National Anthem provides an anchor and patriotic feeling to Fiji residents

Fiji Television has been playing a Fiji national anthem version sung by a number of our local singers, rugby players and other citizens during a slot just before the 6pm news on television. When you listen to it this time, particularly with all that is supposedly happening, it does bring a patriotic feeling to being a Fiji citizen. It showcases the pride that we have as a nation on what is our heritage and how we always get up again from all that happens along the way. Listen in to Fiji Television just before 6pm and see what the anthem does to you. We should thank ANZ Bank for sponsoring that segment on TV and Fiji Television for playing it.

Waitui Cycles Summer Crits

The Waitui Cycles Summer Crits Race continues today, Thursday, 30 November 2006, at Vuya Road by the Pacific Theological College. Registration is at 5.30pm and races start at 6pm. The following categories have been set :

• Category A - 6 laps;
• Category B - 4 laps;
• Women - 2 laps.

Entry fees is F$5.00 per person. Contact Dom on telephone +679 9922123 for more information.

Swimming Lessons in Suva

Swimming lessons are scheduled from 4 to 15 December 2006 at the Olympic Pool in Suva. The package will cost F$45.00 per person.

Air Pacific Tourism Training Week Exhibition in Suva

The Air Pacific Tourism Training Week Exhibition of training products and services will be held on Thursday, 7 December 2006, from 10am to 5pm at the Suva Civic Centre. Exhibitors will include the Ministry of Tourism, Air Pacific, Air Terminal Services, Airports Fiji Limited, the University of the South Pacific, TPAF - Hospitality and Tourism Training Department, TPAF - Aviation, Transport, Travel, Diving Industry Training Department, Telecom Fiji Limited, Red Cross Society, Unwired Fiji and the National Centre for Small & Microenterprise Development. Visit the exhibition to view the high quality products on display. For more information, contact Rosi Banuve on telephone +679 6725730 or e-mail Salote Boila on salote_b@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. To contact us, e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj or call telephone +679 3396427.

Fiji Table Tennis Association Open Tounament in December 2006

The Fiji Table Tennis Association Open Tournament will be held from 8 to 10 December 2006, at the China Club, Nasese, Suva. The event will be preceded by a week long National training camp conducted by Andrew Hubbard, the Oceania table tennis development officer. Entry fee to the tournament is F$5.00 per event and F$10.00 for any number of events. Note from GV : Check out a two bedroom rental home in Suva for your accommodation through links at the right hand side of this blog. To contact us, e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj or call telephone +679 3396427.

Fiji Rugby Union Annual Awards Night

The Fiji Rugby Union Annual Awards Night will be held on Saturday, 2 December 2006, at the Tattersalls Leisure Centre (former National Gymnasium) in Suva. Players who are expected to receive awards include Sireli Naqelevuki and Kameli Ratuvou for their performance in the 2006 rugby season. Sireli now plays in a Super 14 African outfit while Kameli has just recently signed up with Saracens of the UK. For more information on the awards night, contact the Fiji Rugby Union office on telephone +679 3302787 or e-mail fijirugby@connect.com.fj. Note from GV : For accommodation in Suva, check out our two bedroom rental home with seaviews through links at the right hand side of this blog. To contact us, e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj or call telephone +679 3396427.

Another art gallery set up in Suva

Another art gallery has been set up in Suva to help exhibit art from local artists and designers who do not have a place to showcase their work. The Red Pencil, located at Shop 4, Toorak, Suva, was opened last Thursday, 23 November 2006. The owners, Jason Chute and Christian Carling, hope that the gallery will be popular after word about it gets around. Check it out when you are in Suva.

Fiji International 7s Tournament dates to be announced soon

The Fiji Rugby Union is to announce the dates and venue for the International 7s Tournament to be held in January 2007. The tournament has received the backing of the IRB and is likely to have 16 teams taking part. This will be the first International 7s Rugby Tournament to be held in Fiji since the last one in 2000. Note from GV : Continue checking this blog for dates and then check out accommodation available in Suva through links at the right hand side of this blog for that period. A 20% discount applies for all bookings of our two bedroom rental home with seaviews until 31 March 2007. The home is equipped with a Personal Computer and Broadband Internet access. To contact us, e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj or call telephone +679 3396427.

Fiji Performing Rights Association 2006 Young Musso's Acclaim

The Fiji Performing Rights Association Limited will host the 2006 Young Musso's Acclaim - Fiji Secondary Schools Original Song Competition on Friday, 1 December 2006, from 7pm, at the Suva Civic Centre. Competing schools include :

• Nabala Secondary School, Labasa;
• Christian Outreach College, Suva;
• Gospel High School, Suva;
• Nasinu Secondary School, Suva;
• Ra High School, Ra;
• Saint Bedes College, Savusavu;
• Namosi Secondary School, Namosi;
• Lelean Memorial School, Nausori;
• Swami Vivekananda College, Nadi.

Tickets are only F$5.00 per person and are sold at the Office of the Fiji Performing Rights Association Limited, 170 Renwick Road, Suva.

To contact the office, call telephone +679 3312494 or e-mail fpra@connect.com.fj.

Note from GV : For accommodation in Suva, check out our two bedroom rental home with seaviews through links at the right hand side of this blog. The home is equipped with a Personal Computer and Broadband Internet access. Currently, 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 +679 3396427.

Army and Police Competition this Friday

The annual Sukuna Bowl rugby competition between the Fiji Military Forces and the Fiji Police Force will be held on Friday, 1 December 2006, from 1pm, at the Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva. Buildup to the game on Friday has already started with competition underway in other games including boxing. The annual Sukuna Bowl competition was initiated by the late Fijian statesman, Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna, with an objective of promoting friendship and cordial working relationships between the two forces.

Embassy of Japan movie

Embassy of Japan Movie of the Week, Fifteen Gakko IV (G), will be screening on Thursday, 30 November 2006, at 5.30pm at the Embassy offices.

Upcoming Activities and Events in Suva (Updated 24.11.06)

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

• Marist Convent School Reunion Celebrations, 23 to 26 November 2006, Marist Convent School grounds, Lami;
• Embassy of Japan Movie of the Week, Fifteen Gakko IV (G), Thursday, 30 November 2006, from 5.30pm, Embassy offices, 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;
• Annual Sukuna Bowl Rugby Competition between the Fiji Military Forces and the Fiji Police Force, Friday, 1 December 2006, from 1pm, at the Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Fiji Performing Rights Association Limited 2006 Young Musso's Acclaim - Fiji Secondary Schools Original Song Competition, Friday, 1 December 2006, from 7pm, at the Suva Civic Centre;
• Pacific arts in the sun : Family event, every Saturday starting 25 November 2006, 7am to 11am, Holiday Inn;
• Suva Athletics Competition, Saturday, 25 November 2006, from 10am, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Stage Play: My Beautiful Canefields, Saturday, 25 November 2006, from 7.30pm, Suva Civic Auditorium;
• Tabu Soro Pump Triathlon, Sunday, 26 November 2006, from 6am, Pacific Harbour;
• Fiji International Volleyball Tournament, 27 November to 2 December, Suva;
• Pacific Arts Alliance, School Holiday Arts Programmes, classes begin Monday, 27 November, and runs until Monday, 22 January, 2007, The Playhouse, Selbourne Street, Suva;
• Christmas Wine Tasting, Tuesday, 28 November 2006, 6pm to 8pm, Bad Dog Restaurant, Suva;
• ‘Lire en Fête’ Reading Festival, Thursday, 30 November 2006, from 7pm, Alliance Française, 14 McGregor Road;
• Bishop Foley Rugby Tournament, 1 to 2 December 2006, Suva Grammar School grounds, Veiuto, Suva;
• Tosh Meets Marley World Tour 2006 Performance, Monday, 4 December 2006, FMF Dome, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Tourism Training segments for Suva, 4 to 9 December 2006, at various venues in Suva;
• Public Lecture - Topic : "A Tikina Model for Socioeconomic Growth Locally and Nationally", Speaker : Dr Ropate Qalo, Tuesday, 5 December 2006, from 7.15pm, Marine Lecture Theatre, Lower Campus, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Fiji School of Medicine Graduation Ceremony, Wednesday, 6 December 2006, from 9am, Tattersall Leisure Centre (former National Gymnasium), Laucala Bay, Suva;
• National Boxing Championships, 6 to 8 December 2006, New Town Hall, Suva;
• Oceania Athletics Grand Prix, 9 to 11 December 2006, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Fiji Rugby Union IRB backed International 7s Rugby Tournament, January 2007, date and venue to be confirmed;
• 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;
• Oceania 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, display of bird paintings by William Belcher and exhibition for Westpac's 101st anniversary of services in Fiji, Fiji Museum, Suva;
• Suva Orchid and Horticultural Group Meeting, from 5.30pm, every first Monday of the month, Wesley Church, Butt Street, Suva;
• Stormy Monday Blues Night, Mondays, from 9pm, Golden Dragon Nightclub, Victoria Parade;
• 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);
• 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;
• Alternate Rock, every Wednesdays, from 9pm, Golden Dragon Nightclub, Victoria Parade, 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?');
• 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;
• SideStep, every last Saturday of the month, 9pm to close, Traps Upstairs Lounge, Victoria Parade;
• Arts Village Firewalking Show, starts 11am, every Saturday, Grandstand, Arts Village, Pacific Harbour;
• The Roc Market, every third Sunday of the month, The Roc, Dolphins Plaza, Victoria Parade, Suva;
• Wai Tui Cycles Ride, every Sundays, from 6am, start at Wai Tui Cycles, Garden City, Raiwai, Suva;
• 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. A 20% discount is offered for all bookings up to 31 March 2007. Those that wish to have their events included can contact me on the e-mail address provided above.

Tosh Meets Marley World Tour 2006 concert in Suva

The Tosh Meets Marley World Tour 2006 will perform in Suva on Monday, 4 December 2006, at the FMF Dome, Laucala Bay. Performing in the group will be Junior Marvin from Bob Marley's group and Fully Fullwoods from Peter Tosh's group. Tickets are F$20.00 per person and available at South Pacific Recording outlets in Suva, Nadi and Lautoka. Note from GV : For accommodation in a two bedroom rental home with seaviews in Suva, check details on amenities provided and photos 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 is offered for all bookings up to 31 March 2007. To contact us, e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj or call telephone +679 3396427.

Suva Athletics

The Suva Athletics competition continues at the Post Fiji Stadium on Saturday, 25 November 2006, from 10am. Events scheduled include the 400m hurdles, 800 metres, 100 metres, 3000 metres, 400 metres, 100 metres hurdles, 1500 metres, 200 metres, 4x100 metres relays. Go and watch our athletes via for a spot on the Fiji Team to the 2007 South Pacific Games in Samoa.

Learn to Swim classes at Nadi and not Suva

We apologise for the error in an earlier posting noting that the Learn to Swim Classes for beginners will be at Suva. In fact they are scheduled at the new Learn to Swim School at Nadi. Visitors and residents of Suva can, however, check programs available with Red Cross or at the National Aquatic Centre.

Smiles of Fiji Photo Exhibition

An exhibition from the Smiles of Fiji photo contest will be held on Wednesday, 29 November 2006, from 6.30pm, at the Alliance Francaise, 14 McGregor Road, Suva. Winners of the contest will also be announced at the time in both the Amateur and Professional categories. Note from GV : For accommodation in Suva, check out our two bedroom rental home through links at the right hand side of this blog, then contact us by e-mail on gilbert@connect.com.fj or call telephone +679 3396427.

Public Lecture : A Tikina Model for Socioeconomic Growth Locally and Nationally

A public lecture is being organised by the Sociology and Social Work Division, Faculty of Arts and Law, University of the South Pacific. Details are provided below :

• Topic : "A Tikina Model for Socioeconomic Growth Locally and Nationally";
• Speaker : Dr Ropate Qalo;
• Date : 5 December 2006;
• Venue : Marine Lecture Theatre, Lower Campus, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Time : 7.15pm.

The lecture explains how local resources can match Government or Private funding $4$ (dollar for dollar) up to a million dollars or more. The ripple-effect in this view is about balancing industrialisation and agriculture at local level. This was supported in Professor Ron Duncan's "Enhancing the Labour Absorption Capacity of Pacific Agriculture" paper presented in a recent Regional Conference on Labour Market at USP last October. The ripple effect of the model opens up the Public & Private Partnership (PPP) policy that can take investors to join the locals at Tikina level. Because of its location, the model points out that it will lend support to the Government's Look North Policy at local and national levels if it could be replicated in the North for a start.

It discusses how a Tikina plan can work with the resources it has to enable the people on the land to reinvent its Council, to robustly pursue the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and embrace good governance in its progression.

Refreshments will be served. All welcome.

For further queries, contact Madhu Prasad on e-mail prasad_ma@usp.ac.fj.

The lecture is jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Fijian Affairs; Ministry of Information; Ministry of Public Enterprises & Public Sector Reform; Ministry of National Reconciliation & Multi-ethnic Affairs and the University of the South Pacific.

Women's craft from the Tikina in Suva will be on display for sale - "masi" and the use of similar traditional skills in Porcelain Art Work.

Note from GV : For accommodation in Suva, check out our two bedroom rental home through links at the right hand side of this blog and then contact us on e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj or telephone +679 3396427. A 20% discount applies to all bookings up to 31 March 2007.

Another 3 shops to check out in Suva

Suva has a good range of sportswear shops which offer brand products of high quality. Check out these three :

1. Sportsworld at Waimanu Road which specialises on Puma products. Sportsworld offers a whole range of mens and womens sports clothes and equipment. It also has a good range of Puma footwear on sale and these are the cheapest in town given that they are dealers for Puma products. You can also bargain down prices when you are in this shop. I do get bargains from them all the time I go there.
2. JR White along Victoria Parade specialises on CCC products apart from a smattering of other brands. It offers mostly mens sports clothes and has a good range of sports and casual wear in the CCC brand. The beanies there are quite good too, however, it might not be good for our current weather as we are into summer!
3. Tappoos Store specialises on Nike products and are the agents of Nike in Fiji. There is not much on offer in their Suva store but they do have sports clothes and footwear in the Nike brand. Nike products, as we all know, are slightly more highly priced than other sports brands so you can expect to see prices in that light as well. Try to bargain for a 5% to 10% discount while there.

There are other sportswear shops in Suva apart from these three that you can also check out. Some of the shops may already have started their Christmas sales so you could just happen upon a good bargain. Happy shopping!

Learn to Swim classes

Week long intensive Learn to Swim programs in Suva are scheduled for :

• 4 to 8 December 2006;
• 11 to 16 December 2006;
• 8 to 12 January 2007;
• 15 to 19 January 2007;
• 22 to 26 January 2007.

Suitable for beginners aged 3 years and up. Call telephone +679 9463865 for details.

Note from GV : For accommodation in a two bedroom rental home in Suva, check out details on amenities and photos through links at the right hand side of this blog and contact us on gilbert@connect.com.fj or call telephone +679 3396427. A 20% discount is on offer for all bookings up to 31 March 2007.

Wai Tui Cycles Summer Crits today

The Wai Tui Cycles Summer Crits is scheduled today, Thursday, 23 November 2006, at Vuya Road by the Pacific Theological College, Veiuto, Suva. Registration is at 5.30pm with the race starting at 6pm. For more information, contact Dom on telephone +679 9922123.

Christmas decorations with a Fijian theme

Here are some suggestions for Christmas decorations with a Fijian theme:

• for a Christmas gift, take a woven basket, spray it with yellow or gold paint or tie a tapa/masi like material or silver paper around it, then tie a red, gold or green bow (ribbon) on its handle and place small potplants of catcus plants or any other plants in the basket;
• for a Christmas tree, get a tree from a shop and wrap the bottom with a tapa design material and cover the bowl as well with tapa material. Place it in the middle of your living room;
• for Christmas wreaths, cut out paragrass and make them into a circle using wires and attach seashells like "kaikoso" (mussels) and "yaga" (another seashell) around it as Christmas bells and clip "dogo" (mangrove tree) sticks on it as its shepherd sticks. Another option is to make wreaths out of "voivoi" (pandanus leaves used for Fijian mats), using paragrass rings, attach sugarcane leaves or ferns for its green and pin kumquats around it after spraying it with silver or gold paint, as its Christmas balls. You can also use small green guavas as tiny balls around the wreath. Tie a big red bow on it and hang it on your door or inside the house. Bicycle tyres can also be used for wreaths;
• for a way to store candies and lollies, wash an old safety boot, dry it, spray it with gold or silver paint, fill it up with sand, put an oasis on it and fit in the candies and lollies among your flower arrangement. This can be put on the coffee table for family and friends to pick from.

There you go, your decorations and gift ideas with a Fijian flair. These suggestions are from a well known Suva based florist, Jimmy Montu. To contact Jimmy, you can call telephone +679 3381954 or visit him at his home at 11 Lavena Road, Nabua, Suva.

Suva Rugby 7s Tournament moved to 25 November 2006

Due to interest shown by clubs, the Suva Rugby Union has moved the Suva 7s Tournament to Saturday, 25 November 2006. The games will be played at the Post Fiji Stadium. Note from GV : For visitors to Suva requiring accommodation, pls check out our two bedroom rental home through links at the right hand side of this blog and contact us on e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj or call telephone +679 3396427.

Air Pacific starts on local routes in January 2007

Air Pacific will start servicing the Kadavu, Taveuni, Savusavu and Labasa routes from January 2007. The airline said that Twin Otter aircraft will service the island routes and the newly purchased ATR42 will fly the Labasa route. The company is now in the process of obtaining approvals from the Air Transport Licensing Board.

Bishop Foley Rugby Tournament back after 2 decades

The Bishop Foley Rugby Tournament comes back this year after 2 decades. The tournament organised by Catholics in Fiji will be played on 1 and 2 December 2006 at the Suva Grammar School grounds. The tournament was first organised primarily to foster a spirit of friendship among Catholics in Fiji and Rotuma. It is named after a bishop who once headed the Catholic Church in Fiji and is buried in a tomb on a small headland by the sea at St John's College in Cawaci, Ovalau. It was a character of the bishop that Catholics in parishes around the country meet and renew friendships. The rules have since been relaxed to include some Methodists in a team, signed by the parish priest. Some of our national representatives have played at one of the tournaments including Jo Rauto, Waisale Serevi, Asaeli Hughes, Iokimi Finau, Paulo Nawalu and Belasio Vukiwai. Teams already confirmed for the tournament this year include : Levuka, Natovi, Nausori, Naililili, Vanuakula, Nadera, Samabula, Raiwaqa, Laucala, Suva, Lami, Tamavua, Lomary, Namosi and Veivatuloa. The pools have been decided as follows :

• Pool 1 : Suva, Namosi, Natovi, Raiwaqa;
• Pool 2 : Laucala, Veivatuloa, Samabula, Nadera;
• Pool 3 : Lami, Tamavua, Nausori, Naililili;
• Pool 4 : Vanuakula, Lomary, Pacific Regional Seminary, Levuka.

Netball will also feature for the first time at this year's tournament.

Note from GV : For accommodation in Suva, check our two bedroom rental home 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.

3 shops to check out in Suva

Three shops to check out in Suva for accessories and ornaments. They are :

1. Aladdin's Cave at Palm Court, Victoria Parade, Suva. The shop sells ethnic looking jewellery including necklaces, rings, bracelets, mats, furniture, garden slabs and accessories, candles, purses, cushions, bed spreads and blankets, sun catchers and dream catchers. Products are from Indonesia, India, Vietnam, South America, South Africa and other places.
2. Cascade Bookshop at Palm Court, Victoria Parade, Suva. This shop sells products along the same lines at Aladdin's Cave, in addition to books and CDs. Some of the products include scarves, jewellery, sarongs, bags, furniture including wall mirrors. Some of the products are from Indonesia.
3. Palace of Petals, corner of Ellery Street and Renwick Road, Suva. This shop is primarily a flower shop but has branched out into selling jewellery, scarves, bags and furniture.

There are also other shops that sell ethnic Fijian handicraft and jewellery, if you are looking for those. These can be found at the Government Handicraft Shop at Sukuna House along Victoria Parade, the Suva Handicraft Centre in front of the seawall in Suva and at the Suva Flea Market, located opposite the Suva Bus Terminal. If you are a visitor to Suva, make sure to bargain the prices down.

Marist Convent School Reunion

The Marist Convent School, Lami, will hold reunion celebrations from 23 to 26 November 2006 at the school. Call Frances on telephone number +679 9274557 for more information.

PM praises Gujarati community

The Gujarati community commemorated the 100th year of the first arrival of their ancestors in Fiji last weekend. The PM, as chief guest at the celebrations commended the community's contribution to Fiji's economy, which he labelled as an inspiring story of achievement. He said that when the Gujaratis first settled here, they sought out opportunities and their success was testimony to their taking the chance in a foreign land. "Gujratis, as free immigrants, came with the intention of setting up business in Fiji. They did this at considerable risk to their standing in their former societies in India. For many, the family history takes a similar path of small beginnings and growth into large companies or family members diversifying into professional work as doctors, lawyers, administrators, accountants and, more recently, into the IT field. Today the Samaj is a major contributor to the growth of Fiji's economy and development", a member of the organising committee said.

Fiji School of Medicine Graduation

The graduation ceremony for the Fiji School of Medicine will be held on Wednesday, 6 December 2006 at the Tattersall Leisure Centre (former National Gymnasium), Laucala Bay, Suva, beginning at 9am. Note from GV : For accommodation in Suva, click on links at the right hand side of this blog for more details or e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj.

National Forum on Family & Children

The National Forum on Family & Children will be held on 6 and 7 December 2006 at the Fiji Teachers Union Hall, Suva. Theme : "Putting Families First in our Lives". Topics the Forum will address will include :

• Strengthening Family Values;
• Education and Children's Development;
• Child Care & Communications;
• Health and Nutrition;
• Families & Prevention of Drugs and Substance Abuse Prevention;
• Family & Financial Management.

The Forum provides a unique opportunity for families from multicultural communities to unite and work together to make a difference in the role families play in today's society and make positive changes within lives for social, economic and national development. For more information contact Ben Lutua on telephone +679 3312649 or e-mail fcoss@connect.com.fj. Note from GV : For accommodation in a two bedroom home, click on links at the right hand side of this blog for more details or e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj.

Pacific Arts Alliance - School Holiday Arts Programmes

The Pacific Arts Alliance is holding school holiday arts programs focused on contemporary and heritage Pacific arts from Monday, 27 November 2006, through to Monday, 22 January 2007 at The Playhouse, Selbourne Street, Suva. Classes include weaving, jewellery, costume making and dance. Each class to have a minimum of five participants. Fees vary depending on the class taken, and there is also a package fee of F$200 for the full programme which is 6 weeks and 2 classes per week. Group allocations are :

• Group 1 (children 5yrs - 8years);
• Group 2 (children 8years - 12years);
• Group 3 (teenagers 13 - 17years);
• Group 4 (adult beginners).

Contact Letila or Maryann for registration on telephones +679 3306349, +679 9316148 or +679 9261186 or email info@pacificartsalliance.com.

Upcoming Activities and Events in Suva (Updated 17.11.06)

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

• Annual Fiji Primary Schools Athletics Competition (FMF Games), Friday, 17 November, and Saturday, 18 November 2006, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Suva Rugby Union 7s Tournament, Saturday, November 18, 2006, Suva;
• Marist Gala Dinner to celebrate the work of the Marist Brothers in Fiji, Saturday, 18 November 2006, from 6.30pm, Holiday Inn, Suva;
• LTA Velocity Cycling Race Series, Sunday, 19 November 2006, meet 15 Naimawi Street at 6am for Lami-Naboro-Lami Race;
• Gujrat Samaj of Fiji Centenary Celebration, from 5.30pm, Sunday, 19 November 2006, FMF Dome, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Cine night ‘Gardens in Autumn’, from 7.30pm, Monday, 20 November 2006, Alliance Française, 14 McGregor Road, Suva;
• Marist Convent School Reunion Celebrations, 23 to 26 November 2006, Marist Convent School grounds, Lami;
• 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;
• Fiji International Volleyball Tournament, 27 November to 2 December, Suva;
• Pacific Arts Alliance, School Holiday Arts Programmes, classes begin Monday, 27 November, and runs until Monday, 22 January, 2007, The Playhouse, Selbourne Street, Suva;
• Bishop Foley Rugby Tournament, 1 to 2 December 2006, Suva Grammar School grounds, Veiuto, Suva;
• Tourism Training segments for Suva, 4 to 9 December 2006, at various venues in Suva;
• Fiji School of Medicine Graduation Ceremony, Wednesday, 6 December 2006, from 9am, Tattersall Leisure Centre (former National Gymnasium), Laucala Bay, Suva;
• National Boxing Championships, 6 to 8 December 2006, New Town Hall, 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;
• Oceania 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, display of bird paintings by William Belcher and exhibition for Westpac's 101st anniversary of services in Fiji, 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;
• 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. A 20% discount is offered for all bookings up to 31 March 2007. Those that wish to have their events included can contact me on the e-mail address provided above.

Gujrat Samaj of Fiji : Centenary Celebrations 1906 to 2006

The Gujrat Samaj of Fiji will have a Centenary Celebration for the general public at the FMF Dome, Laucala Bay, Suva, from 5.30pm, Sunday, 19 November 2006. There will be a performance by the Natraj Kala Mandir Group of India and local artists. Admission is free.

New FMF Games

The primary schools athletics meet has been renamed the FMF Games after Flour Mills of Fiji took over sponsorship of the tournament. The annual games, which will be held on Friday, 17 November and Saturday, 18 November 2006, at the Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva, used to be called the Twisties Games. Most student athletes from around the country are already in Suva trying out the stadium tracks before the games proper. If you want to watch some of our budding athletes, go down to the Post Fiji Stadium on Friday and Saturday.

Suva Rugby Union 7s Tournament

The Suva Rugby Union 7s Tournament will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2006. For further information, contact Amena Tamanitoakula on telephone +679 9226385 or Etonia Radrodro on telephone +679 9328230.

Wai Tui Cycles Summer Criterium

A race will be held at Vuya Road, Suva, on Thursday, 16 November 2006, starting at 5.30pm at the Pacific Theological College. Contact Dom on telephone +679 9922123 for more information.

Accommodation in Suva

Check out our two bedroom rental home with seaviews in Suva for short stay visitors. The home is tastefully furnished and has a Personal Computer and Broadband Internet access provided complimentary for guests' use. At present, we are offering a 20% discount on bookings up to 31 March 2007 with the applicable rate being F$112.00 per night. The rental home is currently available for Christmas 2006 and New Year 2007. Visitors from Australia and New Zealand can also book now for winter 2007 (i.e. end May to end August 2007). Click on the links at the right hand side of this blog to view more details on amenities provided and photos of the home. To contact us, you can e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj, gilbertv@connect.com.fj or call telephones +679 3396427 or +679 9921427.

Nike Sale on in Suva

A Nike sportswear sale is currently on in Suva. Visit the Tappoo Store in central Suva to check out the bargains.

Remembrance Day celebrations in Suva today

Remembrance Day commemorations will be held in Suva today, 11 November, to remember our war heroes who died for our country in the two World Wars and in other spheres where our servicemen have served. There will be a march by our soldiers and navy men and the traditional laying of wreath. During the week, Fiji citizens have been spotting red poppies which were bought from the Fiji Ex-Servicemen's Association as a way of remembering our forefathers who gave their lives during the wars. Today, we say a prayer for them and for our grandfathers, fathers, uncles, brothers and cousins who are still serving in our defence forces.

PNG may make a financial contribution to set up war memorial in Suva

The development of Thurston Gardens in Suva into a national war memorial is expected to cost Government millions of dollars according to the Minister for Home Affairs. Work on the project will begin at the end of November with Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister officiating at the ground-breaking ceremony. It is believed that the PNG PM will make a financial contribution towards the project when he officiates at the ground-breaking ceremony.

Triathlon Event

A triathlon will be held on Sunday, 26 November 2006, at Pacific Harbour Arts Village. Events are : Full Olympic 1.5/40/10; fi Olympic 750/20/5; short sprint 300/10/3; Junior event 300/3/1; Cycling event 40km. Events to start at 7am. For more details, contact Ian on telephone +679 9995625 or Clive on telephone +679 9924868.

Cycling Mystery Ride

Scheduled for Sunday, 12 November 2006, from 6.30am, Wai Tui Cycles, Garden City, Raiwai, Suva. Where to? To be decided when you get there!

Fiji Swimming Awards Dinner

Fiji Swimming will hold its first awards dinner at the Vineyard Palace, Suva, on Saturday, 25 November 2006. The premier awards to be given are : Male Swimmer of the Year, Female Swimmer of the Year, Development Club of the Year and Performance Club of the Year.

Air Pacific to fly domestic routes soon

Air Pacific will fly domestic routes soon after an injunction by Air Fiji to stop it from doing so was thrown out of the Fiji Court of Appeal. This means that tourists and visitors will be able to fly bigger and better aircrafts to Suva, Nadi, Labasa and Savusavu. This comes at a time when the Airports Fiji Limited is also to start work on expanding and developing the airports at Nausori (Suva), Labasa and Savusavu. Price wars will be a feature which will be to the advantage of the flying consumer. Note from GV : If travelling to Suva for business or a holiday, check out our two bedroom rental home through links at the right hand side of this blog. To book, you can e-mail gilbert@connect.com.fj or call telephones +679 3396427 or +679 9921427.

Melanesian Documentary Film Festival Program

The Melanesia Documentary Film Festival will be held from Monday, 13 November to Thursday, 16 November 2006. It will feature high quality documentaries that focus on social and political issues that are in someway connected and relevant to countries within the Melanesian region. Please refer to the program below :

• Monday, 13 November 2006, 6.30pm ‘In the Name of Growth’ (Fiji), Directed by Dr. Atu-Emberson-Bain and Michael Preston, 53min, 2001. Nominated for 2001 21st Hawai’I International Film Festival. The film portrays the life of Fiji tuna cannery workers (who get poor wages and working conditions), and shows the human costs of a growth-driven economic model for workers in Levuka's Pacific Fishing Company (PAFCO) on the island of Ovalau. It highlights the clash between World Bank-style, growth-driven development and the traditional values of a needs-based subsistence economy. It also exposes the reality behind the rhetoric of indigenous rights. As the economic tide turns against the cannery, the screws tighten on the factory floor. The women struggle to support their dependent husbands and families, to manage their competing roles as mothers and workers, and to meet the unrelenting demands of culture and religion.
• Monday, 13 November 2006, 7.30pm ‘Since the Company Came’ (Solomon Islands), Directed & Produced by Russell Hawkins, Edited by Gary Kildea, 52min, 2000. The story of a community’s struggle to come to terms with the social, cultural and ecological disruption that threatens to fragment Solomon Islands. Set on the remote island of Rendova, the film focuses on dispute and division caused by the Haporai tribe’s latest development activity: a logging operation.
• Monday, 13 November 2006, 9pm ‘The Spirits of Koniambo’ (New Caledonia), Directed & Produced by Jean-Louis Comolli, 90min, 2004. The modern history of New Caledonia, its colonisation, revolutions and its path toward independence are viewed in the light of the notes and recordings of Antoine Goromido, an aged Kanak wise man and assistant to the anthropologist Alban Bensa who worked in the area for 30 years. Antoine died three years ago but his son and the anthropologist set out to discover through his documentation and political commitment how Antoine succeeded in having holy places kept sacred and managed to keep his clan alive and respected, even by the Canadian multinational Falconbridge that exploits the mineral resources of that land.
• Tuesday, 14 November 2006, 6.30pm ‘A Race for Rights’ (Fiji), Directed and Produced by Larry Thomas, 53min, 2001. ‘A Race for Rights’ documents the May 2000 Fiji coup with news coverage and interviews of ordinary people with many different viewpoints from all walks of life. Important in Thomas’s film are the inclusion on multiplicity of voices and the opportunity he gives his subjects to reflect on the meaning these events have for their lives and the future of Fiji.
• Tuesday, 14 November 2006, 7.30pm ‘Tanim’ (PNG), Directed by James Franckam, produced by Faraway Pictures, 50 min, 2002. 2005 Oceania International Film Festival Contemporary Film Prize. ‘Tanim’ is the exceptional story of the changes that have disturbed the life of the Papua natives. This film follows Enga's reigning tribe, the Apulins, struggling to find an equilibrium between traditional beliefs and an election system foreign to them. Tanim explores one of humanity's most ancient forms of social organization having to face social and political evolution. This transition is not without conflicts, sometimes bloody ones.
• Tuesday, 14 November 2006, 9pm ‘Grassroots, those who vote’ (Vanuatu), Directed by Eric Wittersheim, produced by EHESS, 86 min, 2003. 2004 Oceania International Film Festival Jury Special Prize. The camera follows the 2000 election campaign in Vanuatu. Small and new parties speak. Through their words, appears the bitterness of broken promises. They have been cheated by the present government officials: they had been promised, land, houses and work, but nothing or so little has been done! Those who have to live under difficult conditions are too many. They must then return to old customs, to tradition, to seek support from them. This is also what the parties in power want to do while leaning toward a modernity that is difficult to achieve. Speeches, prayers, singing and all sorts of demonstrations accompany this campaign.
• Wednesday, 15 November 2006, 6.30pm ‘The Maden Family’s Papua’, Directed by Séverin Blanchet, Produced by la Huit Productions, 52min, 2003. One family, the Madens, takes a look at today’s Papua through its memories. The father was a sorcerer and the mother a fervent Catholic. The children are village people, teacher, filmmaker etc. Their memories draw a portrait of contemporary PNG through three generations, successively confronted to the White Man’s world, then to their country’s independence. An independence that raised many hopes and guided many choices of lives. Where are these hopes today, while the country is undergoing in-depth transformation?
• Wednesday, 15 November 2006, 7.30pm ‘Crater Mountain Story’, Directed and Produced by Martin Maden, 62min, 2006. ;
• Wednesday, 15 November 2006, 9.pm ‘Koriam's Law, and the Dead Who Govern’, Directed by Gary Kildea, co-produced by the ANU RSPAS Film Unit, Canberra, and Arcadia Pictures, 110 minutes, 2005. 9th International Festival of Ethnographic Film, Oxford, Royal Anthropology Institute Film Prize 2005. In ‘Koriam's Law’, Australian anthropologist Andrew Lattas meets his match in philosopher-informant Peter Avarea of Matong village, Pomio, Papua New Guinea. Motivated by their lively dialogues, the film sets out to place that most misconstrued of cultural phenomena - the ‘cargo-cult’ - in a universal light. The Pomio Kivung Movement was founded in 1964 by a local leader called Koriam. In the face of official condemnation, its political and religious philosophy sought to uncover that path to a perfect existence which the colonising whites seemed to have found and selfishly monopolised. Koriam's Law concerns itself with the contemporary works and understandings of the Pomio Kivung. The movement's leaders are keen to show that it has nothing to do with 'waiting for cargo'. Rather, its mission is to prepare the way for the devoutly wished 'change' and, at the same time, to organise for a better society in the here and now.
• Program for Thursday, 16 November 2006, to be provided later.

No fees required for entry.

LTA Velocity Cycling Race Series

The LTA Velocity Cycling Race Series continues this Sunday, 12 November 2006, with a Lami-Serua-Lami race. Participants to meet at 15 Naimawi St, Lami, at 6am on Sunday. Note that the Saturday rides are social rides but the Sunday rides are races. This cyclothon to raise funds for the Velocity Cycling Team to participate in the Lake Taupo Cycling Challenge in New Zealand . For more information contact Dom on telephone +679 9922123 or e-mail ds@samba.com.fj.

Upcoming Activities and Events in Suva (Updated 10.11.06)

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

• Art Exhibit: ‘Waka-ni-vuku’ - The Roots of Sagacity, Thursday, 9 November to Saturday, 11 November 2006, 9am to 4pm, Oceania Centre, USP, Laucala Bay;
• Fiji Human Resources Institute, Development Forum, Friday, 10 November 2006, from 8am to 7pm, Lali Room, Holiday Inn, Suva;
• Kid's Creative Dance Classes, Friday, 10 November 2006, 2.30pm to 3.30pm for age category 2yrs to 5yrs, 3.45pm to 4.45pm for ages 6yrs to 12 yrs, Alliance Française, 14 McGregor Road, Suva;
• LTA Velocity Cycling Race Series, Sunday, 12 November 2006, meet at 15 Naimawi St at 6am for Lami-Serua-Lami Race;
• Melanesia Documentary Film Festival, Monday, 13 November to Thursday, 16 November 2006, Alliance Française, 14 McGregor Road, 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;
• Wai Tui Cycles, Vuya Road Race, starts 5.30pm, Thursday, 16 November 2006, from the Pacific Theological College, Veiuto, Suva;
• Annual Fiji Primary Schools Athletics Competition (FMF Games), Friday, 17 November, and Saturday, 18 November 2006, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Suva Rugby Union 7s Tournament, Saturday, November 18, 2006, Suva;
• Marist Gala Dinner to celebrate the work of the Marist Brothers in Fiji, Saturday, 18 November 2006, from 6.30pm, Holiday Inn, Suva;
• Gujrat Samaj of Fiji Centenary Celebration, from 5.30pm, Sunday, 19 November 2006, FMF Dome, Laucala Bay, 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;
• National Boxing Championships, 6 to 8 December 2006, New Town Hall, 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, display of bird paintings by William Belcher and exhibition for Westpac's 101st anniversary of services in Fiji, 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;
• 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. A 20% discount is offered for all bookings up to 31 March 2007. Those that wish to have their events included can contact me on the e-mail address provided above.

Small business workshop today

The Grace Baptist Church is organising a small business workshop for unemployed youths of Nakelo/Nanuku/Wailea/Veigodo settlements from 9am to 11am today, Tuesday, 7 November 2006. For registration or information, call telephones +679 3382415 or +679 9932303.

Fiji 7s Rugby Squad in Camp

Members of the Fiji 7s Rugby Squad at in camp at the University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva to prepare for trials to select 15 players that will be part of the team to play in the IRB 7s Rugby Series in 2007. The players will also be contracted and sponsored by mobile telecommunications provider, Digicel. Members of the team have been doing some weight and aerobic training, apart from their rugby skills training, in Suva.

National Boxing Championships in December

The National Boxing Championships will be held from 6 to 8 December 2006 at the New Town Hall in Suva. The championships is part of build-up trials for the South Pacific Games to be held at Apia, Samoa, in 2007. Please mark the dates down on your diary and go watch some of our young talented boxers.

Extra classes for students in Suva by Parliamentarians

A few Parliamentarians are organising extra classes for students from squatter settlements in Suva to prepare the students for their external examinations. The initiative has been put together by Parliamentarians including Jone Waqairatu, Dewan Chand, Monica Raghwan, Losena Salabula and Rajesh Singh. Classes are being organised at centres including Nawanawa, Namadai, Kilikali, Cunningham, Maravu, Nabua and Kinoya village. Classes have been going on for a month now with the target of running them for 6 weeks. External examinations which are sat by students from Forms 4, 6 and 7 begin this month. Note from GV : Check out our two bedroom accommodation in Suva through links at the right hand side of this blog.

Suva Peace Vigil

Join the Suva Peace Vigil group, 4pm, today at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Suva. Message will be : "Share your interfaith messages for a sustainable and Just'Peace for Fiji". For more details, contact Mama Cash & femLINKPACIFIC Media Initiatives for Women, on telephones +679 3307207 or +679 9244871.

Nadroga wins in Suva

Nadroga won its rugby game against Naitasiri 18 to 10 at the Post Fiji Stadium in Suva yesterday. The win gives Nadroga the two Cups : the Farebrother Trophy and the Sanyo Cup.

F$1m for PM's new home

A new residence will be built to be the official residence of the Prime Minister. The home which will be built at a 6 acre land located along Queen Elizabeth Drive and near the Muanikau Police Post will be divided into two parts : an official entertainment area and a private residence for the PM's family. The home will also house an office for the PM. Architects are to be called soon to tender designs for the home and will be instructed to take into account the local culture and traditions. The total cost of construction, security and finishing costs will be around F$1 million. In addition to the Government House, the Great Council of Chiefs buildings and now the new residence of the PM, Queen Elizabeth Drive will surely be a dream drive for those that love architectural designs.

Upcoming Activites and Events in Suva (Updated 3.11.06)

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

• 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;
• LTA Velocity Cycling Race Series 2006, Lami to Warwick Hotel race, Sunday, 5 November 2006, starts 6.30am, from Fisheries Department, Lami (Entry fees : F$5.00 per person. Contact Dom on telephone +679 9922123 for details);
• Grace Baptist Church organised Small Business Workshop for unemployed youths of Nakelo/Nanuku/Wailea/Veigodo settlements, Tuesday, 7 November 2006, from 9am to 11am;
• 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;
• Fiji Library Association Annual Quiz Night, Thursday, 9 November 2006, starting 7pm, Forum Secretariat Fale, Forum Secretariat Compound, Ratu Sukuna Road, Suva;
• Fiji Human Resources Institute, Development Forum, Friday, 10 November 2006, from 8am to 7pm, Lali Room, Holiday Inn, 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;
• National Boxing Championships, 6 to 8 December 2006, New Town Hall, 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. A 20% discount is offered for all bookings up to 31 March 2007. Those that wish to have their events included can contact me on the e-mail address provided above.

Sportswear sale on

Sportswear is on sale at two outlets in Suva : Sportsworld at Waimanu Road and JR White at Victoria Parade. Sportsworld specialises in Puma products while JR White sells CCC goods. The two outlets sell other brands apart from those ones. Pls visit the two outlets and check out the bargains.

Fiji Human Resources Institute Forum

The Fiji Human Resources Institute hosts a Development Forum on Friday, 10 November 2006, from 8am to 7pm, at the Lali Room, Holiday Inn, Suva. Various speakers will speak on the following topics :

• Occupational Health and Safety at Work (Osea Cawaru, Director of OHS, Ministry of Labour);
• Disciplinary and Arbitration Process (Jon Apted, Partner, Munro Leys & Company);
• Human Resources Practitioners (Market Demand);
• Job Evaluation and Remuneration in Fiji (Lily Leong, Manager HR Services, PriceWaterhouseCoopers);
• Human Resources Emerging Issues (Nesbitt Hazelman, Chairman, Human Resources Council, Fiji Employers Federation and General Manager Support Services, Fiji Development Bank);
• Human Resources Succession Planning (Imo Sagoa, Telecom Fiji Limited, Group General Manager Human Resources);
• Counselling and Motivation in the Workplace (Selina Kuruleca).

Registration fees is F$150.00 for members and F$200.00 for non-members. To confirm attendance, e-mail workpro@connect.com.fj or call telephones +679 3316519.

LTA Velocity Cycling Race Series 2006 : Lami to Warwick Hotel

The LTA Velocity Cycling Race Series 2006 continues on Sunday, 5 November 2006 with a race from Lami to Warwick Hotel, Coral Coast. The race starts at the Fisheries Department, Lami, at 6.30am. Entry fees is F$5.00 per person. All are welcome. For details, contact Dom on telephone +679 9922123.

Primary school art exhibition now on

An art exhibition to display work by primary school students is now on and is being hosted at the Fijian Teachers Association hall at Knollys Street, Suva. The art display is organised by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Ministry of Education. Primary school students from 32 schools in Suva, Nausori, Ovalau and Koro Island, have sent work for the exhibition, the first of its kind in Fiji. The exhibition is aimed at encouraging the artistic skills of the young members of society.

Looking for accommodation in Suva for December 2006?

We have been inundated with enquiries for accommodation in Suva for December 2006. It is the time when ex-Fiji residents, as well as Fijians from outside Suva, come for family gatherings such as weddings, birthdays or just to celebrate Christmas and New Year. If you are intending to travel and spend some time in Suva during December 2006 and currently looking for accommodation, we may be able to help you. Contact us by e-mail with your particulars. Our e-mail address is gilbert@connect.com.fj.

Oceania Athletics Grand Prix in December

The Oceania Athletics Grand Prix will be held at the Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva from 9 to 11 December 2006. To compete at the meet are squad members selected for the 2007 South Pacific Games which will be held at Apia, Samoa. A good number of secondary school athletes are in the squad training for the Games next year. Note from GV : For accommodation in a two bedroom rental home in Suva, check out links at the right hand side of this blog, and e-mail us to enquire on gilbert@connect.com.fj.

Naitasiri-Nadroga rugby this Saturday

Champions, Naitasiri, meets Nadroga in a Farebrother Cup rugby challenge at the Post Fiji Stadium this Saturday, 4 November 2006. Nadroga has decided to put also the Sanyo Cup, which it currently holds, on the line. Nadroga also comes this week with a host of national rugby players, or those on the verge of national selection, in the likes of Apisai Tukukawa, Tiko Matawalu, Etonia Naba, Emosi Vucago, Waisale Serevi, Mosese Volavola and Josefa Domolailai. To watch some good rugby, go down to the Post Fiji Stadium, this Saturday.