THE US FIJI TIMES World’s Largest Fiji Newspaper Out Of Republic of Fiji July 2019 Monthly Publication - Subscription Available Pages 52 Volume: 181 SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Virgin Hotels San Francisco Grand Opening Party San Francisco’s elite painted the town Virgin Red on night of May 23rd to com- memorate the Grand Opening of Virgin Hotels San Francisco, the latest hotel to debut from Sir Richard Branson’s brand of Luxury lifestyle hotels. The man behind this magnificent addition to the San Fran- cisco Skyline is Jay Singh, a San Francis- co based Commercial Real Estate Devel- oper and Hotelier. Born in Fiji, Singh was educated at Fiji’s Marist Brothers High School before he ventured to San Fran- cisco during the late 1980s. He has since built his company, Para- digm Hotels Group, and his reputation on developing world class hotels throughout California, especially in Downtown San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Napa Wine Val- ley, and Santa Barbara. Not only are these cities some of the most sought-after real estate in the United States, but also are known to have some of the highest barriers of entry to build. The opening party was kicked off the mo- ment Sir Richard Branson arrived clad in a retro red Beatles military jacket accom- panied by revelers in an authentic Burn- From Left: Alexis Singh, Krystal Singh, Monica Singh, Jay Singh , Raul Leal (CEO of Virgin Hotels) & Mrs. Leal ing Man Art Car. This over-the-top event transformed the property from the ground floor all the way up to the hotel’s expan- sive rooftop. Attendees were greeted with psychedelic projections luring them into the hotel, where entertainers outfitted in Burning Man-esque costumes guided them into a sensory stimulating evening. Those enjoying this soiree also included a myriad of celebrities: singer-songwriter Ashlee Simpson Ross, actor and musician Evan Ross, singer, actor and producer Lance Bass, singer-songwriter Ryan Cabrera, and actor Jonathan Goldsmith and Amer- ican stand-up comedian Dave Chappelle. The event tapped the Virgin’s brand music roots as it featured DJ sets from HAIM, SimiHaze, Alexandra Richards and DJ Sobe. Each corner of the hotel that night was adorned truly uniquely to inspire a eu- phoric experience. Directly across from Moscone Center and only blocks away from Heart of Union Square, this particular Virgin Hotel has several other elements that should keep it on any San Francisco tourist’s or native’s list. (You don’t need to be staying there, in oth- er words.) From ground floor lobby to its rooftop bar, the hotel racks up style points, with a passion for food and beverage, mu- sic and culture, and socializing infused into every nook and cranny. Continue Page 5 THE US FIJI TIMES July 2019 Vol. 181 4 THE US FIJI TIMES THE US FIJITIMES Phone: 650-918-0769 Direct: (510) 931-9107 Email: [email protected] www.usfijitimes.org facebook/usfijitimes Fiji Government Information Center Fax Number: 310-531-8789 TOURISM FIJI THE AMERICAS E-mail: [email protected] 5777 West Century Boulevard, Suite 220, Los Angeles, CA 90045 Telephone: (310) 568 1616 Toll Free: 1-800-YEA-FIJI (1-800-932-3454) Fax: Website: www.fijiembassydc.com (310) 670 2318 Email: [email protected] www.fijime.tv Email: [email protected] Solo Mara Ambassador to the United States of America. Ambassador Satyendra Prasad Representative of Fiji Embassy of the Republic of Fiji to the United Nations, 1707 L Street, Suite 200, NW New York Washington, D.C. 20036 USA Tel. # (202) 466 8320 Fax # (202) Nazhat Shameem Permanent Representative To The 466 8325 UN Office In Geneva Web: www.fijiembassydc.com Dr. Donald E. Vinson Honorary Consul of Fiji, Mr Bobby Naicker Mr Jay . Singh Los Angeles Consulate Honorary Consul Honorary Consul of Fiji of Fiji, of Fiji, 2301 Rosecrans Avenue, Vancouver San Francisco Suite 3185 Canada USA El Segundo, CA 90245 Telephone Number: 310-531-8784 THE US FIJI TIMES PROUD OF ITS SERVICE The US Fiji Times is ranked community. The US Fiji Times tions, they are taking up their vibrant community, so despite of USA. as the top newspaper being understands that like in any oth- challenges very effectively. the paper being issued free the published outside of Fiji for er field there is competition and The marketing strategy handled expectation of the community The feedback has been over- the Fiji American commu- competing with by the Publisher Rocky Ali is is very high. The coverage of whelming in this regard and it nity and all over the world. the hallmark of the papers cur- all major events is a must for has become a trend for many “The largest newspaper out of rent strength. Despite lacking the paper and it is very proud organizations to rely on USFT The paper’s popularity has Fiji” has been a difficult task for the front line journalist exper- to be associated with major in reaching the desired suc- grown immensely in recent newer publications. This is not tise he makes up for the defi- organizations to see that their cess with adequate coverage. years due to its critical ap- because of its magnitude and ciency with the sheer ability to functions are properly cov- proach in impressing the need coverage but because of its sta- keep the media wagon rolling. ered with pictures and stories. The paper will strive to serve for charitable organizations to bility and growth capabilities. the community with the best of rise up in all occasions to help His insatiable love to be in- The paper is being also sent to its ability and assures the com- Fiji and the people back home. The writers of the paper volved with the community countries like Fiji, NZ, Aus- munity that there will be quality Visitors from around comprise some of Fiji’s best. to cherish in this very noble tralia, Canada, England and reporting at all times. the world have commended the Even though they are not cause is worthy of higher rec- Sweden for Fijians abroad to paper on its stand to serve the too visible in social func- ommendation. We have a very also get the feel of the luxuries WE have noticed that some pictures that appear in the US Fiji Times have been reproduced in some other newspapers, magazines and web sites. Please note that all contents of the US Fiji Times are copyrighted and cannot be reproduced in any form without the permission of the US Fiji Times by contacting them at [email protected] Read Online : facebook.com/usfijitimes THE US THE FIJI US TIMESFIJI TIMES October July 2019 - 2018 Vol. 181 Vol. 171 THE US FIJI TIMES 3 THE US FIJI TIMES July 2019 Vol. 181 THE US FIJI TIMES July 2019 Vol. 181 GO FIJI GO 4 THE US FIJI TIMES THE US FIJI TIMES July 2019 Vol. 181 THE US FIJI TIMES 5 Local News SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Virgin Hotels San Francisco Grand Opening Party continued from page 1 Yet, it is details in each inch but also a trendy ambiance for Everden was already hotspot Francisco will deliver the New Hotels Brands, following the of the hotel that makes this an upscale yet casual meal. The in the cool grey city as the DJ York or LA Style-glamour to corporate-owned Virgin Hotel particular hotel truly inimi- Funny Library Coffee Shop, had its own maddening crowd this vibrant city, with its own Chicago in 2015. This stylish table: the purple plush velvet also located on the ground dancing until the wee hours trendy San Francisco twist. San Francisco outpost joins banquettes in the Shag Room floor, features a variety of overlooking the San Francisco Each space is a thoughtful in- a constellation of other new (name after the carpeting), hand-selected books for guests cityscape. termix of food and beverage hotels opening soon in Nash- Virgin Red guest room doors, to enjoy as they sip on actor with music and programming, ville, Dallas, New York, Wash- and retro Smeg Refrigerators Hugh Jackman’s Laughing “We are excited that this ho- providing a vibrant, inclusive ington, D.C., New Orleans, in each room. Man Coffee. The hotel’s pièce tel allows San Francisco to environment for travelers and Silicon Valley, Palm Springs, de résistance, however, is the once again experience Virgin locals alike.” Edinburgh, Las Vegas, with The Commons Club is the over 4500-square-foot indoor Brand, after Virgin America The Virgin Hotel San Francis- others on the horizon. restaurant on the ground floor, and outdoor swanky rooftop Airlines was bought out ” Jay co is not only the first in to be serving customers with not restaurant bar, Everdene. Singh proudly states, ‘’We licensed, but also the second only sublime food and drinks, Even before the opening party, are sure that Virgin Hotel San property opened in the Virgin THE US FIJI TIMES July 2019 Vol. 181 THE US FIJI TIMES July 2019 Vol. 181 GO FIJI GO 6 THE US FIJI TIMES Fiji News Fiji Navy actively working to identify vessels that are ‘high value targets’ for bringing hard drugs into the country The Fiji Navy through the cases where cocaine and meth- Maritime Surveillance and Res- amphetamine have been found cue Coordination Centre and on yachts in Fiji waters. One patrols is actively working to prominent case is where Aus- identify vessels that are ‘high tralian national, John Nikolic value targets’ for bringing hard was jailed last year for import- drugs into the country and is ing 12.9 kilograms of cocaine sharing that information with and 34.4 grams of methamphet- Police and the Fiji Revenue and amine with an estimated value Customs Service.