News
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Civil Servants Receive Early Year-End Pay Ahead of Christmas
Just in time for Christmas, civil servants are receiving their final salary payment of the year, delivering a timely boost for households and holiday plans. Officials emphasize that dependable pay supports essential services and local economies during the festive season. The next payment is scheduled for January 8, 2026.
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Civil Servants Get Early Year-End Salary Ahead of Christmas
An early Christmas salary boost for civil servants is on its way, with the government thanking them for a year of dedicated service and pledging steady pay into the New Year.
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FDA Greenlights Kava as Conventional Food, Opens Pacific Markets
An FDA designation redefines the fate of kava in the U.S., recognizing this Pacific-rooted beverage as a conventional food. As kava bars grow on the West Coast and export hopes rise for Australia and Europe, this regulatory milestone hints at a broader global reshaping of the kava story.
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Fiji Faces Tariff Backlash as FCCC Seeks Public Input on 24.2% Electricity Increase
Controversy grows over a proposed 24.2% electricity tariff raise as authorities promise more consultative steps. With nationwide awareness sessions underway, the community awaits how the discussions will unfold for households and small businesses.
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UN Ends 22-Year Iraq Mission as Fiji and Nepal Withdraw
After 22 years, the UN peacekeeping mission in Iraq closes its doors as Fiji and Nepalese troops return home. A farewell ceremony in Suva marks the end of an era, signaling a new chapter for regional and international stability.
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Nasinu Court Keeps Accused in Custody as Caution Interview Refusal Highlights Rights Issue
Two men charged with attempted robbery and related offenses appeared in Nasinu Magistrate Court after prosecutors said they declined a caution interview, stalling key parts of the case. Disputes over charging dates and medical remand concerns underscored the complexity, with a January 6, 2026 appearance scheduled.
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Root-Knot Nematodes Threaten Fiji’s Exports
Hidden in plain sight, root-knot nematodes threaten Fiji’s crops, quietly undermining root health and nutrient uptake. The agriculture minister warns these tiny pests could imperil export markets, even when fields look healthy. As experts weigh strategies, the future of Fiji’s farming may hinge on swift, smart action.
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Fiji’s First-Time Peacekeeper Faces a 12-Hour Time Difference in Iraq
Separated by oceans and time zones, a dedicated Fiji mother and navy officer begins her first overseas peacekeeping assignment. Fueled by her son, she turns distance into resilience and ambition, a beacon of hope for mothers everywhere.
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Tacirua Attempted Robbery: Two Men Remanded Ahead of Bail Hearing
Two men await a pivotal bail hearing as medical concerns and questions over the charges come into play, signaling a courtroom showdown that could shape the course of the case.
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Starlink Elevates Fiji’s Disaster Response for Remote Communities
Here are a few short teaser options you can choose from: – Fiji is stepping up disaster readiness for remote and maritime communities, with Starlink boosting communication when it matters most. Ongoing community input, field checks, and coordinated training are guiding smarter, faster responses to future shocks. – Starlink is changing how Fiji prepares for…
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Fiji invites public input as National Referendum Bill undergoes committee scrutiny
Public concerns are mounting as Fiji weighs a proposed National Referendum Bill. The Acting Attorney-General says the bill is still under committee review and invites citizens to contribute to a framework that upholds rights and democratic values.
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Electricity Tariffs Rise: Consumer Council Warns of Higher Essential-Item Prices
Rising electricity tariffs are sparking concerns that prices for essentials could rise as well. The consumer council is calling for early dialogue, transparency, and accountable investment to protect households and businesses from the impact.
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Fiji’s National Referendum Bill 2025: Debate Over Speech, Symbols and Public Input
Amid online chatter about Fiji’s National Referendum Bill 2025, the Acting Attorney-General clarifies how rights, campaigning, and symbols are balanced with orderly elections. He says the bill aligns with constitutional protections and international standards and is still under committee review, inviting public input to shape its final form.
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FNU to Launch Three Hands-On Diploma Programs at Ba, Nadi and Labasa Campuses in 2026
Three new diploma programs are slated to launch in 2026, offering hands-on training in aquaculture, animal husbandry, and agriculture across Fiji’s campuses. Focused on practical skills, community empowerment, and sustainable development, the initiative aims to boost livelihoods, food security, and opportunities for women and youth in rural and coastal areas.
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Tacirua Heights: Two Men Charged in Attempted Robbery
Two men face charges after a weekend incident in Tacirua Heights, with a court appearance on the horizon. The development highlights ongoing public-safety efforts as the legal process unfolds.
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Fiji Referendum Rules Defend Election Integrity, Invite Public Submissions
Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga moves to reassure the public about Fiji’s National Referendum, addressing concerns that the bill could curb free speech or hide political agendas. He explains that provisions on badges, symbols, and canvassing are intended to protect electoral integrity and align with international best practices. The bill remains under committee review, with a…
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Fiji electricity tariffs spark calls for consumer engagement and transparency
Electricity bills may rise, potentially lifting costs for essentials like food and transport. Calls are growing for early, transparent engagement among service providers, regulators, and consumers, plus clearer reporting on how extra revenue is used. The coming months could bring changes that households and businesses will want to watch closely.
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Bail Denied in Fiji Cocaine Export Case Linked to Australia
Shaneil Suresh Autar’s bail was denied as a complex drug-trafficking case moves toward the High Court. With authorities intensifying the investigation and international help in play, the 2019 operation continues to unfold.
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Naqali Fatal Assault: Court Orders Psychiatric Evaluation in Teen’s Death
A Naqali court has ordered a psychiatric evaluation for a man linked to a fatal assault. With the suspect in custody and no plea entered, the case awaits the mental health assessment to shape the next steps.
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Fiji Police Step Up Festive-Season Security with Discreet Tactics
As the festive season kicks in, Fiji’s police ramp up discreet patrols and rapid-response readiness, boosting presence at ports, checkpoints, and public spaces to keep communities safe.
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Missing 18-Year-Old Alisha Singh: Police Appeal for Tips in Valelevu
An 18-year-old is missing, and police are urgently appealing for information from the public. Every lead could be crucial in reuniting a family, underscoring the power of community support in times of need.
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Guayaquil Missing Boys Case: Ecuador Sentences 11 Soldiers
An Ecuadorian court hands down lengthy prison terms for soldiers tied to the disappearance of four boys during a military operation, a ruling that highlights questions of accountability and human rights in security crackdowns.
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Homecoming After Iraq: Fiji Soldier Reunites with Son
James Danford’s homecoming is more than a reunion—it’s the first moment he meets his son after months apart. A tale of sacrifice, faith, and the quiet strength of military families as a long overseas chapter finally closes.
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Fiji Launches Beqa Marine Hub for Tourism, Shark Research and Conservation
Fiji unveils a pioneering hub where reef science, conservation, and sustainable tourism converge. The Beqa Adventure Divers compound promises new insights into sharks, reefs, and coastal livelihoods—and is backed by innovative funding and global partnerships. A bold step toward healthier oceans and resilient communities.
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Vidullanka tops bid for Fiji hydropower upgrade as award looms
Vidullanka PLC has emerged as the lowest-cost bidder for a Fiji mini-hydro EPC upgrade, marking a potential international milestone for the Sri Lankan renewables firm. While the contract remains formally pending, the move hints at a broader Pacific footprint and a greener future.
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Fiji High Court Acquit Akuila Noa Over Questionable CCTV and DNA Evidence
A Suva High Court ruling clears Akuila Noa of murder after the judge found the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The decision centers on doubts about CCTV identifications and disputed DNA evidence, underscoring the need for solid, reliable proof in a fair trial.
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Fiji Airways Rolls Out Backup Flight After Sydney–Nadi Cancellation
An upcoming Sydney–Nadi flight faces cancellation, prompting a swift backup plan. Passengers are being guided through revised itineraries with assurances on safety and continued support as disruptions are addressed.
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Fiji FRCS Clarifies E-Wallet TIN Rule: An Administrative Move, Not a Tax Hike
FRCS clarifies that a Taxpayer Identification Number for e-wallet accounts is an administrative measure, not a new tax. With a year-end deadline approaching, this update focuses on strengthening transparency and compliance for individuals and businesses.
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Nausori Fish Market Faces Unlicensed Vendors Undercutting Licensed Sellers
Frustrations are rising at the market as licensed seafood vendors claim unlicensed sellers are undercutting them and overcrowding the fish corridor. Empty stalls and growing cleanliness concerns have many wondering what comes next for this community marketplace.
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Moscow Car Bomb Kills Russian General, Third Such Attack in a Year
A high-ranking Russian general has been killed in a car bombing in Moscow, the latest flashpoint in a troubling pattern for the capital. The attack underscores mounting security concerns and the far-reaching implications for Russia’s military leadership.