Vodafone Fiji 7s team Coach Gareth Baber has named a strong team to compete in the Hong Kong 7s tournament this weekend.

Isake Katonibau makes a return and will feature in the three day tournament .

Baber has also named jasa Veremalua, Amenoni Nasilasila, Apisai Domolailai, Sevouloni Mocenacagi and Waisea Nacuqu in his 12-man squad.

Osea Kolinisau, Jerry Tuwai, Mesulame Kunavula, Vatemo Ravouvou, Joeli Lutumailagi and Kalione Nasoko have been retained who are the core players in the team.

Mesulame Kunavula and Kalione Nasoko will play in their first ever Hong Kong 7s tournament.

The duo were named in the final member squad today.

Setareki Bituniyata has been named as the 13th player for the Vodafone Fiji 7s side.

This means Malolo speedster Nacanileli Labalaba will not be in action in Hong Kong

Fiji plays it’s opening match against Japan at 11.54pm on Friday.

Wales will be their next opponent and they wrap-up pool games against New Zealand.

Fiji and Wales play at 5.12pm on Saturday while game against New Zealand will be at 9.12pm.

The Cup quarter-finals starts at 2.58pm on Sunday, Cup semi-finals begin at 7.31pm and the Cup final is will be played 11pm.

You can watch the tournament live on Fiji One – the whole three days

Over twenty athletes from Nabua Secondary School in Suva will take part in the Coca Cola Games in two weeks times.

The Fiji Finals Flames arrived at the school today boosting the morals of the athletes, and joining in the spirit was Retired National Rugby League superstar Petero Civoniceva.

The Legend of NRL Petero Civoniceva was as excited as the students from Mead Road.

The Coca Cola flames have traveled across fiji for almost three weeks now boosting the enthusiasm of athletes who will compete at the Fiji Finals.

With just two weeks away from the biggest secondary school event the Coco Cola torch relay team have inspired many athletes across Fiji.

The Coca Cola games will be held from the 20th of this month.

Today marks International Day of Sport for Development and Peace and with this the Fiji Volleyball Federation Pacific partnership program organized a workshop to strengthen the sport in Fiji.

The workshop aimed to spread the message of healthy living and raising awareness about HIV/ AIDS.

This Day signifies the increasing recognition by the United Nations of the positive influence that sport can have on the advancement of human rights, and social and economic development.

More than 900 employers have not paid their employees contribution to the Fiji National Provident Fund.

FNPF has revealed that the Fund has approximately 917 defaulting employers, amounting to the value of $4.7 million in total contributions owed.

FNPF is encouraging all employers to take advantage of the current penalty waiver and settle any outstanding contributions.

The surcharge waiver ends on 30 June 2017.

Chief Operating Officer, Mr Jaoji Koroi, has reminded employers to take advantage of this opportunity and ensure that they meet their obligation to their employees.

As a means to simplify the contribution payment and submission process, the Fund has also been working with employers to register and familiarize themselves with the Employers Online portal.

The Fund urges employers to use the portal facility as it will assist both parties in the timely distribution of FNPF contributions into members’ accounts.

From 1 July 2017, the penalty of $100 per employee per month will come into force for all employers who pay late contributions.

The Fiji National Provident Fund has no intention of extending the waiver therefore all non-complying employers are requested to visit their nearest FNPF branch or agency to make the necessary arrangements.

The Fiji Police Force has prosecuted 4 cases on human trafficking with another 6 cases still currently investigated since 2010.

This was revealed by the Fiji Police Force during the standing committee on foreign affairs and defense on the United Nations convention on transnational organised crime today.

The Fiji Police Force has initiated a number of strategies to combat human trafficking since 2010 in compliance to the UN protocol on trafficking in persons.

The force wishes to improve on the protection of rehabilitation and reintegration services for victims of human trafficking regardless of their nationality.

The force is facilitating training for law enforcement officers on preventing, identifying, investigating and prosecuting human trafficking offences and victim protection in partnership with the UN ODC and UNICEF Pacific…

Former Director, CID, Luke Rawalai has appeared at the Suva Magistrates court today charged with three counts of abuse of office and two counts of receiving bribe.

He is been charged by FICAC for interfering a Police Investigation in to an allegation of rape.

On the second count he directed the Nadi Police Station CID Personnel to charge without any evidence and against the findings of the Nadi Police Station CID Personnel.

Rawalai is also charged for receiving a benefit of $2,400 for himself with the intention that his duties as a public official will be influenced.

In the second bribe charge he received a benefit of $5,723.

Magistrate Makereta Mua has granted him bail with a bond of $1000 signed by two of his sureties.

FICAC did not object to the bail applications on conditions that Rawalai surrender his traveling documents.

He is to report to the Lautoka Police Station on the last Friday of every month. Rawalia was told not to re offend while on bail and not to interfere with witnesses.

He will take plea on the 21st of April.

The supply of pharmaceuticals and equipment is absolutely fundamental to maintaining the integrity of Health Services in Fiji.

However, it has been noted that there has been a delay of drugs and consumables from the Auditor General’s Report of 2015.

The Auditor-General’s 2015 report has raised the issue of substantial variance between the quantity of stock recorded in the “Epicor” system at the Ministry of Health and the quantity available in stock.

“The Epicor currently cannot differentiate which Purchase Orders are on split shipments meaning they can arrive four times a year. However, in the Epicor it still captures the total volume that needs to be ordered even though we have received the initial shipments,” said Apolosi Vosanibola – Chief Pharmacist.

There was a risk of misappropriation of funds of stock as the two records did not reconcile

“Also Epicor cannot differentiate which orders are advanced orders for 6 months because of the 6 months read time with our supplies. We are working in re-looking at our in reporting system on how we can capture in differentiating which one’s are split shipments purchase orders in the Epicor Information system that we currently using.”

The Health Ministry says while this may be seen by some as a shortfall within the Ministry they feel that it’s something they can learn from moving forward as they understand the tremendous work carried out under the most difficult circumstances.

“A lot of products are at the end of a very long supply chain sometimes the gap between placing an order and the goods arriving in a country can be as much as 6 months. There are also issues of some pharmaceutical products and medicines where there is actually a global shortage affecting all countries,” said Philip Davis, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health.

This is one of the challenges that the Ministry of Health is facing with their information system.

The Hurricanes can go level on points with the high-flying Crusaders on Friday if they beat the Waratahs with a bonus point in Wellington.

After four wins from five games, which has also seen them pick up five bonus points, they can put their game in hand to good effect this week. That would put the pressure on Scott Robertson’s Crusaders, who are on a bye week, in a fiercely competitive New Zealand conference.

In contrast the ‘Tahs have won two of their six games but due to the Brumbies not firing they’re only three points off Australia’s summit.

The Hurricanes have decided to rotate their side somewhat with one eye possibly on next week’s clash at the Blues. Julian Savea and Vince Aso drop out of the XV – Savea gets a weekend off – while an injury to Ardie Savea sees him miss out. They should however come out on top.

TJ Perenara has been superb at the base and continues to lead the side in the absence of Dane Coles. His combination with Beauden Barrett of course will be crucial to the Hurricanes’ game-plan while Ngani Laumape and Matt Proctor have also been performing well in the centres.

There just isn’t that same feeling of familiarity in the Waratahs camp as the chopping and changing in position of Israel Folau and injury to Bernard Foley hasn’t helped their early-season. Daryl Gibson will however be thrilled to have the Wallaby fly-half back for this Friday.

What will also give the Waratahs a glimmer of hope of causing an upset is the fact they have won on three of their last four visits to Wellington. However, the Hurricanes have won three of their last five games against the ‘Tahs, this after losing four fixtures in a row prior to that.

Also in the ‘Canes’ favour is that they have won their last eight games at home, their longest such streak, and have kept their opposition to single figures in four of their last five home fixtures. They have also won each of their last four home games against Australian sides by an average margin of 34 points. That will be concerning for a ‘Tahs side that has conceded 25 tries in their first six games this year.

The head therefore leans heavily towards the Hurricanes, which would be another blow to not just the Waratahs but Australian rugby in general at a time when the continued uncertainty surrounding their Super Rugby franchises is clearly having a negative effect on their form in 2017.

The Fijians, who have won the last two series of the competition, currently sit third in this season’s overall standings on 100 points after six events.

Fiji captain Osea Kolinisau is confident ahead of this weekend’s action at the Hong Kong Stadium that they will finally take maximum points.

“We feel good after coming into Hong Kong early and we’re in a really good place and are getting things right,” he said.

“We have some tough games and every pool game is tough but it’s a good challenge.

“Hong Kong is a special place for every young Fijian.

“We grow up watching our idols who have worn the white jersey.

“It’s like a right of passage – we say if you haven’t played in Hong Kong, you haven’t played for Fiji.”

Following their victory in the latest stage of the competition in Vancouver, England are now second overall in the series table on 103 points, 23 behind South Africa who remain top with four tournament wins out of six.

Fiji have been drawn in Pool C alongside New Zealand, Wales and Japan.

Leaders South Africa find themselves in Pool B where they will face Canada, Kenya and France.

England will contest Pool A with Australia, Samoa and South Korea.

Pool D features the United States, Scotland, Russia and Argentina.

England’s Dan Norton could become the series’ top try scorer if he manages to score once this weekend.

The 29-year-old has scored 244 tries and currently shares the record with Kenya’s Collins Injera.

“Players like Dan Norton set the world on fire and make the game of sevens so exciting,” said England coach Simon Amor.

“He is quick, which helps when you’re a winger.

“He’s got wonderful feet, but one of the thing people don’t realise is that he is one of the most durable players we have, never misses one minute of training and is fit during every minute of every game.

“I may have jinxed him now, but he is fit, he works hard and he can keep getting better.”

Action is set to begin tonight before concluding with the finals on Sunday (April 9).

World heavyweight title challenger Hughie Fury will be at his heaviest ever when he fights WBO champion Joseph Parker in Auckland next month.

But he will also be at his leanest, his trainer and father Peter Fury said.

Fury is hoping to follow his cousin Tyson Fury into the big-time with victory in Auckland and will have his mentor in his corner after authorities reversed their decision to deny Peter Fury a visa.

On preparations for the trip to Auckland, Peter Fury told ESPN, “we’ve been in camp for quite a while. Hughie is not ailing anymore. He’s in very, very good condition. He’s averaging a pound or two a week in added weight so he’s going to come in his heaviest but also his leanest. He’ll be in fine condition on fight night,” he said.

“Before, his insides were inflamed due to the spots breaking out on his body which caused open wounds and meant his immune system was fighting that.

“It was very difficult for him to put on muscle and any weight he did put on seemed to be fat. He was carrying a high percentage of body fat and it was a frustrating time. Now that’s ended.

“He’s taken on the nutrition now, is responding well to the training and is putting on lean muscle.”

Immigration New Zealand originally ruled Peter Fury would not be allowed to enter on character grounds, following two stints in prison on drug related offences.

That prompted speculation the fight would be relocated or cancelled.

But he was subsequently granted a minsterial waiver to enabling him to enter the country.

“It [pulling out] wasn’t an option we considered. We just said we’d look at it once we knew what was happening with the visa. It’s a big fight for Hughie and would have been hard for him not to take it but no decision was made before the outcome of the visa situation.

“There was nothing I could do. I’ve never been to New Zealand before and I don’t really know the system there. Everything has gone through with the lawyers — it’s gone through the protocol and, fortunately for me, they came up with the right decision. I’m very grateful.

“When you’re an away fighter, you’ve got it all to do and you’ve got to take it off the champion.

You don’t expect to get a fair, crystal clear decision — you have to go and take it. This is the highlight of his career and it’s a mountain to climb. Parker is a good fighter but Hughie is coming fully prepared to take those belts.

“It’s important to go over there as a team. When people stick together, they become powerful. One man by himself is no use. Everyone knows this and we all need help. If you’ve got good, loyal people around you then it makes life so much easier.

“I’m fortunate we’ve got a good team. This is how it is and it makes it much easier to get the job done.”

Former WBA Super, WBO and IBF world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, Hughie’s cousin, is expected to be part of the team making the trip.

Depression is one of the world’s largest contributor of disability.

With the World Health Day theme “Depression – Let’s Talk”, the Health Ministry hopes to eradicate the stigma in the society that we live in.

Minister for Health Rosy Akbar says, we need to raise awareness by talking about the issue, and looking for ways to solve this health issue.

“I think that is very important for us to be okay ourselves and to know that the person we leave with, the person next door to us or the person within our workplace is okay. So these few words ladies and gentlemen will initiate the conversation that we want, otherwise the theme would not be too fitting if you wanna talk, ‘Let’s start Talking’ ourselves.

The World Health Organization is working very closely, not only with the Pacific Region but Fiji, to try and curb the problem of depression.

“In our region, 1 out of 15 person suffer from depression in our society, 1 out of 15. We had the numbers from Fiji recently and those are scary numbers, about suicide, about depression, those are very serious numbers. Depression affects people from all age, women and men. We certainly all know someone who suffers from depression in society. Maybe considering the number I just mentioned people around us are already suffering from anxiety or depression,” said Dr Corinne Capuano a representative from WHO.

BSP yesterday announced its 2016 Customer bonus allocation.

The Reversionary bonus rate has been maintained at 2% for the majority of their policy holders, while the terminal bonus rate has increased from 0.45% to 0.55%.

The total reversionary bonus allocation, is expected to be 18.2 million dollars, and the Terminal Bonus estimated at 2m dollars.

The provision of these bonuses is due to the growth and strong performance of BSP Life’s investment portfolio.

At the end of February this year, BSP Life’s investment portfolio exceeded 580 million dollars.

The BSP investment portfolio is well diversified and designed to meet short, medium and long term commitments.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said there is a need to have more climate financing in adaptation which he will push for in the COP 23 climate change summit.

Bainimarama made the comments while speaking at the High-Level Pacific Island Dialogue on Building Resilience to Natural Disasters and Climate Change this morning in Suva.

Currently Bainimarama said an overwhelming portion of climate funds are skewered towards mitigation measures as opposed to adaptation.

“We must change this permutation. We must also at the same time create new financial models to attract private sector and financial institution participation in adaptation measures. We all have experiences to share, expertise to offer and strategies to add to this vital conversation. The clock is ticking, and the more urgency we give this discussion, the more countries and lives we will save.  And I assure you, as incoming COP President,  that I intend to give this issue the importance it deserves, as well as my primary task to advance the rule book for the implementation of the Paris Agreement and hold the current multi-lateral consensus on the need for decisive action together.”  said Bainimarama

The International Monetary Fund and the Government of Fiji are co-hosting the High-Level Pacific Island Dialogue.

Defending champions Fiji made a perfect start at the Hong Kong leg of World Rugby’s Seven Series when they beat Japan 36-0 in their opening match.

Fiji made a superb start against Japan after Vatemo Ravouvou did well to hold up possession before Jerry Tuwai stepped in brilliantly from the touchline to score.

Vatemo Ravouvou brought up his 50th Sevens Series try in style and there were further five-pointers from Joeli Lutumailagi, Apisai Domolailai and Tuwaias the Pacific Islanders cruised to a 36-0 win.

Day One Results

Australia 22-19 Samoa
England 52-0 South Korea
Argentina 22-14 Scotland
USA 14-7 Russia
New Zealand 19-7 Wales
Fiji 36-0 Japan
Canada 17-14 Kenya
South Africa 17-10 France

The Cook Islands are in the final stretch of preparations for July’s Netball World Youth Cup, focussing on strength and fitness.

The Under-21 side had two camps resulting in a squad of 12 players being named for the event.

Daimzel Rongokea,15, is the only locally based player in the team with the remainder playing in Australia and New Zealand.

Coach John Glassie said the squad was a classic mix of youth and experience.

“It’s a younger, younger-based team,” Glassie said.

“We do have a couple of the players in there who were in the open team and have played in the international team so there is a little bit of experience in there with the young players.

“I think their strength is their passion.

Glassie conceded that players living in three different countries created challenges, with time together at a premium.

“They do a home-based programme and it’s predominantly working on their fitness and their strength to be able to handle such a long tournament,” he said.

“The girls are already playing netball in their own countries so if we can get them up to their physical standard where we can compete for a whole 15 minute quarter and then work through the game then certainly they will be ready for it.”

Glassie said the Cooks won’t be going to the tournament to just “make up the numbers” and said grabbing a few wins is definitely a goal.

The Cook Islands will play in Pool C alongside Jamaica, Malaysia, Uganda and hosts Botswana.