News
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Navua Police harassment charge dropped as conduct inquiries continue
An internal inquiry into a Navua Police officer has taken a decisive turn, with the sexual harassment charge dismissed. Yet investigations into professional conduct continue as the force reaffirms its commitment to accountability and public trust.
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Nausori Bus Attack: Court Appearance and Police Outreach Pledge
An 18-year-old man faces court after a stone-throwing attack on a bus and trucks injured a passenger. Police condemn the violence and vow increased community outreach to protect commuters and prevent a repeat.
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Maharaj Defends Fiji Elections Chief, Cites Three Free Elections
An opposition MP comes to the defense of former Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem, praising his role in guiding three elections deemed free and fair. The debate also questions unresolved 2022-allegations and what they mean for accountability and Fiji’s electoral integrity.
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Fiji’s New Party People First Enters Public Objection Period
Fiji’s political landscape is shifting with the emergence of a new party, People First. Promising an inclusive, citizen‑centric approach, it signals a formal constitutional framework—and a brief window for public input that heightens engagement in the democratic process.
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Fiji Pushes for Electoral Reform Beyond Free and Fair
Fiji’s NFP leader is calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the electoral framework, arguing that certain provisions are ripe for manipulation and erode public trust. He says genuine electoral integrity goes beyond free and fair elections, demanding greater transparency, independent observers, and stronger accountability at every stage. This bold push highlights a strategic bid to…
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Sigatoka Sugarcane Farm Arson: Farmer Sentenced
A local case of agricultural vandalism ends in a prison sentence after a man admits to burning a sugarcane field. The incident underscores the heavy costs to farmers and the serious penalties that follow such acts.
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Fiji Faces Retirement Savings Crunch as Majority Hold Under $20,000
New figures from the Fiji National Provident Fund spotlight a widening gap in retirement savings, with a large share of members holding only small balances. The data raises urgent questions about financial security in Fiji’s golden years—and the steps needed to turn the tide.
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Valemasima Road Fire in Nadi Claims Two Elderly Lives; Investigations Underway
Two elderly residents lost their lives in a late-night fire that devastated a four-bedroom home on Valemasima Road in Votualevu, Nadi. Investigators are probing the blaze as the tragedy highlights the urgent need for effective fire safety measures and rapid emergency response.
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Fiji High Court Rules No Shield for Facebook Defamation; Damages Awarded in Online Post Case
A High Court ruling makes it clear: social media is not a shield for defamation. In Fiji, a real estate agent was ordered to pay damages after defamatory posts about a colleague, underscoring how online statements can cause real harm in the digital age.
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Fiji Faces Alarming Suicide Rise as Mental Health Push Intensifies
New health findings reveal a deeply troubling rise in suicides and suicide attempts, cutting across ages and communities. With stark regional and demographic patterns emerging, officials warn that only a stronger focus on mental health support and prevention can turn the tide.
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Japan’s 1984 Gift to Fiji’s Girmit Centre Fuels Multicultural Legacy
In 1984, a generous gift bridged cultures in Fiji. Japan donated audio-visual and lighting equipment to the Girmit Centre in Lautoka, underscoring a shared commitment to preserving Fiji’s diverse heritage—the trinity of Indigenous Fijian, Indo-Fijian, and Western European influences. The gesture set in motion a lasting friendship and a vibrant path for multicultural learning and…
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Former Fiji court officer sentenced for licensing fraud and misusing public funds
A former court officer has been sentenced to 25 months in prison after being found guilty of falsifying information and misusing public funds tied to licensing records. The ruling underscores how public-service misconduct can ripple through systems and erode trust, with consequences extending to professional credentials.
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Fiji High Court Denies Stay on Injury Damages Award
A High Court ruling in Suva refused to delay a six-figure damages award for a worker injured on the job, stressing that compensation should reach the injured while they’re still alive. The decision highlights the impact of delays on an elder plaintiff and the loss of livelihood caused by the injury. It signals a notable…
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Fiji High Court Awards Damages for Invalid DPO at Airport
A Suva High Court decision finds a grandmother and her granddaughters were unlawfully restrained at an airport, highlighting a violation of constitutional rights. The ruling underscores the need for transparency and lawful action by government agencies, while ordering compensation for the family.
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FICAC Questions Fiji Lawyer Over Social Media Post About SODELPA
FICAC questions a Suva-based lawyer over a social media post about Fiji’s political party landscape, including the aftermath of SODELPA’s leadership changes. The inquiry probes the boundaries of public commentary by public officers and how election-related complaints are handled. A timely look at how social media discourse intersects with politics in Fiji.
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Lockdown Sparks Rise of Lautoka Market Vendor Selling Dalo and Kumala
During the Covid lockdown, a single bag of cassava sparked a Lautoka market stall’s rise from hardship to a growing family business. This is a story of resilience, patient hustle, and the community that helps a dream take root. A glimpse into how small beginnings can become something bigger.
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Fiji Unveils Next-Gen Polymer Banknotes With Tactile Accessibility and High-Tech Security
Here are a few short teaser options you can use as the WordPress excerpt: – Fiji introduces a bold new set of polymer banknotes that fuse modern design with advanced security and accessibility features. The redesign promises a safer, more inclusive way to handle everyday money. – A fresh currency update from Fiji pairs durability…
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Rotuma Outreach Targets Violence Against Women and Tech-Facilitated Abuse
A joint mission to Rotuma tackles child abuse, violence against women and girls, and tech-facilitated harm through targeted awareness and practical guidance. The sessions outline reporting pathways, survivor support, and a strengthened sense of community responsibility to protect the vulnerable. Flight support from the Royal Australian Air Force highlights the power of cross-sector collaboration in…
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Rotuma Incest Case: Sentencing Looms for Father of Three
A sentencing in Suva’s High Court looms after a guilty plea in a troubling incest and sexual assault case. As the proceedings unfold, the focus turns to accountability and the protections owed to vulnerable individuals.
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Fiji’s Preventable Blindness Challenge: Will Local Action Save Sight?
Preventable blindness remains a real challenge across Fiji and the Pacific. Yet with early detection, community screenings, and locally trained eye care, thousands could preserve their vision and livelihoods each year. A stronger focus on local action is unlocking brighter futures for families and communities on the islands.
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Miss Fiji Queens Take the Pageant to the People
Before the glitz, Fiji’s Miss Queens stepped into the heart of communities—vendors, students, and families across the islands—leaving rehearsals behind. What started as shy greetings grew into a powerful lesson in empathy, leadership, and purpose. A journey that hints at a new meaning for the crown, shaped by real conversations and everyday resilience.
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Fiji Reconciliation Sparks Backlash as Chiefs Defend Tradition
Ratu Viliame defends a matanigasau reconciliation rite, arguing that criticism understates the heart of iTaukei tradition and the push for genuine inclusivity. With a tabua exchange signaling remorse, the piece hints at how cultural rituals can guide healing across Fiji’s diverse communities.
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Fiji Launches $1 Million Push to Remove Derelict Vessels in Suva Harbour
Fiji is launching a cross‑agency push to clear abandoned vessels from Suva Harbour as cyclone season nears, backed by a major funding boost to speed removal. The plan also previews legislative reviews and a new maritime environmental framework to bolster safety and protect the harbour’s waters.
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Diabetes Crisis Strains Fiji’s Hospitals as Amputations Rise
Diabetes is pushing hospitals to the limit, with rising amputations and mounting costs. A retiree’s personal battle highlights the human toll and the urgent need for early diagnosis and healthier living. Health leaders stress that prevention and support could change countless lives.
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Fiji Battles HIV Myths and Testing Gaps on World AIDS Day
Misconceptions about HIV in Fiji are still fueling stigma and late testing. Experts explain the difference between HIV and AIDS and why knowing your status early can change outcomes. With many unaware of their status, the piece explores the urgent push for education, testing, and open dialogue to protect communities.
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Fiji High Court Slaps $50K Defamation Penalty for Facebook Post
Online defamation carries real consequences. A landmark ruling has issued a substantial penalty for a harmful social media post, underscoring that online behavior faces the same standards as offline conduct. As officials stress fact-checking and civility, the message for netizens is clear: think before you post.
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Fiji’s RFMF Plans Meaningful Forgiveness Talks With Indo-Fijian Community
Fiji’s military signals a path toward genuine reconciliation with Indo-Fijian families, weighing dialogues, formal acknowledgments, and cultural gestures that carry real meaning. Still in early stages, officials are gathering history to shape a gesture that heals the wounds of 1987.
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Fiji: Uncle jailed for 12 years for raping teenage nephew and filming the abuse
Justice has handed down a long prison term to a man who repeatedly abused his 13-year-old nephew and used a recording to threaten him. The court labeled the crime as calculated and cruel exploitation of a vulnerable child, underscoring a strong stance against sexual violence toward minors.
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Fiji to Repeal 2016 Skilled Workers Act, Rabuka Warns of Safety and Immigration Risks
Parliament weighs repealing Fiji’s 2016 skilled workers regime after officials argued the rule created confusion and weak safeguards. The move aims to restore clarity to professional and immigration standards, stressing rigorous vetting for critical sectors and stronger public safety.
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State Witness Decision Could Shape Drug Import Case Transfer
Prosecutors face a pivotal decision in a high-stakes drug case that could redefine the defendant’s role in court. With key rulings on witness status and case consolidation still pending, the next move could reshape how the charges unfold.