News
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Fiji FIU 2024: Tax Crimes Drive Transaction Value, Scams Lead STRs
An annual look at financial crime reveals where investigators are placing their bets. Scams dominate case files, but tax crimes account for the biggest share of value, shaping how enforcement teams respond. The report also highlights growing use of intelligence to disrupt illicit activity and protect the financial system.
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Pacific Islands Aim to Shape Climate Agenda at 2026 Pre-COP Summit
Pacific leaders set a high-stakes course for a 2026 pre-COP summit, spotlighting ocean health, a just transition, and access to climate finance. A renewed push to keep Pacific priorities at the heart of global climate talks is taking shape.
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Fiji PM Rabuka Unveils Cabinet Shake-Up, Names Sakiasi Ditoka as Foreign Affairs Minister
Fiji’s cabinet undergoes a broad reshuffle as the government heads into its fourth year, promising a strategic reshaping of portfolios and leadership. The move signals a renewed focus on governance, development, and frontline services that impact daily life.
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Trump Expands Travel Restrictions, Adds Five Countries Including Syria
President Trump unveils a broader set of travel restrictions, expanding the list of affected nations and tightening screening measures. Officials frame the move as a key step to bolster national security amid recent security incidents. The development raises questions about how far the policy will go and its impact on travelers and international relations.
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Journalists Barred from Prime Minister’s Office Ahead of PCRIC Signing
Journalists were met with a locked door at a high-profile signing ceremony, despite arriving on an invitation. As the event proceeded without media presence and was streamed live by the government, questions about access and transparency lingered. What unfolded behind the scenes promises to raise renewed attention on press freedom and public accountability.
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From Hiroshima to Fiji: A Physiotherapist’s Mission for Disabled Children
From Hiroshima to Fiji, Yui Furuya’s journey shows how courage, compassion, and new beginnings can reshape lives—especially for children with physical disabilities. A physiotherapist turning twists into meaningful impact, her story celebrates resilience, fresh friendships, and the small acts that light up futures.
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Pacific Islands Forum Signals Quiet Leap Toward Regional Unity
Pacific leaders chart a bold path to regional unity under the 2050 Strategy, renewing the Ocean of Peace agenda for the Blue Pacific. The focus spans climate resilience, economic connectivity, and reinforced cooperation as the region moves into a new phase of collective action. A future of deeper integration and sustained dialogue looms, hinting at…
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Suva Harbour Fuel Slick Triggers Multi-Agency Probe
Authorities are investigating a fuel slick spotted off Suva Harbour as multiple agencies coordinate response and monitoring of Fiji’s waters. With emphasis on safer handling of hazardous materials, the probe continues ahead of the holiday season.
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Raiwai Top Shop Robbery: CCTV Footage Leads to Remand of Two Suspects
Two men are remanded in connection with an aggravated robbery in Raiwai, after CCTV footage drew widespread attention. With the case due back in court on the 30th, the incident highlights how surveillance and community vigilance intersect with public safety.
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Fiji Unveils Plan for an Inclusive Digital Future with TAF
Fiji’s digital future takes shape as the new Minister for Policing and Communications meets with the Telecommunications Authority to shape a more inclusive connectivity landscape. The discussions hint at closer collaboration, thoughtful regulation, and a commitment to delivering real benefits for every Fijian.
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Fiji Ex-Ministers in Court Over Disclosure Allegations in High-Profile Stay Case
A Suva courtroom becomes the latest stage in Fiji’s ongoing push for political transparency. A former deputy prime minister faces questions over statutory disclosures and alleged omissions, with written submissions shaping the next phase of a case that could redefine accountability in governance.
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Hearing Set for Former Fiji Finance Minister Biman Prasad in 2015 Disclosure Case
Former Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad finds himself again in the courtroom as a hearing date is set for next month. With questions over statutory disclosures dating back to 2015 and a possible permanent stay on the table, the January proceedings could shape the next phase of his political and professional journey.
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Fiji Targets Collective Action to Tackle Tourism-Driven Waste
Fiji’s tourism boom is colliding with a growing waste challenge, prompting leaders to call for united action across government, industry, and communities. With new frameworks and cross-sector collaboration on the horizon, the islands’ pristine beauty and local livelihoods are at stake—and travelers are increasingly demanding responsible waste practices.
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Pacific Polytech’s Inaugural 2025 Graduates Spark Fiji’s Skills Push
Sixty-four graduates from Pacific Polytech’s Navua campus mark the Class of 2025 with certificates in agriculture, carpentry, software, and ICT. The ceremony underscores Fiji’s push for practical trades and digital skills, backed by government support and scholarships. The next term begins in January 2026, signaling a hopeful path from classroom to community impact.
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Nasikasika Cooperative Secures New Tractor to Boost Yields and Protect Korotari Terraces
Macuata’s Nasikasika Farmers Cooperative is boosting its farming capacity with a new tractor funded through a government program, aiming to expand rice and vegetable production while protecting the Korotari terraces. A shared-cost approach and a strong community of members underscore a move toward greater productivity and livelihoods. The initiative also invites youth and women to…
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Ministries’ Delayed Legal Instructions Cost State in Court Penalties, Says Solicitor-General
Delays in securing essential legal instructions from ministries are driving up costs and eroding public confidence in the justice system. A top official says stronger inter-ministry coordination is needed to protect public funds and streamline court processes.
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UN Praises Fiji Police Act Overhaul for Accountability and Rights Protections
Fiji is moving toward a modernized Police Act rooted in independent oversight, robust accountability, and protections for vulnerable communities. Expect clearer use‑of‑force rules, de‑escalation as a guiding principle, and strengthened complaint mechanisms. This reform signals a pivotal shift toward greater transparency and trust in policing.
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Data Gaps Fuel Online Violence Against Disabled Women in the Pacific
Online violence against women and girls with disabilities is an emerging, under-reported crisis. The lack of reliable data keeps victims invisible and accountability out of reach. Advocates highlight new collaborations and data-driven solutions aimed at turning the tide and strengthening protection.
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Suva Harbour Fuel Slick Disperses as Tide Rolls In; Joint Inspection Underway
Authorities carried out a joint inspection in Suva Harbour after reports of a fuel slick, using boats and drones to gauge the spill. While the tide helped disperse the sheen, investigations continue and officials emphasize safer handling of fuels to protect the marine environment.
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Fiji Sets Course for Universal Health with New Primary Health Care Roadmap
Fiji moves from planning to action with a new Primary Health Care Roadmap and Essential Service Package, aiming to deliver universal, high-quality care to every community. Health leaders are outlining a practical path to bring essential services closer to all Fijians, including remote areas, signaling a bold commitment to equitable care for all.
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Ministry Delays Threaten Court Deadlines and Public Funds
Delays in getting guidance from ministries are driving up court penalties and denting public trust in the justice system. As officials push for tighter coordination and quicker communication, the spotlight is on protecting public funds and ensuring timelier courtroom responses.
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Fiji’s Western Division Boosts Outbreak Readiness With DORT Training Ahead of Wet Season
Frontline health teams across Fiji’s Western Division are sharpening outbreak response skills in a focused three-day training ahead of the rainy season. Doctors, nurses, lab technicians, and public health officers come together to boost disease surveillance, data analysis, lab testing, and emergency planning, with support from the World Health Organization. The exercise aims to deliver…
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Rabuka Signals Fresh Fiji Cabinet Shuffle Ahead of 2026
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has unveiled a cabinet reshuffle aimed at sharpening governance as the government enters its fourth year. The changes are framed as strengthening key portfolios and boosting delivery across critical sectors. The move signals a proactive plan to adapt to evolving national needs in the months ahead.
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Fiji’s No Card No Ride Policy Strains Seniors in Cashless eTransport Era
An all-digital bus fare shift is stirring concern among older riders and those new to mobile payments. With few top-up spots and a strict No Card – No Ride policy, daily commutes could get tougher—unless clearer guidance and support keep pace with the change.
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Fiji Memories: God Stones and a Grandmother’s Tale of Community
85-year-old Annetta Florence Ragg of Toorak shares a window into Fiji’s early days, when neighborly spirit turned a village into one big family and picnics kept hope alive. She recalls scarce supplies, homemade lemon tea from the bush, and a life tested by floods and resilience. In her garden stand three “god stones,” relics once…
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No Card, No Ride Frustrates Fiji Commuters as Public Transit Goes Cashless
Rural and elderly commuters in Fiji are voicing growing frustration with the eTransport cashless system and the “no card, no ride” policy, paired with long waits and crowded buses. A Suva bus stand survey highlights calls for better internet, more top-up outlets, working top-up machines, and a cash option for vulnerable riders as talks to…
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Fiji’s Fisheries and Forestry Secretary Returns to Duty After Tribunal Ruling
Decades of public service face a decisive test as a senior official confronts a high-stakes disciplinary ruling over a government deal. The tribunal’s decision centers on due process and accountability, signaling a pivotal moment for governance and career legacies.
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Drug Case Adjourned to 2026 Amid Procedural Delays and AI Allegations
Procedural theatrics and a heated cost dispute grip a high-stakes drug-possession case as courtroom tensions flare over delays. With the hearing vacated and the matter adjourned to 2026, the next round promises more twists as both sides sharpen their strategies.
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Timoci Matanimeke Convicted in Christmas Eve Murder in Suva; Sentencing Set for December 18
A Christmas Eve tragedy in Suva ends with a guilty verdict as sentencing nears. The court’s decision marks a pivotal moment for the community in search of closure.
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Fiji High Court Defamation Case On Hold Over Facebook Post Controversy
A high-profile defamation case in Suva has been paused as legal proceedings stall while both sides await the next court steps. The dispute centers on social media posts and serious accusations involving senior political figures, with no trial date set yet. The pause highlights how online statements can reverberate through reputations and public life.