Renowned singer Paulini Curuenavuli graced the front page of The Fiji Times on December 6, following her attendance at the Nai Loloma concert press conference at the Fiji Arts Council in Suva. She is scheduled to perform at a concert tonight at 6 PM at the Grand Pacific Hotel.
In a troubling report from Taveuni, yaqona farmers are facing a surge in thefts targeting their valuable crops. With organized thieves taking advantage of the situation, many farmers now feel compelled to hire watchmen to guard their farms, even while attending church services on Sundays, highlighting the severity of the issue.
Christopher Pryde, the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, has come under scrutiny for allegedly receiving an unauthorized monthly payment of $2,200 since 2011. The Judicial Services Commission (JSC) disclosed to a Tribunal that there is no record of approval for this payment. Pryde, in response to comments made by Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo that accused him of embezzling taxpayer funds, called the remarks defamatory and asserted his right to defend himself.
On a brighter note, VB Holdings Ltd., a locally-owned property and fleet management company, is making significant strides by investing $10 million to expand its fleet with the addition of Hino trucks and related equipment. This decision comes after securing a contract to provide approximately 80 trucks under a fully maintained operating lease to the Whole of Government (WoG). CEO Nitish Niranjan expressed optimism that this investment would bring long-term value to shareholders and spur substantial revenue growth in the upcoming years.
In international news, the debate continues regarding the origin of COVID-19, with U.S. lawmakers supporting the theory that it may have originated from a Chinese lab, indicating the ongoing global interest in understanding the pandemic’s impact and origins.
In conclusion, the challenges faced by yaqona farmers in Taveuni are concerning, reflecting a broader issue of crime that undermines the community’s integrity and values. It emphasizes the urgent need for supportive measures from the government to protect farmers and promote a culture of respect for hard work and honest farming practices. At the same time, VB Holdings Ltd.’s expansion represents a positive development in the local economy, showcasing resilience and growth potential amidst adversity.
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