The executive director of the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS), Vani Catanasiga, has urged the Government to treat human trafficking as a significant concern. With Fiji identified as a source country for trafficking in persons, she emphasized that policymakers must not overlook this issue. This headline appears on Page 1 of the Fiji Times on August 1.
Industrial action is on the horizon at the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service as the union representing 350 workers has expressed dissatisfaction with the FRCS management. Fiji Public Service Association Secretary General Judith Kotobalavu has called for a meeting tomorrow to seek a mandate for potential industrial action.
Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is under investigation for allegedly using a mobile phone while in prison. Details are on Page 7.
The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) has announced new fuel and LPG prices effective from August 1. This update is on Page 2.
As the national 7s teams return from the Olympic Games in Paris, we reflect on their achievements and the impact of the silver medal won by the men. Despite the women’s team not winning any matches, there is hope for future improvements to boost the Fijiana team’s profile and energy for upcoming international events.
The men’s team won the hearts of Fijian fans, reaching the final against France. Although they lost 7-28 to the hosts, their journey included victories over Uruguay, France, USA, Ireland, and Australia before succumbing to France in the final.
The competition saw impressive viewership results. World Rugby noted that the Olympic Games Paris 2024 had a record-breaking 550,000 fans creating an incredible atmosphere over six days. The men’s competition, in particular, was played in front of capacity crowds of 69,000 at the Stade de France.
NBC in America reported an average of 34.5 million viewers tuned in during the first three days of the Games, reflecting a 79 percent increase in viewership compared to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Millions around the world watched Fiji compete in the 7s competition. When the national side triumphed in Rio in 2016, global media coverage catapulted Fiji into the international spotlight. This year’s silver medal win also drew significant viewership, raising Fiji’s profile and delighting tourism stakeholders.
In the National Budget, Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad announced a $44 million grant for Tourism Fiji, alongside a $68.8 million allocation for the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, and a $13.6 million fund for the Fiji Tourism Development Program on Vanua Levu. This underscores the significant influence of 7s rugby in promoting Fiji.
The focus now is on preparing for the next Olympics. As former gold-medal-winning coach Ben Ryan pointed out in 2016, perseverance and hard work are key to success. His advice remains relevant: aspiring athletes should build a strong foundation, be willing to work hard and make sacrifices, and remain resilient in the face of setbacks.