Author: TMC Palau

[Photo: File] Sugar cane farmers will pay less for mechanical harvesting and selected cane cartage services. The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission has reduced regulated rates following a decline in fuel prices. The FCCC has cut mechanical harvesting rates by 16.7 per cent, reducing the current interim rate from $24.63 per tonne to $20.52 per tonne. It has also reduced sugar cane lorry cartage rates between Rakiraki and the Rarawai Sugar Mill by 14.5 per cent.Article continues after advertisement FCCC Chief Executive Senikavika Jiuta said the reductions were mainly driven by lower diesel prices, which are a major cost factor…

[FIBA] Basketball Fiji men’s 3×3 captain Joshua Fox isn’t in Scotland to make history—he’s there to make Fiji a genuine medal contender. As Fiji prepares for its Commonwealth Games 3×3 basketball debut, Fox says the squad has embraced the challenge with confidence after months of dedicated preparation, including overnight training sessions in Fiji to adjust to Scotland’s time zone. The journey to Glasgow has been long, but the captain believes the hard work has put the team in the best possible position ahead of its opening matches. “We’re excited. It’s a great opportunity to come to the Commonwealth and represent…

[File Photo] The cost of treating Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) has reached alarming levels, placing enormous pressure on Fiji’s health system as 80 percent of adult deaths are now linked to the diseases. Speaking during the opening of a health project, JP Bayly Trust Board of Trustees member Rufina Latu says expensive treatments, including kidney dialysis, are becoming increasingly common as the country battles what she describes as “a killer in Fiji.” Latu says heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and mental health conditions continue to devastate families, with hospitals seeing severe complications every day. She says…

Vanuatu’s government has issued a stinging rebuke to the country’s customary leaders who have reportedly called for revoking the appointment of the first woman to lead the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat.Dr Anna Naupa, a Pacific politics expert and ni-Vanuatu woman, was appointed MSG Secretariat director-general last month, with Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat describing her as “one of the nation’s top minds”.”Vanuatu believes the success of the MSG under Dr Naupa’s leadership will depend on never losing sight of that founding spirit – solidarity, justice, and self-determination for our peoples,” Napat said.However, the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs, which…

[File Photo] The Fiji Sugar Corporation, Sugar Cane Growers Council and Sugar Industry Tribunal are urging cane growers and industry stakeholders to increase cane deliveries to the Lautoka Sugar Mill as concerns are mounting over low supply levels. The three organizations met today to review the current cane supply situation and measures needed to support continued crushing operations at the mill. FSC says the Lautoka Mill requires about 5,000 to 5,500 tonnes of cane per day to maintain normal crushing operations. However, since the start of the season, daily cane deliveries have remained below 2,800 tonnes.Article continues after advertisement It…

Caitlyn Halse(middle) returns to the starting side for Saturday’s Super Rugby Women’s grand final against the McDonald’s Fijian Drua[Source:Waratahs/Facebook] New South Wales Waratahs star fullback Caitlyn Halse returns to the starting side for Saturday’s Super Rugby Women’s grand final against the McDonald’s Fijian Drua at 4R Stadium Govind Park in Ba on Saturday. The Wallaroos representative’s promotion to the first 15 is one of four changes to the team that defeated the Western Force in last week’s semi-final. Head coach Mike Ruthven has moved Desiree Miller back to the wing after she played fullback against the Force. Taj Heald and…

[File Photo] More than 7.5 million beverage containers have been recycled in Fiji in the first six months of this year through the Return & Earn programme. The initiative has also returned more than $687,000 to the public and collection partners, as efforts continue to reduce waste and promote recycling across the country. The achievement highlights the partnership between the Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, municipal councils and Return & Earn Fiji in supporting cleaner communities. The Fiji Government has acknowledged Return & Earn Fiji and the Lautoka City Council for the results and their…

Nauru’s government has announced plans to set up an embassy in Israel.The government said Cabinet had endorsed the deployment of a scoping mission to Israel, to assess the diplomatic, operational, and logistical requirements to establish the embassy.”A diplomatic presence in Israel will serve as an essential platform for advancing [Nauru’s] foreign policy priorities, promoting sustainable development, and deepening bilateral engagement with one of the region’s key partners,” the government said in a statement on Wednesday.”The creation of an embassy in Israel represents a significant milestone in [Nauru’s] diplomatic outreach and underscores the nation’s dedication to expanding its global partnerships in…

Occupational Health and Safety Inspector Ashneel Nath is expected to enter a plea in September to a manslaughter charge linked to a fatal Ferris wheel accident in 2023. The incident happened during the Vodafone Showcase at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. The State alleges Nath failed to properly inspect the Ferris wheel before permitting its operation and that the inspection conducted was inadequate. When the matter was called in court this morning, the prosecution informed the court that full disclosures have not yet been served, citing ongoing commitments in another trial.Article continues after advertisement The State also advised that some…

[Photo/Mollyn Nakabea] A group of Fijian servicemen of the British Army are conducting a charity walk of 226 kilometres across Viti Levu in an effort to raise awareness on substance abuse and support for veterans. Sergeant Filipe Buatavatava says the idea came from his wish to give back to the country. “Looking at social media, looking at our young kids on the streets suffering from drug addiction, one day I was thinking, during my time serving in the British Army, I’ve done 18 years now, and I’m thinking I need to do something to give back to the country.” Sergeant…