Revitalising the Fiji Economy : Public Seminar

The Faculty of Business and Economics, University of the South Pacific, is holding a seminar on "Revitalising the Fiji Economy : interest rate and exchange rate options" on Monday, 27 August 2007, from 1pm to 2pm at the Senate Conference Room, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva. The speaker will be Dr Chandra Dulare, Dean of Business and Economics, University of Fiji. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, pls call Bhavna Ram on telephone (679) 3232547 or e-mail ram_b@usp.ac.fj.

Second TV Operator to open in Fiji December 2007

Channel 2, a second TV operator to be licensed in Fiji, will go on air in December before Christmas 2007 . The company has just been issued a licence by the Interim Government. The company has vouched to bring in new and dynamic international and local programming that will surpass viewers expectations.

Tadra Kahani 2007 Theme

The theme for Tadra Kahani 2007 has been launched at "Positive Lifestyles". The theme this year emphasises that everyone should have the will power and resolve to overcome hurdles that prevent people from living a healthy lifestyle. The Tadra Kahani is a full-scale stage production performed by young people from primary and secondary schools. It promotes the creativity and organisation skills in the young members of society. The show this year will be held on Wednesday, 12 September, and Thursday, 13 September 2007 at the Vodafone Arena, Laucala Bay, Suva. It is expected that more than 1,000 school students from around Fiji will take part.

Koe Halanga Mo'ui : The Portal of Life - Drama Production

The Oceania Centre for Arts and Culture, University of the South Pacific, is organising a second dance-drama production by its members. The production is called "Koe Halanga Mo'ui : The Portal of Life". It is a creation by Katalina Fotofili and portrays the life story of a woman from birth in a village, her migration to town, the birth of her child, and the problems she deals with in order to obtain and maintain her freedom. The shows are scheduled for Wednesday 29 August, Thursday 30 August, and Friday 31 August 2007, from 7pm on each of those days at the AUSAid Lecture Theatre, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva. Tickets are available at the USP Book Centre, Kahawa Cafe, The ROC and the Oceania Centre for Arts & Culture.

Hibiscus Ball

The Hibiscus Ball to round up the Hibiscus Festival 2007 will be held on Saturday, 25 August 2007, from 8pm at the Tattersalls Leisure Centre (former National Gymnasium), Laucala Bay, Suva. On the menu will be a selection of English, Fijian (lovo), Indian and Chinese cuisine. Drinks will also be served. For tickets and reservations, pls call the Hibiscus Office on telephone (679) 3311168 or Dixit Chauhan on telephone (679) 9923013.

Hibiscus Festival Program : Saturday, 25 August 2007

The Hibiscus Festival 2007 is being held in Suva. Here is the program for Saturday, 25 August 2007 :

• Sukuna Park, 10am to 1pm, Live band entertainment : Marika Nakeke & Group, Mudre ni Cagi kei Navitilevu Bay;
• Albert Park, 10am to 2pm, Live band entertainment : First tribe, Rhythm of Hearts, Saimoni Vuatalevu;
• Albert Park, 11am to 11.30am, FMF Cooking;
• Flea Market to Albert Park, 12pm to 2pm, Float procession;
• Albert Park, 2pm, Announcement of Float Winners;
• Albert Park, 2.15pm, Crowning of Lady Hibiscus, Miss Personality, Miss People's Choice, Miss Air Pacific's Friendly Face, Miss Charity;
• Albert Park, 4.30pm to 8pm, Live band entertainment : Tunisau Group, Innovation;
• Albert Park, 5.45pm, Crowning of Hibiscus King;
• Albert Park, 6.45pm, Arrival of Miss Hibiscus 2007 contestants;
• Albert Park, 7pm, Crowning of Miss Hibiscus 2007;
• Albert Park, 8pm to 12am, Musical Jam/Mardi Gras : Seru Serevi & Friends, Domo ni Cakau, Jo & Wise;
• Tattersalls Leisure Centre (former National Gymnasium), from 8pm, Hibiscus Ball.

Note : Individuals and businesses that wish to advertise their products and services on this blog, can check our advertising rates here. For more information, pls e-mail gilbertv2@connect.com.fj or call telephones (679) 3396427 or (679) 9921427.

Seminar : Co-housing Project in Denmark

The Schools of Management and Public Administration and Economics, University of the South Pacific, is organising a seminar on "Co-housing Project in Denmark : How 25 families can live together (plus or minus)" on Thursday, 23 August 2007, from 1pm to 2pm, at the Senate Conference Room, near FBE (former SSED Building), University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva. Guest speaker will be Professor Hans Gullestrup, Aalborg University, Denmark. Professor Gullestrup has been a pioneer in co-housing where several families live togethe ron the same street/location. They cook and have their meals on a communal basis. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, pls call Neeta Pratt on telephone (679) 3232133 or e-mail pratt_n@usp.ac.fj.

Hibiscus Festival Program : Friday, 24 August 2007

The Hibiscus Festival 2007 is being held in Suva. Here is the program for Friday, 24 August 2007 :

• Albert Park, 10am to 11am, Entertainment : Jojo Whippy & Raikivi Boys;
• Albert Park, 11am to 12pm, Fire Display;
• Albert Park, 12pm to 12.30pm, FMF Cooking "Bakers Day";
• Sukuna Park, 12pm to 2.30pm, Lunch hour entertainment : Exodus, Kaila SQ, Coconut grating competition;
• Albert Park, 12pm to 3pm, Live band entertainment : Kulture Band;
• Albert Park, 3.30pm, Lady Hibiscus Public Judging;
• Albert Park, 5.15pm to 6.15pm, Womens 7-a-side Rugby;
• Suva Civic Centre, 5.30pm to 9.30pm, Hibiscus King 2007 2nd Public Judging, Entertainment by Pearl Ralovo;
• Albert Park, 7pm to 11pm, Pacific Nite and Crowning of Miss Hibiscus Teens : Cultural items from Cook Islands, Tonga, Wantoks, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Bula Jive Band, Domo ni Cakau, Kaila SQ6, Tieri Dance Group;
• Albert Park, 8.30pm, Appearance of Contestants.

The program for the other days will be posted on this blog. Note : Individuals and businesses that wish to advertise their products and services on this blog, can check our advertising rates here. For more information, pls e-mail gilbertv2@connect.com.fj or call telephones (679) 3396427 or (679) 9921427.

Seminar : "The Future of the Economic Partnership Agreements with the EU"

The Economics Association of Fiji is organising a seminar on "The Future of the Economic Partnership Agreements with the EU : Will they be genuinely developmentally positive?" on Wednesday, 22 August 2007, from 5.30pm to 6.30pm at Tower 11, Reserve Bank of Fiji Building, Suva. Guest speaker will be Dr Roman Grynberg, Director Economic Governance, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. For more information, pls call the Reserve Bank of Fiji on telephone (679) 3223311 or e-mail matia@rbf.gov.fj.

First Aid Courses

The Fiji Red Cross Society is running First Aid and CPR Courses on Thursday, 23 August, and Friday, 24 August 2007 at the Society's office, Gorrie Street, Suva. For more information, pls call the Society on telephone (679) 3314133 or e-mail redcross@connect.com.fj.

QVS wins Deans Trophy

Queen Victoria School (QVS) added another feather to its 100th Anniversary Celebrations by winning the much coveted Deans Trophy in the school's Under 19 final against Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) last Saturday, 18 August 2007. The school won four categories during the finals by bagging the Under 14, Under 16, Under 18 and Under 19 matches. Rugby in secondary schools now closes this year with the remainder of the year (that is Term 3 of the school year) spent on Volleyball and Baseball. All schools will now be working on strategies to attempt to get the Deans Trophy in 2008.

Hibiscus Festival Program : Thursday, 23 August 2007

The Hibiscus Festival 2007 is being held in Suva. Here is the program for Thursday, 23 August 2007 :

• Albert Park, 10am, Children's Day - Hibiscus Princess Contest; Entertainment by USA Group;
• Albert Park, 11.30am to 12pm, FMF Cooking "Snacks";
• Albert Park, 12pm to 1.30pm, Catapult, Giant flip flop race;
• Sukuna Park, 12pm to 2pm, Lunch hour entertainment : Takayawa Band, Kaila SQ9, "Press Up" competition, Skipping with balloon competition;
• Albert Park, 3.30pm, Crowning of Hibiscus Princess;
• Albert Park, 5pm to 6pm, Womens 7-a-side Rugby;
• Civic Auditorium, 5.30pm to 9.30pm, Miss Hibiscus 2007 2nd Public Judging; Entertainment by USA Group;
• Albert Park, 7pm to 11pm, Fijian Nite (Bogi ni Taukei) : Cadra ko Muana, Medrau Sucu Dancers, Domo ni Cakau, FIT Entertainment Group, Lau Boys, Seni Ua kei Nagigia, Kiribati Dancing Group, Vakamalolo, Seasea, Kaila SQ6;
• Albert Park, 8.30pm, Appearance of Contestants.

The program for the other days will be posted on this blog. Note : Individuals and businesses that wish to advertise their products and services on this blog, can check our advertising rates here. For more information, pls e-mail gilbertv2@connect.com.fj or call telephones (679) 3396427 or (679) 9921427.

Symposium on Renewable Energy

The University of the South Pacific and the Korea Maritime University are organising a Symposium on Renewable Energy on Tuesday, 21 August 2007, from 2pm to 5pm at the PG Seminar Room, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva. The Symposium will comprise presentations from :

• a team representing South Korean academia (Korea Maritime University), government and industry;
• the faculty members of Science and Technology, USP; and
• a representative from the Department of Energy, Fiji.

For more information, pls Martha at the School of Engineering & Physics, University of the South Pacific, on telephone (679) 3232223 or Dr Ahmed on telephone (679) 3232042.

2007 Reading Festival

The Alliance Francaise together with the Pacific Writing Forum is calling for submissions for a National Literacy Competition on the theme of "Home". The competition is open to all residents of Fiji. Categories of competition include :

• Poetry (less than 500 words) and
• Propose (Short Fiction or Short Plays, less than 1,500 words).

Submissions can be in English, Fijian, Hindi, Fiji-Hindi or French. All submissions are to be original work and not previously published.

Prizes are as follows :

English : first three placed entries;

Fijian and Hindi/Fiji-Hindi : first two placed entries in each category;

French : first placed entry.

There are also special commendation awards and book prizes or selected entries.

Closing date for submissions is Thursday, 4 October 2007.

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

Indonesia Cultural Evening and Art Exhibition

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Fiji is organising an Indonesian Cultural Evening and Art Exhibition on Thursday, 23 August 2007. The Exhibition will run from 10am to 4pm at the Ratu Iloilovatu Gallery, FIT Campus, Carpenter Street, Raiwai, Suva. The Cultural Evening will be from 6.30pm to 8pm at the Music Theatre, FIT Campus, Raiwai, Suva. Art works including painting, batik, wood carving will be on display. There will also be performances by students of Pacific Island countries from Fiji, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Tonga, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. A Angkung and Arumba Band (Indonesian traditional bamboo music instruments) will also perform. Tickets are free and can be obtained from the Indonesian Embassy, 6th floor, Ra Marama Building, 91 Gordon Street, Suva by Wednesday, 22 August 2007. For more information, pls call the Embassy on telephones (679) 3316697 or (679) 3317825.

Learn French, Fijian or Hindi

Learn French, Fijian or Hindi with the Alliance Francaise. Term 3 begins on 3 September 2007 and runs until 24 November 2007. Registration closes on Wednesday, 29 August 2007. There are separate classes for adults, teenagers and kids, private and corporate. For more information, pls call the Alliance Francaise, Suva on telephone (679) 3313802 or e-mail allifra@connect.com.fj.

Suva Activities, Events and Accommodation (Updated 17.8.07)

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

• Save The Children - Photography Competition, from Friday, 13 July, to Friday, 24 August 2007, Save The Children Fund Office, Suva (check other blog entry for details);
• Learn French, Fijian or Hindi with the Alliance Francaise, Registration for Term 3 closes on Wednesday, 29 August 2007;
• Save the Children Christmas Card 2007 Design Competition, design submissions to be send by Friday, 31 August 2007, Save The Children Fund Office, Suva (check other blog entry for details);
• Fiji Cancer Society Bra Art Competition open until 17 September 2007 (check other blog entry for details);
• Alliance Francaise and the Pacific Writing Forum - National Literacy Competition on the theme of "Home", submissions close on 4 October 2007;
• Alliance Francaise, 20th Anniversary, Photography Workshop and Exhibition, August 2007, Suva;
• Fiji Term 2 School Holidays, from Monday, 6 August 2007, to Friday, 17 August 2007;
• Hibiscus Festival 2007 Charity Fun Run, Saturday, 11 August 2007, starting at 6am, from Albert Park, Suva;
• Fiji Hibiscus Festival, 15 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 then to Centenary Church (when school starts), Suva;
• Isa Lei Reunion (for former students of the International School in Suva), 17 to 19 August 2007, Suva;
• Queen Victoria School (QVS) Old Boys Association clean up campaign as part of their celebrations of the school's 100th Anniversary, Saturday, 18 August 2007, starts at 6am from QVS Old Boys Club, Toorak, Suva;
• FMF Chess Games, Saturday, 18 August 2007, from 8am, Hoodless House, Suva;
• Fiji Secondary Schools Deans Trophy Rugby Finals, Saturday, 18 August 2007, from 9am, Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• 2007 Island Zone Rugby Championship, Saturday, 18 August 2007, from 10am, Bidesi Park and Buckhurst Park, Post Fiji Stadium complex, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Hibiscus Festival 2007 March of Youth, Saturday, 18 August 2007, starts 12pm, from Suva Bus Terminal to Albert Park;
• Queen Victoria School (QVS) Old Boys Dinner and Dance, Saturday, 18 August 2007;
• Apostles Gospel Outreach Fellowship International Church Annual Conference, from Saturday, 18 August to Friday, 24 August 2007, 1 Nokonoko Road, Laucala Beach, Suva;
• Assembly of God (AG) Church Annual Conference, from Sunday, 19 August to Friday, 24 August 2007, Central Christian Centre (COC), Nausori, near Suva;
• University of the South Pacific-Korea Maritime University, Symposium on Renewable Energy, Tuesday, 21 August 2007, from 2pm to 5pm, PG Seminar Room, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Economics Association of Fiji - Seminar on "The Future of the Economic Partnership Agreements with the EU : Will they be genuinely developmentally positive?", Wednesday, 22 August 2007, from 5.30pm to 6.30pm, Tower 11, Reserve Bank of Fiji Building, Suva;
• Indonesian Art Exhibition, Thursday, 23 August 2007, 10am to 4pm at the Ratu Iloilovatu Gallery, FIT Campus, Carpenter Street, Raiwai, Suva;
• Schools of Management and Public Administration and Economics, University of the South Pacific - Seminar on "Co-housing Project in Denmark : How 25 families can live together (plus or minus)", Thursday, 23 August 2007, from 1pm to 2pm, Senate Conference Room, near FBE (former SSED Building), University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Indonesian Cultural Evening, Thursday, 23 August 2007, 6.30pm to 8pm, Music Theatre, FIT Campus, Raiwai, Suva;
• Fiji Red Cross Society - First Aid and CPR Courses, Thursday, 23 August, and Friday, 24 August 2007, Fiji Red Cross Society office, Gorrie Street, Suva;
• Fiji Human Resources Institute Seminar on the Fiji Employment Relations Bill, Friday, 31 August 2007, from 9am to 4.30pm, Tower 11, Reserve Bank of Fiji Building, Suva;
• Learn French, Fijian or Hindi with the Alliance Francaise, Term 3 runs from 3 September 2007 to 24 November 2007, Alliance Francaise, 14 McGregor Road, 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;
• Fiji School of Medicine Open Day and Oratory Contest, Friday, 7 September 2007, from 8.30am to 3.30pm at Pasifika Campus, Extension Street, 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;
• Suva Christian Community School 10th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon, Saturday, 3 November 2007, from 11am, Tradewinds Entertainment Centre, Lami;
• 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;
• Waitui Cycle Rides, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 5pm, Waitui Cycles, Garden City, Raiwai, Suva;
• Talei Burns and Friends, every Wednesdays, 7pm to 10pm, The Malthouse, 88 Jerusalem Road (next to the Fiji Golf Club), Vatuwaqa, Suva;
• Jazz at the Holiday Inn with Tom Mawi, every Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 6pm to 10pm, Holiday Inn;
• Reggae Zouk Soca Night, Thursdays, Golden Dragon Nightclub, Victoria Parade, Suva;
• Kid’s Arts Classes with Kathy Oyagawa, Saturdays, 10am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4pm, The Homestay, Princes Road, Tamavua, Suva;
• Arts Village Firewalking Show, 11am to 12pm, every Saturday, Grandstand, Arts Village, Pacific Harbour;
• Waitui Cycle Rides, every Sundays, 6am to 6.3oam, from Waitui Cycles, Garden City, Raiwai, Suva;
• The Roc Market, every third Sunday of the month, The Roc, Dolphins Plaza, Victoria Parade, 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, UK, Europe and Canada by advertising on this blog. Check out our very low rates for commercial ads here.

Save the Children Fund Christmas Card 2007 Competition

Save the Children Fund is organising a Christmas Card 2007 Design Competition. The theme for the competition is ‘Children Make Christmas Fun’. All submissions are to be original. Designs can be used by some of the largest companies in Fiji with the designer's name printed at the back of the card. Funds raised from sale of cards will be used to help children in Fiji. Members of the public are invited to submit designs for this year's competition. Submissions are to be sent to the Save the Children Fund by Friday, 31 August 2007. For more information, pls contact Michele on telephone (679) 3313178 or mwilson@savethechildren.org.fj.

Sunday ROC Market

The Sunday ROC Market is on again this Sunday, 19 August 2007, from 10am to 3pm, at Loftus Street, in front of the ROC beside Dolphin’s Plaza, Victoria Parade, Suva. On sale will be art, craft and homeware. For more information, pls contact the ROC Cafe on telephones (679) 3300828 or (679) 9267847.

Hibiscus Festival Program : Wednesday, 22 August 2007

The Hibiscus Festival 2007 is being held in Suva. Here is the program for Wednesday, 22 August 2007 :

• Albert Park, 10am, Live band entertainment : Road Angel, Mua i Gau;
• Albert Park, 12pm to 12.30pm, FMF Cooking "Cooking with Rice";
• Sukuna Park, 12pm to 2.30pm, Lunch hour entertainment : Chill Out, Kaila SQ2, Baloon Dance competition;
• Albert Park, 12.30pm to 3pm, Live band entertainment : Jale Mareau, Kaila SQ - Jane B, Lorima D, Wati B, Peni Vodo, Paulini B;
• Southern Cross Hotel, 3.30pm, Miss Hibiscus 2007 Private Judging;
• Albert Park, 4pm to 6.30pm, Hibiscus Teens 2007 2nd Public Judging - Talent Show;
• Suva Civic Centre, 5.30pm, Hibiscus King 2007 1st Public Judging;
• Albert Park, 6pm, Arrival and introduction of Contestants;
• Albert Park, 7pm to 11pm, Indian Nite.

The program for the other days will be posted on this blog. Note : Individuals and businesses that wish to advertise their products and services on this blog, can check our advertising rates here. For more information, pls e-mail gilbertv2@connect.com.fj or call telephones (679) 3396427 or (679) 9921427.

Deans Trophy Finals Draws

The Fiji secondary schools Deans Trophy Rugby Finals will be played on Saturday, 18 August 2007 at the Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva. The draws for the finals are as follows:

• 9am, U14, Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) vs Queen Victoria School (QVS);
• 10am, U15, Suva Grammar School vs RKS;
• 11.10am, U16, QVS vs RKS;
• 12.20pm, U17, Natabua High School vs RKS;
• 1.40pm, U18, Lelean Memorial School vs QVS;
• 3pm, U19 (premier match), RKS vs QVS.

Admission fees are F$6.00 per adult and F$4.00 per student in uniform for embankment seating and F$10.00 per person for grandstand seating.

2007 Island Zone Rugby starts

The 2007 Island Zone Rugby Championship kicks off on Saturday, 18 August 2007, at the Post Fiji Stadium complex, Laucala Bay, Suva. The draws for Saturday are :

• 10am, Gau vs Moala, Buckhurst Park;
• 11.30am, Vatulele vs Rabi, Buckhurst Park;
• 11.30am, Moturiki vs Nakasaleka, Bidesi Park;
• 1pm, Koro vs Toberua, Buckhurst Park;
• 1pm, Nairai vs Cawa, Bidesi Park.

Fiji Rugby World Cup team leaves for the tournament

The Fiji Rugby World Cup 2007 team leaves the country today for the tournament which starts early September. The team goes with every ones blessing for a good outing at the Rugby World Cup. Check this blog for more information on Fiji's matches.

Queen Victoria Schools Old Boys Dinner and Dance

The Queen Victoria School (QVS) Old Boys is organising a Dinner and Dance on Saturday, 18 August 2007 as part of the school's 100th Anniversary Celebrations. For more details, pls contact the QVS Club at Toorak, Suva.

Hibiscus Festival Program : Tuesday, 21 August 2007

The Hibiscus Festival 2007 is being held in Suva. Here is the program for Tuesday, 21 August 2007 :

• Suva Civic Centre, from 8am, Baby Show;
• Albert Park, 10am to 11pm, Live band entertainment - Innovation Band;
• Suva Civic Centre, 10.30am, Appearance of Lady Hibiscus contestants at Baby Show;
• Albert Park, 11.30am to 12.30pm, Competitions - sack race, wheelbarrow race;
• Suva Civic Centre, 12pm, Appearance of Hibiscus contestants at Baby Show;
• Sukuna Park, 12pm to 2.30pm, Lunch hour entertainment : Breakforward, Kaila SQ7, Coconut tree climbing competition;
• Albert Park, 12.30pm, Live band entertainment - Tunisau Group, Jojo Whippy & Raikivi Brothers;
• Albert Park, 2.30pm to 3pm, FMF Cooking "Healthy Cooking";
• Albert Park, 3pm to 5pm, Police dog display, coconut scraping competition;
• Albert Park, 5pm to 6pm, Live band entertainment - First Tribe Band;
• Albert Park, 7pm to 11pm, Youth Nite : National Youth Band, Southern Junior, Vibes, Rhythm of Hearts, Shangri-La Dance Group, Margaret's Dance Group, Osama (FSM), Kaila SQ8, Skits on Youth Issues.
• Albert Park, 8.30pm, Contestants arrive and public appearance of contestants.

The program for the other days will be posted on this blog. Note : Individuals and businesses that wish to advertise their products and services on this blog, can check our advertising rates here. For more information, pls e-mail gilbertv2@connect.com.fj or call telephones (679) 3396427 or (679) 9921427.

QVS Old Boys organise a clean up

The Queen Victoria School (QVS) Old Boys Association is inviting members of the public to a clean up campaign in Suva on Saturday, 18 August 2007, as part of their celebrations of the school's 100th Anniversary. The clean up will start from the QVS Old Boys Club in Toorak at 6am and proceed to Tanoa Plaza, Suva Bowling Club and then through to the Post Fiji Stadium at 9am in time for the start of the Deans Trophy Secondary Schools Rugby Finals. QVS and Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) are to meet in the premier Under 19 game during the finals.

Fiji musicians to farewell Sakiusa Bulicokocoko

A group of Fiji musicians will farewell world famous Fijian singer, Sakiusa Bulicokocoko, is a performance tonight, Thursday, 16 August 2007, at Albert Park, Suva. The group will include jazz guitarist, Tom Mawi, singers Seru Serevi and Marika Gata, and musician, Ken Janson. the artists had performed together with Sakiusa Bulicokocoko at one time. The 3 hour program is part of today's Hibiscus Festival program and will start at 5pm. Sakiusa Bulicokocoko died in Hawaii last week.

Tadra Kahani 2007

The Tadra Kahani 2007 will be held on Wednesday, 12 September, and Thursday, 13 September in Suva. The Tadra Kahani showcases music and dance performances by schools in a colourful celebration of a theme that is of pressing concern to Fiji society, particularly youths. There are two categories of competition : one for primary school students and the other for secondary school students. In recent years, some unknown rural schools have been beating other established schools from the urban areas in the competition. Visit Suva on those days to check out the lively displays from our school children.

Hibiscus Festival Program : Monday, 20 August 2007

The Hibiscus Festival 2007 is being held in Suva. Here is the program for Monday, 20 August 2007 :

• Albert Park, 10am to 1pm, Old Timers Morning - Songs from yesteryears with Chill Out, Medrau Sucu, Ronald Jai; Toulunga Pasifika Dance Group, Meke;
• Albert Park, 12pm, Refreshments;
• Sukuna Park, 12pm to 2.30pm, Lunch hour entertainment : Bula Jive Band, Kaila SQ2 - Ilisavani Cava, Christine Waqabaca, Imogen Greenslade, Di Sova, Miriama Turagabeci;
• Albert Park, 1pm to 2.30pm, Live Band Entertainment : Kulture;
• Sukuna Park, 1.30pm, Shoe shining competition;
• Albert Park, 2.30pm to 3pm, FMF Cooking;
• Albert Park, 3pm to 5pm, Live entertainment : Vibes;
• Albert Park, 5pm to 6pm, Womens 7-a-side Rugby;
• Albert Park, 6pm, Contestants arrive and public appearance of contestants;
• Albert Park, 7pm to 11pm, Asian Nite with tae kwondo display; dance and musical items - Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese, Indonesian, Malaysian; Legend Waves Band, Kaila SQ3 - Paulini B, Usa C, Yena, Litiana R, Munishan, Amrita, Ravneet.

The program for the other days will be posted on this blog. Note : Individuals and businesses that wish to advertise their products and services on this blog, can check our advertising rates here. For more information, pls e-mail gilbertv2@connect.com.fj or call telephones (679) 3396427 or (679) 9921427.

Hibiscus Festival (detailed) Program : Wednesday, 15 August 2007

The Hibiscus Festival 2007 starts in Suva today, Wednesday, 15 August 2007. Here is the detailed program for the day :

• Albert Park, 12pm to 1.30pm, Colgate-Palmolive - Dr Rabbit;
• Albert Park, 1.30pm to 2.30pm, SPCA-Animal Care;
• Albert Park, 6pm to 7pm, Competition, DJ Music, Entertainment by Radio Mirchi Announcers/Giveaways;
• Albert Park, 7pm to 8pm, Introduction of Sonnets Orchestra;
• Albert Park, 8pm to 9pm, Sonnets Orchestra;
• Albert Park, 9pm to 10pm, Giveaways and live band performance.

The program for the other days will be posted on this blog. Note : Individuals and businesses that wish to advertise their products and services on this blog, can check our advertising rates here. For more information, pls e-mail gilbertv2@connect.com.fj or call telephones (679) 3396427 or (679) 9921427.

Apostles Church Annual Conference

The Apostles Gospel Outreach Fellowship International Church Annual Conference will be held from Saturday, 18 August, to Friday, 24 August 2007 at 1 Nokonoko Road, Laucala Beach, Suva. For more information, pls call the Church on telephone (679) 3397360. For accommodation in Suva, check out our two bedroom rental home through links at the right hand side and at the top of this blog. For more information, pls e-mail gilbertv2@connect.com.fj or call telephones (679) 3396427 or (679) 9921427.

Assemby of God Church Annual Conference

The Assembly of God (AG) Church Annual Conference will be held from Sunday, 19 August, to Friday, 24 August 2007 at the Central Christian Centre (COC), Nausori, near Suva. For more information, pls call COC on telephone (679) 3478023. For accommodation in Suva, check out our two bedroom rental home through links at the right hand side and at the top of this blog. For more information, pls e-mail gilbertv2@connect.com.fj or call telephones (679) 3396427 or (679) 9921427.

Methodist Church of Fiji Annual Choir Competition

The Methodist Church of Fiji Annual Choir Competition will be held from Friday, 17 August 2007 to Saturday, 25 August 2007. The competition will be held on the first few days at Furnival Park, Toorak, Suva and then from the Centenary Church in Suva when school begins next week. For more information, pls call the Methodist Church office, Suva, on telephone (679) 3311477.

Hibiscus Festival Program : Sunday, 19 August 2007

The Hibiscus Festival 2007 will be held in Suva. Here is the program for Sunday, 19 August 2007 :

• Albert Park, 9am to 1pm, Church Service : United Pentecostal Church;
• Albert Park, 4pm to 11pm, "Walking with Jesus" Youth Gospel Concert : Puppet Show, Vocal Brothers, Breakforward (COC), Mega Life, Souls for One, Sekove Raikoro, Eagles Wings, Spiritual Mix, Heavenly Harmony, Heavenly Echoes, FSM CF, Soul to Jesus Dance Group, CMF Youth, The Friends, The Grasswaves, Trinity Singers (Tuirara), Dokidoki Gospel, Quiz
• Civic Centre, 5.30pm, Vodafone Lady Hibicus 2007 : 1st Public Judging, Entertainment by - Paulini, Vilisi, Christine, Jane, Usa, Isaia;
• Albert Park, 6pm, Appearance of Vodafone Hibiscus Princess and Hibiscus Teens 2007 Contestants;
• Albert Park, 7.30pm, Appearance of Vodafone Lady Hibiscus, Hibiscus King and Miss Hibiscus 2007 Contestants.

The program for the other days will be posted on this blog. Note : Individuals and businesses that wish to advertise their products and services on this blog, can check our advertising rates here. For more information, pls e-mail gilbertv2@connect.com.fj or call telephones (679) 3396427 or (679) 9921427.

Chess Tournament

The FMF Chess Games will be held on Saturday, 18 August 2007, from 8am at Hoodless House, Suva. The tournament will include the National Junior Championship for boys and girls at various age categories including U12, U14, U16, U18 and U20. The event will run in parallel to a tournament for veterans and elite players. For more details, pls call Jashint Maharaj on telephone (679) 9279547 or Manoj Kumar on telephone (679) 9464193.

Another Suva Development

The Arya Pratindhi Sabha is undertaking a major commercial development at Samabula, Suva. Excavation work is currently being done on the site which could over 10 blocks of shop space and car parking. The blocks of land will be subdivided and sub-leased to interested commercial tenants. The site is located next to the DAV Girls College along the main Ratu Mara Road. The Sabha will open a Suva campus for the University of Fiji from the same area in 2008. The campus will feature a library, a lecture hall, a computer laboratory and an administration office. The University of Fiji is owned by the Arya Pratindhi Sabha.

Hibiscus Festival Program : Saturday, 18 August 2007

The Hibiscus Festival 2007 will be held in Suva. Here is the program for Saturday, 18 August 2007 :

• Sukuna Park, 10am to 1pm, Live band entertainment : Sekove Raikoro, Vodre drokadroka ni Loma ni Buca, Kaila SQ1 - Mikea Niurua, Nacanieli Mate, Atelaite Yamaka, Miriama Sorby, Usa;
• Albert Park, 10am to 1pm, Live band entertainment : Dokidoki Gospel, Verbal Reality, Saimoni Vuatalevu & Quin Tikis;
• Suva Flea Market, 12pm to 1pm, March of Youth : Youth groups, schools, Team Fiji depart the Suva Flea Market and march to Albert Park;
• Albert Park, 2.30pm, Introduction of Hibiscus contestants and official opening;
• Albert Park, 3.30pm to 4pm, Live band entertainment : Exodus;
• Albert Park, 4pm to 4.30pm, FMF Cooking "Cooking with flour" Part 1;
• Albert Park, 4.30pm to 5pm, Live band entertainment : Exodus;
• Albert Park; 5pm to 5.30pm, FMF Cooking "Cooking with flour" Part 2;
• Civic Centre, 5.30pm, Vodafone Hibiscus Teens 2007 - 1st Public Judging;
• Albert Park, 7pm to 11pm, Evening Program : Rhythm of Hearts, Peni Seniyasi, Domo ni Cakau, Shangri-La Dance Group, Kaila SQ6 - Isaia W, Joan M, Inoke Q, Vilisi, Tau'olunga Pasifika.

The program for the other days will be posted on this blog. Note : Individuals and businesses that wish to advertise their products and services on this blog, can check our advertising rates here. For more information, pls e-mail gilbertv2@connect.com.fj or call telephones (679) 3396427 or (679) 9921427.

Lord Mayor's plans for Suva

The Lord Mayor of Suva, Ratu Peni Volavola, has plans to change the scenery around the capital's foreshore. In an interview in the Sunday Times, 12 August 2007, the Lord Mayor said that he and other civic minded developers has a plan to reclaim the coastline and put sandy beaches on the Suva foreshore. The plan is to help change current perception of how people view Suva. Ratu Volavola said that Suva could learn from the example of Waikiki Beach, Hawaii, which had been developed from a mangrove setting to one of the finest foreshore settings in the world.

Blog Readership : June 2007 vs July 2007

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

• total number of visits - 1,421;
• total number of page views - 2,125;
• top 15 countries of origin of readers and no of visits per country - Fiji, 424; Australia, 260; United States, 222; New Zealand, 103; Canada, 73; United Kingdom, 58; Ivory Coast, 58; Nigeria, 42; India, 18; South Africa, 13; Togo, 11; France, 9; Spain, 9; Ghana, 8; United Arab Emirates, 7;
• top 10 referring source - google[organic], 1,100; (direct)[(none)], 92; blogger.com[referral], 47; yahoo[organic], 30; msn[organic], 15; search[organic], 14; ivebeenthere.co.uk[referral], 12; a-free-guestbook.com[referral], 11; technorati.com[referral], 8; google.com.ng[referral], 8;
• top 20 keywords used in searches - dinesh lal yadav, 20; promoting suva, 10; adi cakobau school, 9; dinesh lal yadav songs, 6; tappoos sale, 6; battle of the giants 2007 fiji, 6; vitori buatava, 5; jimmy montu, 5; suva fiji, 5; battle of the giants soccer, 4; fiji vs australia a, 4; fiji music fest, 4; hibiscus 2007, 4; coconut buns, 4; suva, fiji, 4; ratu sukuna memorial school, 4; damodar brothers, 3; tadra kahani, 3; america opened embassy in suva, 3; 2007 contacts email address for churches in japan, 3.

July 2007

• total number of visits - 1,467;
• total number of page views - 2,334;
• top 15 countries of origin of readers and no of visits per country - Fiji, 482; Australia, 243; United States, 175; New Zealand, 127; Canada, 62; United Kingdom, 60; Ivory Coast, 48; India, 35; Nigeria, 34; Germany, 15; Ghana, 14; France, 11; United Arab Emirates, 11; Israel, 11; Togo, 11;
• top 10 referring source - google [organic], 1,197; direct, 72; yahoo [organic], 45; blogger.com [referral], 24; msn [organic], 13; live [organic], 12; ivebeenthere.co.uk [referral], 9; google.com [referral], 7; babasiga.blogspot.com [referral], 5; google.com.ng [referral], 5;
• top 20 keywords used in searches - fiji showcase 2007, 21; hibiscus festival 2007, 13; fiji festival 2007, 12; tappoos, 10; fijiliving, 8; fiji hibiscus festival 2007, 7; hibiscus 2007, 7; alliance francaise suva, 5; fiji showcase, 5; marist old boys fiji, 5; marist reunion fiji, 5; navi bolatagici, 5; vitori buatava, 5; alliance francais suva, 4; beaches in suva, 4; damodar brothers, 4; gilbert veisamasama, 4; graham dewes, 4; hibiscus festival fiji 2007, 4; jese mucunabitu, 4.

Observations

• Page visits rose (by 46) during July 2007 compared to June 2007.
• Page views rose by 10% during July 2007 compared to June 2007 and stood at 2,334;
• Readers from Fiji, Australia, USA, New Zealand, Canada and United Kingdom continue to form our largest readership group being over 78% of our blog readers. Readers from these countries can best be targeted for marketing from this blog;
• Top referring site is google.com with our search ranking and hits from google.com continuing to improve each month. 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;
• 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.

We are continuing to market our low rates for advertising on our blog. Merchants, traders and small businesses can best use our high Internet search rankings to market their products and services to our wide readership base. 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 gilbertv2@gmail.com or call telephones (679) 3396427 or (679) 9921427.

Fijian music legend dies in Hawaii

Fijian music legend, Sakiusa Bulicokocoko, has died in Hawaii, USA. The singer who made an outstanding contribution to putting Fiji music on the Pacific and international scene died of cancer. Sakiusa was the original Fijian singer who brought fame to the "vude" beat and rhythm which was later popularised by Seru Serevi, Laisa Vulakoro, Georgina Ledua and the Police Jazz and Dance Band, among others. Sakiusa also sang jazz. He was a popular draw wherever live band entertainment was put up. Fijian music followers will miss him. We hope that the Fiji radio stations will play some of his songs on air over the next few days - songs that have all but vanished from enjoying radio time. We pass on our condolences to Sakiusa's family.

Hibiscus Festival Program : 17 August 2007

The Hibiscus Festival 2007 will be held in Suva. Here is the program for Friday 17 August, 2007 :

• Albert Park, 10am to 12pm, Entertainment : First Tribe;
• Sukuna Park, 12pm to 2pm, Entertainment : Domo ni Cakau, Kaila SQ1 - Mikea Niurua, Atelaite Yamaka, Miriama S, Naca Mate, Usa;
• Albert Park, 12pm to 4pm, Entertainment : Jo & Wise, Domo ni Savu, Kaila SQ2 - Jane Bautani, Melania Bale, Wainikiti Dabala, Luisa Sorby, Isaia W;
• Albert Park, 4.30pm to 8pm, Teen's Time - Entertainment : Kulture Band & Takashi, Bloodfire, ISS Polynesin Dancers, Quiz;
• Albert Park, 7pm, Final - Vodafone Hibiscus 2007 "Kaila" Star Quest; Finalists are Mikea Niurua, Jasmine Duxbury, Paulini Bautani, Isaia Waqavou, Julie Rounds, Jane Bautani, Silivia Rasabasaba, Natalie Raikadroka, Sera Wati, Ilisavani Cava. There will be dances by the Indian Cultural Centre Entertainment Group;
• Albert Park, 9pm to 11pm, Entertainment : Verbal Reality Band, Kaila SQ4 - Julie Rounds, Ravneet Pal, Lorima D, Wati, Bale.

The program for the other days will be posted on this blog. Note : Individuals and businesses that wish to advertise their products and services on this blog, can check our advertising rates here. For more information, pls e-mail gilbertv2@connect.com.fj or call telephones (679) 3396427 or (679) 9921427.

Lomaiviti meets Army in Suva Club Rugby final

Lomaiviti will meet Army Green in the Suva Club Rugby final for the Escott Shield next Friday, 17 August 2007 at the Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva. Lomaiviti beat Red Rock 15-3 while Army Green won over USP Islanders 22-9 in their semi-final matches on Saturday, 11 August 2007. Lomaiviti has been one of the top teams in Suva Rugby over the past few years and has featured regularly in the Escott Shield finals over most years.

Tailevu schools to battle for the Deans Trophy

The two Tailevu schools, Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) and Queen Victoria School (QVS), will do battle for the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Deans Trophy next weekend. This comes about after the two schools won their semi-final matches on Saturday, 11 August 2007. RKS won 16-13 over Lelean Memorial School while QVS won over Nasinu Secondary School by 22-10. The win by QVS comes around at a good time when the school is celebrating its 100th Anniversary since opening.

Flag Raising Ceremony - Indian High Commission

The High Commission of India in Fiji will be holding a flag raising ceremony to celebrate India's 61st Anniversary after gaining Independence on Wednesday, 15 August 2007, at 9am, at India House, 72 Princes Road, Tamavua, Suva. All Indian nationals and friends of India are invited to attend. For more information, pls call the High Commission of India on telephone (679) 3301125 or e-mail hicomindsuva@connect.com.fj.

Suva Activities, Events and Accommodation (Updated 11.8.07)

The following events are scheduled for Suva:

One-off Events:

• Save The Children - Photography Competition, from Friday, 13 July, to Friday, 24 August 2007, Save The Children Fund Office, Suva (check other blog entry for details);
• Fiji Cancer Society Bra Art Competition open until 17 September 2007 (check other blog entry for details);
• Queen Victoria School 100th Anniversary Celebrations Ball, August;
• Alliance Francaise, 20th Anniversary, Photography Workshop and Exhibition, August 2007, Suva;
• Fiji Term 2 School Holidays, from Monday, 6 August 2007, to Friday, 17 August 2007;
• Hibiscus Festival 2007 Charity Fun Run, Saturday, 11 August 2007, starting at 6am, from Albert Park, Suva;
• St Joseph Secondary School (SJSS) Alumnae - Winter Rendezvous, Saturday, 11 August 2007, from 6pm to midnight, SJSS Hall, Waimanu Road, Suva;
• Australian High Commission's Masquerade Annual Charity Ball 2007, Saturday, 11 August 2007, from 7pm, Tradewinds Convention Centre, Lami, near Suva;
• Fiji Arts Club Choir Concert, Saturday, 11 August 2007, from 7.30pm at The Playhouse, Selbourne Street, Suva;
• South Pacific Hobie Cat Championships, Saturday, 11 August, to Tuesday, 14 August 2007, Laucala Bay waters, Suva;
• Tabu Soro Triathlon, Sunday, 12 August 2007, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Art of Living Course, Tuesday, 14 August, to Sunday, 19 August 2007, Suva;
• High Commission of India Flag Raising Ceremony to celebrate India's 61st Anniversary after gaining Independence, Wednesday, 15 August 2007, 9am, India House, 72 Princes Road, Tamavua, Suva;
• Fiji Human Resources Institute Panel Discussion on the "Master Agreement as a Bargaining Tool/Instrument", Thursday, 16 August 2007, from 5pm to 7pm, Tower 11 Conference Room, Reserve Bank of Fiji Building, Suva;
• International Game Fishing Invitational Tournament, Thursday, 16 August, to Saturday, 18 August 2007, Pearl South Pacific Resort, Pacific Harbour;
• Fiji Hibiscus Festival, 15 to 25 August 2007, Albert Park, Suva;
• Fiji Hibiscus Festival, Radio Mirchi Day/Nite, Wednesday, 15 August 2007, Albert Park, Suva;
• Fiji Hibiscus Festival, Bula FM Day/Nite, Thursday, 16 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 then to Centenary Church (when school starts), Suva;
• Isa Lei Reunion (for former students of the International School in Suva), 17 to 19 August 2007, Suva;
• FMF Chess Games, Saturday, 18 August 2007, from 8am, Hoodless House, 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;
• Apostles Gospel Outreach Fellowship International Church Annual Conference, from Saturday, 18 August to Friday, 24 August 2007, 1 Nokonoko Road, Laucala Beach, Suva;
• Assembly of God (AG) Church Annual Conference, from Sunday, 19 August to Friday, 24 August 2007, Central Christian Centre (COC), Nausori, near Suva;
• Fiji Human Resources Institute Seminar on the Fiji Employment Relations Bill, Friday, 31 August 2007, from 9am to 4.30pm, Tower 11, Reserve Bank of Fiji Building, 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;
• Fiji School of Medicine Open Day and Oratory Contest, Friday, 7 September 2007, from 8.30am to 3.30pm at Pasifika Campus, Extension Street, 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;
• Suva Christian Community School 10th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon, Saturday, 3 November 2007, from 11am, Tradewinds Entertainment Centre, Lami;
• 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;
• Waitui Cycle Rides, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 5pm, Waitui Cycles, Garden City, Raiwai, Suva;
• Talei Burns and Friends, every Wednesdays, 7pm to 10pm, The Malthouse, 88 Jerusalem Road (next to the Fiji Golf Club), Vatuwaqa, Suva;
• Jazz at the Holiday Inn with Tom Mawi, every Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 6pm to 10pm, Holiday Inn;
• 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;
• Arts Village Firewalking Show, 11am to 12pm, every Saturday, Grandstand, Arts Village, Pacific Harbour;
• Waitui Cycle Rides, every Sundays, 6am to 6.3oam, from Waitui Cycles, Garden City, Raiwai, Suva;
• The Roc Market, every third Sunday of the month, The Roc, Dolphins Plaza, Victoria Parade, 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, UK, Europe and Canada by advertising on this blog. Check out our very low rates for commercial ads here.

Hibiscus Festival 2007 Program : 15 and 16 August 2007

The Hibiscus Festival 2007 will be held in Suva. Here is the program for Wednesday, 15 August, and Thursday, 16 August 2007 :

• Wednesday, 15 August, Radio Mirchi Day/Nite, Albert, Park;
• Thursday, 16 August, Bula FM Day/Nite, Albert Park.

The program for the other days will be posted on this blog.

Note : Individuals and businesses that wish to advertise their products and services on this blog, can check our advertising rates here. For more information, pls e-mail gilbertv2@connect.com.fj or call telephones (679) 3396427 or (679) 9921427.

Suva Christian School Anniversary Celebration Luncheon

The Suva Christian Community School is organising a celebration luncheon for their 10th Anniversary on Saturday, 3 November 2007, from 11am at the Tradewinds Entertainment Centre. Tickets are selling at F$50.00 per adult and F$20.00 per child and are available from the Primary or Secondary School's office at 1 Bulei Road, Laucala Beach Estate, Suva. Limited numbers only. For more information, pls e-mail litasamuela@connect.com.fj.

Art of Living Course

An Art of Living Course will be held from Tuesday, 14 August, to Sunday, 19 August 2007, in Suva. Some of the benefits of the course, among others, are given as :

• reduced stress;
• increased health and well-being;
• increased vitality;
• more ease and joy and harmony in personal relationships;
• improved self-esteem;
• greater creativity and clarity of mind; and
• a deeper sense of community.

The course will be taught by Ms Gail MacKenzie of New Zealand.

The Art of Living Foundation is an educational, charitable and humanitarian foundation.

For registration, pls contact Roshni Pal on telephones (679) 3323979 or (679) 9721068 or e-mail roshnip44@hotmail.com.

South Pacific Hobie Cat Championships

The South Pacific Hobie Cat Championships will be held this weekend around the Laucala Bay waters in Suva. The championships run from Saturday, 11 August, to Tuesday, 14 August 2007. Leading Fiji competitor, Grahame Southwick, owner of Fiji Fish company will be competing in the championship. The event will also be used as a testing ground for Fiji's competitors going to the South Pacific Games at Apia, Samoa, later this month. Later in the year, the Hobie World Championships will be held from 8 to 19 October 2007.

Hibiscus Festival brought forward by 2 days

The Fiji Hibiscus Festival 2007 has been brought forward by 2 days and will start from Wednesday, 15 August 2007. The festival will run until Saturday, 25 August 2007. The change has been done to accommodate the alteration in the Fiji Term 2 school holiday dates which run from 6 August to 17 August 2007. The 2007 Hibiscus Festival promises to be bigger and better than previous years with a lot more activities planned or already organised with male competitors entering in a separate category for the first time in the festival's history. This Saturday, 11 August 2007, a Charity Fun Run and the semi-final of the Talent Quest are being held. Check out this blog for more details on activities and events coming up.

Tabu Soro Pump Triathlon

The Tabu Soro Pump Triathlon will be held on Sunday, 12 August 2007, from the National Aquatic Centre, Laucala Bay, Suva. Registration starts at 6am. The event is part of the Fiji Triathlon Series. The events include :

• the Half Olympic - 750m swim/20km bike/5km run,
• Short Sprint – 500m swim/14km bike/3km run,
• Aquathlon – swim/run,
• Junior Event – 300m swim/3km bike/1km run,
• Cycling – 20km.

For more information, pls call Ian on telephone (679) 9995625 or Clive on telephone (679) 9924868.

'Writing the Pacific' Book Launch

A book launch of ‘Writing the Pacific : An Anthology of short fiction and poetry’, will be held on Friday, 10 August 2007, from 6pm at the Oceania Centre, University of the South Pacific, Laucala Bay, Suva. The book will be launched by Professor Satendra Nandan.

Fiji vs New Zealand Soccer

The Fiji team meets the New Zealand All Whites soccer tournament in a match today, Friday, 10 August 2007, from 7.30pm at the Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva.

Secondary Schools Rugby Deans Trophy Semi-finals

The Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Deans Trophy semi-finals will be held on Saturday, 11 August 2007, at the Post Fiji Stadium, Laucala Bay, Suva. Games start at 8.20am. Teams meeting in the premier Under 19 grade are Queen Victoria School (QVS) vs Nasinu Secondary School, and Ratu Kadavulevu School (RKS) vs Lelean Memorial School. Those games start from 1.50pm. Schools meeting in the other grades include :

• Under 18 : Queen Victoria School vs Ratu Kadavulevu School and Lelean Memorial School vs Natabua High School;
• Under 17 : Ratu Kadavulevu School vs Suva Grammar School and Queen Victoria School vs Natabua High School;
• Under 16 : Ratu Navula Secondary School vs Ratu Kadavulevu School and Queen Victoria School vs Marist Brothers High School (MBHS);
• Under 15 : Ratu Kadavulevu School vs Natabua High School and Lelean Memorial School vs Suva Grammar School;
• Under 14 : Ratu Kadavulevu School vs Suva Grammar School and Marist Brothers High School (MBHS) vs Queen Victoria School.

Tickets are selling at F$5.00 each for adults for embankment seating and F$8.00 for adults for grandstand seats. Students wearing their school uniforms pay F$3.00 each.

Fiji School of Medicine Open Day

The Fiji School of Medicine Open Day will be held on Friday, 7 September 2007, from 8.30am to 3.30pm at Pasifika Campus, Extension Street, Suva. The schools' oratory contest will also be held on the same day. The Open Day will be useful to secondary school students who are considering further studies and a future career in medicine or the medical field. For more information, pls call telephone (679) 3311700 or send a fax to (679) 3303469.

Article on the Royal Suva Yacht Club

• Read an article below taken from the Sunday Times, 5 August 2007, on the Royal Suva Yacht Club.

"Going down memory lane, Sunday, August 05, 2007

Imagine what the members of the Royal Suva Yacht Club would be talking about when they meet at their 75th Anniversary in September this year?

Their topic of discussion would most probably be of those days when they were young kids and teenagers and spending all their free time at the club, either sailing or swimming in the pristine clear waters of the Suva harbour near the yacht club.

When one takes a look down memory lane, the year was 1932 when a group of enthusiasts decided to form a club now known as the Royal Suva Yacht Club.

However, the name of the club used to be just the Suva Yacht Club with the title of 'Royal' in 1950 granted by Sir Allan Lascelles, Secretary to King George VI.

Prior to being termed the Royal Suva Yacht Club, it was located between Stinson Jetty and Nubukalou Creek along Suva's foreshore from 1932 to 1938.

The club was a sail only club and the first official race was held on Saturday, October 22, 1932 with an entry fee of two shillings. And the first cruising race was held on January 17, 1933 with a race to Nukulau Island and the first regatta was held at Levuka in August of the same year with 'Seaghost' and 'Cimba' as the first overseas yachts to visit the club in June 1935. Records kept at The Fiji Times and the Royal Suva Yacht Club show the Suva Yacht Club was originally located behind the Bank of New South Wales fronting the sea.

And by then the club had a register of 23 yachts and 141 members that grew from strength to strength through to 1941. However, the Second World War brought all activities of the club to a standstill as many of the members of the club had joined the Fiji Armed forces and other Commonwealth Countries.

In the early colonial days the Suva Yacht Club was only meant for the Europeans and none of the Indians or indigenous people was allowed membership but those days have passed and now the membership is not that segregated.

The club and its members are known for their volunteer services and resources with regards to the provision of boats in times of need during natural disasters associated with flooding and cyclones.

Construction on the new site in Walu Bay began in September 1937 and was completed in August 1948.

The following were the flag officers to the club in 1932 and they were Commodore T.M. Mcguire, Vice Commodore E.E. McGowan and Rear Commodore F. Reay. Today the Royal Suva Yacht Club provides members with a place to relax and gives the young and the old a place to learn the rudiments of sailing, develop nautical skills, seamanship and have a healthy respect of the sea. The club has seen throughout the years, numerous dedicated members who have provided their time and expertise which has helped the club grow to what it is today.

While most of the club members are overseas, there are some who are still in the country and are very closely related to the club house and two of these members are the current Commodore Robert Smith and the director of Williams and Goslings David Aidney.

Commodore is the title bestowed on the person who is elected by the members of the club and he is the president of the club.

Speaking about his experiences at the club as a teenager Commodore Smith said being part of the Royal Suva Yacht Club taught him a lot and was the most influential factor in shaping his career as a marine geophysicist.

"My children have grown up here at the club and my two sons have learnt to sail and they are into water sports and they have also had the opportunity to be a part of the club and enjoy sailing and learning to appreciate the sea," he said. Mr Smith said the club was of great significance in his life because that was where he met his wife, Veronica Smith who is in charge of the club's affairs and its operations.

"My wife comes from a background of inter-island shipping," he said.

But Mr Smith says the recent increase in pollution of the sea near the Yacht Club has been a grave concern for the members.

"My biggest concern is the amount of rubbish that is being thrown in the sea and it costs so much to clean up," he said.

Another member who spent his years as a child and a young man at the club says he has spent many lovely years as a member and has made a lot of friends. Mr Aidney said he has been participating in the President's Cup race for the past forty years and said he was proud to say he won the race last year.

Mr Aidney said he has been a member of the club since he was 12 years old and in all those years he had participated in the race with his 12 feet dingy, a yacht and his recently bought 38 feet boat. There are other members who have been there for more than 40 years like Captain Jim Mullins who was the Commodore in 1950, Jackson Julian and Barry Lee who have seen many changes taking place in the club.

However, because of their medical conditions they have not been able to speak to The Sunday Times on their memories. Apart from being a very old part of the city, the Royal Suva Yacht Club also has another piece of history attached to it in the form of the Coat of Arms which was originally fixed to the bow of the Royal Colonial Ship called the Viti.

The ship Viti was built in the colony of Hong Kong for the Government of Fiji and then the Western Pacific High Commission.

Veronica Smith, the house committee member at the club says the ship was completed in 1939 and sailed for Suva in 1940.

Mrs Smith said shortly afterwards Viti was taken over by the Royal Navy, converted to an escort/minesweeper, commissioned as HMS Viti and manned by officers and ratings from the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Fiji. Based in Suva, HMS Viti served in the South Pacific together with ships of the Royal New Zealand Navy until cessation of hostilities in 1945.

"As transport between Fiji and New Zealand after the war was at a premium Viti was decommissioned and employed as a passenger/cargo ship in the Suva/Auckland service until 1949 when she was sold to the Tasman Steamship Company trading between New Zealand and Australia," said Mrs Smith. "The Coat of Arms was then removed from the bow and presented to the "Suva Yacht Club" by Captain Clough Blair, managing director, Tasman Steamship Company in honour of those members of the Suva Yacht Club who had served aboard HMS Viti during World War II.""

Hibiscus Festival 2007 dates stay the same

The Fiji Hibiscus Festival 2007 will still run from Friday, 17 August, to Saturday, 25 August 2007 in Suva. The organisers said that no changes will be made to programs or venues in light of the change in the Fiji Term 2 school holidays which have been brought forward. The school holidays now will run from Monday, 6 August, to Friday, 17 August 2007. The Hibiscus Festival was usually held during the Term 2 school holidays in Suva.

Seminar on the Employment Relations Bill

The Fiji Human Resources Institute is organising a seminar to discuss Fiji’s Employment Relations Bill which is scheduled for implementation from October 2007. The Seminar is scheduled for Friday, 31 August, 2007, from 9am to 4.30pm at Tower 11, Reserve Bank of Fiji Building, Suva. Entry fees are :

• F$100.00 for members; and
• F$150.00 for non members.

Resource Person will be John Apted. Jon Apted has a LLB from the University of Auckland, NZ (1986), and was admitted to the NZ and Fiji High Courts in 1986. He later obtained an MA from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, USA (1989) and an LLM from Harvard Law School, USA (1995). He is currently a Partner at Munro Leys and advises, litigates and acts as a private arbitrator in the employment law area. He has successfully argued leading employment law cases in the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. Prior to joining Munro Leys, Jon was the Permanent Arbitrator as well as the Sugar Industry Tribunal.

Human Resource practitioners and organizations are invited to attend the Seminar. For more information or to register your interest, pls call Ms Tinai N on telephone (679) 3316519 or e-mail info@fhri.org.fj.

Panel Discussion : Master Agreement as a Bargaining Tool

The Fiji Human Resources Institute is organising a Panel Discussion on the "Master Agreement as a Bargaining Tool/Instrument" on Thursday, 16 August 2007, from 5pm to 7pm, at the Tower 11 Conference Room, Reserve Bank of Fiji Building, Suva. Panellists include :

• Mr. Poate Mata,
• Mr. Pio Vunituraga,
• Mr. Shiu Din,
• Mr. Imo Sagoa.

Business executives, human resources and training personnel, managers and supervisors from Government and the private sector are invited.

For more information or to contact your attendance, pls contact Ms Tinai N on telephone (679) 3316519 or e-mail info@fhri.org.fj.

Open Door Healthchek Centre

The Marie Stopes International Pacific's Open Door Healthchek Centre opens Mondays to Fridays from 10am to 7pm and on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm at 157 Renwick Road, Level 1 Sundarjee Building, Suva. The Centre provides

• free information on reproductive health and family planning;
• free voluntary confidential counselling and testing for STI/HIV;
• pap smears and pregnancy testing;
• oral and emergency contraceptives; and
• blood pressure and diabetic check, among other things.

For more information, pls contact the Centre on telephone (679) 3310101 or Daven on (679) 9335234 or email davendra.karan@mariestopes.org.fj.

St Joseph Secondary School Alumnae Winter Rendezvous

The St Joseph Secondary School (SJSS) Alumnae is organising a Winter Rendezvous on Saturday, 11 August 2007, from 6pm to midnight at the SJSS Hall, Waimanu Road, Suva. Entry fees are F$10.00 per head which will cover finger food. Drinks will be on sale. Music will be by DJ and Karaoke.

Unwired Fiji coverage expands

Unwired Fiji, another Fiji Internet Services Provider, has expanded its coverage to Nausori from Suva. The expansion sees the Provider covering all areas between Suva and Nausori. The company's services previously reached only Valelevu, which is around 5 and a half miles from Suva. To get on-line, pls contact Unwired Fiji by e-mailing salesteam@getunwired.com.fj or visit their office at Garden City, Raiwai, Suva.

Air Pacific 6 month Anniversary Specials

Air Pacific now offers its Six Months Anniversary Specials for its domestic flights. The fares for flights to and from Suva are as follows :

• Suva-Nadi and Nadi-Suva, F$85.00 one way (there are 6 flights daily either way);
• Suva-Labasa and Labasa-Suva, F$100.00 one way (there are 2 flights daily either way).

No additional charges apply. Enjoy flights on the airline's new ATR42 aircraft. For more information, pls call Air Pacific on telephones (679) 6720888 or (679) 3304388. You can book on-line at http://www.pacificsun.com.fj/.

Hibiscus Festival 2007 Charity Fun Run

The Vodafone Hibiscus Festival 2007 is organising a Charity Fun Run on Saturday, 11 August 2007 starting at 6am from Albert Park in Suva. There are various categories for competitors from individuals to groups. Entry fee is F$2.00 per person. Each participant will receive a F$25.00 discount shopping voucher on Puma Joggers and a 15% discount shopping voucher on Puma Apparel, at Sports World in Suva. Prizes to be won. Entries close on Thursday, 9 August 2007. Registration is at Sports World store at 18 Waimanu Road, Suva. All funds collected will be donated to St Johns Ambulance and Brigade.

Suva Activities, Events and Accommodation (Updated 3.8.07)

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

• Fiji School of Medicine Oratory Competition for Open Day - indications of interest open until Friday, 3 August 2007;
• Fiji Good Local Governance Campaign's Art and Design Competition open until Thursday, 9 August 2007, 4pm (check other blog entry for details);
• Save The Children - Photography Competition, from Friday, 13 July, to Friday, 24 August 2007, Save The Children Fund Office, Suva (check other blog entry for details);
• Fiji Cancer Society Bra Art Competition open until 17 September 2007 (check other blog entry for details);
• Photo Workshop on Women's Rugby in Fiji, Saturday, 28 July 2007, and Saturday, 4 August 2007, Alliance Francaise, 14 McGregor Road, 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;
• International School Fun Day, Saturday, 4 August 2007, from 10am to 3pm, International School compound, Laucala Beach, Suva;
• 2007 Suva Hibiscus Festival - Star Quest Competition, Semi-finals, Saturday, 4 August 2007, Suva;
• Fiji Term 2 School Holidays, from Monday, 6 August 2007, to Friday, 17 August 2007;
• Rotaract Club Meeting, Tuesday, 7 August 2007, from 5.45pm, Levuka Room, Fiji Club, Selbourne Street, Suva;
• Rucksack Club Meeting, Wednesday, 8 August 2007, from 6.45pm, St Andrews Church Hall, corner of Gordon and Goodenough Street, Suva;
• Hibiscus Festival 2007 Charity Fun Run, Saturday, 11 August 2007, starting at 6am, from Albert Park, Suva;
• St Joseph Secondary School (SJSS) Alumnae - Winter Rendezvous, Saturday, 11 August 2007, from 6pm to midnight, SJSS Hall, Waimanu Road, Suva;
• Australian High Commission's Masquerade Annual Charity Ball 2007, Saturday, 11 August 2007, from 7pm, Tradewinds Convention Centre, Lami, near Suva;
• Fiji Arts Club Choir Concert, Saturday, 11 August 2007, from 7.30pm at The Playhouse, Selbourne Street, Suva;
• Tabu Soro Triathlon, Sunday, 12 August 2007, Laucala Bay, Suva;
• Fiji Human Resources Institute Panel Discussion on the "Master Agreement as a Bargaining Tool/Instrument", Thursday, 16 August 2007, from 5pm to 7pm, Tower 11 Conference Room, Reserve Bank of Fiji Building, 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 Human Resources Institute Seminar on the Fiji Employment Relations Bill, Friday, 31 August 2007, from 9am to 4.30pm, Tower 11, Reserve Bank of Fiji Building, 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;
• Fiji School of Medicine Open Day and Oratory Contest, Friday, 7 September 2007, from 8.30am to 3.30pm at Pasifika Campus, Extension Street, 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;
• Waitui Cycle Rides, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 5pm, Waitui Cycles, Garden City, Raiwai, Suva;
• Talei Burns and Friends, every Wednesdays, 7pm to 10pm, The Malthouse, 88 Jerusalem Road (next to the Fiji Golf Club), Vatuwaqa, Suva;
• Jazz at the Holiday Inn with Tom Mawi, every Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 6pm to 10pm, Holiday Inn;
• 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;
• Arts Village Firewalking Show, 11am to 12pm, every Saturday, Grandstand, Arts Village, Pacific Harbour;
• Waitui Cycle Rides, every Sundays, 6am to 6.3oam, from Waitui Cycles, Garden City, Raiwai, Suva;
• The Roc Market, every third Sunday of the month, The Roc, Dolphins Plaza, Victoria Parade, 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, UK, Europe and Canada by advertising on this blog. Check out our very low rates for commercial ads here.

Rucksack Club Meeting

A meeting of the Rucksack Club will be held on Wednesday, 8 August 2007, from 6.45pm, at the St Andrews Church Hall, corner of Gordon and Goodenough Street, Suva. Peter Murphy (Fiji Rugby Union's High Performance Unit Manager) will discuss the lead up preparations to the Rugby World Cup. For more information, pls email Deborah at rucksackfiji@gmail.com.

Suva Rotaract Club Meeting

A Rotaract Club Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 7 August 2007, from 5.45pm at the Levuka Room, Fiji Club, Selbourne Street, Suva. The club looks helping with physical and social needs in the community. It is sponsored by Rotary and is geared towards people between the ages of 18 and 30. Entry fees is F$2.00 to help to pay for the venue and the finger food ot be served. For more information, pls contact Roshika Deo on telephone (679) 9969907 or email roshikadeo@hotmail.com or Tofique Khan on telephone (679) 9966793 or email khan_mo@usp.ac.fj.

Term 2 School Holidays brought forward

The Term 2 School Holidays in Fiji has been brought forward by the Interim Government following the strike yesterday by teachers who are members of the Fijian Teachers Union. The school holidays will now run from Monday, 6 August 2007, to Friday, 17 August 2007. There is no change at this stage to the dates of the Fiji Hibiscus Festival which runs from Friday, 17 August 2007 to Saturday, 25 August 2007.

Hibiscus Kaila Star Quest Semi-Final

The Hibiscus-Kaila Star Quest Semi-final will be held on Saturday, 4 August 2007, from 5.30pm at the Suva Civic Auditorium. Tickets are on sale at the Village 6 ticket booths and also at the door on the day of the performance.