1. FIJIAN NURSES BEST IN THE UAE –Fiji’s Resident Envoy to the United Arab Emirates, Ambassador Robin Nair believes that Fijian Nurses have the capability and skills to be amongst the very best in the nursing profession.
2. FIJIAN EMBASSY IN JAPAN PLANS NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION –The Fijian Embassy in Japan plan to commemorate Fiji’s 43rd anniversary is style, marking a historic encounter of one full week schedule of cultural activities to be performed by Fiji’s Kabu Ni Vanua Dance and Music Group.
1. FIJIAN NURSES BEST IN THE UAE
Fiji’s Resident Envoy to the United Arab Emirates, Ambassador Robin Nair believes that Fijian nurses have the capability and skills to be amongst the very best in the nursing profession.
Mr Nair made the comments after visiting Tawam Hospital in the old capital city of Al Ain, to personally pay tribute to nurse Maliana Lupe Matameli, a charge nurse at the Obstetrics/ Gynecology Clinic & Fetal Medicine Unit, for achieving one of the most prestigious awards.
The “Customer Service Star Award” is in Recognition of Outstanding Contribution and Distinguished Efforts, given willingly by the Customers, and whereby nominees were representatives of the entire multi-disciplinary team which included Doctors, Nurses, Para-Medics, Administrative Staff and Support Services.
The competition which took almost three months to complete, first saw more than 3,000 staff from close to sixty different nationalities, undergo two stages of the short listing process.
The Tawam Hospital, in affiliation with John Hopkins Medicine of the United States, is considered as the premier Health Institution of the United Arab Emirates.
Ms Maliana’s name was first included in the final five nominations, before a random voting process was undertaken which resulted in her being awarded both a Nominees Certificate and the Customer Service Star Award, as the major prize.
“Since joining Tawam Hospital in December 2005, my professional objective has always been targeted towards pursuing excellence, aimed at encouraging my fellow Fijian Nurses to strive and maintain high ethical and professional working standards especially in a high competitive labor market as the United Arab Emirates”, Ms Maliana said.
Expressing her gratitude to the initiative taken by Mr Nair to visit and congratulate her, Ms Maliana said that whilst her beloved country may be small, achieving this prestigious award has certainly placed Fiji at the epicenter of nursing history in the UAE, a joyous occasion which she intends to share not only with her fellow Fijians but with other nationalities throughout the various medical facilities in the UAE.
Mr Nair said the achievement had not only reinforced his desire to see his fellow Fijians aspire to greater heights, but had provided the leverage needed for the embassy to solicit support in further marketing our Fijian nurses both in countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Middle East and North African regions.
“Lupe has shown that Fijian nurses can mix with the best. She has established a benchmark here in the UAE, one which I hope her fellow nursing colleagues can take cue from and fulfill their career obligations by pursuing for excellence”, he added.
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2. FIJIAN EMBASSY IN JAPAN PLANS NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION
The Fijian Embassy in Tokyo, Japan plans to commemorate Fiji’s 43rd anniversary is style, marking a historic encounter of a full weeks schedule of cultural activities to be performed by Fiji’s Kabu Ni Vanua Dance and Music Group.
FET’s week-long celebration will begin from 7th and end with a high note on 11th October, celebrating Fiji Day in a Reception with 200 invited guests including the Fijian diaspora.
The event is part of FET’s tourism and investment promotion programme, which will take place in five (5) different prefectures namely in Iwaki-Fukushima and Miyagi-Sendai in northern part of Japan, and then in Takenazawa-Tochigi, Kanagawa and finally Tokyo all in the eastern part.
Major outcomes expected to be achieved from the program and the group’s stage craft expertise would be great in terms of promoting Fiji and its unique culture to the people of Japan.
It will also have an impact in the on-going effort that Fiji Embassy is pursuing as it continues to venture into fostering Fiji-Japan bilateral relation, people to people diplomacy, investment and tourism promotions.
The Kabu Ni Vanua Dance and Music Group comprises some of Fiji’s college-age performers arrived safely in Japan last week through Narita Airport.
The group, thriving on their previous regional and international participation strives to keep alive Fijian culture and heritage in the face of urbanization, modernization and westernization.
Led by Mr Leone Veikoso, the group is in Japan on the invitation of the Mayor of Iwaki City to join 14 other countries participating in the 2nd Iwaki City Pacific Island Countries Dance Festival which will take place on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th of October 2013.
The Fiji Embassy in Tokyo is very supportive in coordinating with organizers of the Iwaki City Festival for the groups visit and has also utilized the opportunity of their presence to promote Fiji to the people of Japan.
Straight after the festival in Iwaki City, the group will travel to Sendai City on Monday, 7th October to showcase their talents in a Fiji-Promotion Event. Early on Tuesday morning, 8th October, the group will depart for Takanezawa Town in Tochigi Prefecture for another Fiji Promotion Programme.
On Wednesday, 9th October, the group will be the main draw card in a programme organized by the Asia-Pacific Ladies Friendship Society (ALFS) that will take place in Ginza, one of Tokyo Metropolitan’s most expensive areas.
On Thursday, 10th October, the group will have the opportunity to express themselves in another Fiji-Promotion Event which will be held in Kanack Hall, Kanagawa Prefecture.
There will be two performances on Friday, 11th October, with first to be held at the Fiji Promotion Outreach in Akasaka Community Hall and the major performance would be to provide entertainment at Fiji’s 43rd Independence Anniversary which will take place at the ANA Inter Continental Hotel.
Fijian ambassador to Japan Mr Isikeli Mataitoga will host farewell dinner for the group on Saturday October 12 after which the group will depart for Fiji the next day.
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