Author: ngewakl

[Photo: FIJI GOVERNMENT/ FACEBOOK] The Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry is stepping up efforts to reduce post-harvest losses, with the distribution of 1,600 plastic crates to farmers and research stations. The initiative, supported by the European Union and implemented through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations under the STODAS project, aims to improve how produce is handled, stored, and transported. Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna says post-harvest losses remain a major issue, with up to 30 percent of horticultural produce lost along the value chain. He says poor handling and transport practices continue to affect quality,…

Director FCOSS, Vani Catanasiga. [Photo: FILE] The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) has proposed a major overhaul of the country’s anti-corruption framework in its submission to the Constitution Review Commission. The proposal included a plan to restructure how corruption is addressed in the country. At the centre of the proposal is the replacement of the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) with a more preventive, transparent, and accountable system. FCOSS says the 2013 Constitution already provides for this through the Accountability and Transparency Commission and is calling for it to be fully resourced and operationalised.Article continues after advertisement The…

Naitasiri Secondary School athletes used the final qualifier to sharpen their preparations ahead of the Fiji Finals this week. Team captain and middle distance runner, Litia Sewe, believes their intermediate girls 4 by 400 meters relay team has been preparing well and can deliver at the Coca Cola Games. At the Triple N Zone, Naitasiri Secondary was leading until the final lap before they were beaten by Adi Cakobau School and had to settle for silver. Sewe says they will try to return home this week with a 4 by 400 relay medal, and she believes they’ll be one of…

District of Sawaieke on Gau Island. [Photo: FILE] The District of Sawaieke on Gau Island is actively implementing a programme aimed at strengthening agricultural activity and supporting local farmers. Under the initiative, the first three months of the year are fully dedicated to farming activities across the district, ensuring consistent focus on land cultivation and farm development. District representative, Tomasi Dravuikula, says, kava farming, which remains the main source of income for many households in Sawaieke, is a key priority under the programme. “The beginning of the first three months of the year is a good time to plant kava,…

[Photo: FILE] The Suva football side has moved to third on the Extra Premier League points standing. This is after their 8-0 nil over Tailevu Naitasiri at the Fiji FA Academy ground in Vatuwaqa yesterday. Suva and Labasa both have 11 points, but the Whites have a plus-12 goal difference compared to Labasa’s nine. Ba maintains its spot at the top with 14 points, followed by Rewa on 13.Article continues after advertisement Lautoka is now fifth as they have 10 points, then Nadi on seven, with Nasinu. Navua have four points from six games while Nadroga and Tailevu Naitasiri occupy…

Residents in Vunivere are calling for water assistance after being faced with water crisis for the last 8 months. [Photo: PECELI NAVITICOKO] Residents of Vunivere in Seaqaqa are sounding the alarm over an ongoing water crisis, with little to no supply reaching homes for the past eight months. The prolonged disruption is now forcing families to rely on nearby rivers and rainwater for daily survival, as water carting struggles to meet growing demand. More than 20 households are affected, with fears that the situation could worsen as the cane harvesting season approaches, placing further pressure on farming families. Resident Dharmen…

National Secretary of the Fiji Trades Union Congress, Felix Anthony. [Photo: FILE] Submission has been made to the Constitution Review Commission calling for greater authority to be given to the Public Service Commission. National Secretary of the Fiji Trades Union Congress, Felix Anthony, raised concerns over Section 127 of the Constitution, particularly the powers granted to Permanent Secretaries in managing public service employment matters. He argued that these powers should instead fall under the Public Service Commission to ensure greater accountability and consistency in public service appointments and management. Giving the power of recruitment and promotion to PSC will ensure…

[Photo: FILE] Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has reaffirmed the government’s support for the proposed waste-to-energy project in Viseisei, Vuda. Speaking on the Radio Fiji One programme Voqa ni Davui, he said the government remains committed to progressing the project. However, Rabuka stressed that proper processes will be followed, including a thorough review of concerns raised during public consultations. The proposed development has attracted mixed reactions, with more than 1,000 petition signatures and over 3,000 written and online submissions, as the government continues to pursue its implementation.Article continues after advertisement “There has been a delay in discussions, but as a government,…

NASINU, FIJI — The Fiji National University (FNU) will now lead the Pacific Women’s Leadership and Climate Change Resilience Training Programme. This marks a significant step forward in strengthening regional capacity for inclusive and climate-responsive leadership. This development follows the successful completion of the recent Asian Development Bank (ADB)-supported Women’s Leadership and Climate Change Resilience Training, in which FNU representatives participated together with other regional stakeholders to build skills in leadership, governance, and climate resilience. The programme will be implemented under the umbrella of the University’s Center for Leadership, Governance and Security framework under its Leadership Pillar. This will complement ongoing…

THE Government of Tonga has decided to remain at Level One (Green) under the Tonga Fuel Controls Framework following a recommendation from the Inter-Cluster Coordinating Committee, officials said. This indicates early signs of fuel supply risk, but authorities say overall supply remains stable. The government urged households and businesses to adopt fuel-saving practices amid rising global tensions that continue to push up fuel prices. Officials said a Pacific Energy shipment was due to arrive in Tonga this weekend, followed by a TotalEnergies supply during the week. The Prime Minister’s Office will host a press conference to provide further updates on…