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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Fiji PM wraps up China visit

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…

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Fiji prepares to revise constitution

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…

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Fiji human trafficking concerns

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…

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