News
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Fiji Urges Elder-Friendly Banking After ATM Incident
An unsettling incident in Suva highlights the vulnerabilities of Fiji’s elderly and prompts urgent calls for stronger protections and elder-friendly services. Advocates want banks and service providers to rethink accessibility and safeguarding for older adults in daily life. This teaser examines the responses and what communities can do to help keep seniors safe.
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Samabula Landslide in Fiji Triggers Calls for Safer Homes
Late-evening landslide on a Samabula street ripped into a nearby home, leaving behind damage and new questions about ground stability. With no injuries reported, residents are urging authorities to assess risk and take preventive steps before the next event.
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Fiji FCCC Promotes Real Public Engagement in Electricity Tariff Consultations
FCCC says its tariff consultations are about real engagement, not box-ticking. A new Bill Calculator helps residents estimate potential changes as sessions reach across Fiji’s divisions.
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Fiji Lifts Beche-de-mer Ban for a Limited Harvest Window
Fiji unveils a cautious plan to reopen the bêche-de-mer trade under tight sustainability rules. A limited harvesting window, paired with a defined processing/export period and vigilant monitoring, signals a careful balance between livelihoods and marine protection. This approach hints at a new era of responsible fisheries management.
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Wailoku Aggravated Robbery Case: Three Juveniles Remanded Ahead of High Court
Three juveniles, aged 16 and 17, have been charged in connection with an aggravated robbery and remanded as the case moves toward the High Court. The court appearance highlighted the seriousness of the allegations and what lies ahead for the young defendants. The development has sparked discussion about youth and crime in the community.
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Quiet Good Samaritan Ignites Community Support for ATM Scam Victim
An elderly man’s misfortune after an ATM scam sparks a heartwarming display of community kindness. A quiet Good Samaritan, Maria Bavou, led the effort with humility, turning generosity into a movement that heals and unites—guided by faith and a shared sense of care.
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Labasa Residents Question EFL Tariff Increase and Its Consultation
Labasa residents push back against EFL’s proposed 32% electricity tariff increase, saying recent consultations felt more informative than truly consultative. With aging infrastructure and climate-related costs, many fear higher bills for everyday households—sparking calls for a fair, meaningful dialogue that truly protects consumers.
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The $200 Back-to-School Boost That Could Backfire on Students
The $200 Back-to-School boost is driving a rush of early enrolments, but ongoing parental oversight often drops off as exams approach. That pattern could undermine long-term learning and future opportunities for students. The takeaway: sustained family involvement may be the missing piece to turn a temporary incentive into lasting success.
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Lautoka Bus Stand Upgrade Delays Heighten Commuter Frustration and Congestion
Frustration grows as Lautoka’s upgraded bus stand faces delays, bringing longer walks, tighter streets, and rising congestion for commuters and drivers. With safety concerns mounting and shoppers bearing the burden, locals await progress that could restore smoother, safer travel.
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Petro Oceania Tackles Fiji Tank Leak as Repairs Begin Under Safety Watch
Petro Oceania Fuels has begun essential repairs after a leaking tank was identified and fuel levels were reduced to 50%. An intensive emergency response is in motion, with safety authorities monitoring the scene as investigators look into the cause and how to prevent a recurrence. Safety and transparency remain the focus as the situation unfolds.
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Fiji Says No EIA Needed After Walu Bay Fuel Leak — Regulators Keep Watch
Authorities say the Walu Bay fuel incident is contained within the Petro Oceania facility, with no confirmed discharge into the wider marine environment. Regulators are enforcing existing waste and pollution laws as inspections and cleanup proceed, and further notices on upgrades are anticipated. Ongoing monitoring aims to prevent future leaks and safeguard local ecosystems.
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Deuba’s Hidden Gem: Budget-Friendly Adventist Campsite Retreat
Discover a tranquil Adventist campsite in Deuba where a dedicated caretaker has shaped a warm, value-driven retreat for families and groups. With seven well-equipped villas, affordable rates, and a strict alcohol- and smoke-free policy, it’s a serene spot for picnics, weddings, and school retreats—where calm and community come first.
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Lautoka Residents Urge Council to Restore Free Clean-Up Campaigns to Curb Illegal Dumping
Illegal dumping is turning Lautoka’s streets and waterways into a health risk. A local residents association is urging the council to reinstate and expand free city-wide clean-up campaigns, hoping to spark a cleaner, safer Lautoka for all.
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Oil Spill Shuts Suva’s Walu Bay Roads
An oil spill in Walu Bay disrupted daily life as crews rush to contain the slick. Road closures and evacuations are in place, with authorities monitoring the scene and promising ongoing safety updates.
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Investigation Underway After Fuel Leak at Petro Oceania Terminal in Suva
Petro Oceania’s Suva fuel terminal faced a sudden leak that triggered an immediate emergency response and a thorough investigation. With containment secured and authorities involved, officials are focusing on safety upgrades to prevent future incidents.
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Lautoka Hit-and-Run Tragedy Leaves Family Grieving
Tragedy struck Lautoka when a hit-and-run claimed the life of 40-year-old street sweeper Atalo Laba, leaving his wife and young son to face an uncertain future. As investigators search for answers, a community braces for the long road to healing.
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Fuel Shortages Trigger Baggage Delays on Fiji Airways Nadi-Vava’u Route
Holiday travel on Fiji’s Nadi–Vava’u route is hit by baggage delays as limited fuel prompts tighter weight limits and off-loaded bags. Passengers report missing luggage and disrupted plans, a reminder to pack essentials in carry-on during the peak season.
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Fiji braces for global oil shocks with proactive budget
Global tensions push oil prices into the spotlight, but Fiji is steering with measured, proactive policy to shield households and sustain growth. A preview of the 2025-26 budget and development plan hints at resilience amid global uncertainties.
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Fiji Court Delivers Firm Warning to Drug Traffickers
Fiji’s judiciary signals a tough stance on drug trafficking with a 12-month sentence handed to a man found with cannabis packaged for sale. The ruling serves as a stark reminder that such offenses carry serious consequences for individuals and the wider community.
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Fiji and Australia strengthen border security with advanced tech to curb drug smuggling
Fiji’s border service is teaming up with Australia’s border force to up the ante on drug-smuggling prevention with new training and advanced inspection tools. A peek into evolving trafficking tricks and smarter, tougher cargo checks promises a stronger shield for the nation’s trade routes.
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Fiji High Court Allows Rights Commission to Interview Murder Suspect
In Suva, a high court ruling opens the door for a human rights commission to evaluate the living conditions of a wheelchair-bound murder suspect, with a medical examination also ordered. As data and call-record questions linger, the case tests how due process and justice intertwine as the next hearing looms.
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Bail Granted in $275 Facebook Scam Case Sparks Online Fraud Alerts
An online sale turns sour as a Facebook transaction leads to deception charges and strict bail conditions. With two related cases pending, this story spotlights the growing risk of online scams and the need for vigilance in digital buying and selling.
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Fiji High Court Delivers 11-Year Sentence in Child-Rape Case
An 11-year prison term and a lengthy non-parole period await a 24-year-old man convicted of raping his 11-year-old cousin. The High Court judge highlighted the severity of the offences while emphasizing rehabilitation for a young first offender, signaling a justice approach that seeks both accountability and reform.
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Psychiatric Evaluation Delays Sundar Case in Suva High Court
Justice hinges on a pending psychiatric report in a high-profile Suva case. Doctors at St Giles Hospital need more consultations to determine the defendant’s fitness to plead, keeping the January 20 hearing on hold.
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Fiji ex-corrections chief misses pretrial, case timeline unsettled
A high-profile Fiji legal case takes another turn as former acting Fiji Corrections Service commissioner Sevuloni Naucukidi is reminded to be in court after missing a pretrial conference. His criminal intimidation case, tied to an alleged July incident, continues to unfold with a January 19 reappearance on the horizon.
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End-of-Holiday Dangers: Preventable Injuries in Children on the Rise
With the holidays drawing to a close, families are urged to stay extra vigilant after a rise in preventable injuries among children. A quick, practical guide highlights common home hazards and simple steps to keep kids safe during play and everyday activities.
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Fiji’s 22-Year-Old Nurse Graduate Sets Sights on Mental Health Care
At 22, Nedley Neha Nand graduates as a nurse, turning faith, family support, and community into a calling to heal. From a close-knit Fiji upbringing to plans to specialize in mental health, her journey is a powerful reminder that compassion can shape a brighter future.
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Nasinu Court Hears Housekeeper Charged in $4,000 EFTPOS Fraud
An alleged case of workplace fraud surfaces as a 53-year-old housekeeper faces charges of obtaining financial advantage by deception. Authorities say nearly 100 EFTPOS transactions were redirected to a personal account, totaling over $4,000. The case moves through the courts as investigators review the evidence.
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Fiji Faces Online Fraud Cases as Two Women Face Financial Deception Charges
Two separate cases of online financial deception are under investigation as authorities crack down on fraud. One involves unauthorized fund transfers through an EFTPOS system, while the other centers on a deceptive social-media sale. The incidents highlight the importance of vigilance and careful verification of online transactions.
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Fiji Methodist Church Bets on Fresh Youth Outreach for 2026
A bold new youth outreach from Fiji’s Methodist Church shifts from sermons to hands-on support for vulnerable young people, tackling alcohol issues and social pressures. Plans for 2026 emphasize grassroots relationships and cross-sector partnerships to meet today’s youth where they are.