Author: TMC Palau

[Photo: File] The Australia-backed infrastructure project at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital has been confirmed to be completed in the next 20 years, one that officials described as along-term investment in Fiji’s healthcare. The Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa who confirmed this, says that the project includes CWMs improvement plan and a new hospital to be built outside of the CWM. “That is a big project. As the Minister has already alluded to, it will take at least about 10 to 20 years to complete the whole project improvement plan for the hospital and also for the new hospital…

[Photo: Supplied: Fiji Govt] The government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and community engagement following public discussion surrounding the Google ICT Facility development at Natadola. Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel says the project is one of the most significant digital infrastructure investments in Fiji’s history and will strengthen the country’sdigital connectivity and reinforce Fiji’s position as a destination for global technology investment. Immanuel says the government wants public discussion on the project to be based on facts rather than speculation. According to the government, consultations were conducted throughout the project’s development with the Ministry of Lands, the iTaukei Land…

[Photo: FILE] Government will invest $1.3 million in a new housing development in Caubati, Nasinu, as part of efforts to expand affordable housing opportunities for Fijians. Minister for Housing Maciu Nalumisa says the funding is part of this year’s budget priorities, which focus on increasing formal housing developments and supporting low-income families. He says the Caubati project is among several new developments planned, alongside the continuation of settlement formalization programmes nationwide. Nalumisa adds that the government is also strengthening the First Home Ownership Initiative, with revised eligibility criteria aimed at helping more families own their homes.Article continues after advertisement “Under…

A Pacific geopolitical expert there is a risk that Pacific Islands’ priorities and security concerns are being sidelined by increased geopolitical competition and tensions in the region.Are there too many security alliances in the Pacific?Pacific WavesThis comes amid a growing number of security alliances being formed between Australia and Pacific countries, as well as new regional security organisations, and as China increases its footprint in the region.Anna Powles, an associate professor at the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at Massey University, told RNZ Pacific that the already crowded regional architecture is becoming more complex, and that there is a…

[Photo: FILE] Health officials are sounding the alarm as diabetes-related amputations continue to rise in Fiji, with concerns that many patients are delaying medical treatment in favour of herbal medicine and faith-based healing. The Ministry of Health says this trend persists despite years of education and awareness campaigns. Recent figures reveal that around 70 percent of surgeries carried out in the country are diabetes related. The Assistant Minister for Health, Penioni Ravunawa, highlighted cultural challenges as a contributing factor to late-stage presentations.Article continues after advertisement  “Unfortunately, with our communal system also in Fiji, we tend to rely on herbal medicine…

Melvin Mani and coach Alvin Chand.[Source:Fiji FA/Facebook] Extra Supermarket Labasa’s top goal scorer, Melvin Mani, will miss Saturday’s crucial Extra Premier League clash against Dayal’s Sawmillers Ba at Subrail Park. The Labasa star is one of 12 players who will watch this weekend’s round 16 from the sideline after accumulating two yellow cards. Also out for Labasa is Peniasi Rotidara who has two yellow cards as well. Mani, who scored the winning goal against Prithvi Navua last week, has netted six goals in the league after 15 rounds.Article continues after advertisement The Babasiga Lions are also going to be playing…

[Photo: FILE] A youth-elder buddy system, where young people regularly visit and support older persons, has been proposed to strengthen elderly care in communities. The idea was raised by Reverend Manasa Vatanitawake during an elderly care roundtable discussion in Lautoka yesterday. Inspired by a YouTube video, Reverend Vatanitawake says pairing young people with elderly persons could help them feel valued, included and connected. He says regular visits, conversations and simple acts of companionship could bring renewed purpose to the lives of older people.Article continues after advertisement Reverend Vatanitawake adds that young people could commit to visiting an elderly person in…

A Pacific geopolitical expert there is a risk that Pacific Islands’ priorities and security concerns are being sidelined by increased geopolitical competition and tensions in the region.Are there too many security alliances in the Pacific?Pacific WavesThis comes amid a growing number of security alliances being formed between Australia and Pacific countries, as well as new regional security organisations, and as China increases its footprint in the region.Anna Powles, an associate professor at the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at Massey University, told RNZ Pacific that the already crowded regional architecture is becoming more complex, and that there is a…

Minister for Agriculture Tomasi Tunabuna. [Photo: PECELI NAVITICOKO] Fiji is stepping up efforts to reduce its reliance on imported agricultural products, with the government investing in better market access to help local farmers increase sales and boost domestic production. The country imported around $1.19 billion worth of agricultural goods last year, compared with approximately $300 million in agriculture and livestock exports, highlighting a significant trade imbalance. To address the issue, the Ministry of Agriculture has increased funding for the Agricultural Marketing Authority to establish two new collection and storage facilities, allowing produce from different farming areas to be consolidated before…

[Photo: FILE] Inter-island vessels are facing scrutiny over passenger overcrowding during peak travel periods. Members of the Standing Committee on Social Affairs questioned the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji on whether current checks are enough to stop boats from carrying more passengers than their approved capacity. The committee probed MSAF Legal Team Member Tui Kilakila on how passenger numbers are controlled before vessels depart from ports such as Natovi, Tukadavo, Tulau and Lomaiviti. Members said during festive periods, when travel demand increases, passengers often face crowded conditions onboard and questioned whether regular checks are being carried out to ensure vessels…