Statement by the Hon. Prime Minister J.V. Bainimarama on COVID-19, Friday, 10 April 2020

Bula Vinaka. I wish every Fijian a very Happy Easter! 
 
Any other year my wife, children and grandchildren would be joining thousands of other Fijians families at church services, planning parties and spending intimate time with friends and loved ones –– but we all know this isn’t any other year. 
 
With the coronavirus still at our shores and Cyclone Harold’s recent devastation –– the need for solidarity with our healthcare heroes, utility workers and disciplined forces has never been greater. So, this long weekend, let us all honour the sacrifices they bravely make every day, by staying home, keeping our children home and keeping the elderly at home. 
 
Through this week we went to incredible lengths to ensure that we did not lose an inch of ground in our war against coronavirus due to Cyclone Harold. Because unlike the cyclone, the virus won’t disappear in a day. Our coronavirus containment measures –– which depend heavily on testing, tracing, and isolating new cases –– are all in full-swing. 
 
After testing another 32 samples, today, we received confirmation of another COVID-positive case that we had been anticipating: the 9-year-old granddaughter of the gentleman in Labasa who traveled from India.
 
This young girl lived in the Soasoa settlement. She has been in isolation since the 4th of April. While she wasn’t showing any symptoms, we knew she had a high risk of being infected given her close contact with her grandfather. We had her tested and she was confirmed positive late this morning. 
 
This diagnosis takes Fiji’s case total to 16. But given the length of time this young girl spent in isolation, and the fact that she wasn’t showing symptoms, her risk of infecting others is extremely low. 
 
This is the sixth confirmed case stemming from the gentleman in Labasa –– and it once again goes to show how long and dangerous a chain of transmission can grow if our public health directives are blatantly ignored. 
 
So as Fijians gather with your own families this holiday weekend, I want each of you to take a moment to appreciate how much it means to have them in your life –– and how much we sometimes take that for granted. Pledge to protect them by changing your own behaviour in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
 
Ask yourself: If I could prevent my grandparent from suffering a stroke by washing my hands, would I? If I could prevent my child from contracting cancer by staying home, would I? If I could stave off heart disease in my spouse by physically distancing, would I? The answer is obvious. Treat coronavirus no differently –– it is just as serious as any other killer, but unlike some other diseases, the power to fight it is in your own hands. 
 
So please, going forward, treat COVID-19 with the seriousness it deserves. Protect your family, do what the authorities tell you to do –– help us break every chain of transmission in Fiji. 
 
Thank you. 

Statement by the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon. Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete, COVID-19, Wednesday, 1 April 2020

Bula Vinaka. 
 
After conducting 368 tests ––including another 11 last night –– Fiji has zero new confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus. Still, there is zero room for complacency.  We may still have five cases, all of whom remain in stable condition, but that shouldn’t lead anyone to believe this crisis is behind us. If we relent now, we will cripple our campaign to lock down this virus for good.  
 
Under the leadership of our Honourable Prime Minister, Fiji was quick to ramp up travel restrictions as the virus began its global spread. We shut our borders entirely to foreign nationals present in mainland China and other high-risk countries early on. Passenger travel to Fiji has virtually ended, save for a few planned evacuation flights. Cruise ships are banned. We have a nationwide curfew in effect from 10pm to 5am every day. Schools are closed at least until 17 April. We’ve rolled out a work from home programme for some civil servants. And, unless travel pertains directly to their lives or livelihoods, all Fijians should stay at home. 
 
As part of nationwide COVID-19 containment effort, following our first case, we locked down the Lautoka confined area on the 19th of March for a period of 14 days. Since that time, three more cases have been identified in the Lautoka confined area, the most recent of which was a 31-year-old member of the first patient’s Zumba class. 
 
That patient began displaying symptoms on Tuesday, the 23rd of March. We have since identified and entered all of her close contacts into compulsory self-quarantine –– however, there is still a risk she could have infected others. Yes, it’s a small risk. But it’s a risk we cannot afford to take. If we lift the restrictions too early and we’ve missed even one person in Lautoka who has contracted the disease, the rest of Viti Levu would be at-risk. 
 
The incubation period for this virus can be as long as 14 days. That is why, out of an abundance of caution, the Lautoka confined area will remain locked down at least until 5am in the morning on Tuesday, the 7th of April. By that time, if we are confident that we have flushed out the virus, the restrictions may be relaxed. As you know in the past few days we have opened the port in Lautoka for international shipping, including exports and imports. Of course, we will continue to allow steady flows of essential food, goods and services to come into and out of Lautoka in a controlled and hygienic fashion. 
 
We know these restrictions have not been easy for many residents within the Lautoka confined area. But take comfort knowing that these tough decisions we’re making could very well spare us enormous future suffering. Nobody wants to see a large-scale outbreak of this virus in Fiji –– and that means making hard calls today that keep this virus at bay. While this lockdown continues, we are re-doubling our efforts to ensure this virus has not spread further. Our teams in the Lautoka confined area are going to test and test and test until we know this virus has been contained. 
 
The extension of the lockdown means the same rules remain: No one in and no one out. We know that some Lautoka residents have been caught outside of the Lautoka confined area. We know this has not been an easy two weeks for these Fijians. I want to thank those living outside the Lautoka confined area who are opening their homes to friends, family and even just their fellow Fijians during the lockdown. But know that these measures have been put in place to keep you safe, and keep your friends and family within the confined area safe as well.
 
At the present time, in the interest of keeping everyone safe, we cannot allow anyone back into the confined area. I’ll tell you why: Our investigations revealed serious gaps in the account provided by the first patient about when his symptoms actually began. It’s clear we cannot trust everything he has said. Even though we’ve now successfully accounted for all of his known contacts, it is in the nation’s best interest that we all act as if there are still more cases in the area waiting to be detected, and even in the surrounding areas, such as Nadi, until we know with certainty that there are not. On top of that, we cannot disregard the possibility that the recent patient –– the man who recently travelled to Fiji prior to testing positive while in New Zealand –– may have picked up the virus while he was here. 
 
To those living within the Lautoka confined area, know that the single quickest way to open up your boundaries and return to normal is by seeing as many people in the Lautoka confined area as possible tested for fevers at our new clinics. To be blunt, the low number of Fijians visiting these fever clinics in the Lautoka confined area has, so far, been severely disappointing, and this lack of action only holds up our efforts. So, if you’re showing any symptoms –– like a sore throat, cough, or fever –– please, go get yourself tested. If teams visit your home, be honest about how you are feeling and who you have seen. It is your God-given responsibility to your family, your community, and your country. 
 
We also know many families have been anxious about what this virus –– and the accompanying global recession –– will mean for their livelihoods. In our COVID-19 response budget, the Honourable Attorney-General and Minister for Economy unveiled a historic package of support to Fijian businesses, employees and families, along with a 40 million-dollar injection directly into our healthcare systems; a big financial boost that I –– along with our frontline health workers –– deeply appreciate. 
 
Ladies and gentlemen, That passage of that budget included a new amendment to the Public Health Act to step up our enforcement of the measures we’ve introduced to keep the Fijian people safe; because we are not relying on goodwill alone to do what must be done  to stop this virus from spiralling into an outbreak. The police have already made dozens of arrests relating to violations of our health protection measures and –– through an amendment to the Public Health Act –– liars and law-breakers can face up to five years in prison, a ten thousand dollar fine, or both. 
 
But despite some of the reckless actions and attitudes we’ve seen, we know many Fijians have  been playing by the rules. In fact, many have gone above and beyond the call of duty in the campaign against the coronavirus. I want to thank the businesses who are putting physical distancing into practice for their employees and customers. I want to thank the concerned citizens who have reported irresponsible behaviour to the police. I especially want to thank the doctors and the nurses who spend every day on the frontlines, identifying, containing and treating this virus and keeping us safe. 
 
And I want to thank everyone who realises that the government cannot secure victory over this virus alone. We are in a fight for the lives of our most vulnerable, and we need the vigilance, discipline and genuine compassion of every single Fijian to win it. 
 
We need everyone washing their hands with soap and water as often as they can. We need everyone maintaining a two-metre safe distance from others as much as possible; that means queuing responsibly no matter what you’re waiting for, and staying at home as often as possible. We need everyone to drop the stigma around being tested, whether that’s for the common fever, flu, or COVID-19 –– because, despite them sharing some symptoms, distinguishing between coronavirus and other viral infections is critical to saving lives. If you have a cough, fever, sore throat or shortness of breath and have been overseas or been in contact with someone who has been overseas, call the Ministry of Health on toll-free number 158 immediately. 
 
No expert can say with certainty how long this global crisis will last. But what we do know is that we don’t stand a chance at snuffing out this virus unless every Fijian gets behind the government’s plan and does their part in winning the war on COVID-19. So, do your part.
 
Do it for yourself, do it for those you love, do it for Fiji. 
 
Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you. God Bless Fiji.

Media Release – Protocol for Nation-Wide Curfew – COVID-19

The Hon. Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Hon. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum together with the Hon. Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Local Government, Housing and Community Development, Hon. Premila Kumar on Saturday, 28 March 2020, met with industries to develop clear protocols to manage and facilitate movement of essential staff of businesses operating during the nation-wide curfew period.

As announced by the Hon. Prime Minister, in order to minimise non-essential movement of Fijians, in Fiji’s bid to contain Coronavirus (COVID-19), there will be a nation-wide curfew in place from Monday, 30 March 2020.  This curfew will apply daily from 10pm to 5am.

There are industries and certain service providers that operate in a number of shifts. These businesses will be allowed to continue operations during the curfew period.

In this regard, all businesses will need to ensure all staff who are required to work during curfew hours carry the following:

(i)            Company Photo ID cards, in the absence of company ID, the staff will need to carry a valid National photo ID, such as Voter ID, Joint ID or Driver’s License;

(ii)           Letter on company letterhead issued to staff that they are required to work during that specific time; and

(iii)          National Contact Centre telephone contact (where applicable) to verify the claims of the staff. Where there is no contact centre, a contact officer should be identified and contact details provided.

The contracted service provider, that is, taxi or bus operator, or port service providers, such as tug operators or line port service providers, to name a few, should be provided with the following:

(i)            A letter from the contracting company on company letterhead that they are service providers for the company and are required to work during the curfew period; and

(iv)          National Contact Centre telephone contact (where applicable) to verify the claims. Where there is no contact centre, a contact officer should be identified and contact details provided.

These measures are in place to enable business to continue without any disruptions.

For further information, please contact the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism on phone:+679 990 7421.

The Hon. Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Hon. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum together with the Hon. Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Local Government, Housing and Community Development, Hon. Premila Kumar on Saturday, 28 March 2020, met with industries to develop clear protocols to manage and facilitate movement of essential staff of businesses operating during the nation-wide curfew period.

As announced by the Hon. Prime Minister, in order to minimise non-essential movement of Fijians, in Fiji’s bid to contain Coronavirus (COVID-19), there will be a nation-wide curfew in place from Monday, 30 March 2020.  This curfew will apply daily from 10pm to 5am.

There are industries and certain service providers that operate in a number of shifts. These businesses will be allowed to continue operations during the curfew period.

In this regard, all businesses will need to ensure all staff who are required to work during curfew hours carry the following:

(i)            Company Photo ID cards, in the absence of company ID, the staff will need to carry a valid National photo ID, such as Voter ID, Joint ID or Driver’s License;

(ii)           Letter on company letterhead issued to staff that they are required to work during that specific time; and

(iii)          National Contact Centre telephone contact (where applicable) to verify the claims of the staff. Where there is no contact centre, a contact officer should be identified and contact details provided.

The contracted service provider, that is, taxi or bus operator, or port service providers, such as tug operators or line port service providers, to name a few, should be provided with the following:

(i)            A letter from the contracting company on company letterhead that they are service providers for the company and are required to work during the curfew period; and

(iv)          National Contact Centre telephone contact (where applicable) to verify the claims. Where there is no contact centre, a contact officer should be identified and contact details provided.

These measures are in place to enable business to continue without any disruptions.

For further information, please contact the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism on phone:  +679 990 7421.

Statement by Hon. Prime Minister J.V. Bainimarama on COVID-19 – Sunday, 29 March 2020

Bula Vinaka. 

As of today, the 29th of March, there are no new cases of COVID-19 in Fiji. After testing over 330 suspected cases –– many of whom were in direct contact with our first five patients –– all other results have returned negative. Meanwhile, the five Fijians living with COVID-19 are all in stable condition. 

From the moment the threat of a global pandemic was clear, our medical teams have been preparing to identify and isolate the virus if it arrived in Fiji. We acted decisively when our first case was confirmed and –– due to our diligence ––  we know where every one of our first five cases originated. We’ve also been successful in identifying and isolating or quarantining their closest contacts –– we have now accounted for the over 300 passengers who flew on the same flights as the first patient –– all of those passengers who are in Fiji have been directed to self-quarantine for 14 days. 

I appreciate that our lockdown measures and travel restrictions haven’t been easy for everyone –– but it is clear these were the right measures taken at the right time to lockdown this virus. 

Through the intensive work of our contact tracing teams, doctors, nurses, health inspectors, police officers, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces personnel, and the support staff from across government, we’ve done extremely well surveilling for, testing and containing new cases. 

But even if we throw every resource in government at our response effort, without widespread public compliance, we will not win the war on coronavirus –– and we are at war, make no mistake. 

I know every Fijian wants to stop this virus dead in its tracks. I know we all want to get back to the business of living normally as soon as it is safe to do so –– it’s high time every Fijian starts supporting and adhering to the government’s measures to keep them safe and beat this virus once and for all.

We are doing everything that needs to be done to urgently contain this virus. Everyone who gets off our flights is being quarantined in government-funded, designated centres, and monitored. We have been relentlessly tracking down contacts, monitoring self-quarantines, and testing hundreds of suspected cases. And every day, we are actively ramping up these efforts even more –– preparing and expanding our facilities, setting up new fever clinics, scoping out new isolation centres to prepare for the worst-case scenario. We cannot, and will not, rest so long as COVID-19 poses a risk to the Fijian people. 

So, while we may not have a new case yet –– that fact shouldn’t lull anyone into a false sense of security. In fact, every person in Fiji should act as if anyone, anywhere could be a carrier of the virus. Act as if you –– or someone you love –– are already Fiji’s next case of COVID-19. 

I’m not trying to scare anyone. But I do want every person watching or listening to recognise the role they have to play. Because all it takes is one careless, symptomatic person to undo all of our diligence and discipline in defeating this virus for good. 

This is a crisis, lives are on the line, the economy is on the line, and we all must treat this situation with total seriousness. 

No matter where you are in Fiji –– treat this crisis seriously. If you’re at the market, at your place of work, or at a government office –– treat this crisis seriously; keep a safe distance of two metres between you and others as much as humanly possible, wash your hands with soap and water, and unless you are getting food, going to work, or doing something else vital to your life or for your livelihood, stay at home. Help keep the elderly at home. Keep your children at home. And think critically about how you go about your day-to-day life. When you touch something that somebody else has touched, you could spread the disease, whether that’s mixing your kava, sharing a cigarette, coughing without covering your mouth, or even spitting on the ground –– all of these activities can put people at risk. 
 
If you’ve been directed into compulsory self-quarantine, or know someone who has been ordered into quarantine –– treat this crisis seriously. Stay where you’ve been directed to stay so we can contain the virus if it rears its ugly head.
 
Because if you break government-imposed quarantine –– or any of our other rules –– you will end up paying the price. When we passed our COVID-19 Response Budget, we also gave teeth to our enforcement under the Public Health Act. It used to be a $40 fine if anyone violated our COVID-19 health protection measures; now, it’s five years in prison and up to a 10,000-dollar fine, or both. Law-breakers be warned –– we will have zero tolerance for those recklessly risking the lives of themselves or others.
 
But I know there are also thousands of Fijians out there who are actually doing the right thing. I’m speaking of the supermarket managers who have properly spaced out their check-out lines to enforce physical distancing; the restaurants who have cut their seating and who are switching over to take-aways and deliveries; the villages that have locked down and enforced strict physical distancing; the parents keeping close watch of their children; and all those who have deferred and downsized their weddings, religious services, kava sessions, parties and other plans to respect our ban on gatherings of 20 or more. Keep up the good work, and demand your fellow citizens follow your lead. 
 
Over and over, Fijians have heard me talk about the essential steps needed to contain the spread of the virus.  These have all been matters of personal responsibility –– because while the government can make these recommendations, or even hand out punishments, ultimately, individual action, and individual responsibility, will be what wins this war –– because there’s no other option; this is a war we cannot afford to lose.  
 
Today, I want to stress another way in which you can demonstrate responsibility, and play your part in combating coronavirus: break the stigma around those who are seeking care. I understand that these are already scary times, and it may be intimidating to visit our health centres –– particularly, the new fever clinics that we’ve put up throughout Fiji. But anyone who has a fever, even if you don’t have a recent travel history, should visit one of these clinics, and encourage your loved ones and neighbours to do the same. 
 
This is particularly important as Fiji enters the flu season –– a virus that shares many of the symptoms of COVID-19. Let me be clear: There is no shame in being sick. There is no shame in having the flu, a fever, or coronavirus. By seeking treatment for your sickness, and by reporting your symptoms as soon as they develop, you are being incredibly responsible, and you are looking out for more than yourself; you’re taking care of those around you, and you’re taking care of those you love. 
 
If you’re spreading rumours, or whispering about those who are visiting our fever clinics, you’re damaging our containment efforts. Anyone who goes to get a check-up should be praised –– they are playing a crucial role in keeping COVID-19 at bay. The only shame comes in hiding your symptoms, or by being dishonest –– that is what ultimately spreads this silent killer.
 
Take a moment to think about it this way: Think of everywhere you’ve been, everything you’ve been up to and how you’ve been feeling over the past 14 days. Have you been acting like a responsible Fijian? Have you been physically distancing yourself from others? Have you been avoiding travel unless absolutely necessary? If you’ve been feeling sick, or know someone who is sick, have you told anyone? Or have you acted in reckless ways that have put your fellow Fijians at risk? 
 
Winning this war begins with winning the small battles, every day, in all of our lives. So, let’s use positive social pressure to encourage our friends and family to visit these fever clinics if they’re having a fever, wherever they live in Fiji. Visiting these clinics is a win for everyone involved; it’s a win for you in detecting your sickness early. It’s a win for your family and your community, as they will be protected from the spread. It’s a win for our COVID-19 containment efforts, because even in the worst-case scenario, you will be treated and isolated early, saving lives in the process. And it’s a win for your country –– because we are all in this fight together.  
 
In the days ahead, I want to see that same spirit of positive social pressure in the Lautoka confined area, as this week will prove absolutely critical in determining whether –– come Friday morning –– we either lift restrictions or have to extend them. If even one of you fails to follow the rules and –– God forbid –– this virus spreads within Lautoka, all of you will stay on lockdown even longer. 
 
So, to those currently in the Lautoka confined zone, you all need to ensure the rules are followed, and encourage each other –– your community, and everyone you see –– to do the same. There’s only five days left; pull up your socks, keep to the rules and get your city through this –– together. 
 
On the subject of following the rules, I want to take some time to talk about an additional measure that I announced in Parliament last Friday –– a new, nationwide curfew that will be enforced from 10pm at night until 5am in the morning, every night, everywhere in Fiji. Starting tomorrow, the 30th of March, the police will have over 100 permanent checkpoints set up all throughout the country, to be supplemented with more, temporary checkpoints as the need arises. 
 
Yesterday, we met with a number of stakeholders –– members of the business community, utility companies, manufacturers, and others –– to sort out the logistics of this curfew, ensuring that it will be enforced in a way that is mindful of those workers who need to travel during the curfew hours for their jobs, like shift workers, bakers and fishermen and women, security guards, utility employees and, of course, our healthcare workers. If you’re seeking medical care, or who have some other emergency to tend to you are also permitted to travel. We will not allow the curfew measures to stop work, end business service or halt the flow of goods. 
 
But the main message for the vast majority of Fijians is this: Between the hours of 10 at night and 5 in the morning, no wandering the streets. Unless you have an emergency or are working, going to work, or coming home from work then you need to be at home during curfew. If you’re caught out without a valid reason, you’ll face serious consequences. This is about responsibility. This about making hard calls today that spare us future suffering and that get us past the worst of this virus sooner, rather than later. An abundance of caution today will bring an expedient end to this crisis, get all of our businesses open again, and get life back to normal as soon as possible. 
 
Please also note that, in the interest of convenience and due to travel restrictions, every existing work permit in Fiji will be automatically extended for the next three months. The Permanent Secretary for Immigration will issue details soon on this proactive measure.  
 
Minister Premila Kumar is here with me today, and she will be talking about the steps both employers and employees will need to take to ensure the curfew is implemented without a hitch, and also be explaining how our markets and their vendors will adjust to both our physical distancing measures and new curfew.  The Commissioner of Police is here to answer any other questions relating to the new curfew. 
 
But we also recognise that our strictly-enforced curfew –– in addition to our directives for all Fijians to stay at home at all hours of the day –– will have unseen social consequences. More families living in closer proximity and spending more time in confined spaces and temporary job losses can lead to tensions. Sadly, we may see a spike in domestic violence. Spouses or children may feel trapped in their home with their abusers. Fijians should know that we are acutely aware of this, and it is not an issue we are taking lightly. That’s why I’m also joined by Minister Vuniwaqa, who can speak more about the support the Ministry of Women is able to provide to those looking for help in these already-difficult times. 
 
My fellow Fijians, 
 
As I mentioned in Parliament last week, we had two evacuation flights come in from Australia and New Zealand over the weekend to get Fijians back home and return foreign nationals to their countries. While Nadi Airport is closed to regular passenger travel, these flights were critical to repatriate people and bring in some essential supplies –– including one million dollars’ worth of personal protective equipment like masks, gowns and goggles, for our frontline health workers. Rest assured, every passenger who has landed in Fiji has immediately entered compulsory quarantine in government-funded designated areas, under close supervision by medical teams and personnel of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. They will not interact with anyone from the public for at least 14 days. Additionally, from 6pm tomorrow, inter-island flights will cease, except for freight purposes. This comes on top of our ban on inter-island passenger shipping travel, which takes effect from today. 
 
Even though we haven’t seen a huge rise in cases, we’re still preparing as if a disaster scenario could be upon us any day. In addition to our isolation wards in each division, we have identified and prepared well-equipped surge locations in case the capacity of our hospitals is tested. Our outreach teams are across the country raising community awareness of how to combat coronavirus. Those Fijians under compulsory self-quarantine are receiving check-in calls and in-person visits by members of our disciplined forces and health workers. 
 
But even in our best-case scenario, even if we eradicate this virus in Fiji, and even if we’re able to resume much of normal life, many Fijian businesses and families are in for a very difficult few months –– at least. Australia, New Zealand and the United States are all battling extremely serious COVID-19 outbreaks, and flows of tourism and trade will either be cut off or slowed for the foreseeable future. In fact, New Zealand, I’m sad to report, has just recorded their first death from the virus. 
 
Last Thursday, we announced our COVID-19 Response Budget which properly equips our hospitals and rolls out a one-billion-dollar stimulus package to extend financial lifelines to some of the most severely affected Fijians to keep economic activity alive, even in these strenuous times. If the situation continues to go downhill, new measures of support will be provided. So, to the countless Fijians anxious about what the future holds –– know that you are not alone. Your government will be there to support you through however many weeks or months it takes for the world to beat this virus. We feel your suffering, and we are working every hour of the day to return our lives, our businesses, and our country to normal as quickly as humanly possible. 
 
In the meantime, we will continue to keep you updated on what we’re doing, what we’ve done and –– most importantly –– what we’re prepared to do if deemed medically necessary. 
 
This Tuesday we’ll be rolling out a new COVID-19 Call Centre to handle all concerns relating to COVID-19 and our response measures, with one toll-free number anyone can call. Until Tuesday, if you, or someone you’ve had contact with, has recently travelled overseas and you are experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19 –– even if those symptoms are as mild as a sore throat or cough –– you can call the following numbers:
 
In the Central Division call 2219905; 
In the Eastern Division call 2219906;
In the Western Division call 2219907; and
In the Northern Division call 2219908.
 
On this Sunday, I’d like to extend one final thank you to all of the faith leaders from all religions across the country who have led by example in keeping their followers away from gatherings of 20 or more people, and who have been praying for Fiji in the wake of this global crisis. Because even in a time when religious services cannot take place due to this virus, remember, we Fijian always draw our greatest strength from faith –– never from fear. While large gatherings pose too great a risk, God will always be with us, wherever we are and wherever we pray and however we pray. 
 
My fellow Fijians –– don’t let up now. Double-down on your efforts. Wash your hands twice as often this week. Stay at home as much as possible, and adhere to our new curfew. Let’s lock down this virus. Let’s win this war –– together. 
 
I’ll now pass things over to Doctor Aalisha. 
 
Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you. And God Bless Fiji. 

SPONSORED STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP FOR SEPTEMBER 2020 (UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT)

SPONSORED STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP FOR SEPTEMBER 2020 (UNDERGRADUATE  STUDENT)

Description:

Bungo Mokuzai Ichiba Inc. is looking for 1(one) student, who will be able to study and research at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), in Beppu, Oita Prefecture from September 2020, for 4(four) years http://en.apu.ac.jp/home/admissions/

Academic Background:

The student must be a high school graduate and have academic ability equal or superior to that of a Japanese high school graduate (has completed or will complete a 13-year school curriculum in Fiji) and  born on or before 2 April 2001 (18-year-old by the time he enters the University).

The student must be willing to learn the Japanese language, interested in Japan and enthusiastic about deepening his understanding of Japan after arriving, and capable of engaging in study and exchange programmes in particular sports (rugby), cultural and people-to-people while adapting himself to live in Japan.

Term of Scholarship:

The term of scholarship shall be for 4 (four) years only. Monthly allowance may be provided as well.

Eligibility:

1.) Send us your recent Curriculum Vitae (CV), Teacher’s Reference together with Year 12 and Year 13 School Report, and Family Background which explains why you should be selected for this scholarship.

Closing Date of Applications: 30 November 2019

2.) The shortlisted students by the sponsor, will be sent the University Applications Forms to fill and submit directly to the University by December 2019.

Emails are to be addressed to Ms. Kelera Savu, First Secretary, Embassy of the Republic of Fiji in Tokyo on Kelera.Savu@fijiembassy.jp

Commissioning of Fiji’s Honorary Consul in Osaka Prefecture, for the Kansai Region

The Embassy of the Republic of Fiji in Tokyo successfully commissioned Mr. Takanori OKADA as Fiji’s Honorary Consul for the Kansai Consular District, resident in Osaka City on Monday, 19 August 2019. Mr. Okada’s appointment will cover the Kansai Consular District, which consists of seven large prefectures in western Japan.

Fiji now has 5 Honorary Consuls in Japan, resident in five different Prefectures.

***

For contact information:

Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Fiji in Osaka
Precio Shin Osaka 501, 2-11-22 Miyahara, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka.
Post Code: 532-0003
Tel. 06-6396-3910
Mr. OKADA Takanori, Honorary Consul.

Ambassador Mataitoga hosted to a Welcome Reception [Kamaishi & Miyako City]

Whilst in Kamaishi, Ambassador Isikeli Mataitoga was also hosted to a welcome reception on Thursday, 6 June 2019 evening. Attendees included the Mayor of Kamaishi city, Mayor of Miyako city, Senior city officials of both cities, and friends of Fiji who all enjoyed the dinner. About 20 attended the two-hour reception.

The evening reception is hoped to inspire others to derive new openings of exchange ties, and in particular to what that can be exchanged between Kamaishi, Miyako, and Fiji. Mayor Noda of Kamaishi while officiating added that “I hope you have the chance to build deeper relationships with the Members of our Rugby World Cup community this evening, and further develop ties with Kamaishi, Miyako, and Iwate ahead of a successful Rugby World Cup”. The Mayor also stressed how the owner of Houraikan Inn experienced significant damage from the earthquake and tsunami but was able to be rebuilt through the great effort of its owner and staff.

The Ambassador, in his remarks, expressed profound gratitude for both the Mayors of Kamaishi and Miyako and Iwate Prefecture as well as all those involved in the building and strengthening the Fiji-Japan relationship in Iwate. Ambassador Mataitoga also underscored his visit to Abashiri, and Sapporo and how rugby a base has also seen Fiji’s genuine connections with other prefectures and cities in Japan. The growing bond between Fiji and the regional part of Japan in recent times, and now with Miyako as the second official campsite and Kamaishi as the official match venue for our team, seals the initial establishment of Fiji-Kamaishi, Miyako and Iwate exchanges. The need to further promote economic, commercial, and people-to-people relations between the two countries was also stressed.

Ambassador Mataitoga flanked by Kamaishi Mayor Noda (left) and Miyako Mayor Yamamoto (right)

Ambassador Mataitoga further thanked Kamaishi and Miyako Mayors respectively for their tremendous support and assistance in molding together a very successful visit itinerary. He also assured the Mayor of the Fiji Embassy Tokyo`s commitment and support towards a successful visit program and the official camp of our Flying Fijians in Iwate Prefecture.

FRIDAY, 7 JUNE – KAMAISHI CITY, IWATE

  1. Ambassador Mataitoga pays courtesy call on Kamaishi City Mayor

Mayor Noda and Ambassador Mataitoga

On Friday, 7 June 2019, HE Mr. Isikeli Mataitoga paid a courtesy call on His Worship Takenori Noda, Mayor of Kamaishi City in Iwate Prefecture. The call is aimed at encouraging both parties to work cooperatively for the promotion of the 2019RWC and its exchange opportunities. 

At the outset, Mayor Noda thanked the Ambassador for visiting Kamaishi city, to which the Ambassador also proceeded to convey his deepest condolences and sympathies to all those affected by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, which claimed numerous victims and caused devastating damages. The Mayor further thanked Fiji and the rest of the world for their support and help after the devastating disasters, and stressed that it’d been eight years since the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.

Ambassador Mataitoga and Mayor Noda discussed various areas which included Kamaishi hosting the Pacific Nations Cup on 27 July 2019; the 2019RWC match between Fiji and Uruguay at Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium; sports, education, and cultural exchanges and tourism promotional activities. The Ambassador also sought the support of Mayor Noda in developing community-to-community relations between the people of Kamaishi and Fiji, through tourism promotion, study tours for school students from Kamaishi to visit Fiji. This, after all, is part of the PALM 8 Iwaki Declaration, and in particular the Local Government Networking Framework – increasing exposure and people to people exchanges between Japan and Fiji/PICs.

Ambassador Mataitoga also cited ongoing successful exchanges between Fiji and Saga, Oita and Akita, and Takanezawa machi of Tochigi Prefecture respectively. Fiji’s interest in attracting tourists from Kamaishi was noted, particularly given information re resumption of Nadi-Narita direct flights from 3 July 2018, Fiji needs the regional connections to be made in such a way that will allow an increasing number of visitors from Japan.

Mayor Noda expressed his support and confidence that the friendly exchanges between Fiji and Kamaishi city would be further enhanced. He then thanked the Ambassador for visiting and for promoting close cooperation ties between Fiji and Kamaishi, Iwate.

  • Site Visits

Later in the afternoon on Friday, 7 June 2019, Ambassador Mataitoga visited Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium in Kamaishi city, Iwate prefecture, the second match venue for the match between the Flying Fijians and Uruguay.

Located in Unosumai Kamaishi, Iwate, the stadium offers a seating capacity of about 16,000, which will be completed this year, before the RWC match. As stressed by Mayor Noda, the beautiful stadium, completed with the support and vision of so many people, is a dream come true. It is noted that the stadium has been built on the former grounds of the Kamaishi Higashi Junior High School and Unosumai Elementary School. All six hundred students at school at the time of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami survived. As described by the guide, the stadium which stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the people of Kamaishi city is hoped to also act as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come. The people of Kamaishi are excited and looking forward to the two matched that will be hosted in Kamaishi during the 2019RWC, i.e., Fiji vs. Uruguay (25/Sept.), and Namibia vs. Canada (13/Oct.).