Author: TMC Palau

The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation is calling on government to prioritize local industries, jobs and productivity in the upcoming national budget. The federation says these areas are critical if Fiji is to achieve long-term economic growth targets. FCEF Chief Executive Edward Bernard says it has already submitted its budget recommendations to government ahead of the national budget announcement in late June. “Basically what we have proposed is safeguarding local industries, local jobs, and improving productivity.”Article continues after advertisement Bernard says Fiji must focus on strengthening key sectors to support future economic growth. “So that we are able to make…

The Consumer Council is calling for stronger enforcement action against restaurants and cafes found breaching basic hygiene and food safety standards across Fiji. Concerns were raised during discussions on the Council’s Annual Reports, with joint inspections alongside municipal councils revealing repeated sanitation issues, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas. Consumer Council Manager Research and Policy Analyst Lusia Rabaka says there have been some improvements in the Suva to Nausori corridor, while recurring hygiene violations continue to be found in parts of the Western Division. She says joint inspections have led to some traders working to correct non-compliance issues, but problems…

National powerlifter Susana Qionibaravi says her journey into the sport has exceeded expectations after claiming international success within just her first year of competition. Qionibaravi was among the athletes competing at the East versus West Powerlifting Competition held in Suva over the past two days, continuing what has been a remarkable rise in the sport. The national representative revealed she initially began with functional strength training at the gym before being encouraged by her coach, Norman, to take up powerlifting competitively. “I started from a gym just doing functional strength training… then my coach Norman advised me to start this…

When a Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme worker in an Australian abattoir gets fewer shifts one fortnight, what happens to their family’s budget back in Fiji? In a new discussion paper, we use high-frequency financial diaries collected from 29 Fijian temporary migrant workers in Australia and their families back home to study how remittances respond to the ups and downs of earnings abroad. We find that negative earnings shocks are passed through to families immediately, while positive shocks tend to be absorbed by the migrant. For households in Fiji where remittances are typically the primary and often only source…

Matthew Wale was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Solomon Islands by the Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu at Government House, immediately after his election in parliament on Friday 15 May 2026. Photo: Facebook / Government Communication Unit – Solomon Islands The Solomon Islands new Prime Minister Matthew Wale completed the formation of his Cabinet over the weekend. Wale, 57, the leader of the Solomon Islands Democratic Party, was elected to the top job last Friday by secret ballot. The final group of ministers was sworn in at Government House in Honiara on Sunday. His Deputy Prime Minister…

The Tui Namosi is calling on Government to consider establishing a tax-free zone stretching from Lami to Pacific Harbour to support growing population pressures and development along the corridor. Ratu Suliano Matanitobua says he had previously raised the proposal during his eight years in Parliament, but claims it was not acted upon at the time. He says increasing congestion in the Suva–Nausori corridor is driving more people and development toward Lami and Pacific Harbour, creating the need for targeted economic incentives. “In the last eight years when I was in parliament, I have been urging government for tax free zones…

The people of Tabia Village in Macuata have funded and built their own evacuation centre worth nearly $195,500 through community-driven efforts. The project was financed using the villagers’ 2024 Fiji Pine Limited bonus payout and lease premiums received through the iTaukei Land Trust Board. Speaking at the opening, Minister for Rural and Maritime Development Mosese Bulitavu praised the villagers for showing unity and leadership through self-funded development. He says the project demonstrates how communities can take ownership of their future and work together to improve the wellbeing of their people.Article continues after advertisement Bulitavu says development should not depend entirely…

[file/photo] A solemn moment was witnessed today at Centenary Church in Suva as congregants marked Mother’s Day by remembering women who have passed on, as well as those currently facing hardship around the world. Women led today’s service as the church joined in the nationwide Mother’s Day observance. In a moving tribute, two women from the congregation carried bouquets of flowers to the altar as the church sang a special song in remembrance of mothers and women. The service also included prayers for women of all faiths around the world, especially those facing hardship, that they may find strength, hope,…

The Pacific Sexual and Gender Diversity Network is calling on Pacific leaders to take stronger action to protect the rights and safety of LGBTQIA+ people as Fiji and the region mark International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination, also known as IDAHOBIT Day, today. This year’s global theme, “At the heart of democracy”, focuses on equality, inclusion, and the protection of human rights for all people. Interim Chief Executive Loata Tucika says democracy cannot be selective and governments must ensure that all citizens are protected equally, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics. Tucika says while leaders…

Vanuatu United FC’s Nicolas King and his team celebrate scoring the winning goal to put Vanuatu into the semi finals. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.nz A 10-men Vanuatu United team came back from the dead to beat Bula FC 2-1 in the semifinal playoff at the OFC Pro League, at the Go Media Stadium in Auckland on Sunday afternoon. That saw them secure a semifinal spot against top team South Melbourne FC on Wednesday at the same venue. Replacement Azaria Soromon claimed a goal to draw level just before fulltime, after Bula FC had led 1-0 for almost 90 minutes…