Author: TMC Palau

[Photo: Supplied] A shortage of cane harvesters is slowing sugar production at the Lautoka Sugar Mill, with deliveries falling well below the levels needed to keep operations running efficiently. Fiji Sugar Corporation Lautoka Mill General Manager Iliyaz Khan says the mill is currently receiving only about 2,500 tonnes of cane per day, less than half the 5,000 to 5,500 tonnes required for optimal operations. Khan says the reduced cane supply is preventing the mill from operating continuously and is driving up production costs. He says only 125 of the 454 harvesting gangs are currently active, representing just 28 percent of…

Warning: This article discusses violence against women.A Catholic priest says a community-led shift in how Papua New Guineans handle grief could de-escalate sorcery-related violence in the country.An elderly woman was rescued from a mob torturing her over allegations of practicing sorcery – locally known as sanguma – in Enga Province recently. It is estimated that up to 200 people are killed due to sorcery violence in PNG every year, with thousands more severely injured, tortured, mutilated and exiled.Grief counselling key to ending sorcery related violence in PNGPacific WavesConversations about sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV) and the human rights issues surrounding it,…

[Photo: Supplied] Lokia Village has marked a historic milestone after hosting the annual Rewa Provincial Meeting for the first time today. The occasion was made even more significant with the official opening of the village’s newly constructed Community Hall, bringing together provincial leaders, government representatives and community members for a double celebration. Village representatives say hosting the provincial meeting is a proud moment for Lokia, highlighting the village’s growth and its contribution to the wider province. The new Community Hall is expected to provide a central space for village gatherings, meetings and community activities.Article continues after advertisement The event marks…

[Source: File] McDonald’s Fiji Drua Women head coach Mike Legge has named an unchanged 23-member squad for Saturday’s historic Super Rugby Women’s Grand Final against the NSW Waratahs in Ba. Legge has retained the same lineup that powered past the Queensland Reds 31-5 in last week’s semi-final, backing the combination that secured the club’s first-ever home grand final. Veteran front-rower Karalaini Naisewa, who will make her 31st appearance for the Drua, starts at loosehead prop alongside hooker Keleni Marawa and tighthead prop Tiana Robanakadavu. The second row features Mereoni Nakesa and Carletta Yee, while Nunia Daunimoala, Salaseini Railumu and Sulita…

[Source: File] The experience and leadership of the McDonald’s Fiji Drua Women’s four remaining inaugural players could prove crucial when the side contests its first-ever Super Rugby Women’s home grand final this weekend. Bitila Tawake, Kolora Lomani, Karalaini Naisewa and Kelera Marawa have been part of the Drua journey since the club entered the competition in 2022 and will now have the opportunity to play for a title on home soil. Head coach Mike Legge says the quartet has played a significant role in guiding the current squad throughout the season. “They’ve been massive for us, not just this week,…

Opinion: The first leg of the 2026 Nations Championship and World Rugby Nations Cup competitions was completed over the weekend.Pacific teams featured in both events. Fiji joined New Zealand in the Nations Championship, the first such Tier 1 competition the Flying Fijians have been included in apart from the Rugby World Cup.This came after both Fiji and Japan were granted Tier 1 status by World Rugby last year, elevating them to the top tier of world rugby status and joining world champs South Africa, Australia, Argentina and the Six Nations teams England, France, Italy, Scotland and Wales.Samoa and Tonga competed…

Manoa Kamikamica outside court today. The prosecution has closed its case in the perjury trial of former Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, with the defence set to argue there is no case to answer. The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption concluded its case today after calling two witnesses before the Suva Magistrates Court. Former Fisheries Minister Kalaveti Ravu was the second prosecution witness to take the stand. Article continues after advertisement During his testimony, Ravu was questioned by FICAC lawyer Josann Pene about diary entries he made regarding conversations involving his own abuse of office case. The court took a…

[File Photo] School attendance in Taveuni has climbed to 95 percent following the resumption of bus services after two days of transport disruption. The Ministry of Education says the return of Taveuni Buses Pte Limited’s services today is a major relief for students, parents and schools across the island. The disruption had affected students’ ability to travel to and from school, prompting the Ministry to activate contingency measures and work with temporary transport providers to ensure learning continued. Permanent Secretary for Education Navin Raj says the Ministry’s efforts helped minimise the impact on students, resulting in a strong turnout when…

Australia was only given a few hours’ notice by China before a missile was launched in the Pacific. [Photo Credit: AAP News] Australia has raised its concerns with China over its nuclear-capable missile test in the South Pacific, noting many of the region’s nations also shared the same view. Foreign Minister Penny Wong met with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of ASEAN talks in Manila on Tuesday evening. “You speak about the importance of mutual understanding. I agree, and I expect we will discuss our concerns … including around peace and stability in our region, safe and…

Overview: Papua New Guinea has announced it will close Taiwan’s trade mission in Port Moresby, reaffirming its commitment to the One China policy in a move welcomed by Beijing but opposed by Taipei. The decision comes just weeks after the Australia-Papua New Guinea Pukpuk Treaty took effect, highlighting the complex diplomatic balancing act unfolding across the Pacific. PORT MORESBY, 20 JULY 2026 (ABC) — Papua New Guinea will close Taiwan’s trade mission in its capital Port Moresby, freezing out its fifth largest trading partner in a major strategic move designed to reaffirm ties with China.  In a statement on Thursday,…