I never dreamed I would see the day when this venture would take off,” he said, as Domoika Adventures was launched last week.

Petero Leveni

Let the world know we are here to welcome them, a spokesman for Domoika Adventures, has said.

Petero Leveni, a member of the mataqali Nadakunibure, traditional resource owners of Domoika falls in Namosi, has called for more international tourists to explore the day adventures on offer at Waivaka Village.

“I never dreamed I would see the day when this venture would take off,” he said, as Domoika Adventures was launched last week.

Scholarship Fund

The communally-owned business now finances part of the scholarship fund.

Through the years, villagers have raised $90,000 as education support.

“We also have a separate fund that caters for the educational needs of our vasu, or maternal links,” Mr Leveni said.

“We are proud of our vasu – they have gone on to make a name for themselves, holding high positions in reputable organisations.”

“And the best part is that they still come back in support of village projects.”

Mataqali Nadakunibure has close to 100 villagers, most of whom work for the development of Domoika Adventures.

Where In Fiji Would You Take Friends To?

The Coral Coast – It offers two different landscapes; both are great commodities for tourism. There is a sea, and there are in- land tours.

What Is Your Favourite Spot For A Coffee or Pie?

Dolphin Plaza, along Victoria Parade, Suva. A variety of dishes and the friendly staff make the experience enjoyable.

Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj

The post Coral Coast Offers Two Different Landscapes appeared first on Fiji's Coral Coast.

Victor Bonito, a coral reef ecologist, has been working with the local community since 2005, to help them to better manage and restore marine resources in their traditional fishing ground.

Active in coral reef research and conservation efforts around the world for over 22 years, Victor has an extensive knowledge of coral reef ecosystems.

These skills are particularly important in a country like Fiji, where the most populated island – Viti Levu – is flanked on its southwest coast by the country’s longest fringing reef system, affectionately known as the Coral Coast.

Working to protect the Coral Coast’s spectacular reef ecosystem, Victor knows that the future depends on a clean and healthy ocean, where protection and sustainable use go hand in hand.

The Investing in Coral Reefs and the Blue Economy (ICRBE) programme supports the customary fishing rights owners for the Korolevu-i-Wai community, to sustainably operate coral-reef-associated ecotourism attractions and activities in the Locally Managed Marine Area, as well as help support the communal development needs of the community.

Launched in early 2021, the ICRBE programme leverages philanthropic and development finance to mobilize commercial investments, promote the financial sustainability of coral reef conservation, and accelerate reef-positive livelihoods.

Orisi Seniucudromo has lived in Namada village for almost 50 years. His extended family all live in the same community.

The programme has a direct effect on his life.

Mr. Seniucudromo says that the programme is a way for him to be a good ancestor.

“We need to always have our next generation at the back of our mind when we do developments and in our normal daily life when interacting with our ecosystem”.

Find out more about the Investing in Coral Reefs and the Blue Economy, visit here.

Read the full story here.

The post Photo Story: Protecting Fiji’s Coral Coast appeared first on Fiji's Coral Coast.

28 Years of the Sigatoka Bilibili Races 2012

Wednesday, 10 October 2012 – Fiji Day

28 Years of the Sigatoka Bilibili Races 2012

Wednesday, 10 October 2012 – Fiji Day

Official Program

Road Events

1. 0730 Start Hideaway – COCA COLA Fun Run
2. 1000 WAITERS RELAY RACE (6 Per team)
3. 030 WAITRESS RELAY RACE (6 Per team)
4. 1100 BOARD WALKER TEAMS RACE 5 Men 5 Women
5. 1130 COCONUT TUNNEL BALL (8 Per team)
6. 1145 EGG THROWING (2 Per Team)
7. 1200 TUG OF WAR HEATS (10 Per team) – TUG-OF-WAR FINAL
8.  1215 Tappoo Town Run 1k 2 Per team

Presentation of Morning Winners and Place getters

by the Chief Guest – Commissioner of Police

__________________________________Lunch Break______________________________________

River Events

1. 1230 WOMENS BILIBILI RACE Min 6 / Max 7
2. 1315 ONE MAN KAYAK RACE (2 Entrants allowed)
3. 1300 ONE WOMAN KAYAK RACE (2 Entrants allowed)
4. 1345 TWO MAN KAYAK RELAY RACE (1 Entry – 8 Per team)
5. 1415 TWO WOMEN KAYAK RACE (2 entry per team)
6. 1430 ONE MAN KAYAK RELAY RACE (width of river) (4 Per team)
7. 1445 TWO WOMEN KAYAK RELAY RACE (width of river) (8 Per team)
8. 1500 TWO MAN KAYAK RACE 400m
9.  1515 MANAGERS TWO MAN KAYAK RACE 400m
10.  1530 MENS BILIBILI RACE Min 6 / Max 7
11.  1600 Closing Ceremony begins

Presentation of Afternoon Winners and Place getters by GM InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa

Offial Closing & Hand over to 2013 host property

The TURTLE Trophy is awarded to the best performing team all round.

Points are awarded for placing’s in all events.

Teams in the Bilibili Race will also receive points for the most original uniform, boat design and the most entertaining team.

The post Sigatoka Bilibili Races 2012 appeared first on Fiji's Coral Coast.

The main aim of the day is to raise money to build a new maternity ward at the Sigatoka District Hospital.

Whilst the Coral Coast Chapter is sure that they will be able to raise a considerable amount of money, the focus will also be on fellowship and good fun. There are only spaces available for 25 teams and 6 of these spaces have already been taken, it is recommended that you get in early with your team nomination.

All of the resorts on the Coral Coast have donated 5 nights each for the 4 par 3 “closest to the pin” holes plus the longest drive and the straightest drive. Please contact Peter Hopgood direct should you have any further questions.

Prizes

1st– 4 x $500 Tappoos Shopping Vouchers , 1 x Team Entry Into The 2013 Charity Golf Day

2nd – 4 x $500 Jacks Of Fiji Shopping Vouchers

3rd – 4 x Rounds Of Golf At Natadola Bay

Last – 1 x Team Entry Into The 2013 Golf Day

Nearest To Pin / Longest Drive

A sensational list of prizes including:

5 Nights Accommodation and Breakfast for 2 @ each of the following resorts

• Outrigger on the Lagoon·Fiji
• Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
• Shangri La’s Fijian Resort & Spa
• Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa
• The Naviti Resort Fiji
• The Fiji Hideaway Resort & Spa

Sponsors

This Event Would Not Have Been Possible Without Support From The Following Sponsors:

•  ANZ Bank
• Fiji’s Coral Coast
• Tappoos
• Jacks of Fiji

The post ANZ Sigatoka District Hospital Charity Golf Day appeared first on Fiji's Coral Coast.

Rugby superstar Lomu has hailed the organisation of the Coral Coast Sevens tournament.

Speaking at the launch of the tournament at Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa yesterday, the former All Black said there was nothing to compare with rugby 7s in Fiji.

Lomu said the Coral Coast 7s was a special tournament.

“The motto for this tournament – Discover the Passion – says exactly what Fiji 7s is all about,” he said in a statement.

“This event is the start of something amazing and one the world of sevens really needs and I can see it getting stronger every year.

“I believe it won’t be long until we see Fiji back hosting the IRB circuit and this sport of rugby sevens will be the game to watch at the Olympic Games.

“The hardest tournament to win is one in Fiji as all the teams, not just the national team are so hard.”

Chairman of the tournament, Jay Whyte, said having Lomu as a guest was a privilege for all involved.

“We are incredibly honoured to have Jonah as our ambassador this year and we sincerely thank him and Nadene (Lomu’s wife) for making themselves available to the Fiji Coral Coast Sevens,” said Whyte.

“Their presence complements the most exciting line-up to date, which includes our inaugural women’s tournament and will feature up to 15 overseas teams.”

The world’s first global rugby superstar, Jonah Lomu, has confirmed his attendance at Fiji’s Coral Coast Sevens in November.

Speaking at the launch of the tournament at Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa, the former All Black said there was nothing to compare with rugby sevens in Fiji.

“The Fijians epitome having fun and enjoying the game, which I played because I loved, and playing the Fijians were the big test for me,” said Lomu.

“The hardest tournament to win is one in Fiji as all the teams, not just the national team are so hard.

“Fiji is the mecca of rugby sevens and if you can beat Fiji in their own backyard you know you have done something special.”

Lomu said it was very easy to accept the invitation to the launch and that he was looking forward to returning in November.

“Fiji has always been a great place for me and coming here is coming home because the people make you feel so welcome,” he said. “They bring a passion and a style to the arena that delights the world and they always do it with a big smile.

“It is a great pleasure to be here and I look forward to coming back and sharing it with my family.”

Lomu has no doubts the Coral Coast Sevens is a special tournament.

“The motto for this tournament – discover the passion – says exactly what Fiji Sevens is all about. This event is the start of something amazing and one the world of sevens really needs and I can see it getting stronger every year.

“I believe it won’t be long until we see Fiji back hosting the IRB circuit and this sport of rugby sevens will be the game to watch at the Olympic Games.”

Chairman of the Coral Coast Sevens, Jay Whyte, said having Lomu as a guest was a privilege for all involved.

“We are incredibly honoured to have Jonah as our ambassador this year and we sincerely thank him and Nadene for making themselves available to the Fiji Coral Coast Sevens,” said Whyte. “Their presence complements the most exciting line-up to date, which includes our inaugural women’s tournament and will feature up to 15 overseas teams.

“Jonah dominated world rugby from his first appearance at the Hong Kong Sevens in 1994 until his retirement from international play in 2002, and his passion for the Olympic version of the sport saw him win a Commonwealth Games gold medal in 1998 and a Rugby World Cup Sevens winners’ medal in 2001.

“Off the field Jonah has been an inspiration to millions worldwide as he has faced and overcome his kidney illness. His countless visits to schools and hospitals, his charity work and his memorable appearance at the opening ceremony of Rugby World Cup 2011 have defined him as the ultimate ambassador for the game.”

The launch follows hard on the heels of the announcement that Serevi Rugby has signed a three-year partnership with the tournament, and Waisale Serevi provided a video link-up from Seattle.

“We at Serevi Rugby are all very excited and looking forward to being part of the Coral Coast Sevens, especially with Jonah Lomu being included as chief guest,” Serevi said.

His team, Serevi Selects, joins Sunnybank from Australia and Otago University from New Zealand in the ‘champion of champions’ event, with additional teams from around the Pacific Rim to be announced soon.

The inaugural women’s event will also have an international flavour with three teams expected from Australia and others awaiting confirmation.

The tournament, on 15-17 November at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, is sponsored by:

• Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa
• Outrigger on the Lagoon
• Fiji Hideaway Resort & Spa
• Warwick Fiji
• The Naviti Resort
• Serevi Rugby
• Air Pacific
• Sigatoka River Safari
• Coastal Rental Cars
• ANZ
• Tappoo’s
• Rosie Holidays
• King’s Neon Signs
• Fiji TV
• The Fiji Times
• Communications Fiji Limited

The post Jonah Lomu is the ambassador of Coral Coast Sevens appeared first on Fiji's Coral Coast.

The two clubs, who boast an outstanding history in rugby sevens, are the first international clubs to confirm their place in the ‘champion of champions’ tournament at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. Additional teams from around the Pacific Rim are expected to be known soon.

Sunnybank, nicknamed the ‘Dragons’, will also send a women’s team as Fiji’s premier sevens tournament expands to a three-day event (November 15-17).

“We are thrilled to be invited to compete in the Fiji Coral Coast Sevens this year and it will be a highlight of our season,” said Gaven Head, director of rugby at Sunnybank RFC. “We are the only Premier club in Australia with a comprehensive rugby sevens program and have had a lot of success in the game, although we know it will be a step up in Fiji.”

Last season the Dragons won the Fitness First Central Coast Sevens (beating the Australian national squad), finished runners-up at Byron Bay and made the top four in Noosa and the top eight in Singapore.

As well as the promising Matt Lucas (an Australian Sevens representative) the club has fielded international sevens players Shalom Suniula (USA), Harry Jones (Canada) and previously Ben Gollings (England) in their sevens side, while they have also developed a number of Wallabies, including winger Digby Ioane.

“Our teams will be a mix of experienced campaigners and young, exciting talent,” continued Head. “We have a number pushing for national selection and the chance to go on to higher honours and we also hope to include a marquee player or two out of the Australian squads.”

Sunnybank women’s captain Moana Virtue, who was part of the winning Queensland team in this year’s Australia National Women’s Sevens, will be a key part of the Dragons in the inaugural eight-team women’s event.

The Otago University Rugby Football Club, founded in 1884, is the most successful rugby club in New Zealand and possibly the world. Over the past 125 years, 65 University players have gone on to become All Blacks, 44 while still playing for the Club, while 12 Black Ferns have also come from University.

Fiji’s Coral Coast Sevens Chairman Jay Whyte said the inclusion of Sunnybank and Otago University fits perfectly with the long-term goals of the event.

“Having the very best sides from the Central Coast Sevens and the Middlesex Cup is the first step in our vision to link with like-minded tournaments and create a Pacific Rim ‘champion of champions’. This year’s tournament also features the best Fijian clubs, including defending champions Wardens.”

The post Sunnybank QLD & Otago Uni join Coral Coast Rugby Sevens 2012 appeared first on Fiji's Coral Coast.

The airline is yet to reveal its new brand and livery, which will feature on three new Airbus 330-200s due from June.

Those are the first new widebody aircraft ever purchased by the airline and will fly from Fiji to Australia, Auckland, Hong Kong and Los Angeles.

New business class seats and inflight entertainment system

Air Pacific has now revealed the new business class seats and inflight entertainment system to feature on these new A330s.

Air Pacific CEO and Managing Director David Pflieger says the “stylised name and new logo” of Fiji Airways will be revealed “in early July”, with the new A330’s livery to debut in October.

The Fiji Airways name marks a return to the airline’s original title from 1958 and 1970, which Pflieger says will see the airline more closely aligned with its Fijian heritage.

Air Pacific will enlist Panasonic Avionics and Weber Aircraft to reshape the airline’s seats and inflight entertainment systems, beginning with three new Airbus A330s taking to the skies from June next year.

Business class travellers will enjoy a new angled lie-flat bed at the pointy end of the A330, with Weber’s 7811 seat providing a far greater degree of comfort at all stages of the journey compared to Air Pacific’s current premium seating.

The post Air Pacific is now Fiji Airways! appeared first on Fiji's Coral Coast.

Back in March of this year, the Coral Coast Hotel Association launched their “No Plastic – That’s Fantastic” campaign on the Coral Coast. Over 20,000 eco-friendly shopping bags were distributed to the school children in the Nadroga/ Navosa provinces.

In partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Education, Sigatoka Council and the Retailers Association, the hoteliers are determined to rid the Coral Coast and surrounding provinces of plastic bags.

The campaign involves poster competitions, Cleanest School competition, oratory competitions and music and dance competitions.

Fundamentally, the whole idea is based on the distribution of eco-friendly shopping bags to all households and school children on the Coral Coast so that when people go shopping, the goods they purchase are placed in their shopping bags rather than plastic bags. The whole concept is based on the Coral Coast becoming a plastic-free zone.

The campaign will also be supported by the Cleanest Village, Greenest Retailer and Greenest Market Vendor.

All guests visiting the Outrigger on the Lagoon – Fiji resort currently receive a complimentary shopping bag upon check-in to use when they go shopping and also go on day tours!

The post No Plastic – That’s Fantastic Campaign launched appeared first on Fiji's Coral Coast.

The club, which won the Fiji Coral Coast Sevens in 2011, is expected to include current and former Fijian players when it lines up against 12 other international teams in Canada’s largest sevens tournament on July 21.

Wardens Rugby Club to play in the Serevi Vancouver International Sevens

Coach Timoci Wainiqolo will call on Joji Ragamate, Ilia Tinai, Lepani Botia and Niko Verekauta, who were all part of Fiji’s winning team in London last month, as well as former national representative Api Naiyabo (captain).

“We are finalising visas and other matters before we release the team but it will be our strongest available line-up,” said Wainiqolo who took the team to a 26-19 win over Police in Sigatoka in November.

“We are excited at the prospect of meeting teams from all over the world and are grateful to the organisers for inviting us to represent Fiji.”

The Wardens’ appearance is the start of a relationship between the two fast-growing events.

Waisale Serevi, whose name anoints the tournament, said: “I am thrilled to welcome the Wardens, not only because they hail from my native Fiji, but also because their participation speaks to the growth of this tournament and the progress of rugby in North America.”

The Serevi Vancouver International Sevens, presented by WINGS pubs and restaurants, moves to the 5200-seat Swangard Stadium located at 3883 Imperial Street, Burnaby, just outside Vancouver.

Chairman Netani Gucake says Rugby Sevens has seen a significant increase in interest in Canada since it was added to the program for the 2016 Olympics in Rio and the presence of the Wardens will help to raise the tournament’s profile even further.

“We are growing the tournament to include some other teams we haven’t been able to get in previous years, and a champion team from Fiji is a big boost for us,” Gucake said.

“The bigger goal is to have Vancouver as one of the key sanctioned events with the IRB — we all have dreams and we hope one day we will be able to attract 80,000 people as that’s the number Hong Kong attracts every year.”

With a month to go before the Serevi Vancouver International Sevens the excitement is building in British Columbia, on Canada’s west coast.

England’s Ben Gollings, the record IRB top point scorer, has confirmed he will be a guest player with Serevi’s Seattle-based team while further teams will be announced soon.

Besides the international teams, the Vancouver tournament features elite men’s and women’s teams made up from local clubs, plus a youth division.

Fiji’s Coral Coast Sevens chairman Jay Whyte said he was delighted with the news.

“As our champions Wardens were the star performers of last year so we are thrilled that they will be competing in Vancouver and we thank (Lieutenant Colonel) Ifereimi Vasu, Commissioner for Corrections, for releasing the players,” he said.

“We at the Coral Coast Sevens are confident that they will be put on a great performance and illustrate to all why Fiji is truly the home of sevens rugby.

“This initiative is also part of our long-term strategy to partner with like-minded organisers such as Netani and his team, and we are also excited to be working again with Waisale Serevi, who was one of our ambassadors at last year’s tournament.”

Wardens will also attend the Fitness First Central Coast Sevens in Australia in October as a result of winning Fiji’s Coral Coast Sevens.

“When the Wardens won our tournament in November 2011 they were issued with a written letter of invitation from the Central Coast Sevens assisting with all aspects of their trip to Australia, and we are very grateful to Craig Morgan, Tournament Director, for his support.”

Whyte said planning for the third Fiji Coral Coast Sevens was on target, with a number of teams, sponsors and media partners confirmed, and more announcements would be made in the coming weeks.

The tournament is scheduled for November 15-17 at Lawaqa

The post Wardens Rugby Club to play in the Serevi 7’s appeared first on Fiji's Coral Coast.

Mr Hopgood replaced outgoing chairman, Bob Kennedy of Sandy Point Beach Cottages, Korotogo.

Mr Hopgood acknowledged the hard work and long time dedication of Mr. Kennedy and concluded by saying that the Coral Coast was a much better place for Mr. Kennedy’s involvement.

Looking to the future, Mr Hopgood stated that the Coral Coast hotels would become more pro-active in community projects, as well as the promotion of the Coral Coast as Fiji’s premier tourism destination.

“We have a fantastic group of sales and marketing executives working at our hotels on the Coral Coast and our aim is to combine the talent and resources of these professionals to market the Coral Coast in our major source markets such as New Zealand, Australia and the United States”.

Only last week, the Coral Coast Hotels hosted 69 travel writers from the USA.

A major focus for our marketing team will be the promotion of the Coral Coast Sevens in November.

The post Peter Hopgood of the Outrigger on the Lagoon is new Chairman of the Coral Coast Chapter of the Fiji Hotel & Tourism Association appeared first on Fiji's Coral Coast.

Apart from the tug-of-war, sack race and other competitions, the highlight of the event is the famous “bilibili” (bamboo raft) race across the Sigatoka River.

The Silly Billy Race? NEVER! The “Bilibili” as it is locally called is the highlight of the year for the many staff working in resorts on the Coral Coast.

Sigatoka Town is again keenly anticipating much colour and merrymaking when it hosts the Bilibili Race, involving hotel workers racing on bamboo rafts, in October 2012.

All the hotels along the Coral Coast are gearing up to the annual event which has become a major tourist attraction in recent years.

Tournament coordinator Unaisi Murray said the organizers were preparing for another blockbuster event at the banks of the Sigatoka River during the Fiji Day holiday.

“The Bilibili Races are in the blood of hotel operators in the Coral Coast. We expect another sellout programme where locals and tourists mingle together in sports,” Murray added.

The 2012 Bilibili Boat Races and Fun Run will be held on Friday 12th October 2012.

A 20-kilometre fun run relay from the Fiji’s Hideaway Resort and Spa to Sigatoka Town will start the event at 0730 followed by competitions like egg throwing, coconut tunnel, kayaking, waiters’ race, swimming, water relays, iron man competition and the famous bilibili races.

“We start with the national anthem and a march past before the waiters’ relay races start the tournament followed by other 16 events,” she added.

The Shangri-La Fijian Resort is the overall defending champion of the 27th Bilibili Races last year.

Hotels from Suva, Mamanuca, Nadi and Sigatoka will compete in the annual tournament.

The History….

Sigatoka Bilibili Race started as a bit of simple fun in 1984 by a a group of Coral Coast hoteliers.

A reasonable crowd of hotel staff and supporters enjoyed themselves with barbecues and refreshments in those early days of the event. This was the birth of a much- anticipated annual event that has become a tradition for the area.

The post The Sigatoka Bilibili Race appeared first on Fiji's Coral Coast.

The unit, designed to improve patient comfort and guarantee the efficient provision of emergency services, was built with funds from the Coral Coast chapter of the Fiji Islands Hotel and Tourism Association.

The complex cost $300,000 and raised the investment by hoteliers into the hospital to more than $1.2million.

Apart from the emergency unit, the Coral Coast chapter also relocated the pharmacy, built a new eye unit, dental clinic, installed a back-up generator and upgraded the staff quarters.

Interim Health Minister Dr Jiko Luveni commended the work.

She said the new facility would not only supply a high level of health care for more than 30,000 people in the provision but also the growing tourist population in the area.

Dr Luveni said the chapter’s most ambitious project would create a proper working environment for the nurses, doctors and other hospital employese.

“The original emergency unit in the hospital was an add-on and not designed for the purpose. The staff had to work to the best of their ability with limited facility. The locals have found it difficult when injury or sudden illness happened because of the cramped conditions and little privacy,” she said.

The Louvatu Emergency Unit, is dedicated to the landowning unit on whose land the hospital is located, has two each of consulting and rooms, a treatment room, a plaster room, sluice room, two private rooms, a four-bed holding room, nurses’ station, pharmacy and waiting room.

Coral Coast chapter chairman Robert Wade said the actual planning for the unit took more than eight years.

Mr Wade said while they were determined to build the new unit, they had to make several upgrading work and secure funding before work began.

He said the emergency unit would not have been realised without the support of the Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort, Outrigger on the Lagoon, the Naviti, Warwick Hotel and Hideaway Resort..

FIHTA’S Coral Coast Chapter chairman, Robert Wade said the theme of the appeal was “In order to provide better first aid, we need your aid first.”

Mr Wade said they were not trying to transform Sigatoka Hospital into one of the country’s major facilities but were just trying to improve its capabilities with regards to it being the first point of contact for any patient involved in accidents or other medical emergencies between Navua and Sigatoka.

“We want to provide better facilities for the people of Nadroga/Navosa but first we will need their help.”

“This is a very important project because not only the tourists but everyone especially those in Nadroga and Navosa will benefit.”

“We have already collected about $300,000 from donations handed to our organisation by tourists and we also have been given verbal commitment by the Ministry of Health for $250, 000,” he said. “This will be the wisest investment for Government because from an input of $250,000, they will receive a state of the art accident and emergency facility.”

Actual planning for this department has been on going for over eight years as we set about to update the Hospital to allow for this major upgrade, as well as build up sufficient funds to carryout the work.

Over the eight years we have relocated the Pharmacy Department, built a new unit to allow for eye checks and cataract and laser surgery and also built a new dental clinic as well as a standby generator; upgrading to staff quarters and kiosk.

The facility that we see today is a state of the art unit that will allow all residents and traveling public access to facilities that will allow staff to carryout their duties in an efficient and prompt manner. We have delivered a unit that will be a pleasure to work in and that will have a work flow that will allow for the efficient provision of emergency services.

The rearrangement of facilities and units will now also allow Dr Shah to relocate various departments to new locations around the hospital to make things even more efficient and better able to service the local community.

FIHTA’S Coral Coast Chapter have paid in excess of $1,200,000 on this unit and other units mentioned below, over to the Ministry of Health; the Sigatoka Hospital urgently needs new driveways and turning areas for cars and ambulances. That is our next aim!

FIHTA’S Coral Coast Chapter would like to give special thanks to the Management and guests of Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa; Outrigger on the Lagoon Resort and Spa; The Naviti Resort and Spa; The Warwick Resort and Spa and of course Hideaway Resort. Without the support of the Management of these Resorts none of our projects would have been possible.

We would also like to single out Annie Wade of Hideaway Resort, who has been a great driving force behind getting this A&E unit to where it is today. Annie has also been able assisted by Coral Kennedy as we turned an idea into reality.

Of course we would have not achieved anything without the input from the medical and nursing staff of the Sigatoka Hospital (both current and previous staff) and we thank them for their guidance and suggestions.

Thanks also to Ashok and all the staff of Coral Coast Builders who have turned our plans and suggestions into the bricks and mortar that you see before you today.

A large number of projects have been made possible by our Health and Safety fund and they have included:

• An air conditioned two bed unit with en suite extension to the Korolevu health Centre to allow patients to have an area for minor procedures or to wait while an ambulance comes to transport them to a hospital for further treatment.
• A building shared by the Fiji police and the Saint Johns Ambulance Service at Korolevu to allow staff quarters and a parking area for an ambulance; when available.
• Relocation of the pharmacy department at the Sigatoka Hospital to a new building with an extra large storeroom.
• Relocation of the dental clinic at the Sigatoka Hospital to a new building.
• Renovation and extension of an existing house on the grounds of the Sigatoka Hospital used for accommodation of medical staff.
• Supply of an auto start standby generator for the Sigatoka Hospital to allow full operation of the hospital during times of power failure.
• Financial assistance to the Sigatoka Crisis Centre.
• Supply of transport to the Community Nurses to ensure delivery of inoculations and carrying out of health checks for school children in the upper reaches of the Sigatoka Valley.
• Financial assistance to the Filariasis campaign.
• Financial assistance to the dengue mosquito control programme.
• Building of an air conditioned two room Critical care unit with en suites (four beds) at the Sigatoka Hospital.
• Building of a new Eye Clinic at the Sigatoka Hospital to enable laser and cataract eye surgery.
• Two police vehicles, one for the Tourist Police unit and the other for the Sigatoka Police.
• Equipment, including two way radios, fax and photocopier for the Tourist Police Unit at Korotogo.
• Assistance with the building of a repeater station on Vatulele to enable police communication throughout the Coral Coast.
• Donation to Fiji Red Cross for cyclone relief in Labasa.
• Building of the new Police Post at Cuvu, which was recently handed over to the Fiji Police Force.
• Provision of a rapid response Fire and Rescue Vehicle that was recently handed over to the National Fire Authority.
• Building of the new Accident and Emergency Unit at the Sigatoka Hospital that will be handed over today.

The post Opening of the new Accident and Emergency Department of the Sigatoka Hospital appeared first on Fiji's Coral Coast.

The keys were handed over to the NFS on Thursday, 26th June 2008 following an address by the Chairman of the Coral Coast Chapter, Mr Robert Wade.

The resorts – Hideaway Resort, Outrigger on the Lagoon Fiji, The Warwick, The Naviti Resort & Spa and Shangri La’s Fijian Resort and Spa – have now collectively raised in excess of one million dollars worth of community projects, with many improvements and facilities at the Sigatoka hospital.

The funds were raised primarily from donations by tourists staying at the resorts and hotels towards the special Health and Safety Fund.

The Warwick Fiji Resort and Spa, the Outrigger on the Lagoon Hotel, Naviti Resort and the Fijian Resort have been involved in the development of emergency services in Sigatoka.

Fiji Islands Hotel and Tourism Association president Robert Wade said visitors at the resorts contribute money for the health and safety fund.

“The fund works by visitors donating money to a central pool administered by the resorts who are all members of the Coral Coast Chapter of the FIHTA and the granting of import and exercise duty exemption by the Minister of Finance,” said Mr Wade.

He said money collected through the fund has been used to fund a large number of projects like the renovation and extension of an existing house on the grounds of Sigatoka hospital which was used to accommodate medical staff.

“They have also helped out in other projects like providing transport to the community nurse to ensure delivery of inoculations and carrying out of health checks for school children in the upper reaches of the Sigatoka valley,” he continued on.

FIHTA has also financially assisted the filariasis campaign and the dengue mosquito control programme.

Now their latest project was purchasing Fiji’s first rapid response rescue fire tender vehicle.

Mr Wade said a request was made by the NFA sometime ago in obtaining such vehicle.

“This vehicle is a first for Fiji in that not only can it rapidly respond to request for fire assistance but is also carries with it items such as the jaws of life that can be used to extricate people from motor vehicle accidents,” said Mr Wade.

Manufactured in Australia the $50,000 vehicle carries 400 litres of water and utilises a high pressure pump.

It has two side lockers and is fitted with fire equipment together with road accident rescue equipment.

“Hopefully with this donation, we can assist the NFA in its endeavor to bring about rapid extraction of people from road accidents in that most important golden hour,” said Mr Wade.

He stressed FIHTA strongly believes that by providing people with the proper facilities they are able to carry out their duties to the best of their abilities.

“Works has also commenced on a new accident and emergency facility at the Sigatoka Hospital that will give to the community of Nadroga /Navosa a world class emergency department. In conjunction with the NFA’s effort will go some way to reducing the impact of road accidents,” said Mr Wade.

FITHA had also assisted with building a repeater station on Vatulele to enable police communication throughout the Coral Coast and also with the building of the new police post at Cuvu which was recently handed over to the Fiji Police Force.

Mr Wade said they have also assisted police with two new vehicles which are for the Tourist Police Unit and Sigatoka Police.

The new fire station in Sigatoka was officially in November, last year and the handing over of the new vehicle was another milestone for the National Fire Authority as they progress towards their strategic roadmap for fire safety and mitigation in Fiji. NFA chief executive officer Joseva Gavidi said tourist resort along the Coral Coast has a long history for supporting its community especially in emergency services.

He said the Coral Coast chapter of FIHTA has been actively involved in supporting emergency services in Sigatoka and NFA was honoured to have benefited from their assistance.

“NFA is always grateful for such generous partnerships as this gift highlights the deep concern that everyone has for the safety of our various communities from the devastating effects of fires and other emergencies,” said Mr Gavidi.

The NFA CEO said the multiple roles of the new vehicle include rapid response to structural fires in the Sigatoka fire district and its size is useful allowing access to narrower roads and squatter settlements.

Mr Gavidi said they would use the vehicle as road accident rescue response on the Queen’s Road between Pacific Harbour and the Natadola turn off.

He said they would also use the vehicle as transport for community education programmes and safety visits around the Sigatoka district.

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