BY LITIA MATHEWSELL
Elaborate iTaukei ceremonies of welcome were accorded to delegates in Nadi yesterday for the International Sugar Organisation’s (ISO) 43rd Council Session.
It is the first time for Fiji to host the meeting. It begins today at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on Denarau Island under the theme: ‘Developing Countries Options for Growth in Sugarcane’.
Over a hundred delegates will converge for the four-day meeting.
Many of them were left in awe at the traditional yaqona and meke ceremony performed for them by personnel of the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces.
The ceremony was conducted on the beachfront lawns of the Sofitel.
Taking centre stage as chief guest was International Sugar Organisation executive director Dr Peter Baron, who was led by chairman, Prime Minister and Minister for Sugar Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.
Optimistism
International Sugar Organisation executive director, Dr Peter Baron receives a bowl of kava as the Prime Minister and Minister for Sugar, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama looks on at the welcome ceremony of the International Sugar Organisation’s 43rd Council Session. The meeting officially begins today at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on Denarau Island, Nadi. Photo: MINFO NEWS
Dr Baron arrived on the weekend and is optimistic of another successful council session and strengthening the organisation’s ties with Fiji.
“This invitation to Fiji is, I think, an excellent impression of the long-lasting, loyal and successful friendship and cooperation which has existed between Fiji and the International Sugar Organization,’’ Dr Baron commended.
“I think this is the coronation of this cooperation and I can tell you that we are deeply grateful for this invitation to have these meetings on your island.
“I hope very much that these meetings will be able to make at least a modest contribution to the future successful and sustainable industry of sugar in Fiji.”
The welcome display was attended by Government officials and members of Fiji’s sugar industry bodies, namely the Fiji Sugar Corporation, Sugar Industry Tribunal and Fiji Sugar Cane Growers Council.
The welcome was followed by a cocktail before a cultural show that saw men of Beqa Island perform their famous fire-walking ceremony for the visiting dignitaries.
Conference funding
Meanwhile the conference also received a generous $20,000 boost from Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) for its Council session.
Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, Pio Tikoduadua while accepting the cheque from ANZ chief executive officer Fiji and the Pacific Vishnu Mohan said: “The government and the nation is appreciative of the ANZ’s bank efforts in assisting us with growing the sugar industry.”
He said Government was grateful to the bank for its assistance in the sugar industry which is one of the critical areas of national development.
Mr Mohan said that the ANZ was priviledged and honoured for the opportunity to assist government.
“We will continue to help the industry move forward,” Mohan said.