The MV Brianna left on Monday to Southern Lau taking back the 12 women from the islands who participated at the 2017 Women’s Expo that was held at the Vodafone Arena from 14 to 16 June. Victoria Marine Limited human resource manager Akuila Kaci confirmed this to the Fiji Sun. He said their return fares were paid by the Ministry of Women.

The list of names provided by Victoria Marine Limited were – Leba Usa – Nasau village, Moce; Mereani Cagi – Nasau, Moce; Salaiwai Vosataki, Temoi Latu – Korotolu village, Moce; Vosa Kotobalavu – Komo village,  Kabara; Mele Vakatalei- Namuka village, Kabara; Lomani Kaci, Salia village  Nayau; Vanaisa Tauyavu – Salia village, Nayau; Makereta Qoli- Liku village, Nayau, Mereani Macawa- Narocivo village, Nayau, Loata Colati- Waiqori village, Oneata and  Mere Taoba- Vanuavatu.

Meanwhile in closing the Expo the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa said a major highlight of the event had been the licensing of the 51 women artisans with the ‘Fijian Crafted’ certification.

“With another 31 artisans having received provisional licenses, it gives me great satisfaction that the aim of the National Women’s Expo has been achieved well. “

Ms Vuniwaqa said the National Women’s Expo began in 2014 with approximately 2000 women as participants. With a rationalized aim to boost quality and meeting accreditation standards, we partnered with the Fiji Arts Council and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to bring the best of the best through divisional craft shows in 2015 and Provincial Craft Shows in 2017, with up to 600 and 500 women selected to participate in the national event respectively.