Fiji

These are the sentiments of Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Lesikimacuata Korovavala as he received an introductory call from Samoan High Commissioner to Fiji Aliioaiga Elisaia.

Korovavala says the meeting highlights the enduring and multifaceted relationship that Fiji shares with Samoa, based on trust and respect, genuine friendship and bonded by a shared history, cultural and economic relations.

The Samoan High Commissioner says Fiji and Samoa are brothers and sisters with shared people-to-people ties where the Pacific Ocean connects us.

Fiji's Minister of iTaukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu, announced the festival would be held in 2026 in Fiji at the end of this year's edition in Vanuatu.

He praised the people and Government of Vanuatu, saying despite the many challenges the country had endured with cyclones and earthquakes, with a true Melanesian spirit, the nation had accepted the challenge of hosting a memorable event.

This year, the festival's theme was "Rebuilding my Melanesian for common identity," highlighting the importance of Pacific regionalism, and cooperation within Melanesia.

 Despite their win, Raiwalui acknowledges the need for a thorough review and improvement.

He also commends Samoa for their strong performance on home ground.

The team is now fully focused on their clash with Japan, scheduled to take place in Tokyo next Saturday.

Samoa edged the game 24-22 in Sapporo in what was a dress rehearsal for the two teams’ Pool D encounter at the World Cup in France later this year.

Japan took an early lead, but suffered a blow when former captain Leitch was red-carded 10 minutes before the break for a dangerous tackle on Samoa’s So’otala Fa’aso’o.

Japan flank Kazuki Himeno said it was “disappointing” that the Brave Blossoms could not shake off the mental effects of Leitch’s dismissal.

Sonia Alfred and Timaima Ana scored a goal each for the Young Kulas in the first half while Priya Singh scored the last goal.

The Young Kulas will take on New Zealand at 7pm Saturday.

New Zealand thrashed Cook Islands 5-0 in their semi final.

The winner of the tournament qualifies for the FIFA Women’s U20 World Cup.

New Zealand’s quarter-final kicks off at 3pm, and a win will see coach Leon Birnie’s team face either Cook Islands or Vanuatu in Wednesday’s semi-final.

At stake is an automatic qualification to the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, a berth that awaits the winner of the OFC tournament being held in Fiji.

On Saturday, Samoa and Fiji won tightly-contested quarter-finals, with Samoa needing a penalty shootout to get past Tahiti.

The barnstorming left winger produced the match-winning try with 12th minutes remaining with Australia behind 37-36.

A wide shift from outside their own 22 to the left put Lancaster down the edge, he rounded Fiji’s defence to score untouched under the posts before a final penalty goal put the game out of Fiji’s reach.

Australia were made to work for the result after Fiji hit back at opportune times just as the Junior Wallabies looked like running away with the game.

This is after the charitable organization announced that it will be awarding grants totaling FJD $1.2 million in 2023 to support 281 teachers.

A statement said “From the busy capital of Suva to the country’s harder-to-reach outer islands, these grants will support classroom projects covering a range of needs from technology upgrades to learning excursions and career readiness equipment.”  

St James Anglican Primary School Head Teacher, Jessica Murphy was delighted when her classroom was selected to receive a grant for their Kindergarten Classroom.

While addressing the media on Bau Island, Rabuka said Ratu Wiliame and Rev. Vunisuwai have both highlighted the real heart of re-establishing the GCC.

Rabuka added that the GCC is to look into the welfare of the people.

“What is it that the people of Fiji expect? They expect from the Bose Levu Vaka Turaga (GCC) wisdom and compassion, for it to be the source of all those things that we now have with the position of President. He is the fount of honor, the fount of mercy, and the fount of authority.”

The Great Council of Chiefs which was disbanded by the former Fiji First led government is meeting after 16 years.

The traditional opening ceremony of the Great Council of Chiefs has begun in Fiji, today.

The chief guest of today’s meeting is the Turaga na Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere who is also Fiji’s President.

While opening the traditional welcoming ceremony with a devotion, Methodist Church President Reverend Ili Vunisuwai said it’s crucial for the chiefs that will be part of the meeting to always know the sole purpose of the GCC meeting.