Fiji

He made this statement while closing the Climate Action Pacific Partnership event at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva on Tuesday.

Mr Bainimarama also thanked Australia and New Zealand for lending a helping hand to Fiji when it was struck by Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016.

Present at the event was Australia's Minister for International Co-operation and the Pacific, Concetta Fierravanti-Wells. However, the Deputy Prime Minister for New Zealand, Paula Bennett had already left Fiji.

And that would be one of the critical issues that the Pacific would push for through Fiji's presidency of COP23 in Bonn, Germany in November.

The Fiji Times said the agreement was reached by leaders at the end of the two-day Climate Action Pacific Partnership conference in Suva yesterday.

The draft action document that would shape the global action at COP23 was not released at the close of the conference on Tuesday as it needed to be sent back to all stakeholders for their feedback in the next 14 days.

The Lautoka-born major winner says playing in the Fiji International each year is important to him and he always works his schedule to ensure he can return home.

"I really enjoy playing in front of a home crowd, which is something I did not have the opportunity to do before the Fiji International," he said.

"Everyone welcomes me so warmly and shows me so much support yet is respectful of my preparations, Fijian fans are great."

The 54-year-old Singh has been working on the redevelopment of the Natadola Bay course since the day after the 2016 tournament ended.

Mahendra Reddy is charged with one count each of bribery and using undue influence.

The charges were brought by the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

In a statement, it alleged Dr Reddy offered a steady water source to a high school in exchange for a school manager's vote.

It said he interfered with the free exercise or performance of the manager, Waisea Lelobo's political rights.

Dr Reddy has pleaded not guilty and was granted bail.

His conditions included paying $500 bond and having to report to a police station once a week.

It will be their second home test since 2009 following upgrades to the drainage and facilities at Teufaiva Stadium.

Some of the big names who will be playing for Tonga include Racing 92 and former Chiefs prop Ben Tameifuna, fullback David Halaifonua, flanker Nili Latu, halfback Sonatane Takulua, centre Siale Piutau and Highlanders prop Siua Hala-nuko-nuka.

Fiji Village reports Tonga were beaten in Samoa and Fiji last year and need to beat Fiji to have a chance of securing automatic World Cup qualification for Japan 2019.

The 'Ikale Tahi triumphed 30-26 in Nuku'alofa, in front of ten thousand fervent supporters in the first test match at Teufaiva Stadium for eight years.

RNZI reports the home side raced out to a 14-3 lead in the opening 20 minutes but Manu Samoa closed the gap to one point at half-time, courtesy of a Faifili Levave try and two more penalties from Tusi Pisi.

With the match in the balance at 20-19, halfback Sonatone Takulua completed a breakaway Tongan try from inside their own half and added the extras to make it 30-19 with half an hour to play.

Jope Koroisavou walked through downtown Suva yesterday carrying banners with the name of six victims tortured by the country's security forces.

Mr Koroisavou spent the night in police custody and he is due to be questioned again this morning according to his lawyer Aman Ravindra-Singh.

Mr Ravindra-Singh says Mr Koroisavou has yet to be formally charged but questioning indicates he is likely to be charged with sedition.

Amnesty's regional director James Gomez said instead of cracking down on peaceful protest the Fijian authorities should be cracking down on torture.

Tonga take on Samoa on Saturday in the 2017 Pacific Nations Cup opener before tackling Fiji on July 8.

“We are on track,” the former Wallabies No.8 said.

It’s been several years since there has been an international rugby match at Teufaiva Stadium. The Tonga Rugby Union (TRU) is hosting two matches of the 2017 PNC.

The last international rugby game to be held at Teufaiva Stadium, according to the TRU was in 2012, between Tonga and the Flying Fijians.

Tonga were awarded hosting rights in 2012 but last month the Prime Minister, 'Akilisi Pohiva, pulled the government's support, initially citing financial reasons but then saying his government had other priorities.

The President of the Fiji Olympic Committee, Joe Rodan Senior, said the FANSAOC Board discussed a possible bid before deciding against it.

"For two years (until the Games begin) it's too short a time for us to really prepare our organising committee or organising officials to host the Games," he said.

Kicking off just over a year after the 2016 OFC U-17 Championship – and only a few months after the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Papua New Guinea – there are many familiar faces coming to Auckland this July.

Defending champions New Zealand have recruited an army of international experience for their attempt at a sixth-consecutive title including Malia Steinmetz, Grace Jale, and goalkeeper Anna Leat – who will offer senior international football experience to Gareth Turnball’s squad having already been in the mix for the New Zealand national women’s team.