Fiji’s PS Konrote resigns
The most senior civil servant in Fiji’s Ministry of Economy, Makereta Konrote, has resigned from the post. Konrote’s resignation comes at a critical time, as Fiji’s Minister of Economy remains in Singapore for
Administrator
Fiji Business briefs: Pasifika Heartbeat, trade expos
Fiji’s Minister for Economy says there will no civil service pay cuts. Speaking from Singapore during an online budget consultation, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the government’s wage bill is $1.1 billion (US$500
Filipino seafarers’ fate to be discussed today
Officials from Fiji’s Labour and Immigration departments and Goundar Shipping are reportedly meeting today to discuss the status of three Filipino seamen who claim they have been abandoned by their employer, and are
Fiji business briefs: Reserve Bank outlook, Fiji TV, childcare opportunity costs
The Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor says Fiji could see a marginal economic recovery if borders open towards the end of the year. Ariff Ali says economic recovery will depend on fiscal support provided by the government
We Say: Learning from regionalism’s success stories
Ten years ago Islands Business named the PNA, an acronym for the parties to the Nauru Agreement, as our Pacific ‘Organisation of the Year’, a recognition previously only given to individuals. Given the events of the
Oh, the wonder of it all
Here in the West, I sometimes suffer from an occasional “mental lightening” shock – even on a perfect sunny day. Most often, the source of my mental distress is from “new Fiji’s” seat of power, Suva. In
Who is Henry Puna?
Who is Henry Puna? One vote – and a hundred million, or so, in unaudited assets. Few candidates have as slim a mandate as the new Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum. Just one vote separated him from
“We trust the results, we just don’t like them”
In 1971, the leaders of five independent island nations established the South Pacific Forum, with support from Australia and New Zealand. They wanted to talk about political issues like nuclear testing,
Can USP survive its latest troubles?
Will Fiji emerge victorious in the prolonged leadership dispute at the regional university it co-owns with eleven other Pacific island nations? This was the question many were asking after the February 16 meeting of the
Palau’s new President takes a strong stance vs China
China has emerged as one of the key players in the Pacific region and at the changing of the guard of Palau’s leadership in January, new President, Surangel Whipps Jr. was expected to concentrate on the pandemic
Sailing into the future: the decarbonisation agenda
Pacific Island nations risk being left behind in the race to decarbonise the shipping industry, despite leading the way on this issue at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Dr Peter Nuttall, who is the
Boosting the Pacific Aid for Trade Strategy
February 2021 marks the first anniversary of the endorsement of the Pacific Aid for Trade Strategy (PAfTS 2020-2025). It was not the first strategy of its type for Pacific regionalism. Clearly, it is too early to make
Obese? Fat? No!
In early 2014, a group of ‘fairly decent’ runners living and working out of Fiji’s capital, Suva decided to pursue the idea of creating a platform to promote marathon running for Pacific islanders, and to use it
Jewel of the Islands
The Maria Daulato kei Jisu Na Gone Sau mai Nasareci (Immaculate Maria and Jesus the Child King of Nazareth) is a masterpiece in mosaic depicting Mother Mary and the child Jesus. The magnificent mural is the first of its
Fiji business briefs: Port Denarau Marina, Lautoka Port, BSP Convertible notes
The United States is contributing US$2 million (FJ$4.07 million) to the Pacific Financial Technical Assistance Center (PFTAC). First established in 1993 to promote macro-financial stability in the Pacific island
No Chinese base for Fiji land
Fears of a Chinese military base at the Kiribati Government land near Savusavu on one of Fiji’s northern provinces have been laid to rest by the office of President Tenati Maamau. “The [Kiribati] Government
Kayboy perseveres through COVID
“Roots and culture is so vital and important for myself personally,” says Kayboy, a popular young Solomon Islands musician. “I pay homage to my culture and traditions. Blending traditional chants and dialects with
Fiji Business Briefs: Fiji Kava, Survivor, FNPF, Fiji Airways
Fiji Kava has released its half year financial results (for the six months ending 31 December 2020) and it reports revenue of A$496,379 for the period, up 111% on the previous six months. Fiji Kava reported a statutory