CSOs raise concerns over proposed tax hikes, retirement funds
On the eve of the first budget of Fiji’s coalition government, civil society organisations say they are disappointed with World Bank recommendations to phase out support for the sugar sector and increase taxation.
Illegal narcotics and meth use among youths a concern in Fiji
When Fiji’s Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua pointed out last year that the use and distribution of hard drugs had spiraled out of control and was a far bigger disaster than climate change, he was not
France not seeking to ‘fuel competition’ in region
France’s Ambassador for the Indo-Pacific says the Indo-Pacific Strategy should not fuel further strategic competition in the region. During a recent visit to Fiji, Ambassador Marc Abensour said while there is great
Japan’s decision to discharge radioactive waste water into Pacific ‘unconscionable’
Japan’s plan to discharge radioactive waste water into the Pacific has been described by Acting Forum Secretary General Dr Filimon Manoni ‘unconscionable’. Dr Manoni made the remarks at the World Ocean Day
Solomon Islands and Fiji to enter bilateral security agreement
Solomon Islands will soon engage in a bilateral security agreement with the Republic of Fiji as part of efforts to fill the gaps in its security space. The Framework would allow the country to broaden and enhance its
Cassie Siataga inspires Samoa to first Oceania crown
Cassie Siataga held her nerve to kick Samoa to a dramatic 19-18 victory against Fiji that secured a first ever Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship title and their place in WXV 2. Following an epic decider on
Futsal the perfect tool for aspiring footballers: Roy Krishna
Roy Krishna was back in Fiji recently, helping promote futsal and its benefits for young football
Fiji appoints 11 new Permanent Secretaries
Eleven new permanent secretaries have been officially appointed by Luke Rokovada, Chair of the Fiji Public Service Commission. Dr Andrew Tukana, who has been appointed Permanent Secretary Agriculture and
Kalekana Powerpuff Kids’ Club: Improving the lives of young Fijians
Like many of Fiji’s informal communities and settlements, when many people hear the name ‘Kalekana’, they associate it with drugs, crime and poverty. Yet, a group of dedicated youths are working on
ASPA’s new broom
But regional airline challenges remain David Tohi is a new broom at the Association of South Pacific Airlines (ASPA). While he takes over from Fiji’s George Faktaufon, who spent more than 30 years as ASPA Chief
Fiji Airways’ A350-degree turn
Fiji Airways’ Executive Manager Global Sales expects the airline will carry one million passengers on its flights this year. Akuila Batiweti says while this is the airline’s 2024 target, he is optimistic
How are Pacific government-owned airlines performing?
Throwing good money after bad? An expert on State Owned Enterprises with the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Private Sector Development Initiative, Christopher Russell says the Samoan government’s experience with
Cyber Food Fiji: From near defeat to survival
Technology has provided a fair share of both challenges and opportunities for Majid Shahzad, CEO and Founder of Cyber Food Fiji. When he started the business in 2018, Shahzad had just one vehicle, three partner
Digitising without data
Pacific policy makers need support A recent United Nations report on the Digital Economy has recommended the formation of an ‘Institute for Pacific Digital Economies’ in one of the region’s universities to track
Chief is more than just a title, Fiji President tells the GCC
You are here for your people, says Fiji President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere. While addressing the members of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC), Ratu Wiliame says that, as chiefs, the council should provide the best
Argentina win in London 7s
Argentina won their third gold medal of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series 2023, beating Fiji 35-14 in the Cup final at Twickenham on Sunday. Fiji opened the scoring in the final but lost Josese Batirerega to a
Great Council of Chiefs meet on Wednesday
The iTaukei Trust Fund has spent FJ$286,000 to prepare for the two-day Great Council of Chiefs meeting which begins in Bau on Wednesday. Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu, said, “The iTaukei Trust Fund
Naivilaca Peace Village cements its place in history
Yesterday marked a special day for the descendants of the Girmityas in Fiji as they commemorated not only the shared pain of their history, but also the deep friendship that they share with indigenous Fijians. In a
A lasting legacy: Tui Kamikamica’s ultimate gift to family
To the untrained eye they are just hills, but to Tui Kamikamica they are the ticket to building generational wealth for his family. It’s here in the place the Storm front-rower was raised, on an island made up of
The Dixmude visits Suva port
It has been 22 years since France did a circumnavigation training around the world, and yesterday a vessel undertaking this exercise docked at the Suva harbour with the aim of strengthening regional partnerships and
Pacific feminists: Doing work that matters
More than 150 feminists, women’s rights defenders and human rights activists from 20 countries in the Pacific region are sharing, learning and strategising at the 3rd Pacific Feminist Forum (PFF) this week. The
Comparing media law in Fiji and PNG
This piece is the third in a series that addresses media freedom in Papua New Guinea. In this part, the authors compare a media law that was in place in Fiji for years with a proposed media policy in PNG this year.
Trade fragmentation risks 5% GDP reduction, WTO warns
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) warns members, including Fiji and the Pacific, of the risks of trade fragmentation. The WTO forecasts that fragmentation will likely reduce long-term global Gross Domestic Product