check out the stalls and buy yourself some souvenir from the Melanesian Islands if you are or intend to come to Suva. The detailed program for the festival is on an entry on 4 October 2006 on this blog. Note from GV : Visitors to Suva can book our two bedroom rental home with seaviews. The home has a Personal Computer and Broadband Internet access provided complimentary for guests' use. On offer is a 20% discount on the rate per night with the applicable rate being F$112.00 per night. The promotion runs up to 31 March, 2007. Check out details on amenities provided and photos through links at the right hand side of this blog. To contact us, you can e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj or call telephones (679) 3396427 or (679) 9921427.

Marist Gala Dinner

An evening to acknowledge the work of the Marist Brothers in Fiji will be held on Saturday, 18 November 2006 at the Holiday Inn, Suva. The program starts at 6.30pm. For more information, contact :

• Bernard Hong-Tiy on telephone +679 3395577;
• Ratu Edward Ganilau on telephone +679 9276716;
• Lewis Sahai on telephone +679 9996581;
• Tim Fong on telephone +679 9999796;
• George Mawi on telephone +679 9907210.

If you require accommodation in Suva, pls check out our two bedroom rental home through links at the right hand side of this blog. The home has a Personal Computer and Broadband Internet access provided complimentary for guests' use. A 20% discount applies for all bookings up to 31 March 2007. To contact us, you can e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj or call telephone number +679 3396427.

Fiji Men's National Bowling Singles

This will be held at the Suva Bowling Club from today until Monday, 9 October 2006. Opening is at 8.30am today. Check it out if you are out and about town for the Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival.

QVS Club site to be developed into a high rise commercial property

One of the capital city's landmarks, formerly known as the Matanisiga Hall and housing the QVS Club, is to be developed into a high-rise commercial property. The new property will also house a state-of-the-art clubhouse for members. Private and public sector organisations have already shown interest in renting office space in the new building. The clubhouse is used by former students of Queen Victoria School as a meeting place. Because of its central location in Suva, the market value of the property has risen dramatically in the past years. It is adjacent to the Suva Private Hospital and within walking distance to the city's central business district. The club members are also planning to celebrate their former school's 100th anniversary in October 2007.

Upcoming Events in Suva (Updated 6.10.06)

The following events are scheduled for Suva: One-off Events:

• Mara Mira The Honeymoon Boat in the Sayawa Garden, a globe-trotting art project that evolves at each destination through collaborations with local artists, opening 6pm, Friday, 29 September 2006 to Wednesday, 11 October 2006, UN Garden, in front of the Suva Olympic Pool, Victoria Parade;
• Melanesian (Countries) Festival of Arts, 2 to 11 October, several locations in Suva (See revised program in an entry dated 4 October 2006 on this blog);
• Art exhibition : National Visions to feature works from French Polynesian artist Jaabi, newcomer Luc Izquierdo as well as Fijian artists, opening 7pm, Thursday, 5 October 2006, to Wednesday, 11 October 2006, Alliance Francaise, 14 McGregor Road;
• Fiji Mens Bowling Singles Tournament, from 8.30am, Saturday, 7 October 2006 to Monday, 9 October 2006, Suva Bowling Club;
• Taiwan Cup Rugby 7s tournament, Saturday, 7 October 2006, from 9am, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva (Tickets F$5.00 for a grandstand seat and F$2.00 for the embankment. Go and watch 3 of Waisale Serevi's select teams);
• Royal Suva Yacht Club (RSYC), Fiji Day Charity Boat Race, Saturday, 7 October 2006, start from Suva and end at Batiluva Resort, Yanuca Island;
• LTA Velocity Cycling Race Series, Sunday, 8 October 2006, 80 km race from Lami to Pacific Harbour to Lami, meet at 6am at 15 Naimawi Street, Lami (For more information contact Dom 9922123 or ds@samba.com.fj);
• LTA Velocity Cycling Race Series, Monday, 9 October 2006, Sprint events 200 metres and 1 km, meet at 6am, Pony Club, Queen Elizabeth Drive (For more information contact Dom 9922123 or ds@samba.com.fj);
• Fiji Chess Federation 2006 Open Championships, Monday, 9 October 2006, Hoodless House, Suva;
• Women in Sport Commission "Gender Equity Workshop", Friday, 13 October and Saturday, 14 October 2006, at the Fiji Association of Sports & National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) Office. (Invitation extended to all interested women in sport. Call FASANOC on telephone +679 3303525 or e-mail fasanoc@fasanoc.org.fj for more details);
• Fiji Hindu Society Diwali Celebrations, Saturday, 14 October 2006, starting 6.30pm, Kshatriya Hall, Desvouex Road, Suva (Tickets are F$7.00 per person. Contact Salesh Kumar on telephone +679 3232879 for tickets);
• Celebrations for the island of Matuku in the Lau Group, Friday, 27 October, and Saturday, 28 October, 2006, Sukuna Park, Suva;
• Fiji Institute of Directors Business Luncheon to discuss Corporate Governance, Friday, 27 October 2006, from 12.30pm, Holiday Inn, Suva (Guest Speaker : Ms Helen Lynch, a director of Westpac Banking Corporation, Pacific Brand Limited and Molecular Bioscience, Australia and Chairman of Westpac Responsibility & Sustainability Committee);
• Fiji Swimming Grand Prix, 28 October 2006, Suva;
• Alliance Francaise organised photo contest with theme, "Smiles of Fiji", deadline for entries, Wednesday, 15 November 2006, Alliance Francaise, 14 McGregor Road, Suva;
• Marist Gala Dinner to celebrate the work of the Marist Brothers in Fiji, Saturday, 18 November 2006, from 6.30pm, Holiday Inn, Suva;
• Alliance Francaise organised photo contest with theme, "Smiles of Fiji", display of the best photos from the contest, Friday, 24 November 2006, Alliance Francaise, 14 McGregor Road, Suva;
• Bulafiji.com Under 18 Rugby League Competition, 1 to 30 November, Suva;
• Fiji International Volleyball Tournament, 27 November to 2 December, Suva;
• World Netball Championships, 10 to 21 July 2007, Suva;
• 18th Hobbie 16 World Championship, 10 to 20 October 2007, Suva & Pacific Harbour (venue to be confirmed).

Recurring Events:

• Masi Gallery – Contemporary masi costumes, including the wedding costume of Adi Litia Dugdale Mara, the daughter of Ratu Mara and display of bird paintings by William Belcher, Fiji Museum, Suva;
• Stormy Monday Blues Night, Mondays, from 9pm, Golden Dragon Nightclub, Victoria Parade;
• Suva Orchid and Horticultural Group Meeting, from 5.30pm, every first Monday of the month, Wesley Church, Butt Street, Suva;
• Latin Fitness Class, 6pm to 7pm, every Tuesdays, The Playhouse, Selbourne Street;
• Pottery demonstrations, every Tuesday and Thursday, and daily every first week of the month, Fiji Museum;
• Rasta Tuesday, from 9pm, Tuesdays, Golden Dragon Nightclub, Suva;
• Stage Sevens, Wednesdays, 5.45pm to 7.30pm, Auditorium, FIT Arts, Culture & Design, Carpenter Street, Raiwai (Tickets at the door at F$3.00, students and scholars F$2.00);
• Fiji Arts Club Dance Class, 6pm to 7pm, every Wednesdays, The Playhouse, Selbourne Street;
• Jazz at the Holiday Inn, every Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 6pm to 10pm, Holiday Inn;
• Rucksack Club Meeting, every second Wednesday of the month, from 6.45pm, St Andrew's Church Hall, Suva;
• Socrates Café where people gather to discuss and debate the topic of the month. This months topic is ‘Do I Exist?’, first Thursday of each month, 7pm to 8.30pm, IMDVD, Sports City Mall, Laucala Bay;
• French Conversation Group to practice your French, every Friday from 12.35pm to 1.35pm, Talanoa room, second floor of FAL building, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay (admission required - contact rankin_s@usp.ac.fj);
• Kid’s Creative Dance Classes, Term 3 starts Friday, 15 September 2006, from 2:30pm, Alliance Française, 14 McGregor Road;
• Soul, funk, disco and classics DJ music, from 8pm, Fridays, Traps Lounge, Victoria Parade;
• Velocity Cycling Ride, from 7am, every Saturday, leaves from The Roc, FNPF Dolphins Plaza;
• Arts Village Firewalking Show, starts 11am, every Saturday, Grandstand, Arts Village, Pacific Harbour;
• Waitui Cycles Ride, starts 6am, every Sunday, leaves from Waitui Cycles, Garden City;
• Sunday Church Services, 8am or 10.45am, Wesley Church, Butt Street;
• Jazz by the Beach, Sundays, 1pm to 5pm, Pearl South Pacific, Pacific Harbour.

For accommodation for any events, please check out a two bedroom rental home with seaviews in Suva on links at the right hand side of this blog or contact telephone +679 3396427 or e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj directly. Those that wish to have their events included can contact me on the e-mail address provided above.

Solomon Islands men weave "buka" baskets

Men from Guadalcanal and Malaita Provinces of the Solomon Islands wove "buka" baskets which are on display at the Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival Village at the FDB Foreshore in Suva. The baskets, which have been a hit with the crowds, are made from special vines that are readily available in the bushes which are dried in the sun before use. The baskets are traditional to the Guadalcanal and Malaita Provinces and only men from the two provinces weave the baskets. At closer look, one can notice the different designs on the sides of the baskets. This is the distinguishing feature amongst the baskets. The preparation and weaving of the vines into a regular sized basket takes more than a week. The baskets are selling between F$60.00 to $100.00 depending on their sizes. Meanwhile, the Papua New Guinea stall is selling "bilum" bags. The bags are traditional to the southern part of Papua New Guinea and are the ones that the older generation used to carry with them as they go to the plantation or to church. Visit the stalls at the Festival Village to check out the various handicraft on display and sale.

A Rewan lady keeps art alive

A mat called the "sere na daligana" unique to the people of Vutia, Rewa Province, is on display at the Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival Village. While the mat is similar to the "i coco" or large Fijian mat, the four corners have finely women designs. The mat is called the "sere na daligana" because the four corners were unwoven and the individual strand of voivoi (dried pandanus leaves) were then split into thin strips before the designs are woven. With the mat on display at the Village, the four corners had different designs on each of them. For other similar mats, it would be normal to have the same design for each of the four corners. The "somo" or dyed pandanus leaves features a lot in the final weavings of the mat. In addition to the fine designs on the corners, the mat uses feathers on the edges instead of different coloured wool. The lady from Rewa said she used feathers as they used to be used by Rewan elders before coloured wool came into use. If you happen to visit the Festival Village on the FDB Foreshore in Suva, try and get to the Rewa Province stall to see the "sere ni daligana" mat.

20% discount on rate per night for rental home in Suva

Due to the interest that we have had with a promotion we offered for the months of August and September 2006, we are offering a continuation of a 20% discount on the nightly rate of F$140.00 for our furnished two bedroom home with seaviews in Suva. The promotion starts immediately and will run until end March 2007. The rate offered will be F$112.00 per night and will include the following :

• up to 4 guests;
• ADSL Broadband Internet access with a Personal Computer;
• welcome supplies of coffee/cocoa, tea, milk, sugar, bathing soap, dishwashing liquid, garbage bags and paper towels;
• daily newspapers provided for guests staying over 2 weeks;
• 3 free sessions per week at the Hyundai Fitness Centre or the National Aquatic Centre for guests staying longer than 4 weeks.

This supercedes all other promotions earlier offered on this blog. For more details on what the home offers and photos of the home, please click on links at the right hand side of this blog. For contact, you can e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj, call +679 3396427 or +679 9921427.

Fiji Week Celebrations Program, 5 - 9 October 2006

The Fiji Independence Day celebrations will also be held in Suva and other centres around Fiji from Thursday, 5th to Monday, 9th October 2006. Here is the program of celebrations in Suva : Thursday, 5 October 2006

• 2pm to 7pm, Public Service Inter-Ministry Choir Competition, Centenary Church, Suva.

Friday, 6 October 2006

• 8.30am to 9.30am, Friendship March from the Suva Flea Market to Albert Park;
• 10am to 11am, Official Opening by the President of Fiji, Albert Park;
• 11am to 12.30pm, Multicultural Performances by Selected Schools and the Fiji Melanesian Arts & Cultural Group, Albert Park;
• 11am to 12.30pm, School Friendship Multicultural Items Display, Albert Park;
• 12.30pm to 2.30pm, Entertainment by the Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival's Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Dance Groups, Albert Park;
• 7pm to 9pm, Combined Evening Show at the Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival Village, FDB Foreshore;
• 7.30pm to 10pm, Friendship Multicultural Evening at the Suva Patel Samaj Hall, High Street, Toorak.

Saturday, 7 October 2006

• 6am to 8.30am, Walk for Health lead by the President of the Senate, National Gymnasium Car Park to Albert Park.

Sunday, 8 October 2006

• 3pm, Interfaith Service led by Interfaith Search, Holiday Inn, Suva;

Monday, 9 October 2006

• 9am, Fiji Day Parade, Albert Park;
• 10.30am to 1.30pm, Multicultural Performances;
• 1.30pm, Official Closing by the Acting Prime Minister.

3rd Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival - Dancers rock the capital city

The city of Suva came to life on the second day of the 3rd Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival with visiting delegations and locals converging at the Suva Foreshore and Sukuna Park for a glimpse of what the festival had to offer. Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu rocked Sukuna Park with impressive performances. With colourful feathers and grass skirts, the women from Papua New Guinea were definitely the crowd favourites. At the Lower Civic Centre, art lovers had a chance to see for themselves what Melanesian art is all about. From wood carvings, metal sculptures and drawings, the general public was treated to the best of Pacific art. However, one would not miss the festival logo, which depicts the mast of a sail of a Fijian canoe set against a globe sphere. Organisers said the logo represents the goal of reviving and preserving our culture and traditions in the face of globalisation. "The sail symbolises the linkages and the common heritage within the Melanesian group and it also represent our duty and determination as the current guardians of Melanesian arts, cultures, and traditions to ensure that as we navigate forward, propelled by winds of change, brought about by forces of globalisation, our heritage is sustained for the benefit of the future generations of Melanesia," organisers said. Viwa Islanders, near Bau Island, demonstrated the weaving of a "susu" or fish trap at the foreshore yesterday. The "susu" is made of "walai" (a type of vine) which is weaved in the shape of a basket with a little opening to allow fish in, however, it cannot escape once it is inside. The bigger the trap, the more fish that can be caught in it. The islanders usually use roasted sea cucumbers as bait inside the basket to attract fish. Macuata Province, from Fiji, had a very unique stall with "kuta" (a type of mat) of all sizes and shapes covering the walls and ceiling, showcasing what the Province is known for. The Melanesian Festival continues today with lunch hour performances from Fiji, Torres Islands and the Solomon Islands at Sukuna Park.

3rd Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival - Updated Program

This is the updated program for the Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival which is currently being held in Suva : Wednesday, 4 October 2006

• 9am to 9pm, Melanesian Art and Crafts Fair, Festival Village, FDB Foreshore;
• 9am to 9pm, Visual Art & Craft Exhibition, Lower Civic Auditorium, Suva Civic Centre;
• 9am to 9pm, Demonstration of Art & Craft skills, Sukuna Park;
• 9am to 9pm, 'Viti Market' Trade Show, Sukuna Park;
• 9am to 12pm, Workshop : Legal protection of traditional knowledge and cultural expressions & cultural mapping inventory, Holiday Inn, Lali Room;
• 9am to 5pm, Workshop : Museums Governance, Holiday Inn, Banyan Room;
• 9am to 5pm, Community Art & Craft Workshop, Festival Village, FDB Foreshore;
• 10am to 12pm, Culinary Exhibition - Vanuatu & PNG, Festival Village, FDB Foreshore;
• 10am to 12pm, Traditional Medicine Exhibition, Festival Village, FDB Foreshore;
• 11am to 3pm, Valenikuro Food Fair, Fiji Museum, Thurston Gardens;
• 11am to 12pm, 1pm to 2pm, 5pm to 6pm, Story telling, Civic Centre;
• 12pm to 3pm, Lunch Hour Show : PNG & Vanuatu, Sukuna Park;
• 2pm to 5pm, Workshop: 2003 Convention for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, Holiday Inn, Lali Room;
• 2pm to 3pm, Drama, Civic Centre;
• 4.30pm to 6.30pm, Films, Civic Centre;
• 7pm to 9pm, Evening Show : Culture & Fashion, Festival Village, FDB Foreshore.

Thursday, 5 October 2006

• 9am to 9pm, Melanesian Art and Crafts Fair, Festival Village, FDB Foreshore;
• 9am to 9pm, Visual Art & Craft Exhibition, Lower Civic Auditorium, Suva Civic Centre;
• 9am to 9pm, Demonstration of Art & Craft skills, Sukuna Park;
• 9am to 9pm, 'Viti Market' Trade Show, Sukuna Park;
• 9am to 12pm, Workshop : Copyright issues for indigenous artists and creators, Holiday Inn, Lali Room;
• 9am to 11am, Workshop : Youths of Melanesia - Moving towards a sustainable life, Holiday Inn, Banyan Room;
• 9am to 5pm, Community Art & Craft Workshop, Festival Village, FDB Foreshore;
• 10am to 12pm, Culinary Exhibition - Solomon Islands, Festival Village, FDB Foreshore;
• 10am to 12pm, Traditional Medicine Exhibition - Solomon Islands, Festival Village, FDB Foreshore;
• 11am to 2pm, Workshop - Fiji Veitalanoa (1), Holiday Inn, Banyan Room;
• 11am to 3pm, Valenikuro Food Fair, Fiji Museum, Thurston Gardens;
• 11am to 12pm, 1pm to 2pm, 5pm to 6pm, Story telling, Civic Centre;
• 12pm to 3pm, Lunch Hour Show : Solomon Islands, Sukuna Park;
• 2pm to 4pm, Panel Discussion - The education of Melanesians, Holiday Inn, Lali Room;
• 2pm to 5pm, Workshop: Veitalanoa (2), Holiday Inn, Banyan Room;
• 2pm to 3pm, Drama, Civic Centre;
• 4.30pm to 6.30pm, Films, Civic Centre;
• 7pm to 9pm, Combined Evening Show : Contemporary, Festival Village, FDB Foreshore.

Friday, 6 October 2006

• 9am to 9pm, Melanesian Art and Crafts Fair, Festival Village, FDB Foreshore;
• 9am to 9pm, Visual Art & Craft Exhibition, Lower Civic Auditorium, Suva Civic Centre;
• 9am to 9pm, Demonstration of Art & Craft skills, Sukuna Park;
• 9am to 9pm, 'Viti Market' Trade Show, Sukuna Park;
• 9am to 11am, Workshop : Adapting Melanesian Culture in the Globalised World, Holiday Inn, Lali Room;
• 9am to 12pm, Workshop : Thematic Topics, Holiday Inn, Banyan Room;
• 9am to 5pm, Community Art & Craft Workshop, Festival Village, FDB Foreshore;
• 10am to 12pm, Culinary Exhibition - Papua New Guinea, Festival Village, FDB Foreshore;
• 10am to 12pm, Traditional Medicine Exhibition - Papua New Guinea, Festival Village, FDB Foreshore;
• 11am to 2pm, Workshop - Fiji Veitalanoa (3), Holiday Inn, Banyan Room;
• 11am to 3pm, Valenikuro Food Fair, Fiji Museum, Thurston Gardens;
• 11am to 12pm, 1pm to 2pm, 5pm to 6pm, Story telling, Civic Centre;
• 12pm to 3pm, Lunch Hour Show : Papua New Guinea, Sukuna Park;
• 2pm to 5pm, Workshop : Supporting Artistic Excellence - Music Industry, Holiday Inn, Lali Room;
• 2pm to 5pm, Workshop: Supporting Artistic Excellence - Performing Arts & Crafts, Holiday Inn, Banyan Room;
• 2pm to 3pm, Drama, Civic Centre;
• 4.30pm to 6.30pm, Films, Civic Centre;
• 7pm to 9pm, Combined Evening Show : Music Fest, Festival Village, FDB Foreshore.

Saturday, 7 October 2006

• 9am to 9pm, Melanesian Art and Crafts Fair, Festival Village, FDB Foreshore;
• 9am to 9pm, Visual Art & Craft Exhibition, Lower Civic Auditorium, Suva Civic Centre;
• 9am to 5pm, Community Art & Craft Exhibition, Festival Village, FDB Foreshore;
• 9am to 12pm, Workshop : Fiji Veitalanoa (4), Holiday Inn, Lali Room;
• 10am to 11am, Cultural March, starting at Suva Flea Market opposite the Suva Bus Station;
• 10am to 1pm, Culinary Exhibition - New Caledonia, Festival Village, FDB Foreshore;
• 10am to 3pm, Showcase of Bands - Fiji, Sukuna Park;
• 10am to 2pm, Traditional Games, Festival Village, FDB Foreshore;
• 10am to 2pm, Inter-contingent Fun Games, Festival Village, FDB Foreshore;
• 11am to 3pm, Valenikuro Food Fair, Fiji Museum, Thurston Gardens;
• 12pm to 1pm, Lunch Hour Show : New Caledonia, Sukuna Park;
• 1pm to 2pm, Canoe Race - Fiji, FDB Foreshore;
• 7pm to 9pm, Combined Evening Show : Unique Cultural Practices, Festival Village, FDB Foreshore.

Sunday, 8 October 2006

Rest Day for all delegations.

Monday, 9 October 2006

• 9am to 9pm, Melanesian Art and Crafts Fair, Festival Village, FDB Foreshore;
• 9am to 9pm, Visual Art & Craft Exhibition, Lower Civic Auditorium, Suva Civic Centre;
• 9am to 9pm, Demonstration of Art & Craft Skills, Sukuna Park;
• 9am to 9pm, 'Viti Market' Trade Show, Sukuna Park;
• 10am to 12pm, Culinary Exhibition - Fiji , Festival Village, FDB Foreshore;
• 10am to 12pm, Traditional Medicine Exhibition - Fiji, Festival Village, FDB Foreshore;
• 11am to 3pm, Valenikuro Food Fair, Fiji Museum, Thurston Gardens;
• 11am to 12pm, 1pm to 2pm, 5pm to 6pm, Story Telling, Civic Centre;
• 12pm to 3pm, Lunch Hour Show : All countries, Sukuna Park;
• 2pm to 3pm, Drama, Civic Centre;
• 4.30pm to 6.30pm, Films, Civic Centre;
• 7pm to 9pm, Combined Evening Show : Traditional, Festival Village, FDB Foreshore.

Tuesday, 10 October 2006

• 9am to 9pm, Melanesian Art and Crafts Fair, Festival Village, FDB Foreshore;
• 9am to 9pm, Visual Art & Craft Exhibition, Lower Civic Auditorium, Suva Civic Centre;
• 9am to 9pm, 'Viti Market' Trade Show, Sukuna Park;
• 11am to 3pm, Valenikuro Food Fair, Fiji Museum, Thurston Gardens;
• 11am to 4pm, Band Performances, Sukuna Park.

Wednesday, 11 October 2006

• 9am to 2pm, Melanesian Art and Crafts Fair, Festival Village, FDB Foreshore;
• 9am to 2pm, Visual Art & Craft Exhibition, Lower Civic Auditorium, Suva Civic Centre;
• 9am to 2pm, 'Viti Market' Trade Show, Sukuna Park;
• 11am to 3pm, Valenikuro Food Fair, Fiji Museum, Thurston Gardens;
• 7pm to 9pm, Closing Ceremony, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay.

For accommodation, you can rent a two bedroom home with sea views in Suva. The home has a Personal Computer and Broadband Internet Access provided complimentary for guests' use. View details on amenities provided and photos through links at the right hand side of this blog. To contact us, you can e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj or call telephone +679 3396427 or +679 9921427.

Friendship march to mark Fiji Week celebrations

A friendship march will precede the opening ceremonies of Fiji Week celebrations on Friday, 6 October 2006. The march is expected to involve business houses, schools, youth groups, Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival groups, as well as bands of the Fiji Military and Fiji Police Forces. Twenty centres around the country will stage special events. Fiji's Independence Day Holiday falls on Monday, 9 October 2006.

3rd Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival - today's program

This is the program for today. Opening of the Symposium

• 9am to 12pm, Topic - Governance for Cultural Institutions, Speaker - Professor K Thaman, Holiday Inn, Lali Room, Suva;
• 1pm to 3pm, Workshop - Being and Becoming : Research and Writing Our Own Stories in Melanesia, Holiday Inn, Banyan Room, Suva;

Opening Ceremony

• Starting at 7pm, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva. To welcome the delegations of the 5 participating countries. Will feature a mass choir, brass bands of the Fiji Military Forces, Fiji Police, Salvation Army, Youth Department and the Fiji Institute of Technology.

3rd Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival : Fijian Valenikuro Menu

The following is the menu for the Fijian kitchen at the Valenikuro Food Fair where the 14 provinces of Fiji will be preparing and selling their traditional culinary specialties (food) from the 4th to 11th of October, 2006 at the old Netball ground beside the Fiji Museum : Provinces :

• Wednesday, 4 October 2006, 11am-3pm, Bua, Cakaudrove, Lomaiviti;
• Thursday, 5 October 2006, 11am-3pm, Macuata, Naitasiri, Kadavu;
• Friday, 6 October 2006, 11am-3pm, Cakaudrove,Rewa, Tailevu;
• Saturday, 7 October 2006, 11am-3pm, Navatuvula, Naitasiri;
• Monday, 9 October 2006, 11am-3pm, Ba, Lau, Ra;
• Tuesday, 10 October 2006, 11am-3pm, Nadroga/Navosa, Namosi;
• Wednesday, 11 October 2006, 11am-3pm, Ba, Rewa, Lau.

Menu :

• Cakaudrove - dalo, nama, ika (miti & Kokoda), dairo, vasua, kaikoso, etc;
• Bua - Katavatu, Qari, Ota, Rourou, Vakalolo, Ika ( Miti & Kokoda), Dalo;
• Macuata - Kawai, ika (miti & Kokoda), qari, kai, vasua;
• Lau - Soloi mai Ono, vakasakera, kai valitaba, vuki tavu, sasalu ni waitui, vudi vakasoso, dairo;
• Naitasiri - Dalo, ura, ota, duna, rourou;
• Lomaiviti - Vakalolo(Sakuidrauna), pasela (ika,dalo,moli), miti waitui, kai valitaba vakalolo, bele sukau vakalolo/ika, baigani tavu/vakamiti, rourou palusami, kokoda;
• Nadroga/Navosa - kai (curry lolo), kai vadamu, ika (miti,tavuteke,vakalolo/rourou), ika (kaveti olo/baigani;
• Rewa - Rourou vakautona, moci, dio, kai, lausua;
• Kadavu - Dalo, sasalu ni waitui, ika (miti & kokoda), ate ni kojia, dairo, lumi coko, ibo, vasua, kai loa, vakalolo (doloyaca), yaqona;

To try out some Fijian delicacies and traditionally cooked food, visit the food fair any day during the festival.

World Netball Championships picks Sky TV as host

Sky Television will be the host broadcaster of the 2007 World Netball Championships to be held in Suva, Fiji. Under the agreement, Sky Television and TVNZ will jointly hold the New Zealand rights to the event scheduled from 10 to 21 July, 2007 at the FMF Dome, Laucala Bay, Suva. As host broadcaster, Sky Television will provide live coverage of 32 games, the opening and closing ceremonies as well as highlights from the remaining games.

Fiji Day Open Chess Championships

The Fiji Chess Federation will hold its 2006 Fiji Day Open Championships on 9 October 2006. The event has been introduced after the success of the schools' clinics and chess development at secondary schools and tertiary institutions. The event will become an annual event at Hoodless House, Suva, and will add on to the other two competitions held throughout the year.

3rd Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival : Last two countries arrive

The last two participating countries in the 3rd Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival arrived at the weekend and are looking forward to learn from the three other island countries. The two countries were New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea.

3rd Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival : Lunch Hour Entertainment Program

Each country participating in the 3rd Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival will be putting on a cultural show each day from 12pm. The scheduled days for the various countries are as follows :

• Wednesday, 4 October 2006, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea;
• Thursday, 5 October 2006, Fiji and Solomon Islands;
• Friday, 6 October 2006, Papua New Guinea;
• Saturday, 7 October 2006, New Caledonia;
• Monday, 9 October 2006, all five participating countries.

All lunch hour entertainment will be hosted at Sukuna Park, Suva.

3rd Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival - Polynesian islanders part of the Solomon Islands delegation

Polynesian Islanders who are living in the Solomon Islands are part of the islands' delegation to the 3rd Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival which runs in Suva, Fiji, from 2 to 11 October 2006. The islanders have lived in the Solomon Islands for a good number of years. As part of the islands exhibition, women will be demonstrating some old methods of planting and arranging flowers with a main feature being the pan pipers which is a group of young men playing music from miniature bamboo pipes.

3rd Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival - Canoe takes delivery

Builders from Kabara delivered three traditional Fijian canoes to Government yesterday. The canoes are to be used for the 3rd Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival which runs in Suva, Fiji, from 2 to 11 October 2006. The builders from Kabara are the traditional builders for the Tui Nayau. 10 men carried out the work on mahogany rather than the usual vesi wood. Check out those canoes during the time of the festival. Note from GV : Those that need accommodation can book our two bedroom home in Suva through links at the right hand side of this blog. The home has seaviews with a Personal Computer and Broadband Internet access provided complimentary for guests' use. Our special rate (inclusive of 10% discount) is F$126.00 per night for the entire home. To contact us directly, you can e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj or call +679 3396427.