China surprised by Fiji move
China was surprised when the new Fijian Government scrapped the deal between the Chinese police and their own police force. Chinese Government Special Envoy for Pacific Island Countries Qian Bo told the Samoa Observer
Fiji
Australia would be smart to recruit soldiers in the Pacific, former Fijian British Army officer explains
Fiji has a track record of service to the British crown. Travel to Hereford, where the Special Air Service is based, and you will find a statue of Sergeant Talaiasi Labalaba, who was one of the 212 Fijians who joined
Tax the rich, not the poor: former RBF governor Narube
Unity Party leader, Savenaca Narube, is concerned that proposed goods tax increases punishes the people for the sins of the previous government. The former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji says a proposed
Fiji Economic Summit: Balancing inclusivity and realpolitik
The first Fiji Economic Summit in 16 years has produced a substantial list of suggestions and requests from industry, community and political participants, which they hope will inform the upcoming national budget, and
The Pacific’s nursing crisis
'An unprecedented shortage' Pacific Heads of Health have heard that the shortage of skilled nurses in the region is “unprecedented and poses a threat to the stability, accessibility and quality of essential care
Fiji tuna symposium considers industry’s future
Ten years ago, Suva port was one of the region’s most preferred ports for foreign vessels fishing in the western and central Pacific ocean, says the president of the Fiji Fishing Industry Association (FFIA). Speaking
PALM departures: 147 workers bound for aged care, horticulture and other jobs
Last week, 147 Fijians underwent pre-departure training prior to working in Australia, amongst them, 56-year-old Ema Navunisaravi, who is going as carer to Western Australia. She says looking after the vulnerable in the
WHO dismisses Fijian senior official after sexual misconduct accusations
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has dismissed Dr Temo Waqanivalu, a senior official accused of three separate instances of sexual misconduct over five years. “Dr Temo Waqanivalu has been dismissed from WHO
Indigenous Fijian funerals adapted to balance culture and survival
Like others across the world, indigenous Fijians (known as iTaukei) in Fiji are facing increased pressure to honor their loved ones with a memorable funeral that can become costly. A team of interdisciplinary
Consider a sporting academy for para-athletes: Bolaira
As the Paralympics 2024 draw near, a National Council for Persons with Disabilities committee member has suggested a sporting academy be established to improve inclusion and participation for members of the community
‘No entry’: Fiji government warns New Zealand criminal gangs
New Zealanders linked to criminal groups and trying to enter Fiji have been warned they will be turned away at the Fijian border. A Kiwi, with Fijian connections, was refused entry at Nadi Airport last week after border
England No. 8 Nathan Hughes sets sights on Fiji spot
Former England backrower Nathan Hughes may turn his career arc into a full circle if he is chosen to play for Fiji at this year’s Rugby World Cup. Hughes was born in Fiji, moved to New Zealand on a high school
ADB: 6.3% economic growth projected for Fiji
Growth in the South Pacific economy of Fiji is projected to reach 6.3% in 2023 and moderate to 3% in 2024, according to a new economic report released today by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The Asian Development
Solomon Airlines assists cyclone recovery, Fiji Airways’ advanced aircraft
Solomon Airlines Chief Executive Officer Gus Kraus has confirmed the national carrier has sent a De Havilland Twin Otter aircraft and operating crew, to assist Vanuatu’s recovery efforts following the devastation
PINA challenges Pacific countries to follow Fiji’s lead and repeal media legislation
The repeal of Fiji’s draconian media law, known as the Media Industry Development Authority (MIDA) Act 2010, should act as a signpost for other Pacific countries who have regulated their media through legislation.
Observer Group releases final report on Fiji’s 2022 General Election
The final report from the Multinational Observer Group (MOG) for the 2022 Fiji General Election has made 20 recommendations to the Government of Fiji on how to further improve the country’s electoral system, policies
First Drua double header at home ‘a success’
The first Drua double header at home was a tremendous success. The Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua took to the field first at the HFC Bank Stadium and they were quick to pounce on the Melbourne Rebels women right from the
USP graduation exemplifies excellence
Regional students share their experiences Over 1,786 tertiary students received their accreditation at the University of the South Pacific’s (USP) first graduation ceremony for 2023, with 61% of those graduating being
Seruiratu is new Fiji Opposition leader
Fiji’s new Opposition leader, Inia Seruiratu, has vowed that he will do his best to serve the people of Fiji. “I’m indeed honoured and privileged for this opportunity,” he said. “I’m here to serve all
Fisheries, health and an embassy for Vanuatu feature in U.S.-Pacific talks
The White House says a high-level U.S. delegation visit to Pacific Island nations this month was a demonstration of its commitment towards a free, open and resilient Indo-Pacific. The visits came amid concerns over
Longer timeframes in development
Short-term project cycles are failing island communities because it is not considerate of communities’ realities, and it does not allow for critical first steps like addressing complex systemic issues. We believe that
Taiwan gets back ‘Republic of China’ office name from Fiji
Taiwan’s government expressed its gratitude to Fiji on Tuesday for reinstating the old name of its representative office there, which includes the “Republic of China (ROC)” — Taiwan’s official
Growing insurance in the Pacific
A vibrant ‘insurance movement’ is “disrupting the historical status quo of insurance coverage access being largely confined to medium to high income urbanites,” says the General Secretary of the United Nations