Fiji

Climate change a bigger threat than war, Fiji tells security summit

"Machine guns, fighter jets... are not our primary security concern. The single greatest threat to our very existence is climate change," Fiji Defence Minister Inia Seruiratu said.

He was addressing a summit in Singapore which has focused on China-US tensions and the Ukraine war.

Cyclones have repeatedly battered Fiji and other low-lying Pacific countries.

"It threatens our very hopes and dreams of prosperity. Human-induced, devastating climate change," Mr Seruiratu told the forum, called the Shangri-La Dialogue.

Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika's success benefits national teams

With the objective of increasing the competitiveness of the international game, World Rugby has part-funded the franchises to provide an impactful environment and pathway that will ultimately benefit Fiji, Samoa and Tonga on the biggest stage – Rugby World Cup.

The selection of 43 players for the Pacific Nations Cup from Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua is an important step in that journey, providing each union with the benefit of access to a group of players performing in an environment geared towards achieving success at international level.

Russian superyacht leaves Fiji for US following a court ruling

Fiji's Supreme Court lifted a stay order which had prevented the U.S. from seizing the superyacht Amadea.

A US Justice Department's Taskforce has focused on seizing yachts and other luxury assets of Russian oligarchs in a bid to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine.

The 106m Amadea arrived in Fiji on 13 April after an 18-day voyage from Mexico.

It was seized by Fiji authorities after the country's High Court granted a US warrant last month that linked the yacht to sanctioned Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov.

Fiji’s Prime Minister receives courtesy call from Samoa’s Prime Minister

Bainimarama welcomed Prime Minister Mataʻafa who is on her first official visit to Fiji, and reaffirmed the nation's commitment to work closely with Samoa in advancing regional solidarity.

He commended the Government of Samoa for the establishment of the new Samoa High Commission in Suva, which was officially opened last evening.

Bainimarama said it signifies the strengthened relations of the two nations, and the unwavering commitment to build stronger partnership for the development of our Pacific region.

New Samoa High Commission office opens in Fiji

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa was among guests at the ceremony.

Chief Guest Fiji’s Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama said, “Your new High Commission shows how serious Samoa is about building its friendship with Fiji and ramping up its regional engagement.”

“Fiji is the Pacific hub of trade, travel, telecommunications, and finance, and our capital is the one-stop-shop for all multilateral matters. In one trip to one city, our region’s leaders can make connections and coordinate engagement with each other and the world.”

Fiji likely to host a round of World Sevens Series

New Zealand Rugby confirmed that they are continuing to explore the idea of having their round of the series in the island nation.

After the announcement of the return of the Hamilton 7s yesterday, NZR head of tournaments and competitions, Cameron Good, said the change of landscape had meant they had instead always been planning to return to Hamilton next year.

He added talks are underway with Fiji Rugby on the opportunities that are available.

Fiji's refusal to pay its dues to USP does not help anybody

The University of the South Pacific vice-chancellor Pal Ahluwalia said the USP's annual budget has been reduced by $US78 million by Fiji's actions.

But Professor Ahluwalia said a lot of work was being done by the governing council to ensure the university continues to achieve results.

"The question of money Fiji owes is really an issue for the USP Council and how the Council and the leaders of the Pacific deal with that.

Court orders oligarch's superyacht to stay in Fiji

The High Court in Suva has allowed an application by the public prosecutor to stop the superyacht Amadea belonging to Russian billionaire Suleiman Kerimov from leaving its waters.

Kerimov, who was not on board, is facing sanctions from the United States, Britain and the European Union over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Fiji's Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde filed the application on Tuesday - a week after the yacht moored at the Lautoka Wharf without customs clearance.

Mr Pryde confirmed that the US is seeking to seize the vessel.

Fiji’s premium Indian sweets and snacks company expands market access to Samoa and New Zealand

According to a statement from Investment Fiji it had enabled the company to reach greater heights by providing them with export opportunities to regional and international markets.

Investment Fiji acting chief executive officer Kamal Chetty said they had always been at the forefront of assisting exporters by providing them with information, advice, and services they needed to thrive globally.

“Helping local businesses to expand to other parts of the world is one of our key strategic goals and we are fully committed towards it,” said Mr Chetty.

10-try Naduvalo the star man as Fiji claim Singapore title

Australia beat impressive Ireland 21-19 to clinch a hard fought bronze medal and remain in contention for the 2022 Series title.

Prior to Singapore, South Africa had won all four rounds of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2022 to date - and six in total in a row - but in Singapore’s National Stadium it was to be Fiji’s moment.

The last time anyone but South Africa had won a men’s tournament on the big stage was in March 2020 in Vancouver when New Zealand took top honours.