News
-
Fiji Council Chief Demands Tougher Laws and Penalties for Illegal Dumping
Illegal dumping is rising, and calls for tougher penalties and criminalising the practice are growing across Fiji. Leaders argue current fines aren’t deterring waste and that non-residents exploiting local bins are making cleanups harder for communities. As reform debates heat up ahead of local elections, residents wonder what tougher rules could mean for their towns.
-
Education Ministry Overhauls Policies to Strengthen Schools
– A sweeping policy overhaul aims to modernize school operations with clearer guidelines, stronger accountability, and a renewed focus on safe, student-centered learning. – Updated education frameworks promise to fix long-standing gaps in school operations, paving the way for more consistent practices and safer, more student-focused classrooms. – Major reforms are reshaping how schools operate,…
-
Counterstroke Fiji Sparks a New Stroke Prevention Push
Momentum in stroke prevention grew this year, with caregiver training, public awareness efforts, and a new NGO-government coalition. Survivor stories and lifestyle changes highlight a collective push toward early detection and healthier choices that can change lives.
-
Holiday Fire Safety: NFA Urges Simple Steps for a Safer Home
With the festive season in full swing, a recent house fire serves as a stark reminder to double-check home safety. Unplug unused electronics, secure hazardous items, and map out a clear escape plan—small steps that can prevent heartbreak during celebrations. A timely reminder to review your family’s fire safety habits.
-
Nasinu Waste Crisis: Illegal Dumping and Uncollected Bins Endangering Health
Overflowing bins and unbearable odors are turning a Nasinu neighborhood into a health concern. Residents blame outsiders for illegal dumping and damaged infrastructure, calling for tougher penalties and practical fixes like cement pads and surveillance. What happens next could determine the town’s ability to reclaim clean, safe public spaces.
-
Ministry Eyes New Shelters to Break the Youth Homelessness Cycle
A push to expand shelters and boost rehabilitation is underway as street homelessness and youth reintegration take center stage. Temporary housing is in place, with talks about a permanent center and potential Nadroga sites underway. Officials stress tackling root causes, strengthening families, and coordinating with authorities to curb violence—foreshadowing a sustained effort in the year…
-
Post-Mortem Awaited in Missing Teen Case as Community Seeks Answers
Tragedy rocks a quiet community as a teen’s disappearance ends in a heartbreaking discovery at Tamaivua-i-Wai. With a post-mortem pending and a family seeking answers, the search and its aftermath shape the ongoing investigation.
-
Fiji Expands Nighttime Enforcement Across Shops and Ports This Festive Season
Night-time enforcement is stepping up as the festive season unfolds, widening its reach from shops to seaports in a bid to safeguard shoppers and travelers. A behind-the-scenes push highlights a focus on fair pricing, product quality, and health and safety concerns—signaling stronger vigilance in everyday purchases and journeys.
-
Lami’s Millers Wharf Heist: Suspects Escape by Boat with Safe
An early-morning robbery at Millers Wharf spurred a sea‑fleeing escape after suspects overpowered a security guard and took a safe. One man is in custody as investigators review surveillance footage and press on for more leads. No injuries were reported, but the case is far from closed.
-
Bail Denied for Two Men in Suva Aggravated Robbery Case as Prosecution Seeks More Time
Two men charged with aggravated robbery were denied bail in Suva, as prosecutors are given time to file detailed arguments. The hearing touched on alibi claims and future education plans, with the case adjourned to January 16 and the accused remaining in remand.
-
Fiji’s New Year Road Safety Alert: Spike in Speeding and Drunk Driving
As New Year celebrations approach, a weekend surge in speeding and drunk driving grabs the headlines, prompting a stronger police presence on the roads. Authorities urge careful driving, shorter gaps between trips, and smart planning to keep everyone safe during the festivities.
-
The Day Lautoka Became Fiji’s Second City
1976 marked a turning point for Lautoka, named Fiji’s second city amid celebrations by residents and leaders alike. The milestone hinted at rapid growth—from expanding roads to a swelling population—launching Lautoka’s evolution as a regional hub.
-
Namaka Missing Drug Exhibits: Investigation Still Open, Police Say
Namaka’s missing drug exhibits case is not closed — police say the investigation remains active and has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for independent legal advice. With misinformation spreading online, officers urge responsible, verified sharing of information.
-
Vuniyasi Bridge Collapse Leaves 2,000 Stranded as Fiji Delays Replacement
Nearly a year after a wooden bridge collapsed into the Vuniyasi River, thousands must endure longer, costlier trips to access school, markets, and work. With the site unattended and safety concerns rising, residents await a durable, climate-resilient replacement as talks and timelines stretch on.
-
Fiji’s Suva Court weighs joint trial in eight-suspect drug raid case
Eight suspects linked to a wave of drug-related activity await a pivotal court decision on whether their cases should be heard together. The Defence argues for separate hearings due to complexity, while the State pushes for consolidation to improve efficiency. With a January 14 hearing looming, the ruling could shape how such prosecutions unfold.
-
Tragic Discovery in Missing Teen Case Sparks Investigation
Tragedy hits Tamavua-i-Wai as investigators probe the disappearance of a 15-year-old boy who was last seen on Christmas Eve. A grim discovery in a plantation has sparked a police inquiry and a community desperate for answers in the days ahead.
-
FICAC Emphasizes Integrity as Fiji Expands Evidence-Based Anti-Corruption Drive
FICAC closes 2025 with a renewed commitment to fairness, independence, and evidence-based decision making. A measured approach to investigations, prosecutions, and ongoing public education signals a push toward greater transparency in Fiji.
-
FICAC Defends Independence Amid Scrutiny
FICAC’s independence is under the spotlight as Commissioner Lavi Rokoika asserts the agency is not weaponised and relies on layered internal checks. She stresses that decisions aren’t dictated by government or Parliament, but guided by robust procedures and impartial reviews—even as questions about her own appointment unfold in court.
-
Papua New Guinea Launches Bold Anti-Corruption Push With New Laws and UN Partnerships
Papua New Guinea is stepping up its anti-corruption drive with tougher laws, stronger whistleblower protections, and an updated AML/CTF framework. The government is leaning on civil society and international partners to drive data-informed reforms across government and the judiciary. With UNODC collaboration on the horizon, the move signals a sharper push toward transparent, accountable governance.
-
Fiji Court Adjourns Domestic Murder Case as Prosecution Review Begins
In Suva, a domestic dispute case hit a pause as the case file awaits legal opinion and state counsel was not present. A 14-day adjournment pushes the timeline forward, with January 14 set for the next developments.
-
Missing Teen Case Sparks Community Vigilance in Suva
Heartbreak grips a tight-knit community as a teen who vanished on Christmas Eve is found dead. Investigators say the circumstances are still unfolding, with families left seeking answers and support in the wake of the tragedy.
-
Wailoku Robbery: Three Juveniles Charged, to Appear at Suva Magistrates Court
Three juveniles, ages 16 and 17, have been charged in connection with an aggravated robbery in Wailoku, with theft also listed. As investigations continue, the trio are set to appear before the Suva Magistrates Court, highlighting a broader push on youth accountability.
-
Three Teens Charged in Wailoku Aggravated Robbery, Court Appearance Set
Three youths tied to an aggravated robbery in Wailoku were arrested as the Southern Division Taskforce steps up its crime-fighting efforts. With aggravated robbery and theft charges, the teens are due in court, highlighting ongoing measures to keep the community safe.
-
Viber Messages Probe Goes Global as Forensics Move into Financial Phase
An ongoing probe advances into its second phase, widening the scope from digital forensics to financial networks and service providers. With international partners on board, the multi-agency effort signals intensified scrutiny and upcoming milestones that could reshape the case.
-
Viber Message Probe Expands to Banks in International Police Cooperation
Phase two of the investigation into the verification of Viber messages widens its scope beyond digital forensics to include financial records and service providers. Cross-border cooperation remains central as overseas testimony and international partners come into play. Authorities pledge a thorough, transparent process in pursuit of the truth.
-
Masked Robbery at Suva’s Millers’ Wharf Leaves Guard Terrified
An early-morning raid at Suva’s Millers’ Wharf left a security guard terrified and shaken. Masked intruders, a knife, and a tense stand-off mark an unfolding investigation, with an arrest already linked to the case.
-
Missing Fiji Teen: Tragic Discovery Prompts Police Investigation
Tragedy touches a close-knit community as a 15-year-old’s disappearance ends with the discovery of his body. Authorities say the investigation is just beginning, leaving loved ones and neighbors searching for answers.
-
Fiji Public Transport Under Scrutiny as Consumer Council Demands Stricter Standards
Fiji’s public transport is under the spotlight as rider experiences come under fire. Riders report cash-only pressures, rude driver behavior, and cramped, poorly ventilated buses. Regulators are pushing for tougher rules to raise service standards and restore trust on every trip.
-
Fiji Targets Long-Term Clean Water for Remote Communities
Water shortages in maritime and rural communities are prompting a government-driven push for durable, long-term solutions. A coordinated, cross-department effort is underway to assess needs and outline steps toward reliable access to clean drinking water for remote areas.
-
Fiji Methodist Church Urges Grassroots Push to Curb Holiday Violence
Fiji’s Methodist Church is urging leaders to take a proactive, community-first approach to curb festive-season violence—engaging beyond the pulpit. The focus is on restoring the true spirit of holidays—love, reconciliation, and mutual respect—through stronger collaboration among churches, government, and communities. A major outreach push planned for 2026 aims to strengthen families and communities across the…