Fiji will host the 2026 Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) media summit, marking a significant event for the country. Fred Wesley, editor-in-chief, has been re-elected to the PINA board, and he has kept the community informed about the developments from the recent discussions in Niue regarding the upcoming annual general meeting.
The summit will take place in the beautiful Hidden Paradise of Fiji, which is expected to showcase the Friendly North’s stunning natural scenery. The Fiji Media Association, led by President Stanley Simpson, aims to create a completely free media environment by then, particularly after experiences with media bias in previous administrations.
Simpson plans to host visitors in an idyllic location, far from the usual crowded urban centers of Suva and Nadi, allowing them to enjoy the tranquility of Fiji’s tropical rainforests and beautiful beaches.
In other news, community members are questioning the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) about the financial transparency of gate takings from local Drua matches. Daniel Fatiaki expressed concern about why the FRU seems to consistently struggle with meeting player obligations despite high attendance.
The conversation about professional sports continues, with Ronnie Chang noting that sports have shifted from being a passion to a business model, emphasizing the need for sporting bodies to ensure timely payment for athletes.
On the housing front, Samu Silatolu highlighted the growing issue of informal squatter settlements exacerbated by financial barriers to homeownership. He suggested the adoption of shipping container homes as a feasible solution to improve housing affordability in Fiji.
Floyd Robinson raised questions during the recent National Housing Policy Review consultations about the implications of climate change on housing stability and the burden of high land prices for average income earners.
Rakesh Chand Sharma criticized the Finance Ministry’s spending on hospital services without visible improvements in healthcare quality, indicating that transparency regarding such expenses is crucial.
Lastly, Daniel Laws called for a revival of the Lautoka Residents and Ratepayers Association, which previously played a key role in community advocacy, urging capable individuals to collaborate for the betterment of Lautoka.
In sports, congratulations were extended to the Vusu Raiders for winning the Fiji National Rugby Final, celebrating the homegrown talent and determination of the team.