Flooding in Fiji, more rain expected

by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Fiji police say those living in flood-prone areas in the Western Division should move to higher ground due to flooding. The police put the statement on social media just after 4pm, local time. Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Livai Driu said continuous rain from morning has seen flooding in some…

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Alcohol poisoning reported at Fiji resort

Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Seven guests fell ill from suspected alcohol poisoning at a luxury resort on Fiji’s Coral Coast. They have been released from Lautoka Hospital. At least two of the four Australians affected are also returning home. The group became seriously ill after consuming piña coladas at the Warwick Fiji Resort. Fiji’s Deputy…

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Fijian MP urges govt to fast-track development leases to address squatter settlement issue

by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Fijian MP Urges Government to Fast-Track Development Leases to Address Squatter Settlement Issue In a significant call to action, a prominent Member of Parliament (MP) from Fiji has urged the government to expedite the process of granting development leases as part of a comprehensive strategy to tackle the pressing issue…

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Fijian village to ban drug users, dealers

by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer The chief of one of Fiji’s 14 provinces has issued a warning to residents that involvement in drug-related activities will result in a ban from the province. Fiji is facing a significant drug crisis, with authorities struggling to manage the situation. Police are conducting weekly raids, arresting individuals, and seizing…

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Japanese tourism boost for Fiji

by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Fiji and Japan have established a memorandum of cooperation aimed at enhancing tourism collaboration between the two countries. This agreement is designed to facilitate the sharing of technical expertise, training opportunities, capacity building, and resources, which will strengthen the tourism sectors of both nations. Viliame Gavoka, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister…

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Fiji peacekeepers in Middle East are safe, so far

by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Fijian peacekeepers in the Middle East are reported to be “safe and in high spirits” despite rising tensions in the area, according to the acting home affairs minister of Fiji, Filimoni Vosarogo. In a statement released last week, Vosarogo emphasized that the safety of Fijian peacekeepers is “extremely important” and…

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Fiji democracy in decline

by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer A former long-time staff member of Fiji’s parliament has expressed concern over the quality of political debates within the House, calling for stricter enforcement of standards regarding MPs’ behavior. On Monday, two MPs from opposing parties engaged in a heated exchange, resorting to name-calling and insults. Mary Chapman, who served…

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Fiji coup leader pardoned

by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer George Speight, the instigator of the 2000 coup in Fiji, along with former soldier Shane Stevens, the leader of the mutineers, has received Presidential pardons. On Thursday, the Fiji Correction Service announced that they were among seven inmates granted pardons by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, following recommendations from the Mercy…

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Fiji anti-corruption chief quizzed

by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Fiji’s newly appointed anti-corruption chief was questioned by the anti-corruption office regarding an abuse of office allegation just a day after her appointment was announced. On Wednesday, Barbara Malimali, who has an active case with the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) due to her position as chair of the…

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