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…
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…
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…
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…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka wrapped up his 10-day visit to China this week, praising the “remarkable progress” made by the country under President Xi Jinping. Rabuka joins other Pacific leaders, such as Jeremiah Manele from Solomon Islands, Charlot Salwai from Vanuatu, and David Adeang from Nauru, who have also recently…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer The Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, has reportedly confirmed that the Fijian government has initiated preparations to revise the country’s constitution. The 2013 Constitution has faced criticism from political analysts and critics of the previous FijiFirst government, including Rabuka, who viewed it as being “imposed on the people.” Former…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Despite Fiji’s significant efforts to combat human trafficking, the country still falls short of meeting the minimum standards required for its elimination, as highlighted in the latest report by the US State Department on human trafficking. The report underscores the vulnerability of children in Fiji to forced labor in various…
There has been a significant development in Fiji’s political landscape with the deregistration of FijiFirst, the country’s largest political party in Parliament. The deregistration decision was made by the registrar of political parties, Ana Mataiciwa, in accordance with the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding & Disclosures) Act 2013. FijiFirst has been given 14 days to…
In a significant development marking the end of one of the longest-standing industrial disputes in Fiji’s history, a settlement has been reached at the Vatukoula Gold Mine. This ended a strike that began on 25 February 1991 involving 365 workers. The strike was primarily driven by longstanding grievances related to working conditions, wages, benefits, and…
by Richard Sanders, Associate Editor A Fijian economist has highlighted that around three percent of Fiji’s population has emigrated due to various challenges facing the country, such as inflation, unemployment, high living costs, labor shortages, and government debt. These issues are compounded by a growing drug crisis. Many skilled and semi-skilled workers are leaving for…