News
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Fiji Unveils 2025–2029 Justice Roadmap to Restore Access to Law
Behind Fiji’s doors, a stubborn barrier keeps justice out of reach for many. A new national reform roadmap aims to tackle fragmentation, outdated laws, and complex processes—laying out seven pillars to modernize courts, policing, and legal services. It’s a candid look at gaps and a hopeful push to restore trust in the justice system.
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Fiji E-Ticket Rollout Sparks Backlash as Commuters Demand Cash Option
Frustrations are mounting as Fiji’s new e-ticketing rollout hits snags, with commuters reporting lost balances and transfer delays. As authorities seek fixes, riders weigh options and hope for a smoother, more reliable journey ahead.
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Bright Journey Brings Free Cataract Surgeries to Fiji
An international eye-care team returns to Fiji to continue the Bright Journey—a free cataract surgery program lifting the veil of blindness for communities across the islands. With lives restored and independence regained, the initiative highlights the transformative power of accessible eye health and global collaboration. Hope brightens as more patients await their turn.
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Die, My Love: Ramsay Delivers a Raw, Unsettling Look at Motherhood
An unvarnished, feral meditation on motherhood and marital strain, Lynne Ramsay’s Die, My Love unfolds in a rustic Montana home with a pulse that’s both intimate and turbulent. Jennifer Lawrence delivers a fearless, magnetizing performance that anchors a film built on raw psychological intensity and volatile dynamics. A bold, unsettling drama that lingers long after…
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Minister Defends Diaspora-Funded Fiji Day Trip Costs
Controversy over travel costs for a regional Fiji Day trip prompts a bold defense: the majority of expenses were funded by the Fijian community, not taxpayers. The minister stresses diaspora bonds and overseas workers’ economic impact as the visit forges closer homeland ties.
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Fiji Education Gets a Boost as eHub Donates School Furniture to FENC
Generous support is unlocking safer, after-school spaces for Fiji’s students. A new partnership is laying the groundwork for community learning centers that empower young minds across Year 1 to Year 13, fueling growth, focus, and positive futures.
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Fiji Police Training Aims to Strengthen Community Trust
Fiji’s Police Force kicks off a capacity-building program aimed at strengthening trust and community partnership. A 10-day training in Nabua centers on mentorship, networking, and empowerment, signaling a clear move toward deeper engagement and improved public safety.
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Fiji’s Ministry Shake-Up Sparks Civil Society Alarm Over Development Momentum
FCOSS raises alarms about a government restructuring that could derail key reforms for inclusive development and accountable governance. Splitting Finance from Strategic Planning is seen as breaking the momentum of evidence-based policymaking and ongoing NGO collaboration. As discussions unfold, advocates urge decisions that keep planning, funding, and delivery aligned to serve citizens.
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Manoa Kamikamica Appointed to Fiji Public Accounts Committee Amid Integrity Scrutiny
Manoa Kamikamica steps into a key role on Fiji’s Public Accounts Committee, signaling a fresh chapter in the island nation’s governance. With rising calls for transparency and accountability, the move points to notable shifts ahead.
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Australia’s under-16 social media ban could redefine online gaming
Australia’s plan to curb under-16 access to social platforms has gaming communities watching closely. But with key terms open to interpretation, experts warn a vague boundary could change how young players participate online—and what safety means in practice.
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Fiji Civil Society Warns Restructuring Could Undermine Development Reforms
Civil society voices warn that recent government restructuring could threaten vital development reforms and evidence-based policymaking. As ministries realign and governance questions surface, advocates emphasize transparency, accountability, and a renewed focus on grassroots development.
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Fiji Sugar Industry Tribunal under scrutiny as PAC pushes for stronger financial controls
Alarm bells are sounding over the finances of a key sugar-industry watchdog. Gaps in documentation, missing reconciliations, and delayed financial statements have prompted calls for stronger controls and professional accounting oversight. Could a decisive push for transparency and better budgeting restore public confidence and steadiness in the sector?
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Fiji Supreme Court Slashes Sentences in Taxi Driver Abduction Case
In a high-profile Fiji case, a court rethinks harsh penalties for offenses against a taxi driver. The ruling underscores the dangers taxi drivers face and hints at a broader push toward rehabilitation for first-time offenders, reflecting a nuanced balance between accountability and second chances.
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Fiji Targets Disability-Friendly Transport as Accessibility Gaps Persist
Only 20% of Fiji’s transport facilities are accessible to people with disabilities, highlighting a stark mobility gap. While major airports and roads show progress, officials say smaller airports and sea transport hubs still lag behind, prompting a new push for targeted improvements. The plan focuses on smarter investments, accessible vehicle designs, and stronger cross‑agency collaboration…
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Most Fiji Councils Appoint CEOs as Suva and Labasa Vacancies Persist
Fiji’s municipal leadership is under the microscope as two CEO posts stay vacant and questions linger over how leaders are chosen. With independent recruiters in the mix, the debate hints at a potential turning point for local governance.
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Fiji Names Former Rugby Star as Ambassador for Sport in Europe
Fiji appoints Julian Vulakoro, a former international rugby player, as Ambassador for Sport in France and Europe. The move signals a bold new chapter in sports diplomacy to showcase Fiji’s talent and strengthen regional collaborations across Europe.
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Fiji Debates Adoption Bill 2025 as Hundreds of Children Await Permanent Homes
With more than 400 children waiting for a safe, permanent home, Fiji’s adoption system is under the spotlight. A sweeping Adoption Amendment Bill promises to streamline processes and boost transparency across involved agencies. As Parliament debates the measures, the changes could accelerate paths to brighter futures for vulnerable children.
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Fiji to Return 15,000 Acres in Nadarivatu to Mataqali Nadala with Development Package
Historic land return to Mataqali Nadala could unlock a new chapter for Nadarivatu. A development package comes with the handover, offering investment, technical guidance, and farming support. With potential for high-value crops like coffee and cocoa, the move aims to empower indigenous communities and spark local growth.
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Kalmaegi Typhoon: Philippines Evacuations Escalate as Storm Heads for Vietnam
Typhoon Kalmaegi leaves a sobering toll in the Philippines as rescuers hunt for the missing and start the long cleanup. In Vietnam, authorities brace for heavy rains and mass evacuations, underscoring a new chapter of disruption and community resilience.
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Fiji’s Foreign Affairs Sees Historic Rise of Women in Senior Leadership
Fiji’s foreign service is witnessing a historic shift as women take on more senior leadership roles—from headquarters to missions abroad. A new career pathway and a dedicated diplomatic training institute signal a bold, forward-looking commitment to gender equity and inclusive diplomacy.
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Surge in Vessels Triggers Congestion at Fiji’s Suva Port
Suva Port is grappling with a surge of ships and thousands of containers that’s choking yard space and slowing imports and exports. With weekend clearance limits and late pickups piling on the backlog, authorities say fixes—ranging from faster handling to tech upgrades—are being explored to restore smooth operations in the coming weeks.
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Pacific Unveils PResCoM: An On-Request Emergency Aid Coordination Hub to Accelerate Disaster Relief
A new Pacific-wide emergency coordination mechanism aims to speed up and streamline humanitarian aid, coordinating support from regional and international partners. With a phased rollout through 2027, ministers emphasize sovereignty, tailored responses, and a more cohesive approach to reaching communities in need.
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Fiji’s FAME Awards 2025 to Spotlight Journalists and Media Freedom
Fiji’s media landscape gears up for the FAME Awards 2025, a night that shines a spotlight on resilience, media freedom, and standout storytelling—plus the reintroduction of the Hall of Fame.
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Vanuatu Seeks Clarity on HIV Prevalence as Testing Gaps Persist
Vanuatu faces an uncertain HIV picture, with limited data clouding the full scope of risk. Health leaders are urging broader testing and open dialogue around prevention, as they weigh the impact on an already stretched healthcare system. Amid regional concerns, the story looks at what’s being done to protect communities and promote safer practices.
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Solomon Islands Weighs LGBTQIA+ Rights Against Cultural and Christian Values Ahead of UN Review
Tradition and faith collide with evolving human rights expectations as the Solomon Islands faces a UN review on LGBTQIA+ rights. Leaders insist any progress must respect cultural and Christian values, signaling a careful, nuanced approach ahead.
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Pu Qalo: Fiji’s Hymn Maestro Inspiring Global Choirs
Pu Qalo’s lifelong devotion to hymnody and choir leadership showcases how faith and music intertwine to unite communities. At 77, this Fiji-born maestro reflects on a journey from a schoolyard start to guiding voices around the world—where careful pronunciation, prayer, and thoughtful translation give every hymn its soul.
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Fiji Detects First Bactrocera facialis Fruit Fly, Launches Emergency Response
An alarming new invasive fruit fly has been detected in Fiji, triggering an emergency containment effort across multiple islands. With crops at risk and movement controls on fruit underway, farmers and communities are urged to stay vigilant.
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Fiji launches first-of-its-kind aerial groundwater survey to secure drinking water
An airborne survey over Vanua Levu is mapping Fiji’s hidden water resources to secure future supplies and boost climate resilience. This nationwide effort aims to expand access to safe drinking water for communities long underserved.
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Fiji ramps up disability inclusion with new policy and funding boost
Fiji is rolling out a national policy to strengthen disability rights, inclusion, and well-being, backed by a major funding boost and a focus on accessibility across health, education, and employment. A new Disability Data Hub and MERL framework aim to turn commitments into real gains for thousands of families and communities.
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Vodafone Sugar Festival kicks off in Lautoka under Unity Strength in Diversity theme
Lautoka gears up for a vibrant weekend as the Vodafone Sugar Festival returns, kicking off this Saturday at the Carnival Grounds. Five contestants compete for the crown in a week-long celebration built on the Unity Strength in Diversity theme, with sponsor details to come. A community-focused showcase of culture and talent continues through October 5.