News
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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.
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Fiji eyes 20% pension boost to shield seniors from rising costs
Rising prices are tightening the net for Fiji’s senior citizens. NCOP member Mohammed Hassan Khan argues that boosting pensions and expanding protections could restore dignity and independence for those living on fixed incomes.
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NextGen Alliance Party Registers in Fiji, Promising Unity and Transparent Governance
A fresh alliance in Fiji is outlining a bold reform agenda—promoting good governance, national unity, and an inclusive dialogue on constitutional change. With commitments to integrity, indigenous rights, and transparent leadership, this move could reshape Fiji’s political future.
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Fiji to Audit and Regulate Burial Grounds to Safeguard Cultural Heritage
A landmark review highlights gaps in Fiji’s burial-ground governance and signals sweeping reforms to protect cultural heritage. With calls for nationwide audits and clearer oversight of village and public sites, the findings hint at changes in how these sacred spaces are managed.
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Fiji Court Keeps Cocaine Convictions, Slashes Sentences in Record Seizure Case
An unprecedented Fiji ruling upholds the drug-possess convictions linked to one of the country’s largest cocaine seizures, yet tightens the sentencing after a review. The Court of Appeal confirms possession while recalibrating penalties to better reflect similar cases, signaling a careful balance between accountability and fairness.
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Fiji Faces Accountability Crisis as 73% of Statutory Bodies Fail Financial Reporting
– Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj flags a systemic breakdown in accountability after a review found nearly 73% of statutory bodies unsatisfactory in financial reporting. A warning about the future of public funds and governance. – A revealing audit points to backlogs and governance gaps across statutory bodies, sparking urgent calls for stronger accountability and reforms.…
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Fiji’s Employment Relations Amendment Bill Delayed to 2026
Parliament delays the Employment Relations (Amendment) Bill 2025 until March 2026 as consultations intensify and unions push back. With calls for broader input from both workers and employers, the proposal may be reshaped before it lands on the table again.
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KOICA seeds healthy habits at Sigatoka school, Fiji
KOICA Fiji Team 2 wrapped up a vibrant healthy eating education initiative in Sigatoka, blending school garden activities, farm-to-table learning, and creative nutrition lessons. The project leaves ready-to-use guides for teachers and a community momentum that hints at lasting health and sustainability benefits for Fiji’s youngest learners.
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Viti Clean Urges End to Roadside Dumping Amid Community Recycling Drive
Ro Aca Mataitini’s heartfelt appeal to end roadside dumping sparks a community cleanup and a youth recycling initiative. As volunteers tally litter and neighbors rally to do their part, the message is clear: responsible waste disposal matters now more than ever.
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Three Sacrilege Incidents Prompt Police Probe in Navua and Wainadoi
– Unsettling reports of alleged sacrilege surface in Navua and Wainadoi as police investigate. Details remain scarce and authorities urge residents to stay vigilant. – Three separate incidents in Navua and Wainadoi trigger ongoing inquiries into alleged sacrilege. Authorities say more details will emerge as investigations progress. – Authorities are probing alleged sacrilege across multiple…
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Fiji’s Dogotuki Resettlement Project Sparks Agricultural Renewal
Idle land in northern Vanua Levu’s Dogotuki region is coming alive as local communities unite to grow cocoa, yaqona, and root crops. Backed by international aid and new roads, the resettlement effort is reshaping livelihoods and opening doors to fresh opportunities.
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Fiji High Court Considers Permanent Stay for Two Former Deputy PMs
Two former deputy prime ministers push to permanently halt their pending criminal proceedings, arguing the legitimacy of a top FICAC appointment is flawed. With plans to enlist King’s Counsel for both sides, the court gears up for a December timetable that could reshape how such appointments are challenged. A high-stakes legal drama unfolds, raising questions…
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Taxi Driver Sentenced for Meth Possession in Sigatoka
In Sigatoka, a taxi driver was jailed after pleading guilty to possessing a small amount of methamphetamine. The firm sentence highlights ongoing concerns about hard drugs and calls for continued vigilance in the community.
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Father of seven jailed for 12 years for raping a 10-year-old girl
Justice in a troubling case: a 63-year-old man was sentenced to 12 years after being found guilty in a crime involving a 10-year-old girl. The story highlights how vulnerable children can be and the vital role educators and caregivers play in recognizing and reporting abuse.
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Fiji Courts Hand Down Tough Sentences in Minor Sexual Violence Cases
Two recent court decisions underscore the judiciary’s uncompromising stance on crimes against children. Long prison terms were handed down, with non-parole periods designed to deter abuse and protect vulnerable youths. The rulings highlight a hard line against offenses involving minors.
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First Fijian to Enter Lhasa on Kailash Yatra: A Spiritual Odyssey
From a Fiji village to the sacred routes of Kailash, Joshil Kumar’s journey is a tapestry of faith, courage, and endless curiosity. A pilgrimage that begins as a spark becomes a lifelong call, guiding him through awe-inspiring landscapes and tests of resolve. A story of belief, resilience, and the power of following a higher drive.
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Fiji Nursing Graduate Inspires Young Women to Seize Opportunities
An aspiring nurse just earned her degree by leaning on strength, faith, and a dependable support network. Her journey—navigating distance from home and the demands of study—proves that challenges can spark growth, and she’s already setting her sights on the next chapter in nursing.
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Humility Over Ego at University of Fiji Graduation
– A graduation address centers on humility, integrity, and lifelong learning as the true markers of success. – Reflections on resilience, balancing life’s responsibilities, and the power of reflective learning hint at what comes after the ceremony. – Privilege is reframed as responsibility, reminding graduates that how they learn matters just as much as what…
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Fiji Nursing Grad Finds Spark in Mental Health Internship
Four years of study, a pivotal internship, and a young graduate who turned financial hurdles into determination. His journey sheds light on unseen mental health battles, the company we keep, and a growing passion that could shape a nursing career.
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Fiji Opposes Men’s Department Plan, Sparking Debate on Women’s Rights
Policy sparks a heated debate over a proposed “men’s department.” Advocates warn it could derail hard‑won gains for women by pulling funding from vital services, while others urge tackling men’s issues within existing ministries. The core question: can real progress come from bold new silos or from transforming norms and strengthening current women’s rights initiatives?
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Against the Odds: Working Mom Earns Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration and HR
Varanise Mole’s journey proves that balance, faith, and support can turn a dream into a credential. A mother of four navigates work, studies, and family life to earn a postgraduate certificate—and sets her sights on even bigger milestones ahead.
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ODPP Charges 12 in Child-Sexual Offences Case; Two Grandfathers Among Accused
A fresh update outlines a string of serious sexual offence charges, including cases involving family members and young victims. The report highlights the heartbreaking impact on minors and the urgent push for justice as cases advance. It’s a sobering reminder of the work communities must do to protect children and support survivors.
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Fiji Military Acknowledges Past Turmoil, Signals Inclusive Reconciliation Drive
Fiji’s defence leadership hints at a cautious, long-term path to reconciliation—acknowledging past actions and their lasting impact on the Indo-Fijian community. The plan centers on transparency, fairness, and sustained engagement that respects diverse memories in the quest for lasting national unity.
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Fiji’s RFMF Reassesses Role Under Civilian Authority
Fiji’s armed forces stand at a crossroads as parliament outlines a plan to redefine the RFMF under civilian oversight. With a “clearing the lens” approach, officials promise a candid reckoning with the past and a move toward professionalism, discipline, and stronger community engagement. A future of greater stability and clearer roles is taking shape.
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Pará Extends Cattle Tracking Deadline to 2030, Sparking Environmental Policy Debate
Pará extends its cattle-traceability deadline to December 31, 2030, reshaping the region’s effort to monitor herds. Environmental advocates caution that the delay could hamper deforestation-fighting goals, even as Brazil rolls out a four-stage national plan.
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The Mighty Nein’s Caleb Unmasks a Haunting Past in Little Spark
Caleb’s past finally comes into focus in a haunting new chapter of The Mighty Nein. Liam O’Brien delivers a Hamlet-worthy performance that probes redemption, guilt, and the fragile line between villain and victim. With piercing emotion and stunning animation, this episode reshapes the journey ahead in a way that will linger long after the credits…