Bad Weather

VFF General Secretary and Chairman of the LOC Albert Manaroto explained that with the ongoing recovery and maintenance work at the Korman Stadium, and the need to allow Fresh Water VFF Stadium to dry up, it is in the best interest for the finalists and football fans that the finals are played on dry football grounds.

At the same time Manaroto said they have approached the Sports Commission, and have understood the explanations from the Commission to give time for the preparation of Korman Stadium.

A production of 42.9m hectolitres (hl) (944m gallons) is forecast for 2016, down from last year's 47.8m hl.

The harvest is expected to be down by about a third in the Champagne region.

Prices will rise, although one French wine trader said the Brexit effect would be a greater inflationary pressure for UK buyers.

Jean-Pierre Hourlier, who sells mid-market French wines in the UK, said: "Prices are going up across the board because of the euro and the impact on transport because of Brexit."

The Office has confirmed that three people, including a three year old, died earlier this week after attempting to make the return crossing to the Ovalau mainland from Moturiki.

It also says four people are missing after leaving to go fishing three days ago off Rakiraki on the island of Viti Levu.

The NDMO says the incidents were associated with a weather system NOT connected to Cyclone Ula, which is passing through the Lau islands in the country's southeast.