14 December, 2025, 8:25 am Central - 25°C Rain

Paradise Rootz and The Gang members relive school days at Grammar’s 65th Sapphire celebration
$11,900 collected during kava barrell

Paradise Rootz and The Gang members relive school days at Grammar’s 65th Sapphire celebration

$11,900 collected during kava barrell

By Pita Toganivalu
11/09/2025
Paradise Rootz band member, Tawake Jackson and Ilisoni Lesumailepanoni, who is also the lead singer of The Gang

It was a special night for Paradise Rootz band member, Tawake Jackson and Ilisoni Lesumailepanoni, who is also the lead singer of The Gang, as they reconnected with former Suva Grammar School classmates during a kava barrel hosted by the 2010 decade as part of the school’s 65th Sapphire Anniversary celebrations.

Lesumailepanoni, who attended Grammar from 2005 to 2009, recalled the school’s dominance in sports during his time.

He also reflected on his participation as a second year inter-grade athlete for Grammar in 2007 when they claimed the overall boys’ division title at the Coca Cola Games.

Jackson, who attended Grammar in 2009, says he and other old scholars made it a priority to join this week’s events.

Both men shared how the celebrations were nostalgic, reminding them of daily athletics training, student life, and early morning prayer walks before big matches.

They added that the occasion was also a chance to reconnect with fellow old scholars and strengthen lifelong bonds formed at Grammar all those years ago.

Meanwhile, the old scholars collected over $11,900, which will go towards the 65th Jubilee project, 'Digital Grammar', to equip the school with the tools and infrastructure for the digital age.

With festivities continuing through the week, Jackson encouraged more former students to join the celebration and uphold the Grammar spirit.

The celebrations continue tomorrow night with the 2010 decade hosting the Rumble in the Jungle event, while the final celebration, the Grand Ball, will be held on Saturday night at the Vodafone Arena.

Click below to see full program
FEATURE NEWS
Low chance of TD03F forming into Tropical Cyclone within 24 to 48 hours
The potential for Tropical Disturbance TD03F to develop into a Tropical Cyclone within the next 24 to 48 hours is low.The Nadi Weather Office says the...
18 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
NGO Coalition on Human Rights raises serious concerns over Fiji’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission process
The NGO Coalition on Human Rights (NGOCHR) is concerned at the current processes and outcomes unfolding under Fiji’s Truth and Reconciliation ...
14 hours ago

People in Northern Division prepare as tropical disturbance nears Fiji
People in the Northern Division are preparing as a tropical disturbance located near the Solomon Islands continues to move closer to Fiji and is ...
16 hours ago

‘Zootopia 2’ crosses US$1 billion globally
“Zootopia 2” is racing past US$1 billion globally after 17 days of release, becoming the fastest PG film to ever cross the coveted box office ...
17 hours ago

Canada reaffirms Pacific commitment with launch of Fiji Assistive Technology Hub
The Government of Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to the Pacific with the launch of Fiji’s National Assistive Technology Hub in Suva.The ...
17 hours ago

SODELPA expresses shock after FICAC charge Tanya Waqanika
The Social Democratic Liberal Party says they are shocked that one of their former party members has been charged by FICAC for allegedly opposing ...
18 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Sonia Shanaaz says silent treatment hurts as she waits for assistance for her daughter with cerebral palsy
Sonia Shanaaz, the mother of 10-year-old Aarna who was born with cerebral palsy, says silent treatment hurts after she reached out to the ...
2 days ago

I do not support police officers being charged on public opinions and without evidence - COMPOL
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu says he will stand by his officers, and he does not support any officer being charged based on public opinion ...
2 days ago

Dubai 7s 2025
The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s side are working on their fitness as they prepare for the start of the 2025/2026 World 7s Series this ...
6 days ago

TOP