Author: TMC Palau
Firefighters and police at the scene of the fatal fire. [PHOTO:PRANEETA] Two people including a ten year old child have died in a fire in Laucala Beach this morning. The property which includes a residential house and four commercial properties razed to the ground at around 8am today. Eye witnesses have informed FBC News that the landlord and her adopted son were in the house when the fire started. The ten year old child was adopted just few days ago.Article continues after advertisement The Police Forensic Team has arrived at the scene to retrieve the body of the two victims.…
Overview: New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has condemned China’s recent ballistic missile test over the South Pacific, describing the launch of a nuclear-capable missile as “unacceptable” and “incredibly unwelcome.” The missile’s flight path crossed several Pacific nations’ Exclusive Economic Zones, reigniting regional concerns over militarisation in a region that has long championed its nuclear-free identity. WELLINGTON, 08 JULY 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says it’s unacceptable China has tested nuclear-capable weapons in the Pacific, and the government’s expressed its concerns directly. On Monday, China test-launched a long-range ballistic missile with a dummy warhead. The…
PCRIC’s new regional base at 14 Denison Road, Suva. [PHOTO:SUPPLIED] Pacific countries are gaining stronger financial protection against disasters as the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Insurance Company (PCRIC) opens its new headquarters in Suva. The move coincides with the organisation’s 10th anniversary of helping countries access faster financial support after natural disasters. The opening of the regional office last night comes as Pacific governments face rising costs from cyclones, floods, droughts and other natural hazards, with climate change increasing the scale and frequency of disasters affecting national economies. Established in 2015 by Pacific finance ministers, PCRIC was created to address a…
Spain substitute Mikel Merino fired home from close range in the 88th minute to snatch a 2-1 win for his side over injury-hit Belgium this morning and set up a semi-final clash with France. After the teams went in level at 1-1, Spain managed to slowly worked their way back before scoring the winner. They will now face France in the semifinals at 7am on Wednesday, and you can watch it Live on FBC Sports. Source link
[File Photo] The Fiji-Australia Business Council is shifting its attention to agriculture as the next driver of bilateral trade. It believes stronger partnerships with Australia can unlock new markets for local producers and expand investment opportunities. Fiji-Australia Business Council President Himen Chandra points out that agriculture has long been overlooked despite its potential to drive economic growth. He said the council was now working with government and industry partners to strengthen Fiji’s agricultural value chain and connect local producers with Australia’s established supply networks.Article continues after advertisement “So from FABC, we are seeing that the next big push from our…
Overview: Thousands across Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands remain without electricity and water after Super Typhoon Bavi battered the U.S. Pacific territories with winds reaching 180 mph. The island of Rota suffered the heaviest damage, with officials warning it could take months to fully restore essential services as residents line up for rationed water and begin the long recovery process. SAIPAN/HAGATNA, 08 JULY 2026 (AFP)—Tens of thousands of people were without power Tuesday on Guam and the Northern Marianas after a super typhoon tore through the U.S Pacific territories, with no deaths reported. The small island of Rota was…
[File Photo] The trial of Ratu Peceli Rokoralovo, who is charged with the murder of Dr Isireli Biumaitotoya also known as Dr Leli Darling will resume on Wednesday in the Lautoka High Court. It is alleged that between August 31 and September 1 last year, the accused attacked Dr Biumaitotoya with a cane knife at the deceased’s residence in Fatima Court in Martintar, Nadi. On the first day of trial, the accused requested Legal Aid representation after previously dismissing both private counsel and Legal Aid, and indicated that he would represent himself. Legal Aid appeared as friend to the Court…
A shortage of skilled workers is delaying major infrastructure projects across Fiji. The government says strengthening the country’s technical workforce is essential to meeting long-term development goals. Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau says the lack of engineers, technicians, tradespeople and heavy machinery operators remains one of the biggest challenges facing the Ministry as demand grows for roads, bridges, water, sanitation and public facilities. He said investing in skills must now be treated as an infrastructure priority to support future projects and maintain existing assets. “For example, in the water sector, we have the Water Sector Plan 2050, which…
In January 2025, Fiji’s Minister for Health Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu declared a national HIV outbreak. New case notifications rose twelvefold in seven years, from 131 in 2018 to 1,583 in 2024. Modelled estimates put the real number of people living with HIV at about 6,100, meaning more than 40% of those infected do not know it. Of patients who started antiretroviral therapy in 2024 and for whom exposure data was recorded, 48% named injecting drug use as their primary route of infection. Fiji’s HIV epidemic is not primarily sexual; it is a syringe epidemic. A rapid assessment commissioned by…
Overview: ADB Lowers Asia-Pacific Growth Outlook as Energy Crisis and Global Uncertainty Weigh on Economies The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has revised down its 2026 economic growth forecast for developing Asia and the Pacific, citing prolonged disruptions in global energy markets linked to the Middle East conflict. While the region remains resilient, ADB warns that higher energy costs, inflation pressures, supply chain risks, and geopolitical uncertainty could slow recovery across many economies. The latest outlook projects 4.9% growth for developing Asia and the Pacific in 2026, down from the previous forecast, with the Pacific and Southeast Asia among the subregions…