News
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Fiji Plans New National Hospital as CWMH Upgrades Under Way
Fiji’s Colonial War Memorial Hospital sits at a crossroads, with urgent fixes needed today and a bold vision for a new national hospital on the horizon. Backed by international partners, a roadmap is set to modernize care while keeping services running now, signaling a major shift for regional healthcare. Progress will unfold over time.
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Fiji Warns Developers Over Bird Strikes Near Airports
Developers near Fiji’s airports are facing stricter rules as authorities tackle a rising risk of bird strikes. With aviation safety and tourism growth at stake, new habitat management and community education efforts are reshaping how areas around runways are developed.
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Two-Way Fence to Fiji’s Healing: Nun’s Reconciliation Call
One nun’s bold call for reconciliation shines a hopeful light on Fiji’s difficult past. Through personal stories and a courageous gesture toward forgiveness, she highlights a two-way path where victims and those who harmed must walk together. Her message of truth-telling and mutual healing invites readers to reflect on healing and unity.
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Fiji eyes new passenger compensation scheme for boating incidents
Fiji is eyeing a new passenger‑focused maritime compensation scheme to extend coverage beyond workers. The plan, still in early stages and guided by international best practices, will involve nationwide consultations that could reshape how boating incidents are compensated.
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Fiji Unveils Rural Water Master Plan Targeting 2030 SDG6
Fiji is rolling out a first-ever Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Master Plan, a milestone aimed at universal access to clean water and safe sanitation by 2030. Backed by UNICEF, the plan outlines village upgrades, expanded rural and maritime access, and resilient, climate-smart solutions. Leaders emphasize equity, community well-being, and a long-term roadmap that could…
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Investigation Underway After Fiji Boat Tragedy Off Lautoka Leaves Several Missing
A tragic maritime incident off Lautoka has authorities launching a joint probe after a small fishing boat with five on board vanished after dusk. A survivor reached shore with limited details as search efforts continue and a vessel is recovered. As investigators sift through what happened, the focus shifts to safety at sea and preventing…
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Fiji Unveils Two-Phase Plan to Modernize Rural Water and Sanitation Backed by Climate Resilience Fund
Fiji is rolling out a Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Plan aimed at delivering safer, more reliable water and sanitation to rural communities. The two-phase strategy emphasizes sustainable infrastructure, climate resilience, and smarter, data-driven planning, underpinned by stronger collaboration across government, communities, and partners. As the plan unfolds, it points to a future with better-maintained…
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Thanksgiving Travel Goes Ground as Buses and Trains Surge Over Flights
Thanksgiving travel is taking an unexpected turn as air disruptions leave many travelers frustrated. More people are opting for buses and trains, seeking flexible, affordable ways to reach loved ones. The shift could signal a lasting change in how families move during the holidays.
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Fiji Drug Crackdown Widens After Brazil-Bound Cocaine Package Intercepted
A local business leader finds himself at the center of a high-stakes drug case, amid a nationwide push to crack down on trafficking. Investigators point to a cleverly disguised shipment that triggered a major sting, signaling that the crackdown on organized crime is only intensifying as legal proceedings unfold.
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Fiji pushes for fair, grant-based climate finance at COP30
Fiji is pressing for a fairer, faster climate-finance system at COP30, urging grants and concessional funding tailored to the needs of small island nations. In high-level talks with global leaders, the push highlights widening gaps and a demand for reforms to restore credibility in the climate-finance architecture. With Pacific voices calling for equity and practicality,…
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Prime Minister’s compound trespass sparks security scrutiny
Security at the Prime Minister’s official compound is under fresh scrutiny after a local sau turaga trespassed during a dispute over mataqali status. With sentencing looming, the case raises questions about protecting government sites and addressing community grievances.
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Fiji Corrections Service Health Controversy Sparks Investigation Calls
Fresh scrutiny into Fiji’s Corrections healthcare raises questions about role boundaries, ethics, and oversight. As inquiries unfold, concerns grow about transparency, accountability, and the impact on inmate health—and what reforms might lie ahead.
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Fiji’s Human Rights Commission Seeks Independent Panel to Regain UN-Standard Status
Fiji’s rights commission is stepping up reforms to protect its independence and restore credibility. A proposal for an independent recruitment panel could redefine how commissioners are chosen, signaling a shift toward international standards and renewed public trust.
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Fiji Exam Papers Stolen as Ministry Probes Security Breach
An alarming security breach at a Fiji school has raised questions about how national exam materials are stored. Investigations are underway as officials review procedures and strengthen safeguards, while exams stay on schedule. The incident highlights growing concerns about safety in educational settings and the need for robust protective measures for student assessments.
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Fiji Schools on Alert as Break-Ins and Exam Paper Thefts Prompt Security Push
An investigation is underway after a theft of Year 12 exam papers and recent school break-ins sparked growing security concerns. As officials urge stronger safeguards—from security staff to routine checks—the community weighs how best to protect students and learning spaces.
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Fiji vows crackdown after violence against civil servants
Acting Prime Minister Filimoni Vosarogo issues a firm warning after violence against government officials in Vusasivo, underscoring that harming civil servants is entirely unacceptable. The message signals police action and stronger protections for those serving the community, including nurses and teachers who continue to face harassment. A powerful call to respect public service and safeguard…
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Hope Rises as Search Intensifies for Two Missing Fishermen Off Lautoka near Vio Island
Hope lingers as search teams race against time after a weekend fishing trip off Lautoka ended in tragedy. A survivor’s account and the families’ vigil underscore a community rallying for answers as cyclone season approaches.
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Fiji Mulls Tougher Driver Rules as Road Fatalities Climb
Fiji is facing a troubling rise in road deaths, sparking talk of sweeping reforms to driver licensing, testing, and penalties for reckless driving. With officials signaling tougher rules and enhanced enforcement, the push aims to redefine road safety across the nation.
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New bill could let GOP senators sue DOJ over subpoenaed phone records in Jan. 6 probe
A new bill aimed at ending the longest U.S. government shutdown also sparks a high-stakes clash over lawmakers’ privacy. It could let eight Republican senators pursue sizable damages over subpoenas of their phone records tied to the January 6 investigations, raising big questions about accountability and power.
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Fiji Readies Immigration Overhaul to Modernize System and Boost Security
Fiji is moving to overhaul its immigration framework, promising clearer policies, enhanced security, and a more humane approach to migration. A collaborative review with international partners signals a modern, efficient system designed to reflect local values while embracing global best practices.
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Fiji Eyes Stricter Traffic Laws as Road Fatalities Climb
Rising road deaths are prompting a push for tougher road-use laws, including stricter testing and harsher penalties. Tragedies in Tavua and Namadi Heights have sharpened calls for a comprehensive road-safety framework and greater accountability behind the wheel. Driving is a privilege, not a right—an idea guiding proposed actions to protect lives on Fiji’s roads.
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Pacific Farmers Rally for Direct Climate Funds at COP30
Pacific farmer-leaders head to COP 30 with a bold plea: financing must reach the farmers and frontline communities already feeling the climate pinch. With access hurdles and a widening funding gap, resilience—and cultural heritage—are on the line. A new push for direct, farmer-led funding could reshape the region’s food security.
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Fiji Police Hunt Suspects After Attack on Government Officials in Vusasivo Village
An unsettling assault in a Fiji village has police chasing suspects as investigators piece together what happened after a roadway incident involving a government vehicle. With several victims treated and a broader push to curb violence underway, authorities stress vigilance as the case unfolds.
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Fiji Burial Space Crunch Sparks Cremation Trend Amid Urban Growth
Burial space in Suva and Nasinu is nearing capacity, sparking urgent questions about land, values, and the future of end-of-life planning. With landowners wary of nearby plots and existing cemeteries filling up, authorities are weighing new burial sites and sustainable options. A rising acceptance of cremation and the push for modern crematoriums signal a shift…
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Fiji Launches Cross-Border Tax Crimes Task Force to Strengthen Financial Integrity
Fiji is strengthening its financial watchdogs with a new multi-agency task force designed to protect whistleblowers and boost cross-border investigations. A recent agreement is set to accelerate collaboration, expand enforcement capacity, and guide tax reforms to keep pace with global standards.
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Fiji Eyes Namosi Burial Site as Urban Cemeteries Run Out of Space
With urban cemeteries nearing capacity, Fiji eyes a potential new burial site in Namosi as it rethinks end‑of‑life planning. A growing shift toward cremation—bolstered by new gas crematoriums and regulatory updates—could redefine how communities honor loved ones, balancing cost, logistics, and tradition.
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Fiji Labour Inspectors Cleared as Amendments to the Employment Relations Act Fuel Debate
Fiji’s Labour Ministry pushes back against claims of targeted inspections, insisting the checks were routine and lawful. An inspection report reportedly flagged breaches in wage records and missing wage statements, intensifying the debate over proposed Employment Relations Act amendments and the balance between worker protections and business needs.
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Fiji tribunal probes nepotism claims in Corrections Service appointment
A high-stakes tribunal probes alleged nepotism in Fiji’s Corrections Service, focusing on a senior official’s involvement in his wife’s appointment. As testimonies unfold, the case could signal broader questions about transparency and governance.
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Fiji Ministry Denies Bias in Labor Inspection, Orders 30-Day Fix for Wage Records
Fiji’s labor authorities defend a recent routine inspection amid bias allegations, noting wage-record breaches at an employer and a 30-day remediation window. With employment law reform debates intensifying, the episode underscores the ongoing balance between workers’ rights and business realities.
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Tailevu landowner to face trial over alleged unlawful land lease payments
Tailevu landowner Mosese Ranavue heads to trial over allegations of unlawfully demanding payments for land leases. A magistrate found enough evidence for one charge while clearing another, highlighting ongoing concerns about land rights, governance, and accountability in lease dealings.