Confusion surrounds the Deans Trophy competition as the national quarter-finals approach. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro has directed that Bucalevu Secondary School’s under-17 team will participate in the quarter-finals following their recent victory over Nabua Secondary School. Bucalevu won the match 21-20, but an unregistered player on Nabua’s team led to a review by the Fiji Secondary School Rugby Union, resulting in a reversal of the initial outcome.
Nabua’s team, who have been preparing for the quarter-finals for the past week, are now left uncertain about their status while Bucalevu has stopped training due to their disqualification news.
In other news, Fiji Airways has announced new non-stop flights connecting Nadi to Dallas Fort Worth, Texas, a major travel hub in the United States.
Furthermore, as Indian President Droupadi Murmu departed Fiji, she took with her land lease documents pertaining to two significant projects: the Indian High Commission Chancery and the Indian Cultural Centre in Suva, along with a lease for a 100-bed Super Specialty Cardiology Hospital. This hospital is expected to substantially enhance healthcare services in Fiji, providing specialized medical treatment specifically in cardiology, which will benefit both Fijians and the wider Pacific region.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi previously discussed plans for the hospital during the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation Summit last May. The initiative involves discussions between the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the Indian High Commissioner regarding project development.
This project is a grant from the Indian government, with HSSC India Limited selected for its construction, and it will also provide necessary equipment and personnel for hospital operations. It is anticipated that this will alleviate the financial burden on families who currently travel abroad for heart surgeries, enhancing Fiji’s healthcare landscape. The upcoming hospital is seen as a significant step towards improving health services and will offer relief to many Fijians in need of specialized medical care.