Author: TMC Palau

[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…

[Photo: FIJI FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION/ FACEBOOK] The Baby Bula Boys have booked their place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup next year after defeating the Solomon Islands in a dramatic penalty shoot-out in the semi-final of the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026 at the PNG Football Stadium. The match ended goalless after 90 minutes, with both sides creating chances but failing to convert. Fijian goalkeeper Kirikiti Biu stood tall under pressure, making two crucial saves in the shoot-out before striker Isoa Baselala converted the decisive penalty to secure a 4-2 victory. It is Fiji’s third consecutive qualification for the U-17 World…

A little over a decade ago, the UK was regarded as both a financial and intellectual powerhouse in global aid and development. That status is set to be fully relinquished if cuts announced by the former Keir Starmer government last week go ahead. The decline in the UK’s leadership on development began with the self-inflicted political and economic trauma that followed the Brexit referendum in 2016, the abolition of the Department for International Development in 2020 and the budget chaos and spending cuts wrought by successive Conservative governments. In 2026, what has since become a bipartisan project would appear to…

Misconceptions about the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme in New Zealand is one of the biggest challenges facing Fijian workers, the country’s diplomatic coordinator says.Fiji’s RSE scheme country liaison officer Greg Traill told RNZ Pacific these false impressions lead to confusions about worker rights, health and wellbeing, as well as the duration of their short-term work contracts.However, Traill, who was appointed to the position in December 2025, said despite the challenges, there have been positive feedback from both local employers and the workers themselves during his visits to sites throughout Aotearoa.Traill said he has heard from around 460 RSE workers…

[Photo: SUPPLIED] Growing demand for rehabilitation services is highlighting an urgent need for facilities to support homeless children, many of whom are affected by drugs and HIV. Salvation Army Suva Division Commander Major Phillipa Serevi says their Raiwai facility currently cares for 24 street boys—half of whom are living with HIV. She adds that plans are underway to establish a second centre in Samabula. The youngest boy at the shelter is just seven years old, and space is rapidly running out. “Every day our manager there is turning away young boys because we do not have enough funding and the…

[Photo: FILE] The semi-final matchups have been confirmed in the Royal Tea Ranadi Cup and Vodafone Vanua Championship following an exciting day of quarter-final action. In the Royal Tea Ranadi Cup, Cakaudrove will face Navosa, while Yasawa takes on the Northern Bulls for a place in the final. The Vodafone Vanua Championship Under-20 semi-finals will see Macuata meet Coastland, while northern rivals Cakaudrove and Northland go head-to-head. In the Vodafone Vanua Championship senior division, Vatukoula will face Ra after both sides survived tough quarter-final encounters, while Cakaudrove continues its impressive run against Northland.Article continues after advertisement The winners of this…

Opposition is growing in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) to a United States congressional proposal that would end automatic citizenship for many children born in American territories from 2027.CNMI delegate to the US Congres Kimberlyn King-Hinds, delegate candidate Galvin Guerrero, Saipan-born author Kelvin Rodeo and several community advocates say the measure could undermine the Covenant between the CNMI and the US and leave future generations in legal uncertainty.Rodeo, the author of Shadows in Paradise: The Dark History of the CNMI Guest Worker Program, said the issue was deeply personal because he was born and raised on Saipan…

[Photo: File] Former Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde has broken his silence following the withdrawal of charges against him, accusing key institutions involved in the matter of pursuing a process aimed at removing him from office. In a statement released after FICAC filed a nolle prosequi in the Magistrates Court, Pryde alleged that the Judicial Services Commission, senior officials and FICAC mishandled the process that led to his suspension and investigation. Pryde claimed the Chief Justice and the JSC refused to allow him to return to Fiji, alleging that further accusations were raised against him after he was reinstated…

[Photo: Supplied] More than 20 years of trying has finally paid off for Ra, with the side securing a place in the Vodafone Vanua Cup semifinals following a hard-fought 34-28 victory over Ovalau in the third quarterfinal. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the team led by former Flying Fijians representative Sireli Bobo, with former Fijian Drua and Flying Fijians halfback Peni Matawalu also playing a key role in the campaign. Team manager Jacoro Nima said reaching the semifinals was the reward for years of hard work and perseverance. “It’s been more than 20 years of us trying and…

People in Papua New Guinea’s East New Britain province are coming to terms with an unfolding maritime tragedy that could be among the country’s worst ever.As hopes fade for the rescue of any of the 27 people missing at sea after their two boats capsized over the weekend, authorities are pleading with the public to take heed of weather warnings before going to sea.The group set off in two boats on Saturday from the Duke of York group of islands to Kokopo, the capital of East New Britain province on Saturday.The Provincial Disaster Committee said the vessels capsized that afternoon…