News
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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.
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Intrusion at Prime Minister’s Compound Sparks Security Debate
An unauthorized entry into the Prime Minister’s compound kicks off a courtroom drama centered on security, intent, and due process. As sentencing looms, the case renews debates over safeguarding government sites and public trust.
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Fiji Announces $200 Back-to-School Aid for Families
Fiji’s popular back-to-school aid returns, offering a $200 boost to families for uniforms, shoes, bags, and essentials. With income-based eligibility and broad coverage, this program aims to ease the jump into a new academic year for thousands of students.
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From Roadside Stall to Mr. Friendly North: A Leader Who Keeps His Roots
From a roadside barbecue stall to wearing the crown, Tucibi Matavesi’s journey blends ambition with family values and a bold drug-free mission. At 19, he balances responsibilities with dreams of leadership built on empathy and action. A story about staying true to roots while aiming high.
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Supreme Court declines to overturn Obergefell, upholding same-sex marriage nationwide
The Supreme Court has refused to overturn the Obergefell ruling, keeping same-sex marriage protected nationwide. The decision preserves a landmark civil rights milestone while ongoing debates over religious liberty and personal beliefs continue to unfold.
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Fiji Police Modernization Gets Australian Infrastructure Boost
Fiji steps into a new era of police facility upgrades as an AFP Infrastructure Team visits to map out a comprehensive modernization plan. From a proposed Suva Police Headquarters to critical stations like Totogo, the assessment promises upgraded workspaces, sharper capabilities, and deeper regional security cooperation across the Pacific.
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Facts, Not Rumors: Fiji Plans Long-Term Reforms for CWM Hospital
Fiji’s health debate heats up as leaders call for facts over rumors about CWM Hospital and the road to lasting reform. Acknowledging challenges, officials promise patient, credible progress and a renewed commitment to improving healthcare for all.
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Fiji’s Second-Largest Meth Bust Sparks Bail Battle
In Fiji, a high-stakes drug case tests the balance between safeguarding public safety and personal circumstances. With a crucial bail decision looming, the crackdown highlights intense courtroom dynamics and the drive to curb trafficking.
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Wizard of Oz Wicked Witch’s Hat Goes Up for Auction
An iconic Wicked Witch hat and a trove of Wizard of Oz memorabilia head to auction, offering a rare peek into the film’s enduring magic. The collection hints at the nostalgia and fascination that keep this classic in the limelight.
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Trump threatens legal action over BBC Panorama edit
A leaked memo questions a Panorama edit and has sparked a crisis at the BBC, with resignations and looming legal threats from Donald Trump. As scrutiny of impartiality deepens, the future direction of the broadcaster’s leadership and editorial standards hangs in the balance.
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Fiji Corrections Doctor Alleges Unjust Dismissal After Racism Complaint, Tribunal Probes Case
Dr. Rayvan Singh, a former Fiji Corrections Service medical officer, says his January 2025 dismissal followed his report of a racist email from a supervisor. Now before a tribunal, the case raises urgent questions about whistleblower protections, potential conflicts of interest, and ethics in public service.
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Teen Queen Uses Vodafone Sugar Festival Spotlight to Tackle NCDs and Drug Awareness
Seventeen-year-old Adi Bose Vakaturaga steps onto the Vodafone Sugar Festival stage with a mission beyond crowns—spotlighting non-communicable diseases and the link to drug awareness. Rooted in Yasawa, she’s turning a pageant platform into a powerful call for change and community support.
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Nun’s Letter Ignites Fresh Look at Fiji’s 1987 Coup and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
An intimate recount from Fiji’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission traces a nun’s eyewitness journey through a defining moment of 1987. From Savusavu to Suva, and a bold letter that sparked a tense exchange, the testimony touches on faith, courage, and the long road to healing. Voices across the country weigh in on the past, shaping…
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Fiji’s Bainimarama Trial Delayed by Disclosure Setback
Delays over critical disclosures have thrust a high-profile Fiji trial into the spotlight, with questions of procedure and fairness hanging in the balance. Prosecutors call the hiccup an honest oversight, while the defense seeks clarity as a ruling approaches. The decision could shape public confidence in governance and accountability.
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Second Suspect Arrested in Aggravated Taxi Driver Robbery Case
Police have announced the arrest of a second suspect in a September taxi-driver robbery, with investigations ongoing. The case has sharpened concerns about community safety, as authorities say all those involved are being pursued and public vigilance remains key.
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Police Probe After Youth Attack on Officials Sparks Community Safety Push
An active investigation is underway after a group of youths allegedly attacked officials and damaged a vehicle, sparking renewed concerns about public safety. As investigators seek answers, leaders stress accountability and the importance of community cooperation. The case highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen trust between residents and the police.
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Fiji Approves Mangrove Clearance for Nokonoko Project Under Safeguards
Fiji is weighing a transformative coastal project that promises growth and new opportunities while pledging strong environmental safeguards. As communities weigh the trade-offs, the plan could redefine the region’s future—testing how progress and preservation can coexist.
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Lautoka Missing Trio Sparks Safety Calls Near Covuli Reef
A tense search is underway off Lautoka after a boat capsized near Covuli Reef, leaving loved ones waiting for word. As the community rallies and safety concerns grow with cyclone season looming, voices call for renewed vigilance on the water. A sobering reminder of the risks at sea, and the resilience of those awaiting news.
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Viral robbery footage sparks Fiji arrest as police hunt second suspect
A man linked to a viral aggravated robbery has been charged and remanded, while a second suspect remains at large. As investigators press on, the community awaits updates and the promise of accountability and safer streets.
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Fiji Rolls Out Relief for Cane Growers After Rarawai Mill Fire
Fire at the Rarawai Mill is testing Fiji’s sugar supply chain, but a coordinated response aims to keep cane moving. Financial relief, logistics support, and new harvesting options are being rolled out to shield farmers and sustain the industry. The push signals strong momentum to stabilise production and protect livelihoods amid the setback.
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Storm Wrecks Fishing Trip Off Lautoka: One Dead, Three Missing
Tragedy struck off Lautoka’s coast as a fishing trip ended in loss: one man dead and three others missing, including a seven-year-old boy, after a sudden storm capsized their boat. Rescue crews, aided by local boats and families, continue the search through challenging seas ahead of cyclone season.
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Fiji Tightens Rules to Protect Foreign Workers from Exploitation
Fiji launches a major crackdown to curb exploitation of foreign workers, with immigration and labor authorities tightening checks and closing loopholes. As safeguards around contracts, housing, and wages tighten, communities are urged to stay vigilant and report signs of abuse.
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Fiji FCCC Expands Pharmacy Oversight Under Price Controls
Fiji’s competition watchdog is stepping up oversight of pharmacies, promising sharper pricing checks and fair play for consumers. With new pricing rules and tougher licensing and merger oversight, regulators signal a more transparent market focused on keeping essential medicines affordable as the economy evolves. A proactive push to protect consumer rights is taking shape.
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Fiji unions push tougher enforcement in Employment Relations Bill 2025 to curb wage theft
Unions in Fiji are pressing for tougher enforcement and stiffer penalties to curb wage theft and exploitative practices. New proposals to expand labor tribunals and tighten short-term contracts promise a shift toward fairer, more accountable workplaces.
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Fiji Tax Crimes Taskforce Signs Cross-Agency MOU to Expand Crackdown
Fiji’s tax authorities are stepping up a multi‑agency crackdown with a landmark agreement that formalizes collaboration across key agencies. The move aims to boost information sharing, strengthen enforcement, and reinforce public trust in the tax system as investigations continue.
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Fiji LTA Urges Road Safety After Tavua Crash Highlights Speeding Risk
Tragedy on Fiji’s roads today spotlights a renewed push for safer driving. As authorities warn that speeding and reckless behavior are fueling fatalities, the call for vigilance and responsibility behind the wheel grows louder.
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Fiji Sets Sights on Immigration Reform to Tighten Borders
Fiji is preparing sweeping updates to its migration laws, promising a stronger border framework and streamlined citizenship processes. Built from nationwide consultations, the reforms aim to balance security with fair, practical migration rules and close enforcement gaps.