We need art now more than ever
The cultural and creative sectors are among the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. For many artists in Fiji, this means many are relying on one meal a day and doing what they can to plant and grow food for
Fiji
View from the West
During times of national crisis, people look to their government for political leadership, meaningful financial and welfare assistance, and general reassurance. The COVID-19 pandemic might not be a war in the true sense
Struggling to study: USP’s regional students and lockdowns
Regional students studying at the University of the South Pacific’s Laucala campus in Fiji have had another difficult semester. The COVID-19 outbreak which began in April this year and has claimed over 150 lives has
Fiji real estate: A Buyer’s market
The pandemic has flattened Fiji’s real estate industry, with the Reserve Bank reporting that commercial bank lending to real estate had plummeted 31.3% (or F$24million) for the year ending March 2021. Similarly,
A view of Bill 17 of 2021
Earlier this month, the government, in the context of its annual budget process, introduced a Bill (“Bill 17”) to amend the iTaukei Land Trust Act (TLTA) – the “iTaukei Land Trust (Budget Amendment) Act,
USP’s regional students struggle to study
By Leila Parina Regional students studying at the University of the South Pacific’s Laucala campus in Fiji have had another difficult semester. The COVID-19 outbreak which began in April this year and has claimed over
A note from the editor
After more than two months and infinite patience on the part of voters, Samoa finally has a new Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa. We’re yet to see what Fiame’s ascendancy will mean for regional
Virtual leadership- a new norm?
By Dennis Rounds During times of national crisis, people look to their government for political leadership, meaningful financial and welfare assistance, and general reassurance. The COVID-19 pandemic might not be a war
Fiji real estate: A buyer’s market
By Samantha Magick The pandemic has flattened Fiji’s real estate industry, with the Reserve Bank reporting that commercial bank lending to real estate had plummeted 31.3% (or F$24million) for the year ending March
Pleass Global: Celebrating 25 years of innovation
Sponsored From supplying Fiji cinemas with frozen soft drinks 25 years ago, Pleass Global Limited has grown into a diverse company that is looking to new markets, new products and new opportunities. Co-founders
Mia Kami: Harnessing the power of music to decolonise the mind
By Rowena Singh “Performing is more than just me standing up and singing a song in front of people; it is a chance for me to share a vision and a mission,” says Tonga’s Mia Kami. Kami’s original songs are full
View from the West: High and dry in “new normal” Fiji
Here, in what some call the “burning West”, a pub with no beer is to some parched human throats what a dry river is to a herd of thirsty cattle. Due to COVID lockdowns, Fijians walked for close to two months in the
“When we stand together,we have the greatest voice”
Leaving her post after six years as Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Dame Meg Taylor spoke with Islands Business correspondent Nic Maclellan about the state of Pacific regionalism. Here are excerpts from
Little light on power sale
By Netani Rika With Fiji caught in the darkness of a descending cloud of COVID-19, its government has pushed through the sale of a large portion of the national energy company to a Japanese consortium. In its initial
Drue: The Fijian village caught between a rock and a hard place
By Ruben Vulawalu. Photos: Ethan Gabriel. In the Fijian village of Drue in Kadavu, locals face a life-changing decision: to remain at the mercy of the rising ocean, or move their entire community to higher ground.
Fast-tracking PICTA
By Ambassador Kaliopate Tavola The Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement (PICTA), having acquired ratification by signatory Pacific Island Countries (PICs), came into force in 2003. However, some 18 years later, the
Fiji Wins Gold in Tokyo: Mission Accomplished
Fiji’s flag is flying high again as the country’s men’s rugby 7s team successfully defended its gold medal after a thrilling final against old rugby rivals New Zealand last night. The nail biting encounter was a
Fiji and NZ to meet in 7s gold medal clash
New Zealand and Fiji will meet in the gold medal match of the men’s Olympic sevens tournament at Tokyo 2020 tonight. The Fiji 7s men’s team shrugged off an unwavering Argentina side this afternoon. Young Sireli
Fiji’s new budget: significant fiscal challenges
The task that the Fiji government has faced since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis has been challenging, involving difficult choices and adjustments. Despite rising case numbers and deaths, there is an obvious tension
Nine COVID-19 cases in Fiji travellers to NZ
Nine cases of COVID-19 have been detected among travellers from Fiji to New Zealand in the past week, a senior health official said. Fiji is grappling with a worsening Covid crisis, with over 15,686 people reported to
No progress on Fiji bubble until COVID is controlled: Australia
Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific says Australia will want to see COVID cases under control in Fiji before any commitment can be made on a travel bubble. When Fiji’s Minister for
Fiji’s Vuniwaqa vies for top UN Women job
Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Mereseini Vuniwaqa has applied to be the new executive director of UN Women, the United Nations agency dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of
Fiji, the World Bank and debt
When Fiji’s Minister for Economy delivers his budget address this evening many eyes will be on figures around the country’s debt-to GDP ratios. This week, Pacific Islands Forum Economic Ministers were preoccupied
