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From The Crowd
Culture shock in Canberra
Traveling overseas for the first time as a young undergraduate at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) was both exciting and nerve-racking. Getting selected to attend the 2023 ANU-UPNG Partnership Summer School Program at...
7th June
The Drua mania | Ancient art meets modern rugby
From an ancient vessel to a modern rugby team—now the name Drua is synonymous with the sporting pride of Fiji as a nation. The team has smashed, pulverized, outrun and scored their way to the quarterfinals of the Super Rugby Pacific and the crazy euphoria this has produced has even eclipsed the significance of our...
6th June
True leadership is key to transformation
“Flight of the Buffalo” was a groundbreaking concept presented to employees of $US90 billion ($F203.9b) colossus AT&T in the ’90s. CEO Jerry Stead travelled the globe including Sydney where he delivered the theme “Flight of the Buffalo — Soaring to Excellence and Learning to Let Employees Lead”. We implemented locally in a comparatively small enterprise...
American Idol winner season 21
Iam Tongi, the 18-year-old sensation whose voice has captivated the world after winning American Idol by a landslide, becoming the first Pacific Islander to win the popular award. His performance of James Blunt’s Monsters brought tears to the eyes of celebrity judges Lionel Richie and Katy Perry, and is the most viewed American Idol video...
5th June
Marine life recovery | Pacific conservation Global Expedition will allow Pacific people to tell their stories
National Geographic’s Pristine Seas initiative has launched The Global Expedition to support conservation efforts in the remote tropical Pacific. The Pristine Seas team, consisting of scientists and filmmakers, will spend five years on the specially outfitted vessel, the E/V Argo, collaborating with governments, communities and local marine scientists. Since 2008, the group has conducted 38...
3rd June
Launch of Vibe Collection | Unveiling the exclusive RAAVI
Invited dignitaries, glitterati and the elite corporate exuded the French Riviera vibe against the enchanting backdrop of Novotel Suva Lami Bay. Twilight silhouettes, stunning colour palettes and a sterling runway performance by the Mata Dance Fiji set the perfect scene for the launch of RAAVI: Where lifestyle meets luxury with a socio eco-conscious vision. “RAAVI”...
Girmit, division and Ratu Sukuna
In our last article I took us through the struggles of the Girmitiya, the Indian and the Indo-Fijian in attempting to attain political recognition and respect over the 144 years of his/her existence in this their adopted country – Fiji. What was highlighted is that the whole struggle was blighted by divisions among the Girmitiya...
Drua’s defining moment
Let’s take a look into the past games and replay all the memories of when the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua started its journey in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition. A combination of two modes of sea transport from the olden days when our ancestors use the waqa vakaviti also known as the...
Are we failing our children
When children at upper-primary school level do not to know the meaning of “refugee”, we have a problem on our hands. This is a clear reflection of an education system failing our children. According to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, there are over 32.5 million refugees. Whether children in Fijian schools could identify just one...
Quest for identity | ‘Fiji-Indians are a Pacific people’
The advocacy for Fiji Indians for their correct identity and proper treatment by New Zealand Government in general and Ministry of Pacific People in particular was evident in an overflowing Malaeola Community Centre on May 20, 2023, with over 1500 people. This Mangere, South Auckland venue was the celebration of 144th Anniversary of Fiji Girmit...
Ratu Mara: One with ‘the common touch’
In the wake of the recent general elections in Fiji, much public discussion and commentary has focused on the nation’s present political leaders and their standing within the community. What are the true hallmarks of a great leader? Intellect, vision, integrity, communication and decisiveness are expected attributes. But Rudyard Kipling speaks of yet another elusive...
The Great Council of Chiefs | ‘Cart before the horse’ or the horse itself?
My original title was “Reviving the GCC: the cart before the horse”. But there are indications that some forces within the PAP and SODELPA may want the GCC to be the horse pulling Fiji along, despite its poor record in looking after the narrower iTaukei interest. Is there any merit in the claim by Graham...
Drua’s golden boy | The rise of Iosefo Masi
Iosefo Masikau Baleiwairiki became a household name after delivering a sensational performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. After making a name for himself in 7s, Masi is turning heads in the Super Rugby Pacific competition. His hat-trick against the Moana Pasifika brought fans to their feet as they gave Fiji’s latest sensation a standing...
2nd June
Pacific meets South Korea
Fresh off their meeting with Indian Prime Minister Modi in PNG, Pacific leaders are this coming week gathering in Seoul for the inaugural South Korea-Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting. It is not hard to be sceptical about the value of these summits but, that said, they are not going to go away. Normally, they focus...
