Author: TMC Palau

[Photo: FILE] Tourism Fiji is facing questions over delayed reports, unclear spending and concerns surrounding the Na Vualiku Project. Parliament is calling for stronger accountability and better oversight of the tourism sector. The Standing Committee on Economic Affairs found that some Tourism Fiji annual reports were delayed by up to a decade before being tabled in Parliament. Committee Chair Sakiusa Tubuna said the delays weakened parliamentary oversight, especially as Tourism Fiji receives significant government funding.Article continues after advertisement The committee also found that Tourism Fiji needed to provide clearer details on how money spent on marketing and promotions was delivering…

[Photo: File] The Nasinu Town council is still in talks with the Government regarding the establishment of the Valelevu grounds. Chief Executive Felix Magnus says the valelevu grounds is one of the developments they are currently working on in the build up to achieving City status by 2030. “We’re still negotiating with government on the Valelevu grounds. And if government gives us the go-ahead to develop the Valelevu grounds, we will develop Valelevu Grounds.” Magnus says development partners are ready to come on board with the project.Article continues after advertisement He says that the Government has requested the town council…

[Photo: Peceli Naviticoko] The FMF Duavata Northern Crime Prevention Carnival has unveiled the construction of a new classroom at Valelawa Primary School in Macuata as its major community project for this year’s festival. Speaking during the launch of the 2026 carnival contestants, organiser and chairman Satish Kumar said while the annual event continues to raise awareness about crime prevention and the fight against drugs, it also remains committed to supporting community development through charitable projects. Kumar says this year’s fundraising efforts will go towards building a classroom for Valelawa Primary School, where students have been learning in temporary tents since…

[Photo: SUPPLIED] Women must have an equal role alongside men in developing artificial intelligence to ensure the technology is fair, inclusive and reflects diverse communities, says KPMG Women in Tech Lead Fiona Glaskin. Glaskin explains that AI outcomes depend on the people building the tools and the data used to train them. She says as AI becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, stronger representation of women in the technology sector is essential. Glaskin notes that while more women are entering the technology sector, gender bias and inequality remain challenges.Article continues after advertisement She believes involving women in AI development will…

Pacific leaders and environmental advocates have condemned a United States government proposal to advance plans for an offshore mineral lease sale in federal waters off American Samoa.They say the move – despite about 70,000 public comments submitted during the process opposing offshore mineral extraction – disregards widespread public opposition and threatens the region’s culture, livelihoods and marine environment.The criticism followed the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) announcement that it had issued a Proposed Leasing Notice for the American Samoa Outer Continental Shelf Pacific Mineral Lease Sale 1, a key procedural step toward a potential lease sale currently proposed for…

[Photo: File] The lack of specialized forensic equipment is delaying progress in the investigation into the death of Police Constable, Peniasi Racagi says Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu . Tudravu says police have had to send samples and specimens to New Zealand for further laboratory analysis as Fiji’s forensic laboratory does not have the required equipment. He says the situation highlights the urgent need to properly equip Fiji’s forensic facilities, adding that annual budget submissions have been made to secure the necessary resources. “It is out of our control and we are also waiting. We would like the system, the process…

[Photo: Mosese Raqio] Acting Attorney General and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga says the reduction in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ allocation in the 2026/2027 National Budget will not stop Fiji from meeting its international peacekeeping commitments. Responding to questions on whether the reduced funding would affect peacekeeping operations, Turaga says this year’s budget has been shaped by external economic shocks and the broader financial challenges facing the country. However, he stressed that Fiji’s commitment to regional and international security remains unchanged. Turaga says if instability arises in the region and the RFMF is required, Fiji’s troops will be…

All Blacks captain Ardie Savea jetted out to Samoa on Sunday morning, hours after leading his team to a 40-21 win over Ireland at Eden Park.The former Rongotai College First XV captain and head boy touched down at Faleolo International Airport less than 24 hours after ensuring the All Blacks’ record at Eden Park remained intact. The All Blacks have lost at the ground since 1994.Savea and his wife, Saskia, are in Samoa with their three children and will travel on to Fiji before returning to rejoin the All Blacks squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa.Samoa Observer reported…

[Source: Reuters] Director Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of “The Odyssey” had an epic debut, grossing $264.1 million in global ticket sales on its opening weekend, including $124.5 million in the U.S. and Canada, Universal Pictures (CMCSA.O), opens new tab said on Sunday. The film, based on the ancient Greek poem by Homer, stars Matt ​Damon as the Greek hero Odysseus, and follows his perilous journey home after fighting the Trojan War. It ​is Nolan’s first movie since the 2023 blockbuster “Oppenheimer,” which won Academy Awards in several categories, including ⁠directing and best picture. Director Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of “The Odyssey” had…

[Source:Fiji Rugby/Facebook] The 2026 Vodafone Vanua Championship quarterfinals at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva will air live and exclusive on FBC Sports channel on Wednesday. Overseas fans can watch all four quarterfinals as well on VITI+ for $30FJD. The first quarterfinal between Tavua and Cakaudrove kicks off at 11am. Macuata and Vatukoula meet in the second quarterfinal at pm.Article continues after advertisement In the third quarterfinal, Ovalau faces Ra at 3pm while Northland takes on Namosi at 5pm. Meanwhile, the Ranadi quarterfinals start at 9am between Yasawa and Taveuni at Buckhurst Park followed by the Northland and Navosa game.…