Fiji

It is also continuing its engagement efforts by seeking membership of the UN Human Rights Council by 2017.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Ratu Inoke Kubuabola disclosed this in Parliament Monday.

He said – “Fiji is a founding member of the Ambassadorial Group of Friends of Oceans and Seas, and we are a leading  advocate of creating a triennial Summit on Oceans and Seas that would oversee the implementation of Goal 14.”

While addressing the Pacific Tuna Forum in Nadi today, Osea Naiqamu says challenges facing the Tuna industry requires tough questioned to be asked.

A recent World Bank study estimates the catch value of tuna in our region at US$2.4 billion. 

Pocock starts at number eight with Hooper at seven - just as they did in the win over New Zealand in August.

Toulon's Matt Giteau, who is available after the Australian Rugby Union relaxed rules over overseas-based players in April, starts at centre.

Will Genia is preferred to Nick Phipps at scrum-half and wins his 61st cap.

First up is England in the opening match of the tournament at Twickenham on Saturday morning.

Expecting a raucous atmosphere, head coach John McKee revealed during the week his team used loud speakers during training camps in an effort to prepare for the atmosphere at the home of English rugby.

While the bulk of the 82,000 strong Twickenham crowd will be barracking for the home side but coach John McKee says the Pacific Nations Cup winners are embracing the occasion.

SIVB board chairman, Wilson Ne’e made this remarks during the one day cruise ship meeting organised by Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) at the Heritage Parke Hotel in Honiara.

Ne’e said, Solomon Island has its own unique culture which needs to be exposed  around the globe rather than copying Fiji and Vanuatu way of marketing.

“I would like to tell this meeting today (Wednesday) that Solomon Island have many  unique culture still there  that we need to promote it around the globe for tourists ”

The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) are inviting cultural enterprises in the crafts, visual arts and fashion sectors from Fiji, Samoa and Solomon Islands to apply for funded participation at the popular tradeshow which attracted over 30,000 buyers from over 80 countries this year.

The leaders of Tuvalu, Papua New Guinea and Fiji have expressed hope that Mr Turnbull, who was this week sworn in as prime minister after ousting Tony Abbott as Liberal Party leader, could be a champion for Pacific countries battling rising sea levels and intensifying weather systems.

The change in Canberra came a week after the Pacific Islands Forum meeting highlighted a growing chasm between the Pacific countries and Australia and New Zealand on the issue of climate change.

“We are still tracking the Shuen De Ching No.888 and we have supplied all our information to the nations where the ship might pull into their ports, including Papua New Guinea, Nauru and Fiji.

“We think it is vital for Pacific nations to investigate this ship to show that illegal fishing will not be tolerated, particularly as the region tries to develop a sustainable fisheries industry,” said Lagi Toribau, Greenpeace Australia Pacific Global Tuna campaigner from aboard Greenpeace's Rainbow Warrior ship.

Both teams recorded emphatic victories in the final round but ultimately ended up short of their pre-tournament aim of promotion.

Vanuatu beat Norway by 91 runs in a rain-affected game to finish third.

Jonathon Dunn struck 114 at the top of the order as the Melanesians piled on 309 for 3 batting first. before restricting the Norwegians to 159 for 8 in 36 overs.

The President of Vanuatu Cricket, Mark Stafford, was proud of the way the team responded following their semi final defeat to Suriname.