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From The Crowd
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...
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...
1st June
New gender strategy | Are all gender strategies created equal? Examining the new German, US and UK approaches (Part 1)
Earlier this year, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced that the Albanese government would be developing a new international gender equality strategy. The current gender equality and women’s empowerment strategy, developed two years after the merger of AusAID and DFAT in 2013, was ground breaking for Australia in that it covered all areas of foreign...
31st May
Menstrual health
Menstrual health is essential to gender equality and the wellbeing of women, adolescent girls and all people who menstruate. Yet the menstrual health needs of millions of girls and women continue to go unmet; and those who menstruate face restrictions on their mobility, choices, and participation in school and community life. As Menstrual Hygiene Day...
30th May
Nuclear water into Pacific Ocean
On the coastline of Bougainville’s capital, Buka, small dinghies carrying men back and forth from the ocean are a common sight. The people here rely on fish for their income. Their daily catch is proudly put up for sale at a local market, keen to attract the eyes of wandering customers. “Our culture is different...
Ratu Sukuna’s three-legged stool concept – its value for the 21st century
INTRODUCTION Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna’s life story — his personal background and upbringing, his education, military service, work and contribution as a senior officer in the British colonial Administration in Fiji — are generally well known. In my readings and research on Ratu Sukuna, there was one particular feature of him that stood out. Of...
29th May
Point of Origin | Jannif in the ’60s (Part 3): St Paul’s, UE year, Maori culture and the twins
The 1960s are not referred to as the swinging ’60s for no reason. The cultural revolution against the old-world ways by the new world youth truly heralded the age of Aquarius. From the technological advancements in computers, flight, and space exploration, to the fashion, political upheaval, rebellion and nonconformity, the Vietnam war protests, the environmental...
Beading her way to FJFW | Helen Oro – First Nation indigenous fashion designer of Canada
We at Fiji Fashion Week are preparing ecstatically to receive the first group of indigenous First Nations people of the Pelican Lake Band from Saskatchewan in the middle of Canada. Fashion and Jewellery Designer Helen Oro is from the Pelican Lake Tribe of the Bear Creek Clan. She is “thrilled to be the first indigenous...
