Fiji

Michalak the magic man sparkles for France again

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre was telling anyone who wanted to listen at Stadium MK on Thursday that people regarded his decision to recall the mercurial fly-half as "crazy".

Not any more. Michalak (pictured) marked a man-of-the-match performance by becoming the highest points scorer in French World Cup history, overtaking Thierry Lacroix's tally of 124 points..

 

Fiji's Tuna exporters fight to stay afloat as low tuna stock worsen

“We are just losing so much money that we just can’t repair our boats or buy new boats to be in line with those foreign companies,” said Solander (Pacific) Limited general manager Radhika Kumar.

Solander is one of two Fiji-owned companies that recently qualified for accreditation to supply tuna to the lucrative European Union market.

VIDEO: 2015 Rugby World Cup daily roundup

And the fallout from the hosts' crushing late loss at the weekend continues.

Former England captain Will Carling aimed his cricitism at Stuart Lancaster's methods, suggesting his players are treated like 'schoolboys'.

Film Highlighting Climate Change and Migration Launched in Suva

“The Land Beyond the Horizon” captures the stories of Pacific islanders whose lands and livelihoods are threatened by climate change, as well as those who have had to relocate to other countries, and discusses the impacts on their lives, cultures, languages and traditions. 

The film also features exclusive footage and interviews with prominent leaders such as the President Anote Tong of Kiribati, Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga of  Tuvalu and Mary Robinson, the United Nations Special Envoy on Climate Change – leaders in the frontline of climate change efforts throughout the world.

Fijian PM congratulates Palau on self governance anniversary

In congratulating  Remengesau, Prime Minister Bainimarama said that Fiji and Palau share the potential to “strengthen our bilateral ties across a broad front”.

The Prime Minister also used the occasion to speak broadly about the collective stand that Pacific leaders should take in the lead up to the Climate Change Summit in Paris later this year.

More than 30 seek refuge in Fiji

This was revealed by the Immigration Director Nemani Vuniwaqa after more than 30 applications from foreigners seeking asylum in Fiji were processed.

A total of 34 applications to seek asylum in the country were processed by the Immigration Department.

Only 20 refugees were confirmed with 13 remaining in the country.

“ The UNCHR regions office is based in Canberra is assisting them in terms of funds and monthly allowance. They are liaising with the team here at the department in ensuring these people are cared for,” said Vuniwaqa.

Rugby World Cup 2015: Consider longer turnarounds, says Gatland

Wales face Fiji on Thursday having had only four days to recover from their bruising win against England.

Gatland will not use it as an excuse during this World Cup but believes it is an issue which needs to be addressed in the long term.

"It's something we all need to be aware of because it's a pretty brutal game at the moment," he said.

"It's important we consider and look after the welfare of our players as well.

"I'm not complaining about the short turnaround because we've known about that for a long time. We've had to prepare for that."

Rugby World Cup 2015: Gatland threatens to drop Wales stars

Wales stunned England 28-25 at Twickenham and would be on the brink of the last eight if they beat Fiji.

Gatland says the players had "a bit of a rocket" because training on Tuesday was "a bit lighter".

"I said 'if I see any body language or anything that's not right, I will change you'," said Gatland.

He had earlier announced a starting line-up showing three enforced changes following injuries that ended Scott Williams' and Hallam Amos's tournament involvement.

El Nino effects on Cyclones being monitored

Acting Director of the National Disaster Management Office Akapusi Tuifagalele says following the 1997 drought, the country had experienced a series of natural disasters.

“That is one of the issues that we are actually looking into knowing that for what happened in 1997 & 1998 it was broken by a tropical cyclones, followed by flooding. We are hoping that is not going to happen for us during this season but it may,” said Akapusi Tuifagalele, acting Director NDMO.

Kiribati President commends Fiji on climate change leadership

In an exclusive interview with FBC News, President Anote Tong says he will be convening an extraordinary meeting with other Pacific island countries to discuss the issue of climate induced migration.

“Fiji has been the one country that’s been the most forthcoming and I think it’s challenging every other country. I think this is the kind of response that has been sadly lacking in the past. There has been no leadership of this and Fiji is taking leadership”.

The recent deportation of Kiribati national Ioane Teitiota from New Zealand last week has had a rippling effect.