Fiji

Fiji has a slim chance of winning the PNC title while for Samoa, a win over the host will see them bag their third title only, ever since the tournament started in 2006.

Samoa last won the tournament in 2014 together with Japan when the conference was split into two, while Fiji took out the competition in 2018.

Reeling from their loss to Australia A, Vern Cotter and his men are really wanting to put on a good performance at home before they embark on their overseas tour.

Cotter says the time to do the talking is over as they are ready for the match.

The '2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent' was endorsed by regional heads of governments on 14 July, as the curtains fell on the 51st Forum Leaders' Meeting in Suva.

"As Pacific Leaders, our vision is for a resilient Pacific Region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity, that ensures all Pacific peoples can lead free, healthy and productive lives," the 2050 strategy's leaders' vision states.

Forum chairman and Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said the new regional blueprint "is about who we are".

Fiji took the lead in the first half when Vanisha Kumar powered past the Solomons goalkeeper Margaret Kofela.

But the Solomons, which was playing in its first Nations Cup game since 2010, gained an equaliser before half-time.

Jemina David was tumbled over in the box by Unaisi Tuberi and a penalty kick was awarded. Solomons captain Ileen Pegi sent the goalkeeper the wrong way for the leveller.

Fiji gained the upper hand in the second half, with Mereoni Tora twice heading wide and Kumar forcing a fine reaction save from Kofela, but their foes held on for the point.

Last night, the Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum remained firm with Fiji’s position to investigate the matter.

“We said that there needs to be an investigation into the issue – these are taxpayer’s money. Fiji is the largest contributor by way of grant to USP.”

“If there is nothing to hide, why don’t we have an investigation? It has been highly politicised. It is a question of accountability or financing,” Sayed-Khaiyum said.

Pacific leaders from 18 member countries, including Australia and New Zealand, will gather face-to face for the first time since 2019 to discuss a basket of issues affecting the region.

The meeting, hosted by the Fijian government, is billed as one of the most significant in recent history as the region gradually emerges from the grips of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Fijian government sees the convening as "an opportunity to strengthen relationships and reset goals and priorities for regionalism and collective action as a Forum Family".

The company's parent firm recently announced that it was moving production to Fiji with 50 jobs to be affected.

Samoa Breweries Ltd is majority owned by Paradise Beverages Ltd, and general manager Mike Spencer said in a statement it had not taken the decision lightly.

He said Samoa Breweries' commercial viability had steadily declined over the past five years due to a combination of factors including ageing machinery, the impact of the 2019 measles outbreak, followed by the disruption caused by Covid-19.

Vailima - which is advertised as 'The Taste of Samoa' - will now be manufactured at the company's Paradise Beverages facilities in Fiji.

Samoa Breweries Ltd is majority owned by Paradise Beverages Ltd whose General Manager Mike Spencer said in a statement that it had not taken the decision lightly.

The meetings were facilitated by Fiji Police Pathologist Dr James Kalougivaki where he had the opportunity to meet senior members of the Samoa Police, Prisons & Corrections Services and Justice system in accordance with Fiji’s commitment of ensuring the exchange of shared learnings between Pacific Island law enforcement agencies.

Eroni Talemaigau won three bronze medals for Team Fiji in his division and created a new Oceania Youth record of 115kg in the Clean and Jerk.

FASANOC said the youngster lifted 82kg in the snatch and 105kg in the Clean & Jerk for a total lift of 187kg.

He was challenged by 105kg but secured two out of three votes needed to proceed to the next round.

Talemaigau missed his first two lifts in the Snatch and failed the second and third in the C and J.

Its director Vasiti Soko said the coastal inundation experienced on Wednesday was caused by a low depression to the far south of Fiji, which is slowly moving eastwards, coinciding with seasonal king tides.

Ms Soko said initial reports indicate the flooding has so far caused only minimal damage but she is urging communities in affected areas to remain vigilant as authorities continue to monitor the situation today.