Hibiscus Festival 2007 : March of Youth

The March of Youth will be held on Saturday, 18 August 2007, on the opening day of the Hibiscus Festival 2007. Get a group together of your school or youth club and join in the March of Youth. For more information, pls contact Authur Hazelman on telephone (679) 3392977 extension 256 or e-mail ahalzelman@housing.com.fj.

Suva Activities, Events and Accommodation (Updated 29.6.07)

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

• Hindi Short Story Contest organised by School of Language, Arts and Media, Faculty of Arts and Law of the University of the South Pacific, in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, starts Saturday, 9 June 2007, closes Friday, 27 July 2007;
• Fiji Media Council invitation for entries for the Fiji Awards for Media Excellence, open up to 20 July 2007;
• TPAF 2007 Management Development Program Module 1, Monday, 25 June to Friday, 29 June 2007, TPAF Training House, Narere, Suva;
• Alliance Francaise 20th Anniversary Night Art Exhibition, Friday, 29 June 2007, Suva;
• Fiji Music Day, Saturday, 30 June 2007, 10am to 1pm, 2007 Talent Quest and free Big concerts with major Fijian Bands and Guest Band (Celenod, NC), Sukuna Park, Suva;
• Kula Film Awards, July 2007, Suva;
• Alliance Francaise 20th Anniversary, Screen Printing Art Workshops, July 2007, Suva;
• Fiji Triathlon National Championship and Weet Bix Kids Under 15 Meet, Sunday, 1 July 2007, Pacific Harbour;
• Beulah Brass Band Performance, Monday, 2 July 2007, 12pm to 1pm, Sukuna Park;
• ANU/USP Fiji Economic Update, Tuesday, 3 July 2007, 9am to 4.30pm, Marine Studies Lecture Theatre, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Beulah Brass Band Performance, Tuesday, 3 July 2007, from 7.30pm, Suva Civic Auditorium;
• Wine Tasting, Tuesday, 3 July 2007, from 6pm to 8pm, Bad Dog Restaurant, Victoria Parade, Suva;
• Double Dialogues Conference, 4 to 6 July 2007, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Art Display to coincide with the Double Dialogues conference, 4 to 10 July 2007, Suva;
• Beulah Brass Band Performance, Sunday, 8 July 2007, 9am to 10am, Sukuna Park, after a Suva environment clean up campaign;
• Beulah Brass Band Performance, Sunday, 8 July 2007, from 5pm, Salesi Health Centre, Kinoya, Suva;
• Marist Brothers High School Reunion, Monday, 9 July 2007, 5pm, Welcome Cocktail at The Fiji Club, Suva;
• Marist Brothers High School Reunion, Tuesday, 10 July 2007, FREE DAY - Shopping, visit family, etc;
• Marist Brothers High School Reunion, Wednesday, 11 July 2007, Suva Sights and Venues - via Bus;
• Marist Brothers High School Reunion, Wednesday, 11 July 2007, Suva Nightlife pub crawl;
• Marist Brothers High School Reunion, Thursday, 12 July 2007, 10am, MBHS school visit, Scholarship package presentation, and library computer workstation handover;
• Alliance Francaise 20th Anniversary, Thursday, 12 July, to Wednesday, 18 July 2007, French Film Festival, Suva;
• Marist Brothers High School Reunion, Friday, 13 July 2007, from 1pm, Sports Day - Golf, bowls, tennis, etc;
• Marist Brothers High School Reunion, Friday, 13 July 2007, from 7pm, Island Night;
• "Enrich Your Writing" Training Session, Friday, 13 July 2007, from 7pm to 9pm, and Saturday, 14 July 2007, from 9am to 4.30pm, Siwatibau residence, 7 Nauluvatu Road, Samabula, Suva;
• Marist Brothers High School Reunion, Saturday, 14 July 2007, Pure Fiji Tour and shopping, United Apparel tour;
• Marist Brothers High School Old Boys Association - Annual General Meeting, Saturday, 14 July 2007, from 3pm, Lambert Hall, Marist Brothers High School, Flagstaff, Suva;
• Teams Chess Championship, Saturday, 14 July 2007;
• 2007 Suva Hibiscus Festival - Star Quest Competition, Heat 3, Saturday, 14 July 2007, Suva;
• Marist Brothers High School Reunion, Sunday, 15 July 2007, Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral and Yum Cha brunch at Chinatown.
• Fiji Showcase 2007 (shopping event), Saturday, 14 July, to Saturday, 21 July 2007, Vodafone Arena (former FMF Dome), Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Amateur Swimming Association of Fiji - Fiji National Squads Camp, Friday, 20 July, to Sunday, 22 July 2007, Suva;
• Alliance Francaise 20th Anniversary, Wednesday, 25 July, to Friday, 27 July 2007, "M" Theatre, Suva;
• ANZ-Fiji Arts Club Annual Art Exhibition and Competition - Receipt of artworks, Friday 27 July 2007, Suva;
• ANZ-Fiji Arts Club Annual Art Exhibition and Competition, Monday, 30 July, to Sunday, 5 August 2007, The Playhouse, Fiji Arts Club, Selbourne Street, Suva;
• Queen Victoria School 100th Anniversary Celebrations Ball, August;
• Alliance Francaise, 20th Anniversary, Photography Workshop and Exhibition, August 2007, Suva;
• 2007 Suva Hibiscus Festival - Star Quest Competition, Semi-finals, Saturday, 4 August 2007, Suva;
• Tabu Soro Triathlon, Saturday, 12 August 2007, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• International Game Fishing Invitational Tournament, Thursday, 16 August, to Saturday, 18 August 2007, Pearl South Pacific Resort, Pacific Harbour;
• Fiji Hibiscus Festival, 17 to 25 August 2007, Albert Park, Suva;
• Methodist Church of Fiji Annual Choir/Singing Competition, from Friday, 17 August 2007 to Saturday, 25 August 2007, Furnival Park, Toorak, Suva;
• Isa Lei Reunion (for former students of the International School in Suva), 17 to 19 August 2007, Suva;
• Hibiscus Festival 2007 - March of Youth, Saturday, 18 August 2007, from Suva Bus Terminal to Albert Park;
• National U-20 Championships, Saturday, 18 August 2007;
• 2007 Suva Hibiscus Festival - Star Quest Competition, Finals, Saturday, 18 August 2007, Suva;
• Fiji Tertiary Games Chess Championships, September 2007;
• Alliance Francaise 20th Anniversary, New Caledonia Circus Tour, September 2007, Suva;
• TPAF 2007 Management Development Program Module 2, Monday, 3 September, to Friday, 7 September 2007, TPAF Training House, Narere, Suva;
• Oceania Women's Hockey Qualifiers for 2008 Olympic Games, from 10 September 2007, Suva;
• 28th Carlton Brewery Chess Grand Prix, Sunday, 16 September 2007;
• National Hindi Day Celebrations, Tuesday, 18 September 2007, Suva;
• Amateur Swimming Association of Fiji - fmf Grand Prix Swimming, Saturday, 22 September 2007, Suva;
• Opening of the new Morris Hedstrom's outlet, October, Thomson Street, Suva;
• World Invitational U18 Rugby League Championship, October 2007, Suva;
• Queen Victoria School 100th Anniversary Celebrations, week long celebrations, October 2007;
• Fiji Day Open Chess Championships, Monday, 8 October 2007;
• 18th Hobie 16 World Championships, from 8 to 19 October 2007, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Tabu Soro Triathlon, Sunday, 28 October 2007, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• JR White National Chess Championships, Saturday, 24 November, and Sunday, 25 November 2007;
• Tabu Soro Triathlon Sprints Series, Sunday, 25 November 2007, Pacific Harbour;
• Amateur Swimming Association of Fiji - Fiji National Age & Open Short Course Championships, Friday, 30 November, to Sunday, 2 December 2007, Suva.

Recurring Events:

• Fiji Museum displays, daily at The Fiji Museum, Suva;
• Bridge night, every Monday nights, from 6.30 to 9.30pm, The Fiji Club, 1 Selbourne Street, 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;
• Rasta Tuesday, from 9pm, Tuesdays, Golden Dragon Nightclub, Suva;
• Talei Burns and Friends, every Wednesdays, 6pm to 10pm, The Malthouse, 88 Jerusalem Road (next to the Fiji Golf Club), Vatuwaqa, Suva;
• 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;
• Music Workshop organised by the Fiji Arts Council and the Alliance Francaise, every Thursdays, from 5.30 to 9pm, Fiji Institute of Technology (FIT) School of Arts , Culture and Design. Campus, Raiwai, Suva;
• 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;
• FIT School of Arts, Culture and Design : Saturday Classes for Children (covering piano, art & craft, acting, choir), from Saturday, 3 March 2007, School of Arts, Culture & Design, Carpenter Street (near Garden City), Raiwai, Suva;
• Kid’s Arts Classes with Kathy Oyagawa, Saturdays, 10am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4pm, The Homestay, Princes Road, Tamavua, Suva;
• 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 gilbertv2@connect.com.fj directly. Those that wish to have their events included can contact me on the e-mail address provided above. Note : Promote your products and services to our wide readership base from Fiji, Australia, NZ, USA and Canada by advertising on this blog. Check out our very low rates for commercial ads here.

Weekend Sports in Suva

Some of the sports scheduled for Suva this weekend include :

• Sanyo Cup match, Northland Tailevu vs Suva, Saturday, 30 June 2007, Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori, near Suva, from 3pm;
• Fiji Golf Club Office Products monthly medal, Saturday, 30 June 2007, from 8am, Fiji Golf Club, Vatuwaqa;
• Suva Hockey League, Saturday, 30 June 2007, from 12pm, National Hockey Centre, Laucala Bay;
• Suva Netball games, Saturday, 30 June 2007, from 12pm, Vodafone Arena, Laucala Bay;
• Southern Zone Schools Rugby, Saturday, 30 June 2007, from 8.30am, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay;
• Local Soccer League games, Sunday, 1 July 2007, from 8.20am, Ram Lakhan Park, Samabula;
• Suva Soccer games, Sunday, 1 July 2007, from 9am, Buckhurst and Bidesi Parks, Laucala Bay.

ANZ-Fiji Arts Club Art Exhibition

The annual ANZ-Fiji Arts Club Art Exhibition events scheduled are as follows :

• Friday 27 July 2007, Receipt of artworks;
• Monday 30 July, 2007, Opening night with awards of prizes;
• Sunday 5 August 2007, Closing day with collection of all art works.

The exhibition is open to all type of paintings, drawings, sculptures, etc.

Enrich Your Writing Session

A session on "Enrich Your Writing" will be held on Friday, 13 July 2007 from 7pm to 9pm, and Saturday, 14 July 2007, 9am to 4.30pm, at the Siwatibau residence, 7 Nauluvatu Road, Samabula, Suva. Award-winning author, Caroline Cottom, PhD, will talk about how to spark your creativity and improve your writing. To be discussed will be two aspects of writing : creative flow and editing and revising. Useful for creative writing, informal writing, and work or business writing. The attendance fee is F$85.00 per person. For more information, pls call Caroline on telephones (679) 3683302 or (679) 9927204 or e-mail centerwithin@connect.com.fj.

Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting is on again on Tuesday, 3 July 2007, from 6pm to 8pm, at the Bad Dog Restaurant, Victoria Parade, Suva. For tasting this month will be Cabernet Merlot blends and Rieslings. Tickets are F$15.00 per person. For more information or booking, pls e-mail jverma@victoriawines.com.fj or call telephone (679) 3312968.

Public Lecture : One Size Fits All?

A public lecture "One Size Fits All? Confronting Pacific Environmental Challenges within Global Environmental Strategies is being organised by the Development Studies Program, Faculty of Arts and Law and the Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Islands and Oceans, University of the South Pacific. Details are provided below :

• Date : Thursday, 28 June 2007;
• Time : 6pm to 8pm;
• Venue : Marine Studies Lecture Theatre, USP Lower Campus, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Speaker : Dr Pamela Chasek, Executive Editor, Earth Negotiations Bulletin, IISD Reporting Services, Fulbright Senior Scholar, School of Government, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.

Environmental and sustainable development problems are so large that none of the Pacific Island States or Territories can response to them alone. As a result, regional cooperation, mutual aid between states, the pooling of energies and ideas is necessary within the region.

The lecture will present some initial research findings about how Pacific Island States and Territories can better address environmental challenges and what role regional organisations, the UN system and key developed countries can play in this regard.

Athletics Meet

The Team Fiji Athletics Meet will be held on Thursday, 28 June 2007, from 6pm at the Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva. Events scheduled include :

• 6pm, 5000m, javelin, long jump;
• 6.20pm, 100m;
• 6.40pm, 400m hurdles, shot put;
• 7pm, 800m;
• 7.20pm, 100m and 110 hurdles, triple jump;
• 7.40pm, 400m;
• 8pm, 3000m, discus;
• 8.20pm, 200m;
• 8.40pm, 4x100m; and
• 8.45pm, 4x400m.

Fiji Music Fest 2007

The Fiji Music Fest 2007 program for this week is as follows :

• Tuesday, 26 June to Thursday, 28 June 2007, Indoor Music at Traps (Tuesday), Defence Club (Wednesday) and Golden Dragon (Thursday);
• Saturday, 30 June 2007, 2007 Vocalist Talent Quest Finals and Free Big Concerts at Sukuna Park, Suva.

For more information, pls call the Alliance Francaise on telephone (679) 3313802 or e-mail allifra@connect.com.fj.

Tappoos Sale

Check out the Sale you have been waiting for at Tappoos Downtown and Home & Leisure Stores from Thursday, 28 June 2007. Tappoos promises that it will be "Bigger than Before" and "Better than Before". The Tappoos Suva store is located opposite the Suva Municipal Market while its Home & Leisure Store is located at Carpenter Street, Raiwai, Suva. Note : Advertise your products and services on this blog and take advantage of our wide readership base from Fiji, Australia, NZ, USA, Canada, UK and Europe. Our low advertising rates are available here. To contact us, pls e-mail gilbertv2@connect.com.fj or call telephone (679) 3396427.

Jacks of Fiji Shopping Fever

The Jacks of Fiji Shopin Fever sale with discounts up to 40% is extended for another week. Check out the bargains on street wear, surf wear, bula wear, mens wear, ladies & kids wear, handicraft, precious stones, jewellery, watches, perfumes, leather bags and more, at their Suva store. The Jacks of Fiji Suva store is opposite the General Post Office Building in central Suva. Note : Advertise your products and services on this blog and take advantage of our wide readership base from Fiji, Australia, NZ, USA, Canada, UK and Europe. Our low advertising rates are available here. To contact us, pls e-mail gilbertv2@connect.com.fj or call telephone (679) 3396427.

President to launch Fijian dictionary

The President, Ratu Josefa Iloilo, will launch Fiji's first monolingual Fijian dictionary on Friday at the Civic Centre in Suva. The dictionary is based on the Bauan dialect which is commonly used by Fijians. The publication of the dictionary is expected to set the platform for the publication of Fijian vernacular materials as it would bring uniformity in grammar, spelling and word usage. In the meantime, the Institute of Fijian Language and Culture is continuing work to identify missing words and make amendments to the first edition.

Fiji Showcase 2007

The Fiji Showcase 2007 will be held from Saturday, 14 July, to Saturday, 21 July 2007 at the Vodafone Arena (former FMF Dome), Laucala Bay, Suva. The Showcase event provides an opportunity for local and overseas traders to market and sell their products and services to the wider Suva and Fiji community. Products and services are usually sold at a discount during the event. Aside from the Suva-on-Sale event, the Fiji Showcase is an event for buyers and shoppers in Fiji. Note : For accommodation in Suva, pls check out our two bedroom rental home thorugh links at the right hand side of this blog. To contact us, you can e-mail gilbertv2@connect.com.fj or call telephone (679) 3396427. Merchants and traders who wish to advertise their products and services on this blog to take advantage of our wider readership from Fiji, Australia, NZ, USA, Canada, UK and Europe can e-mail us or call us on the above telephone number.

ANU/USP Fiji Economic Update

The ANU/USP Fiji Economic Update will be held on Tuesday, 3 July 2007, 9am to 4.30pm at the Marine Studies Lecture Theatre, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva. Some of the topics to be covered include :

• Fiji Economic Survey, by Satish Chand, Australia National University;
• Recent Developments in Tourism, by Tony Everett, South Pacific Tourism;
• Governance of the NLTB, by Mahendra Reddy, University of the South Pacific;
• Cleaning up the Economy, by Ron Duncan, University of the South Pacific;
• Governance Indicators for Seven Pacific Countries;
• Poverty Session, by Emele Duituturaga, University of the South Pacific and Rukmani Gounder, Massey University;
• A Survey of Business in Fiji, Ken Roberts, Fiji Employers Federation;
• The Export of Horticultural and High Value Agricultural Products from the Pacific Islands - Opportunities, Performance and Constraints, by Andrew McGregor, Consultant;
• Small Business Development in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, by Narendra Reddy, University of the South Pacific;
• Niche Markets and the Growth of Creative Industries in Fiji, by Katerina Teaiwa, Australian National University.

For more information, pls visit http://peb.anu.edu.au/. No entry fee required.

Fiji Awards for Media Excellence

The Fiji Media Council is advertising for entries for the Fiji Awards for Media Excellence. The awards, which cover all categories of media communication, provide for recognition of insight, analysis, creativity and entertainment. It is open to all organisations that publicly present information to the general public through any form of print or electronic material. For more information, pls visit http://www.fijimediacouncil.com/. Entries close on 20 July 2007.

Fiji Music Festival

Check out local jazz artists play classic tunes on Wednesday, 27 June 2007, from 8pm, at the Defence Club, Suva. For more information, pls contact Charlotte Friedli on telephone (679) 9462034 or the Alliance Francaise on telephone (679) 3313802 or email fijimusicday@gmail.com.

Suva Activities, Events and Accommodation (Updated 22.6.07)

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

• Hindi Short Story Contest organised by School of Language, Arts and Media, Faculty of Arts and Law of the University of the South Pacific, in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, starts Saturday, 9 June 2007, closes Friday, 27 July 2007;
• Fiji Music Fest by Alliance Francaise, Thursday, 21 June 2007, from 5pm onwards, at Traps, Holiday Inn, O’Reillys, Dragon Music, JJ’s on the Park, Defence Club, Bowling Club, Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Fiji Museum, Suva;
• Dinesh Lal Yadhav and Paakhi Performance, Friday, 22 June 2007, Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori;
• Fiji Media Council invitation for entries for the Fiji Awards for Media Excellence, open up to 20 July 2007;
• Suva Olympic Day Fun Run, Saturday, 23 June 2007, starting at 7.30am, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Beach, Suva;
• 2007 Suva Hibiscus Festival - Star Quest Competition, Heat 2, Saturday, 23 June 2007, Suva;
• Fiji vs Australia A 15s Rugby match, Saturday, 23 June 2007, from 3pm, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Dinesh Lal Yadhav and Paakhi Performance, Saturday, 23 June 2007, Vodafone Arena, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Rotary Club of Suva - Charity Fun Golf Tournament Progressive Ambrose, Sunday, 24 June 2007, Fiji Golf Club, Vatuwaqa, Suva;
• TPAF 2007 Management Development Program Module 1, Monday, 25 June to Friday, 29 June 2007, TPAF Training House, Narere, Suva;
• Fiji Music Fest 2007 Pop and Acoustic Night, Tuesday, 26 June 2007, Traps, Suva;
• Oceania Centre for Arts and Culture - Dance Performance of 'The Prodigal Son', Wednesday, 27 June 2007, from 7pm, AusAid Theatre, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Fiji Music Fest 2007, local jazz artists performance, Wednesday, 27 June 2007, from 8pm, Defence Club, Suva;
• Fiji Music Fest 2007 Boogie Night, Thursday, 28 June 2007, Golden Dragon, Suva;
• Alliance Francaise 20th Anniversary Night Art Exhibition, Friday, 29 June 2007, Suva;
• Fiji Music Day, Saturday, 30 June 2007, 10am to 1pm, 2007 Talent Quest and free Big concerts with major Fijian Bands and Guest Band (Celenod, NC), Sukuna Park, Suva;
• Kula Film Awards, July 2007, Suva;
• Alliance Francaise 20th Anniversary, Screen Printing Art Workshops, July 2007, Suva;
• Fiji Triathlon National Championship and Weet Bix Kids Under 15 Meet, Sunday, 1 July 2007, Pacific Harbour;
• ANU/USP Fiji Economic Update, Tuesday, 3 July 2007, 9am to 4.30pm, Marine Studies Lecture Theatre, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Double Dialogues Conference, 4 to 6 July 2007, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Art Display to coincide with the Double Dialogues conference, 4 to 10 July 2007, Suva;
• Alliance Francaise 20th Anniversary, Thursday, 12 July, to Wednesday, 18 July 2007, French Film Festival, Suva;
• Teams Chess Championship, Saturday, 14 July 2007;
• 2007 Suva Hibiscus Festival - Star Quest Competition, Heat 3, Saturday, 14 July 2007, Suva;
• Fiji Showcase 2007 (shopping event), Saturday, 14 July, to Saturday, 21 July 2007, Vodafone Arena (former FMF Dome), Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Amateur Swimming Association of Fiji - Fiji National Squads Camp, Friday, 20 July, to Sunday, 22 July 2007, Suva;
• Alliance Francaise 20th Anniversary, Wednesday, 25 July, to Friday, 27 July 2007, "M" Theatre, Suva;
• Fiji Arts Club Annual Art Exhibition and Competition, Monday, 30 July, to Saturday, 4 August 2007, The Playhouse, Fiji Arts Club, Selbourne Street, Suva;
• Queen Victoria School 100th Anniversary Celebrations Ball, August;
• Alliance Francaise, 20th Anniversary, Photography Workshop and Exhibition, August 2007, Suva;
• 2007 Suva Hibiscus Festival - Star Quest Competition, Semi-finals, Saturday, 4 August 2007, Suva;
• Tabu Soro Triathlon, Saturday, 12 August 2007, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Fiji Hibiscus Festival, 17 to 25 August 2007, Albert Park, Suva;
• Methodist Church of Fiji Annual Choir/Singing Competition, from Friday, 17 August 2007 to Saturday, 25 August 2007, Furnival Park, Toorak, Suva;
• Isa Lei Reunion (for former students of the International School in Suva), 17 to 19 August 2007, Suva;
• National U-20 Championships, Saturday, 18 August 2007;
• 2007 Suva Hibiscus Festival - Star Quest Competition, Finals, Saturday, 18 August 2007, Suva;
• Fiji Tertiary Games Chess Championships, September 2007;
• Alliance Francaise 20th Anniversary, New Caledonia Circus Tour, September 2007, Suva;
• TPAF 2007 Management Development Program Module 2, Monday, 3 September, to Friday, 7 September 2007, TPAF Training House, Narere, Suva;
• Oceania Women's Hockey Qualifiers for 2008 Olympic Games, from 10 September 2007, Suva;
• 28th Carlton Brewery Chess Grand Prix, Sunday, 16 September 2007;
• National Hindi Day Celebrations, Tuesday, 18 September 2007, Suva;
• Amateur Swimming Association of Fiji - fmf Grand Prix Swimming, Saturday, 22 September 2007, Suva;
• Opening of the new Morris Hedstrom's outlet, October, Thomson Street, Suva;
• World Invitational U18 Rugby League Championship, October 2007, Suva;
• Queen Victoria School 100th Anniversary Celebrations, week long celebrations, October 2007;
• Fiji Day Open Chess Championships, Monday, 8 October 2007;
• 18th Hobie 16 World Championships, from 8 to 19 October 2007, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Tabu Soro Triathlon, Sunday, 28 October 2007, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• JR White National Chess Championships, Saturday, 24 November, and Sunday, 25 November 2007;
• Tabu Soro Triathlon Sprints Series, Sunday, 25 November 2007, Pacific Harbour;
• Amateur Swimming Association of Fiji - Fiji National Age & Open Short Course Championships, Friday, 30 November, to Sunday, 2 December 2007, Suva.

Recurring Events:

• Fiji Museum displays, daily at The Fiji Museum, Suva;
• Bridge night, every Monday nights, from 6.30 to 9.30pm, The Fiji Club, 1 Selbourne Street, 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;
• Rasta Tuesday, from 9pm, Tuesdays, Golden Dragon Nightclub, Suva;
• Talei Burns and Friends, every Wednesdays, 6pm to 10pm, The Malthouse, 88 Jerusalem Road (next to the Fiji Golf Club), Vatuwaqa, Suva;
• 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;
• Music Workshop organised by the Fiji Arts Council and the Alliance Francaise, every Thursdays, from 5.30 to 9pm, Fiji Institute of Technology (FIT) School of Arts , Culture and Design. Campus, Raiwai, Suva;
• 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;
• FIT School of Arts, Culture and Design : Saturday Classes for Children (covering piano, art & craft, acting, choir), from Saturday, 3 March 2007, School of Arts, Culture & Design, Carpenter Street (near Garden City), Raiwai, Suva;
• Kid’s Arts Classes with Kathy Oyagawa, Saturdays, 10am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4pm, The Homestay, Princes Road, Tamavua, Suva;
• 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 gilbertv2@connect.com.fj directly. Those that wish to have their events included can contact me on the e-mail address provided above. Note : Promote your products and services to our wide readership base from Fiji, Australia, NZ, USA and Canada by advertising on this blog. Check out our very low rates for commercial ads here.

Oceania Dance - The Prodigal Son

The Oceania Centre for Arts and Culture, University of the South Pacific will be holding a Dance Performance of 'The Prodigal Son' on Wednesday, 27 June 2007, from 7pm, at the AusAid Theatre, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva. The dance's theme addresses the quest for identity and a return to traditional values. Tickets are selling at F$8.00 per person and are available from Kahawa, the ROC, the Boom Box and the University's Bookstore. For more information, pls contact Anne Tarte on telephone (679) 3232832.

Fiji 15s Rugby team for Fiji vs Australia A game

Here is the Fiji 15s rugby team that plays Australia A in a Pacific Cup fixture at the Post Fiji Stadium, 3pm, Saturday, 23 June 2007, Laucala Bay, Suva :

1. Norman Ligairi,
2. Isoa Neivua,
3. Kameli Ratuvou,
4. Seru Rabeni,
5. Filimone Bolavucu,
6. Waisea Luveniyali,
7. Jone Daunivucu,
8. Sisa Koyamaibole,
9. Aca Ratuva,
10. Semisi Naevo,
11. Kele Leawere (capt),
12. Ifereimi Rawaqa,
13. Henry Qiodravu,
14. Sunia Koto,
15. Alefoso Yalayalatabua.

On the reserve bench are :

1. Vereniki Sauturaga,
2. Apisai Turukawa,
3. Peniasi Tokakece,
4. Dale Tonawai,
5. Moses Rauluni,
6. Sisa Waqa, and
7. Gabiriele Lovobalavu.

Fiji vs Australia A 15s Rugby Match

The Fiji vs Australia A 15s Rugby match will be played on Saturday, 23 June 2007, at the Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva. The Fiji team is currently training at Sigatoka before moving to Suva later in the week in time for the match. We wish our rugby team the best for the game.

Fiji Music Fest 2007

Check out the Fiji Music Fest 2007 events which begin in Suva from Thursday, 21 June 2007. For more details on the program, check earlier posts on this blog. Some of the bands, singers and musicians to see include :

• Celenod from New Caledonia;
• Jeriko;
• Foreplay;
• Tom Mawi;
• Chill Out;
• Michael Raymond;
• Exodus;
• FIT Choir and Band.

The events are organised by the Alliance Francaise located at 14 McGregor Road, Suva. Their contacts are telephone (679) 3313802 and e-mail allifra@connect.com.fj.

QE II to end its days as a floating hotel

I was cruising the Internet and saw this article on the cruise liner, QE II. QE II was last in Fiji early February 2007 when it docked in Suva. The liner has been bought for £50million by Dubai World, a company that makes investments on behalf of the country's government and will take up its new role as a floating hotel from 2008. Read more on the story on this link.

Panel on Climate Change - 4th Assessment Report

The Pacific Islands Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) is organising an open forum on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change - 4th Assessment Report Meeting on Tuesday, 19 June 2007 at the Lower Campus, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva. The forum will provide an opportunity for senior government representatives and non-government stakeholders, including members of the public, to discus with international, regional and national experts the most recent scientific findings on climate change, the likely impacts of climate extremes and climate change. Also to be discussed is the Pacific region's response to climate change. To confirm your participation, pls contact Virginia Rokoua at SOPAC on telephone (679) 3381377 extension 279 or e-mail Virginia@sopac.org.

Charity Fun Golf Tournament

The Rotary Club of Suva is organising a Charity Fun Golf Tournament Progressive Ambrose on Sunday, 24 June 2007, at the Fiji Golf Club, Vatuwaqa, Suva. Proceeds from the event will go towards the Rotary Club's community project to build a children's playground at the Fiji School for the Blind. Entry fees are F$35.00 per person and includes lunch and cocktails at the presentation of prizes. Forms are available from the Fiji Golf Club with applications closing on 19 June 2007. For more information or registration, pls contact the Fiji Golf Club on telephone (679) 3382872.

Suva Activities, Events and Accommodation (Updated 15.6.07)

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

• Art Exhibition by Fiji Institute of Technology's School of Arts, Culture & Design, Friday, 18 May, to Friday, 25 June 2007, Ratu Iloilovatu Gallery, School of Arts, Culture & Design, Carpenter Street, Raiwai, Suva;
• Queen Victoria School 100th Anniversary Celebrations, Singing Contest, June;
• South Pacific Bowling Carnival, Saturday, 2 June, to Friday, 15 June, 2007, Suva Bowling Club, Victoria Parade/Queen Elizabeth Drive, Suva;
• Hindi Short Story Contest organised by School of Language, Arts and Media, Faculty of Arts and Law of the University of the South Pacific, in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, starts Saturday, 9 June 2007, closes Friday, 27 July 2007;
• Battle of the Giants Soccer Tournament, Thursday, 14 June, to Monday, 18 June 2007, Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori;
• Fiji Museum Ball, Friday, 15 June 2007, 6.30pm to midnight, Fiji Museum, Suva;
• 5th Rajnesh Parmeshwar Memorial Open Chess Championships, Saturday, 16 June 2007, Hoodless House, Suva;
• Fiji Music Fest Talent Quest Auditions, Saturday, 16 June 2007, Dragon Music and the Alliance Francaise, Suva;
• 2007 Suva Hibiscus Festival - Star Quest Competition, Heat 1, Saturday, 16 June 2007, Suva;
• Beach Volleyball fundraising dinner (to raise funds for the team to the South Pacific Games), Saturday, 16 June 2007, from 6pm, at The Vineyard, Victoria Parade, Suva;
• Sunday ROC Market, Sunday, 17 June 2007, from 10am to 3pm, Loftus Street in front of the ROC at Dolphin's Foodcourt, FNPF Place, Victoria Parade, Suva;
• Book Launch - 'A Hot Pot of Roasted Poems', Sunday, 17 June 2007, from 6pm, Vineyard Palace, Victoria Parade, Suva;
• Store Management, 18 to 20 June 2007, at Cooperative and Small Business Training Institute, Draunibota, Lami;
• Pacific Islands Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) - Open Forum on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change - 4th Assessment Report, Tuesday, 19 June 2007, Lower Campus, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Fiji Human Resources Institute - 2007 PWC Fiji Remuneration Survey Results Presentation by Mrs. Jenny Seeto, Partner, PriceWaterhouseCoopers Fiji, Tuesday, 19 June 2007, from 5pm to 7pm, Reserve Bank of Fiji Tower 11 Conference Room, Pratt Street, Suva;
• Fiji Music Fest by Alliance Francaise, Thursday, 21 June 2007, from 5pm onwards, at Traps, Holiday Inn, O’Reillys, Dragon Music, JJ’s on the Park, Defence Club, Bowling Club, Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Fiji Museum, Suva;
• Dinesh Lal Yadhav and Paakhi Performance, Friday, 22 June 2007, Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori;
• Suva Olympic Day Fun Run, Saturday, 23 June 2007, starting at 7.30am, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Beach, Suva;
• 2007 Suva Hibiscus Festival - Star Quest Competition, Heat 2, Saturday, 23 June 2007, Suva;
• Fiji vs Australia A 15s Rugby match, Saturday, 23 June 2007, from 3pm, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Dinesh Lal Yadhav and Paakhi Performance, Saturday, 23 June 2007, Vodafone Arena, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Rotary Club of Suva - Charity Fun Golf Tournament Progressive Ambrose, Sunday, 24 June 2007, Fiji Golf Club, Vatuwaqa, Suva;
• TPAF 2007 Management Development Program Module 1, Monday, 25 June to Friday, 29 June 2007, TPAF Training House, Narere, Suva;
• Fiji Music Fest 2007 Pop and Acoustic Night, Tuesday, 26 June 2007, Traps, Suva;
• Oceania Centre for Arts and Culture - Dance Performance of 'The Prodigal Son', Wednesday, 27 June 2007, from 7pm, AusAid Theatre, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Fiji Music Fest 2007 Jazz Night, Wednesday, 27 June 2007, Defence Club, Suva;
• Fiji Music Fest 2007 Boogie Night, Thursday, 28 June 2007, Golden Dragon, Suva;
• Alliance Francaise 20th Anniversary Night Art Exhibition, Friday, 29 June 2007, Suva;
• Fiji Music Day, Saturday, 30 June 2007, 10am to 1pm, 2007 Talent Quest and free Big concerts with major Fijian Bands and Guest Band (Celenod, NC), Sukuna Park, Suva;
• Kula Film Awards, July 2007, Suva;
• Alliance Francaise 20th Anniversary, Screen Printing Art Workshops, July 2007, Suva;
• Fiji Triathlon National Championship and Weet Bix Kids Under 15 Meet, Sunday, 1 July 2007, Pacific Harbour;
• Double Dialogues Conference, 4 to 6 July 2007, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Art Display to coincide with the Double Dialogues conference, 4 to 10 July 2007, Suva;
• Alliance Francaise 20th Anniversary, Thursday, 12 July, to Wednesday, 18 July 2007, French Film Festival, Suva;
• Teams Chess Championship, Saturday, 14 July 2007;
• 2007 Suva Hibiscus Festival - Star Quest Competition, Heat 3, Saturday, 14 July 2007, Suva;
• Amateur Swimming Association of Fiji - Fiji National Squads Camp, Friday, 20 July, to Sunday, 22 July 2007, Suva;
• Alliance Francaise 20th Anniversary, Wednesday, 25 July, to Friday, 27 July 2007, "M" Theatre, Suva;
• Fiji Arts Club Annual Art Exhibition and Competition, Monday, 30 July, to Saturday, 4 August 2007, The Playhouse, Fiji Arts Club, Selbourne Street, Suva;
• Queen Victoria School 100th Anniversary Celebrations Ball, August;
• Alliance Francaise, 20th Anniversary, Photography Workshop and Exhibition, August 2007, Suva;
• 2007 Suva Hibiscus Festival - Star Quest Competition, Semi-finals, Saturday, 4 August 2007, Suva;
• Tabu Soro Triathlon, Saturday, 12 August 2007, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Fiji Hibiscus Festival, 17 to 25 August 2007, Albert Park, Suva;
• Methodist Church of Fiji Annual Choir/Singing Competition, from Friday, 17 August 2007 to Saturday, 25 August 2007, Furnival Park, Toorak, Suva;
• Isa Lei Reunion (for former students of the International School in Suva), 17 to 19 August 2007, Suva;
• National U-20 Championships, Saturday, 18 August 2007;
• 2007 Suva Hibiscus Festival - Star Quest Competition, Finals, Saturday, 18 August 2007, Suva;
• Fiji Tertiary Games Chess Championships, September 2007;
• Alliance Francaise 20th Anniversary, New Caledonia Circus Tour, September 2007, Suva;
• TPAF 2007 Management Development Program Module 2, Monday, 3 September, to Friday, 7 September 2007, TPAF Training House, Narere, Suva;
• Oceania Women's Hockey Qualifiers for 2008 Olympic Games, from 10 September 2007, Suva;
• 28th Carlton Brewery Chess Grand Prix, Sunday, 16 September 2007;
• National Hindi Day Celebrations, Tuesday, 18 September 2007, Suva;
• Amateur Swimming Association of Fiji - fmf Grand Prix Swimming, Saturday, 22 September 2007, Suva;
• Opening of the new Morris Hedstrom's outlet, October, Thomson Street, Suva;
• World Invitational U18 Rugby League Championship, October 2007, Suva;
• Queen Victoria School 100th Anniversary Celebrations, week long celebrations, October 2007;
• Fiji Day Open Chess Championships, Monday, 8 October 2007;
• 18th Hobie 16 World Championships, from 8 to 19 October 2007, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Tabu Soro Triathlon, Sunday, 28 October 2007, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• JR White National Chess Championships, Saturday, 24 November, and Sunday, 25 November 2007;
• Tabu Soro Triathlon Sprints Series, Sunday, 25 November 2007, Pacific Harbour;
• Amateur Swimming Association of Fiji - Fiji National Age & Open Short Course Championships, Friday, 30 November, to Sunday, 2 December 2007, Suva.

Recurring Events:

• Fiji Museum displays, daily at The Fiji Museum, Suva;
• Bridge night, every Monday nights, from 6.30 to 9.30pm, The Fiji Club, 1 Selbourne Street, 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;
• Rasta Tuesday, from 9pm, Tuesdays, Golden Dragon Nightclub, Suva;
• Talei Burns and Friends, every Wednesdays, 6pm to 10pm, The Malthouse, 88 Jerusalem Road (next to the Fiji Golf Club), Vatuwaqa, Suva;
• 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;
• Music Workshop organised by the Fiji Arts Council and the Alliance Francaise, every Thursdays, from 5.30 to 9pm, Fiji Institute of Technology (FIT) School of Arts , Culture and Design. Campus, Raiwai, Suva;
• 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;
• FIT School of Arts, Culture and Design : Saturday Classes for Children (covering piano, art & craft, acting, choir), from Saturday, 3 March 2007, School of Arts, Culture & Design, Carpenter Street (near Garden City), Raiwai, Suva;
• Kid’s Arts Classes with Kathy Oyagawa, Saturdays, 10am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4pm, The Homestay, Princes Road, Tamavua, Suva;
• 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 gilbertv2@connect.com.fj directly. Those that wish to have their events included can contact me on the e-mail address provided above. Note : Promote your products and services to our wide readership base from Fiji, Australia, NZ, USA and Canada by advertising on this blog. Check out our very low rates for commercial ads here.

Fiji vs Tonga in Pacific Cup match

Fiji meets Tonga in a Pacific Cup match at Lautoka on Saturday, 16 June 2007. The Fiji 15s Rugby team for the game will feature :

1. Norman Ligairi,
2. Michael Tagicakibau,
3. Kameli Ratuvou,
4. Gabiriele Lovobalavu,
5. Isoa Neivua,
6. Waisea Luveniyali,
7. Mosese Rauluni (capt),
8. Sisa Koyamaibole,
9. Aca Ratuva,
10. Deryck Thomas,
11. Kele Leawere,
12. Ifereimi Rawaqa,
13. Henry Qiodravu,
14. Sunia Koto, and
15. Graham Dewes.

On the Reserve bench are :

1. Vereniki Sauturaga,
2. Apisai Turukawa,
3. Alifereti Doviverata,
4. Dale Tonawai,
5. Jone Daunivucu,
6. Sisa Waqa, and
7. Vereniki Goneva.

We wish the Fiji team the best.

Battle of the Giants Soccer Tournament begins

The annual Battle of the Giants Soccer Tournament began yesterday, Thursday, 14 June 2007, at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori, near Suva. In their opening match, defending champions Ba beat Navua 4-0. The tournament continues today and runs until Monday, 18 June 2007. Check the match draws that were posted earlier on this blog.

Book Launch - A Hot Pot of Roasted Poems

The book launch of 'A Hot Pot of Roasted Poems' will be held on Sunday, 17 June 2007, from 6pm at the Vineyard Palace,, Victoria Parade, Suva. The book contains poems by Rohitash Chandra, written over the course of four years, and talks about the journey of life through childhood, love and spirituality. Tickets for the launching are F$20.00 per person. For more information, pls call Reshma Dutta on telephone numbers (679) 9453259, (679) 6640600 or email reshmad@unifiji.ac.fj.

Sunday ROC Market this week

The ROC Market will be held on Sunday, 17 June 2007, from 10am to 3pm at Loftus Street in front of the ROC at Dolphin's Foodcourt, FNPF Place. Check out the crafts and homeware on sale at the market. For more information, pls contact the ROC on telelphones (679) 3300828 or (679) 9267847.

Methodist Church of Fiji Annual Choir Competition

The Methodist Church of Fiji's Annual Choir/Singing Competition will be held from Friday, 17 August 2007 to Saturday, 25 August 2007, at Furnival Park, Toorak, Suva. Building up to the event, members of the Methodist Church in Fiji and overseas prepare for the event which is a large-scale opportunity for traders and merchants to sell their clothes and garments, jewellery, watches, bags and shoes to those taking part in the competition. Given the increasing readership of our blog and the searches for this event on the Internet, traders and merchants in Fiji and from overseas, can use this opportunity to market their products direct to our readers (including those that search for the event on the Internet. Our very low advertising rates are available here. To contact us, you can e-mail gilbertv2@connect.com.fj or call telephones (679) 3396427 or (679) 9921427.

Latest Rugby World Rankings

These are the latest rugby world rankings computed from international matches played up to 8 June 2007 :

1. New Zealand;
2. France;
3. Australia;
4. Argentina;
5. Ireland;
6. South Africa;
7. England;
8. Italy;
9. Scotland;
10. Wales;
11. Samoa;
12. Fiji;
13. Canada;
14. United States;
15. Uruguay;
16. Japan;
17. Tonga;
18. Georgia;
19. Russia;
20. Romania.

Countries from the Pacific are lead by Samoa at a ranking of 11, Fiji at 12 and Tonga at 17.

Upcoming Amateur Swimming Events

The Amateur Swimming Association of Fiji has scheduled the following events in Suva over the next few months :

• 20 to 22 July 2007, Fiji National Squads Camp, Suva;
• 22 September 2007, fmf Grand Prix Swimming, Suva;
• 30 November to 2 December 2007, fmf Fiji National Age & Open Short Course Championships.

For more information, pls contact Jon Orton on e-mail ortonarchitect@connect.com.fj or call telephone (679) 3370955.

Fiji Chess Federation Events

The Fiji Chess Federation has scheduled the following activities/events for 2007 :

• Teams Chess Championship, Saturday, 14 July 2007;
• National U-20 Championships, Saturday, 18 August 2007;
• Fiji Tertiary Games Chess Championships, September 2007;
• 28th Carlton Brewery*, Sunday, 16 September 2007;
• Fiji Day Open Chess Championships*, Monday, 8 October 2007;
• JR White National Championships*, 24 to 25 November 2007.

* Grand Prix event.

For more information, pls contact the Fiji Chess Federation on e-mail info@fijichess.com.

5th Rajnesh Parmeshwar Memorial Open Chess Championships

The 5th Rajnesh Parmeshwar Memorial Open Chess Championships will be held on Saturday, 16 June 2007, at Hoodless House, Suva. Prize pool has been boosted to F$1,000.00. The time control will be 60 minutes for all moves with the event being a 5 round swiss. Prizes to be won include :

• Overall : 1st prize - Trophy plus F$250.00, 2nd prize - Trophy plus F$150.00, and 3rd prize - Trophy plus F$100.00;
• Winner Under 1800 - Trophy plus F$75.00 and Runner-up U 1800 - F$25.00;
• Winner Under 1600 - Trophy plus F$75.00 and Runner-up U 1600 - F$25.00;
• Winner Under 1400 - Trophy plus F$75.00 and Runner-up U 1400 - F$25.00;
• Best Female - Trophy plus F$50.00;
• Best Secondary Schools - Trophy plus F$50.00 and Runner-up Secondary - F$25.00;
• Best Primary Schools - Trophy plus F$50.00 and Runner-up Primary - F$25.00.

For more information, pls contact the Fiji Chess Federation on e-mail info@fijichess.com.

Battle of the Giants Soccer Tournament Draws

The draws for the Battle of the Giants Soccer Tournament which will take place from Thursday, 14 June 2007, to Monday, 18 June 2007, at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori, near Suva, are as follows :

• Thursday, 14 June 2007 - 5pm Nasinu-Nadi, 6.15pm Ba-Navua, 7.30pm Suva-Labasa, 8.45pm Rewa-Lautoka;
• Friday, 15 June 2007 - 1pm Women, 2.15pm Women, 3.30pm Nadroga-Nasinu, 5pm Labasa-Tavua, 6.15pm Ba-Nadi, 7.30pm Rewa-Suva;
• Saturday, 16 June 2007 - 9am Women, 10.15am Nasinu-Navua, 11.30am Tavua-Suva, 12.45pm Women, 2pm Ba-Nadroga, 3.15pm Nadi-Navua, 4.30pm Labasa-Lautoka, 5.45pm Rewa-Tavua;
• Sunday, 17 June 2007 - 9am Women, 10.15am Navua-Nadroga, 11.30am Tavua-Lautoka, 12.45pm Women, 2pm Ba-Nasinu, 3.15pm Nadi-Nadroga, 4.30pm Rewa-Labasa, 5.45pm Suva-Lautoka;
• Monday, 18 June 2007 - 9am Semi-final, 10.30am Semi-final, 1.30pm Women final, 3pm Final.

Note : For accommodation in Suva, try our two bedroom rental home. Check links at the right-hand side of this blog for details. To contact us, you can e-mail gilbertv2@connect.com.fj or call telephones (679) 3396427 or (679) 9921427.

Hibiscus Festival Star Quest 2007 : Update

The program for the Hibiscus Festival Star Quest 2007 is as follows :

• Saturday, 16 June 2007, from 5.30pm, Heat 1, 15 participants;
• Saturday, 7 July 2007, Heat 2, 15 participants;
• Saturday, 21 July 2007, Heat 3, 15 participants;
• Saturday, 4 August 2007, Semi-final, 21 participants (7 from each Heat);
• Friday, 17 August 2007, Final, 10 participants.

Tickets for Heat 1 are on sale now at Village 6 Cinemas, Suva and cost F$5.00 each. Heat 1 will be held at the Suva Civic Auditorium. The events are sponsored by Vodafone Fiji.

USA begins construction of F$30 million embassy in Suva

The United States of America began construction of a F$30 million Embassy complex in Suva on Saturday, 9 June 2007. The complex will be located at Tamavua and is just further up the road from where the Australian High Commission is situated. The complex will comprise 4,600 square meters of office space and housing for American and local employees and will be built in a mixture of American and Fijian designs. The US Ambassador said that the construction of the new Embassy is a sign of the US' ongoing commitment to Fiji and the Pacific Islands region. Construction will take 2 years. Note : Advertise your products and services on our blog to take advantage of our wide readership base from Fiji, Australia, NZ, USA, Canada, UK and Europe. Check out our low advertising rates here.

Fiji vs Australia A Rugby 15s Match to be shown live

Fiji meets Australia A in a Pacific Cup fixture today in Perth, Australia. The match kicks off at 10pm, Fiji time and will be shown live on Fiji One Television. The Fiji team list for the game includes :

• Marika Vakacegu;
• Mosese Luveitasau;
• Vereniki Goneva;
• Gabiriele Lovobalavu;
• Isoa Neivua;
• Josevata Tora;
• Mosese Rauluni;
• Alifereti Doviverata (captain);
• Akapusi Qera;
• Apolosi Satala;
• Kele Leawere;
• Ifereimi Rawaqa;
• Henry Qiodravu;
• Sunia Koto; and
• Graham Dewes.

You can visit Fiji TV's website on http://www.fijitv.com.fj/.

FMF Battle of the Gians Soccer Ticket Prices

The FMF Battle of the Giants will be held at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori, near Suva, from 14 to 18 June 2007. VIP cards are on sale from Fiji Football Association Headquarters from Saturday, 9 June 2007 and from the Nausori Town Council office from Monday, 11 June 2007. Ticket prices are :

• VIP, F$125.00;
• Pavilion A, F$15.00;
• Pavilion A, F$10.00;
• Pavilion A (child under 12 years), F$4.00;
• Pavilion B, F$9.00; and
• Pavilion B (child under 12 years), F$2.00.

Note : For accommodation in Suva, try our two bedroom rental home at F$115.00 a night (for a limit of 4 guests). More details on the home and photos are available through links at the right hand side of this blog. To contact us, pls e-mail gilbertv2@connect.com.fj or call telephones (679) 3396427 or (679) 9921427.

Fiji Music Fest 2007

Some of the activities and events are scheduled in Suva during the Fiji Music Fest 2007 include the following :

• Tuesday, 26 June 2007, Pop and Acoustic Night at Traps;
• Wednesday, 27 June 2007, Jazz Night at Defence Club;
• Thursday, 28 June 2007, Boogie Night at Golden Dragon.

For more information, pls contact the Alliance Francaise on telephone (679) 3313802 or e-mail fijimusicday@gmail.com.

Alliance Francaise 20th Anniversary Celebrations

The Alliance Francaise in Suva has organised activities and events to celebrating its 20th anniversary in Fiji. The activities/events scheduled (some of which have already been posted on this blog) and dates, include :

• 23 to 30 June 2007, Fiji Music Fest;
• 29 June 2007, 20th Anniversary Night, Art Exhibition;
• 12 to 18 July 2007, French Film Festival;
• 25 to 27 July 2007, "M" Theatre;
• July 2007, Screen Printing Art Workshops;
• August 2007, Photography Workshop and Exhibition;
• September 2007, New Caledonia Circus Tour.

For more information on the events, pls e-mail allifra@connect.com.fj or call telephone (679) 3313802.

Hindi Short Story Contest

A Hindi Short Story Contest is being organised by the School of Language, Arts and Media, Faculty of Arts and Law of the University of the South Pacific, in conjunction with the Ministry of Education. The objective of the contest is to promote the Hindi language and encourage creative writing in Hindi. The requirements are as follows :

• each entrant is to submit one original short story of not less than 2,000 and not more than 3,000 words on a topic of the entrant's choice;
• submissions must be the original work of the entrant and to express aspects of life in Fiji;
• submissions can either be in Fiji Hindi or Standard Hindi;
• Standard Hindi submissions must be typed or handwritten in Devanagari script while Fiji Hindi submissions can either be in Devanagari or Roman script;
• each entrant should affirm that his/her story has not been submitted or been awarded a prize in any other contest or competition and that is contains no obscene, defamatory, threatening or otherwise inappropriate for publication.

Judging will be by a panel selected by the University of the South Pacific.

Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd winners during the National Hindi Day Celebrations on Tuesday, 18 September 2007.

Entries close on 27 July 2007 and are to be sent to : Dr Indu Chandra, Coordinator - Hindi Studies, School of Language, Arts & Media, Faculty of Arts and Law, The University of the South Pacific, Private Mail Bag, Suva.

For more information, pls call telephones (679) 3232672 or (679) 3232879.

FIT School of Arts, Culture & Design Programs

The following programs are offered by the School of Arts, Culture and Design, Fiji Institute of Technology (FIT) in Semester 2, 2007 at its Raiwai Campus in Suva :

Day Classes

• Certificate in Visual Art (Painting, Drawing & Sculpture);
• Certificate in Digital Animation Technique;
• Certificate in Scree Printing & Signage;
• Certificate in Hairdressing Design & Beauty Therapy;
• Certificate in Music;
• Trade Certificate in Graphic Arts;
• Trade Certificate in Graphic Design;
• Diploma in Music;
• Diploma in Visual Art (Painting, Drawing & Sculpture);
• Diploma in Music with Physical Education;
• Diploma in Music with Visual Art.

Evening Classes

• Trade Certificate in Graphic Arts;
• Trade Certificate in Graphic Design;
• Piano, Voice and Guitar lessons;
• Diploma in Advance Animation.

Saturday Classes

• Music & Arts for Beginners (Kids) on Saturday mornings.

For more information on the above courses, pls contact the School Office on telephone (679) 3387980.

Dinesh Lal Yadav and Paakhi Performances

Bhojpuri stars from India, Dinesh Lal Yadhav and Paakhi, will have performances around Fiji in June 2007. Their performances in the Suva area will include :

• Friday, 22 June 2007, at Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori; and
• Saturday, 23 June 2007, at Vodafone Arena, Laucala Bay, Suva.

The stars will be accompanied by musicians and dancers from India. Tickets are selling for F$5.00, F$8.00, F$11.00, F$15.00 and F$25.00 and are available at ComSol Fiji Limited and U-Turn Recycled Fashion outlets around the country. For more information, pls call telephones (679) 3307855 or (679) 3307835.

Fiji's famous florist dies

A famous Fiji florist, Jimmy Montu, passed away on Monday, 4 June 2007 at his residence in Suva. Jimmy was a highly favoured florist to prepare flower arrangements and decorate churches, halls and residence for birthdays, weddings and any befitting function. He tutored flower arrangement classes for the Training and Productivity Authority of Fiji. Jimmy had been sick for a while. He is well known in the Pacific region having visited many countries in the region to share his talents. Jimmy will lie in repose at the Suva Churchwood Chapel from 7.30 this morning before a thanksgiving service to celebrate his life and his final interment. For those that wish to visit, Churchwood Chapel is located at Rewa Street, Suva, just close to the junction at Flagstaff.

Suva Activities, Events and Accommodation (Updated 8.6.07)

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

• Art Exhibition by Fiji Institute of Technology's School of Arts, Culture & Design, Friday, 18 May, to Friday, 25 June 2007, Ratu Iloilovatu Gallery, School of Arts, Culture & Design, Carpenter Street, Raiwai, Suva;
• Queen Victoria School 100th Anniversary Celebrations, Singing Contest, June;
• South Pacific Bowling Carnival, Saturday, 2 June, to Friday, 15 June, 2007, Suva Bowling Club, Victoria Parade/Queen Elizabeth Drive, Suva;
• Ambassadors for Christ - Pastors Conference, Monday, 4 June, to Friday, 8 June 2007, Civic Centre Auditorium, Suva;
• WWF's Turtle Benefit Ball to celebrate World Oceans Day, Friday, 8 June 2007, from 7pm to 1am, Tattersalls Leisure Centre, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Hindi Short Story Contest organised by School of Language, Arts and Media, Faculty of Arts and Law of the University of the South Pacific, in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, starts Saturday, 9 June 2007, closes Friday, 27 July 2007;
• Fiji vs Australia A Pacific Cup 15s Rugby, Saturday, 9 June 2007, 10pm (Fiji time), live on Fiji One Television;
• Start Your Business, 11 to 13 June 2007, at Cooperative and Small Business Training Institute, Draunibota, Lami;
• The FMF Battle of the Giants ticket sales, from Saturday, 9 June 2007, Fiji Football Association Headquarters, Suva, and from Monday, 11 June 2007, the Nausori Town Council office, Nausori;
• Battle of the Giants Soccer Tournament, Thursday, 14 June, to Monday, 18 June 2007, Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori;
• Fiji Museum Ball, Friday, 15 June 2007, 6.30pm to midnight, Fiji Museum, Suva;
• 5th Rajnesh Parmeshwar Memorial Open Chess Championships, Saturday, 16 June 2007, Hoodless House, Suva;
• Fiji Music Fest Talent Quest Auditions, Saturday, 16 June 2007, Dragon Music and the Alliance Francaise, Suva;
• 2007 Suva Hibiscus Festival - Star Quest Competition, Heat 1, Saturday, 16 June 2007, Suva;
• Beach Volleyball fundraising dinner (to raise funds for the team to the South Pacific Games), Saturday, 16 June 2007, from 6pm, at The Vineyard, Victoria Parade, Suva;
• Sunday ROC Market, Sunday, 17 June 2007, from 10am to 3pm, Loftus Street in front of the ROC at Dolphin's Foodcourt, FNPF Place, Victoria Parade, Suva;
• Book Launch - 'A Hot Pot of Roasted Poems', Sunday, 17 June 2007, from 6pm, Vineyard Palace, Victoria Parade, Suva;
• Store Management, 18 to 20 June 2007, at Cooperative and Small Business Training Institute, Draunibota, Lami;
• Fiji Human Resources Institute - 2007 PWC Fiji Remuneration Survey Results Presentation by Mrs. Jenny Seeto, Partner, PriceWaterhouseCoopers Fiji, Tuesday, 19 June 2007, from 5pm to 7pm, Reserve Bank of Fiji Tower 11 Conference Room, Pratt Street, Suva;
• Fiji Music Fest by Alliance Francaise, Thursday, 21 June 2007, from 5pm onwards, at Traps, Holiday Inn, O’Reillys, Dragon Music, JJ’s on the Park, Defence Club, Bowling Club, Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Fiji Museum, Suva;
• Dinesh Lal Yadhav and Paakhi Performance, Friday, 22 June 2007, Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori;
• Dinesh Lal Yadhav and Paakhi Performance, Saturday, 23 June 2007, Vodafone Arena, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Suva Olympic Day Fun Run, Saturday, 23 June 2007, starting at 7.30am, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Beach, Suva;
• 2007 Suva Hibiscus Festival - Star Quest Competition, Heat 2, Saturday, 23 June 2007, Suva;
• TPAF 2007 Management Development Program Module 1, Monday, 25 June to Friday, 29 June 2007, TPAF Training House, Narere, Suva;
• Fiji Music Fest 2007 Pop and Acoustic Night, Tuesday, 26 June 2007, Traps, Suva;
• Fiji Music Fest 2007 Jazz Night, Wednesday, 27 June 2007, Defence Club, Suva;
• Fiji Music Fest 2007 Boogie Night, Thursday, 28 June 2007, Golden Dragon, Suva;
• Alliance Francaise 20th Anniversary Night Art Exhibition, Friday, 29 June 2007, Suva;
• Fiji Music Day, Saturday, 30 June 2007, 10am to 1pm, 2007 Talent Quest and free Big concerts with major Fijian Bands and Guest Band (Celenod, NC), Sukuna Park, Suva;
• Kula Film Awards, July 2007, Suva;
• Alliance Francaise 20th Anniversary, Screen Printing Art Workshops, July 2007, Suva;
• Fiji Triathlon National Championship and Weet Bix Kids Under 15 Meet, Sunday, 1 July 2007, Pacific Harbour;
• Double Dialogues Conference, 4 to 6 July 2007, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Art Display to coincide with the Double Dialogues conference, 4 to 10 July 2007, Suva;
• Alliance Francaise 20th Anniversary, Thursday, 12 July, to Wednesday, 18 July 2007, French Film Festival, Suva;
• Teams Chess Championship, Saturday, 14 July 2007;
• 2007 Suva Hibiscus Festival - Star Quest Competition, Heat 3, Saturday, 14 July 2007, Suva;
• Amateur Swimming Association of Fiji - Fiji National Squads Camp, Friday, 20 July, to Sunday, 22 July 2007, Suva;
• Alliance Francaise 20th Anniversary, Wednesday, 25 July, to Friday, 27 July 2007, "M" Theatre, Suva;
• Fiji Arts Club Annual Art Exhibition and Competition, Monday, 30 July, to Saturday, 4 August 2007, The Playhouse, Fiji Arts Club, Selbourne Street, Suva;
• Queen Victoria School 100th Anniversary Celebrations Ball, August;
• Alliance Francaise, 20th Anniversary, Photography Workshop and Exhibition, August 2007, Suva;
• 2007 Suva Hibiscus Festival - Star Quest Competition, Semi-finals, Saturday, 4 August 2007, Suva;
• Tabu Soro Triathlon, Saturday, 12 August 2007, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Fiji Hibiscus Festival, 17 to 25 August 2007, Albert Park, Suva;
• Methodist Church of Fiji Annual Choir/Singing Competition, from Friday, 17 August 2007 to Saturday, 25 August 2007, Furnival Park, Toorak, Suva;
• Isa Lei Reunion (for former students of the International School in Suva), 17 to 19 August 2007, Suva;
• National U-20 Championships, Saturday, 18 August 2007;
• 2007 Suva Hibiscus Festival - Star Quest Competition, Finals, Saturday, 18 August 2007, Suva;
• Fiji Tertiary Games Chess Championships, September 2007;
• Alliance Francaise 20th Anniversary, New Caledonia Circus Tour, September 2007, Suva;
• TPAF 2007 Management Development Program Module 2, Monday, 3 September, to Friday, 7 September 2007, TPAF Training House, Narere, Suva;
• Oceania Women's Hockey Qualifiers for 2008 Olympic Games, from 10 September 2007, Suva;
• 28th Carlton Brewery Chess Grand Prix, Sunday, 16 September 2007;
• National Hindi Day Celebrations, Tuesday, 18 September 2007, Suva;
• Amateur Swimming Association of Fiji - fmf Grand Prix Swimming, Saturday, 22 September 2007, Suva;
• Opening of the new Morris Hedstrom's outlet, October, Thomson Street, Suva;
• World Invitational U18 Rugby League Championship, October 2007, Suva;
• Queen Victoria School 100th Anniversary Celebrations, week long celebrations, October 2007;
• Fiji Day Open Chess Championships, Monday, 8 October 2007;
• 18th Hobie 16 World Championships, from 8 to 19 October 2007, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Tabu Soro Triathlon, Sunday, 28 October 2007, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• JR White National Chess Championships, Saturday, 24 November, and Sunday, 25 November 2007;
• Tabu Soro Triathlon Sprints Series, Sunday, 25 November 2007, Pacific Harbour;
• Amateur Swimming Association of Fiji - Fiji National Age & Open Short Course Championships, Friday, 30 November, to Sunday, 2 December 2007, Suva.

Recurring Events:

• Fiji Museum displays, daily at The Fiji Museum, Suva;
• Bridge night, every Monday nights, from 6.30 to 9.30pm, The Fiji Club, 1 Selbourne Street, 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;
• Rasta Tuesday, from 9pm, Tuesdays, Golden Dragon Nightclub, Suva;
• Talei Burns and Friends, every Wednesdays, 6pm to 10pm, The Malthouse, 88 Jerusalem Road (next to the Fiji Golf Club), Vatuwaqa, Suva;
• 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;
• Music Workshop organised by the Fiji Arts Council and the Alliance Francaise, every Thursdays, from 5.30 to 9pm, Fiji Institute of Technology (FIT) School of Arts , Culture and Design. Campus, Raiwai, Suva;
• 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;
• FIT School of Arts, Culture and Design : Saturday Classes for Children (covering piano, art & craft, acting, choir), from Saturday, 3 March 2007, School of Arts, Culture & Design, Carpenter Street (near Garden City), Raiwai, Suva;
• Kid’s Arts Classes with Kathy Oyagawa, Saturdays, 10am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4pm, The Homestay, Princes Road, Tamavua, Suva;
• 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 gilbertv2@connect.com.fj directly. Those that wish to have their events included can contact me on the e-mail address provided above. Note : Promote your products and services to our wide readership base from Fiji, Australia, NZ, USA and Canada by advertising on this blog. Check out our very low rates for commercial ads here.

Suva to play Tavua in opening Sanyo Cup game

Suva will play Tavua in their first Sanyo Cup Rugby 15s game. The game will be played at Garvey Park, Tavua, this weekend. Suva coach, Kalisito Tunaulu, said that the Suva team has been preparing for a while for the game. Meanwhile, the Flying Fijians will be in Australia to play the Australia A 15s Rugby team as part of the Pacific Cup fixtures. This was after their huge loss to Junior All Blacks in Suva last weekend.

Fiji Music Fest

The Alliance Francaise is organising the Fiji Music Fest on Thursday, 21 June 2007, at various locations in Suva. There will be free concerts from 5pm onwards at Traps, Holiday Inn, O’Reillys, Dragon Music, JJ’s on the Park, Defence Club, Bowling Club, Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Fiji Museum. There will be performances by both amateur and professional musicians and singers. This will kick off the big musical celebrations which will end Saturday, 30 June 2007, at Sukuna Park. More information to follow over the next few days.

Our e-mail contacts

We have closed our e-mail account gilbertv@connect.com.fj. If you need to send us an e-mail, you can send it to either gilbertv2@connect.com.fj or gilbertv2@gmail.com. Our telephone contacts remain the same as (679) 3396427 or (679) 9921427.

Suva Olympic Day Fun Run

The Suva Olympic Day Fun Run will be held on Saturday, 23 June 2007 starting at 7.30am. The race begins from the Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Beach, onto Ratu Sukuna Road, along Pony Club sea wall area and back to the Stadium. There will be refreshment stations along the way and food stalls and entertainment at the finish. Prizes available in various categories. For registration forms, visit the website http://www.fijiolympiccommittee.com/ and click on 'Forms & Publications'.

Sale of "Farmed" Coral

There was a sale of "farmed" coral along the Suva seawall, opposite the Suva Handicraft Centre, yesterday. The coral was harvested from an island in the Lomaiviti group whose villagers started commercially farming coral a few years ago. A small piece was selling for F$20.00 while the largest one fetched F$150.00. Interested buyers included locals and tourists who bought the item to make jewellery pieces or for their aquariums.

Who will occupy new building in Suva?

Occupancy of Kadavu House, the new multi-storey building owned by the Kadavu Provincial Council which is being constructed between Ro Lalabalavu House and Suvavou House, is not confirmed. The building, which is almost being completed, has had changes to its occupancy plans recently. Initial plans were for the building to be occupied by the Public Service Commission for a 20 year lease from June 2007, however, changes have been made. Reports of the Police Force moving there have since changed. The Interim Government is still said to be interested in Kadavu House. Who or which Government Ministry/Department will finally occupy the space is to be ascertained.

2007 Fiji Remuneration Survey Results Presentation (Date Correction)

Pls note that the 2007 Fiji Remuneration Survey Results Presentation to be done by Mrs Jenny Seeto, Partner, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, will now be held on Tuesday, 19 June 2007, rather than Thursday, 14 June 2007, as earlier posted on this blog. The venue and time remains the same being at Reserve Bank of Fiji Tower 11 Conference Room from 5pm to 7pm on the day. To confirm attendance, pls call Ms Tinai N on telephone (679) 3316519 or e-mail info@fhri.org.fj.

2007 Fiji Remuneration Survey Results Presentation

The Fiji Human Resources Institute is organising a presentation on the 2007 PWC Fiji-wide Remuneration Survey Results by Mrs. Jenny Seeto, Partner, PriceWaterhouseCoopers Fiji, on Thursday, 14 June 2007, from 5pm to 7pm at the Reserve Bank of Fiji Tower 11 Conference Room, Pratt Street, Suva. The 2007 PWC Fiji-Wide Remuneration Survey was conducted on the 01 April, 2007 and covered 91 organisations and over 3,250 positions in both the private and public sectors. Remuneration data on 5 industry sectors : Banking & Finance, Manufacturing, Public Service and Retail Sectors, with analysis of Base Salary, Total Cash, Fixed Remuneration and Total Remuneration. Pls confirm attendance with Ms Tinai N on telephone (679) 3316519 or e-mail info@fhri.org.fj.

2007 Triathlon Events in Fiji

To the blogger from the USA that enquired about all Triathlon Events in Fiji this year, here is the list of events received from Ian Curtis, President, Fiji Triathlon Association :

• Sunday, 1 July 2007, Fiji Triathlon Association, National Championship and Junior Weet- Bix Kids Competition, Events to include : Full Olympic/super sprint/juniors/Individual & teams, to be held at Pacific Harbour;
• Saturday, 12 August 2007, Tabu Soro Triathlon, Events to include : Sprint/supersprint /junior/Individual & teams, to be held at Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Sunday, 16 September 2007, Savusavu Triathlon, Events to include : sprint/super sprints/sub juniors/Individual & teams, to be held at Savusavu, Vanua Levu;
• Sunday, 14 October 2007, Fiji Triathlon Association Supersprints, Events to include : sprint & super sprint/ Junior/ sub juniors, to be held at Nadi, Western Viti Levu;
• Sunday, 28 October 2007, Tabu Soro Triathlon, Events to include : Half Olympic /super sprint/Individual & teams, to be held at Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Sunday, 25 November 2007, Tabu Soro Triathlon Sprints Series, Events to include : sprint/super sprint/juniors/ sub juniors/Individual & teams, to be held at Pacific Harbour.

For more information, pls e-mail Ian Curtis on curtis@connect.com.fj.

Fiji Music Fest Talent Quest

The Alliance Francaise and Dragon Music are organising a Talent Quest for the Fiji Music Day on Saturday, 30 June 2007. Auditions will take place at Dragon Music and the Alliance Francaise on Saturday, 16 June 2007. Anyone between 9 and 25 years and not a professional musician is eligible to enter. Competitors will be judged on voice quality, costume and overall presentation. Prizes to won include : F$300.00 for first prize; F$200.00 for second prize; and F$100.00 for third prize. For more information, pls contact the Alliance Francaise, 14 McGregor Road, Suva, on telephone (679) 3313802 or e-mail allifra@connect.com.fj or fijimusicday@gmail.com.

Marie Stopes International Pacific "Fendangle" Concert

Marie Stopes International Pacific is organising a "Fendangle" Brochure Launch Concert on Saturday, 2 June 2007, from 7pm to 10pm at the Vodafone Arena (formerly FMF Dome), Laucala Bay, Suva. The band, Jeriko, will be performing together with the Narere Youth Polynesian Dance Group. For more information, pls call telephone (679) 3317459 or e-mail michael.sami@mariestopes.org.fj. Note : For publication of your activities and events in Suva or the greater Suva area, pls send your details by e-mail to gilbertv@connect.com.fj or rnrhome_fiji@hotmail.com.

Fiji Bureau of Statistics - Launch of two Survey Reports

The Fiji Islands Bureau of Statistics and the University of the South Pacific invites members of the public to the Launch of Two Survey Reports by Professor Warden Narsey on Wednesday, 6 June 2007, 7pm to 9pm at the Marine Studies Lecture Theatre, Lower Campus, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva. The two reports are :

• 2002-2003 Household Income and Expenditure Survey; and
• 2004-2005 Employment and Unemployment Survey.

Program :

• Welcome and Introduction by the Chair, Professor Biman Prasad, Head of School of Economics;
• Speech and Launching by Timoci Bainimarama, Government Statistician;
• Presentation by Professor Wardan Narsey on four key findings of the two reports : 1) What is the rate of poverty in Fiji? Who are the poor? Where should Fiji's "affirmative action" policies be focused? 2) It may be "more blessed to give than to receive". But why are only the poorest rural Fijians so blessed? 3) Surely the rate of unemployment in Fiji is not the official recorded 4.6%? 4) Are the men and boys of Fiji really not pulling their weight in the household work?

Light refreshments will be served after the presentation.

For more information, pls contact Bhavna Ram on e-mail ram_b@usp.ac.fj or telephone (679) 3232547 or e-mail info@statsfiji.gov.fj or telephone (679) 3315822.

Red Wave XXXIV Exhibition

The Oceania Centre for Arts and Culture, University of the South Pacific, will hold the Red Wave XXXIV Exhibition on Thursday, 7 June 2007, from 5.30pm, at the Oceania Centre, Laucala Bay, Suva. The exhibition focuses on the theme "Struggle for Survival", the very issue that the Oceania Centre, with its unique creative programs, confronts today. Be there!

Blog Readership : April 2007 vs May 2007

Here are some interesting readership statistics for our Promoting Suva blog for the months of April and May 2007. Data for April is given first followed by data for May. April 2007

• total number of visits (not page views, which would be higher) - 1,246;
• top 15 countries of origin of readers and no of visits per country - Fiji, 453; Australia, 214; United States, 202; New Zealand, 82; Canada, 48; United Kingdom, 47; Cote D'Ivoire, 34; Nigeria, 17; India, 15; France, 10;
• top 10 referring source - google[organic], 913; (direct)[(none)], 122; www2.blogger.com[referral], 49; yahoo[organic], 17; babasiga.blogspot.com[referral], 13; ivebeenthere.co.uk[referral], 11; msn[organic], 8; google.com[referral], 8; southpacific.org[referral], 7; search[organic], 6;
• top 20 keywords used in searches - kidanet fiji, 15; nukulau island, 9; suva on sale, 8; oceania centre for arts and culture, 7; fijiliving, 7; damodar brothers, 6; adi nacola, 4; mv westerland, 4; oceania centre fiji, 3; doreen francis fiji, 3; suva fiji, 3; courts homecentres, 3; email address lenora qereqeretabua, 3; nukulau, 3; jese mucunabitu, 3; fiji's activities and sports, 2; hibiscus.com.fj, 2; talica vuatalevu, 2; promoting suva, laucala beach, 2; cardos fiji, 2.

May 2007

• total number of visits (not page views, which would be higher) - 1,458;
• top 15 countries of origin of readers and no of visits per country - Fiji, 584; United States, 278; Australia, 216; New Zealand, 107; United Kingdom, 56; Canada, 45; Ivory Coast, 14; Germany, 13; India, 13; Nigeria, 12; France, 9; South Africa, 7; Cote D'Ivoire, 7; Japan, 6; Singapore, 6;
• top 10 referring source - google[organic], 916; (direct)[(none)], 245; blogger.com[referral], 56; yahoo[organic], 37; msn[organic], 22; www2.blogger.com[referral], 19; babasiga.blogspot.com[referral], 16; a-free-guestbook.com[referral], 10; search[organic], 9; globalvoicesonline.org[referral], 8;
• top 20 keywords used in searches - fijian recipes, 26; promoting suva, 10; adi cakobau school, 10; suva fiji, 8; fijiliving, 6; alliance francaise suva, 5; fiji diving royal suva yacht club, 5; fiji hibiscus 2007, 5; suva on sale, 4; fiji games 2007, 4; suva, fiji, 4; pro interim government fiji blogs, 4; fiji recipes, 4; tapoos, 3; rucksack club fiji, 3; graham dewes, 3; fiji tourist sights, 3; kidanet fiji, 3; traditional fiji games, 3; coffee shop suva, 3; fijian desserts, 3; jese mucunabitu, 3; traffic jam in suva, 3; promotingsuva, 3; tourist activities in fiji, 3; fiji-suva grammar school, 2; marist brothers reunion in fiji, 2; post fiji stadium 28 may, 2; traditional fijian masi wedding costumes, 2; suva secondary school music festival, 2; coca cola games fiji, 2; l'opera fiji nesi, 2; vitori buatava, 2; suva entertainment, 2; suva hibiscus, 2; coconut buns, 2; fijian bure, 2; ratu sukuna, 2; fiji activities and prices, 2; talei bari, 2; sumeet tappoo wedding, 2; "suva bowling club" "game" "message" "suva", 2; suva people, 2; damodar brothers suva, 2; pictures of shops in laucala bay, fiji, 2; vakalolo recipe, 2; morris hedstrom suva fiji, 2; jj's on the park suva, 2; blog readership promoting suva, 2; fijian dishes, 2.

Observations :

1. Page visits increased by over 200 during May 2007 compared to April 2007. Page views would be higher than the page visits data;
2. Readers from Fiji, USA, Australia, United Kingdom and Canada make up over 88% of our blog readers. Readers from these countries can best be targeted for marketing from this blog which we hope to do in a big way in the near future;
3. Top referring site is google.com. Our site's search ranking on Google continues to do well with most searches, e.g. for 'Suva activities', 'Suva events', 'Suva Sports', 'Suva art', 'Suva craft', 'Suva tourist activities', our site appears on Page 1;
4. Keyword searches indicate that readers are searching for a broad range of issues from individuals, to activities, to places and sights, to shopping and art.

You can note again that there is a continued increase in searches for "Fijian recipes" from overseas. If anyone wants to take advantage of this and e-mail us their ads of Fijian dishes, we will post them up on the blog. We are continuing to market our low rates for advertising on our blog to take advantage of our wide and increasing readership base from Fiji and overseas and our high Internet search rankings. Check our advertising rates here. If you wish to discuss how we you can advertise your products and services on our blog, e-mail us on gilbertv2@connect.com.fj or rnrhome_fiji@hotmail.com or call telephones (679) 3396427 or (679) 9921427.

University applies for Foreshore Development

The University of the South Pacific has applied for approval to develop the foreshore adjacent to the University of the South Pacific marina at Laucala Bay, Suva. The University's proposals for the foreshore will include extension of the University's campus, beach reserve, beach beautification and enhancement, dredging and some reclamation of land. The application is being considered by the Director of Lands, Lands Department.

Suva Activities, Events and Accommodation (Updated 1.6.07)

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

• Art Exhibition by Fiji Institute of Technology's School of Arts, Culture & Design, Friday, 18 May, to Friday, 25 June 2007, Ratu Iloilovatu Gallery, School of Arts, Culture & Design, Carpenter Street, Raiwai, Suva;
• New Zealand Trade & Enterprise's New Zealand Week, Monday, 28 May, to Saturday 2 June 2007, various venues around Suva;
• Mara-i-wai : Korova - Performance Art in and by the sea, Thursday, 30 May, to Saturday, 2 June 2007, between 4pm and 5pm, Queen Elizabeth Drive, opposite the Pony Club, close to the Hyundai Fitness Centre, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Queen Victoria School 100th Anniversary Celebrations, Singing Contest, June;
• Dance performance - ‘Silence & Aids’ and ‘The Journey’, Friday, 1 June 2007, from 6.30pm, Oceania Centre for Arts and Culture, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Fiji vs Junior All Blacks FNZBC Pre-Rugby Luncheon, Friday, 1 June, 2007, 1pm to 2pm, Lali Room, Holiday Inn, Suva;
• Fiji vs Junior All Blacks 15s Rugby, Saturday, 2 June 2007, Suva;
• Marie Stopes International Pacific "Fendangle" Brochure Launch Concert, Saturday, 2 June 2007, from 7pm to 10pm, Vodafone Arena (formerly FMF Dome), Laucala Bay, Suva (to feature band, Jeriko, and Narere Youth Polynesian Dance Group);
• South Pacific Bowling Carnival, Saturday, 2 June, to Friday, 15 June, 2007, Suva Bowling Club, Victoria Parade/Queen Elizabeth Drive, Suva;
• Tabu Soro Pump Triathlon, Sunday, 3 June 2007, from 7am, at the National Aquatic Centre, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Ambassadors for Christ - Pastors Conference, Monday, 4 June, to Friday, 8 June 2007, Civic Centre Auditorium, Suva;
• The Fiji Islands Bureau of Statistics and the University of the South Pacific - Launch of Two Survey Reports by Professor Warden Narsey, Wednesday, 6 June 2007, 7pm to 9pm, Marine Studies Lecture Theatre, Lower Campus, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• TPAF Effective Change Management and Innovation at the Workplace Course, Wednesday, 6 June, and Thursday, 7 June 2007, Suva;
• Oceania Centre for Arts and Culture - Red Wave XXXIV Exhibition, Thursday, 7 June 2007, from 5.30pm, at the Oceania Centre, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• WWF's Turtle Benefit Ball to celebrate World Oceans Day, Friday, 8 June 2007, from 7pm to 1am, Tattersalls Leisure Centre, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Start Your Business, 11 to 13 June 2007, at Cooperative and Small Business Training Institute, Draunibota, Lami;
• Fiji Human Resources Institute - 2007 PWC Fiji Remuneration Survey Results Presentation by Mrs. Jenny Seeto, Partner, PriceWaterhouseCoopers Fiji, Thursday, 14 June 2007, from 5pm to 7pm, Reserve Bank of Fiji Tower 11 Conference Room, Pratt Street, Suva;
• Battle of the Giants Soccer Tournament, Thursday, 14 June, to Monday, 18 June 2007, Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori;
• Fiji Museum Ball, Friday, 15 June 2007, 6.30pm to midnight, Fiji Museum, Suva;
• Fiji Music Fest Talent Quest Auditions, Saturday, 16 June 2007, Dragon Music and the Alliance Francaise, Suva;
• 2007 Suva Hibiscus Festival - Star Quest Competition, Heat 1, Saturday, 16 June 2007, Suva;
• Beach Volleyball fundraising dinner (to raise funds for the team to the South Pacific Games), Saturday, 16 June 2007, from 6pm, at The Vineyard, Victoria Parade, Suva;
• Store Management, 18 to 20 June 2007, at Cooperative and Small Business Training Institute, Draunibota, Lami;
• Fiji Music Fest by Alliance Francaise, Thursday, 21 June 2007, from 5pm onwards, at Traps, Holiday Inn, O’Reillys, Dragon Music, JJ’s on the Park, Defence Club, Bowling Club, Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Fiji Museum, Suva;
• Suva Olympic Day Fun Run, Saturday, 23 June 2007, starting at 7.30am, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Beach, Suva;
• 2007 Suva Hibiscus Festival - Star Quest Competition, Heat 2, Saturday, 23 June 2007, Suva;
• TPAF 2007 Management Development Program Module 1, Monday, 25 June to Friday, 29 June 2007, TPAF Training House, Narere, Suva;
• Fiji Music Day, Saturday, 30 June 2007, Suva;
• Kula Film Awards, July 2007, Suva;
• Fiji Triathlon National Championship and Weet Bix Kids Under 15 Meet, Sunday, 1 July 2007, Pacific Harbour;
• Double Dialogues Conference, 4 to 6 July 2007, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Art Display to coincide with the Double Dialogues conference, 4 to 10 July 2007, Suva;
• 2007 Suva Hibiscus Festival - Star Quest Competition, Heat 3, Saturday, 14 July 2007, Suva;
• Fiji Arts Club Annual Art Exhibition and Competition, Monday, 30 July, to Saturday, 4 August 2007, The Playhouse, Fiji Arts Club, Selbourne Street, Suva;
• Queen Victoria School 100th Anniversary Celebrations Ball, August;
• 2007 Suva Hibiscus Festival - Star Quest Competition, Semi-finals, Saturday, 4 August 2007, Suva;
• Tabu Soro Triathlon, Saturday, 12 August 2007, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Fiji Hibiscus Festival, 17 to 25 August 2007, Albert Park, Suva;
• Isa Lei Reunion (for former students of the International School in Suva), 17 to 19 August 2007, Suva;
• 2007 Suva Hibiscus Festival - Star Quest Competition, Finals, Saturday, 18 August 2007, Suva;
• TPAF 2007 Management Development Program Module 2, Monday, 3 September, to Friday, 7 September 2007, TPAF Training House, Narere, Suva;
• Oceania Women's Hockey Qualifiers for 2008 Olympic Games, from 10 September 2007, Suva;
• Opening of the new Morris Hedstrom's outlet, October, Thomson Street, Suva;
• World Invitational U18 Rugby League Championship, October 2007, Suva;
• Queen Victoria School 100th Anniversary Celebrations, week long celebrations, October 2007
• 18th Hobie 16 World Championships, from 8 to 19 October 2007, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Tabu Soro Triathlon, Sunday, 28 October 2007, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Tabu Soro Triathlon Sprints Series, Sunday, 25 November 2007, Pacific Harbour.

Recurring Events:

• Fiji Museum displays, daily at The Fiji Museum, Suva;
• Bridge night, every Monday nights, from 6.30 to 9.30pm, The Fiji Club, 1 Selbourne Street, 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;
• Rasta Tuesday, from 9pm, Tuesdays, Golden Dragon Nightclub, Suva;
• Talei Burns and Friends, every Wednesdays, 6pm to 10pm, The Malthouse, 88 Jerusalem Road (next to the Fiji Golf Club), Vatuwaqa, Suva;
• 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;
• Music Workshop organised by the Fiji Arts Council and the Alliance Francaise, every Thursdays, from 5.30 to 9pm, Fiji Institute of Technology (FIT) School of Arts , Culture and Design. Campus, Raiwai, Suva;
• 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;
• FIT School of Arts, Culture and Design : Saturday Classes for Children (covering piano, art & craft, acting, choir), from Saturday, 3 March 2007, School of Arts, Culture & Design, Carpenter Street (near Garden City), Raiwai, Suva;
• Kid’s Arts Classes with Kathy Oyagawa, Saturdays, 10am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4pm, The Homestay, Princes Road, Tamavua, Suva;
• 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 gilbertv2@connect.com.fj directly. Those that wish to have their events included can contact me on the e-mail address provided above. Note : Promote your products and services to our wide readership base from Fiji, Australia, NZ, USA and Canada by advertising on this blog. Check out our very low rates for commercial ads here.

Fiji Museum Ball

The Fiji Museum is organising a Ball on Friday, 15 June 2007 from 6.30pm to midnight at the Museum. There will be wine, great food, good music and an auction with many packages to bid for. Entry fees are :

• a table for 6 is F$480.00;
• a table for 10 is $700.00.

Tickets are available at the Fiji Museum. For more information, call Prakasni at the Museum on telephone (679) 3315944.

Tabu Soro Pump Triathlon

The Tabu Soro Pump Triathlon will be held on Sunday, 3 June 2007, from 7am, at the National Aquatic Centre, Laucala Bay, Suva. Events will include :

• Half Olympic Distance - 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run;
• Super Sprint Distance - 500m swim, 15km bike, 3km run;
• Junior Distance U14 - 500m swim, 3km bike, 1km run;
• Aquathon - swim, run;
• Bike ride - 20km.

Entry fee is F$10.00 for individuals, F$15.00 for teams and F$5.00 for Tabu Soro members. For more information, pls call Ian on telephone (679) 9995625.