Author: TMC Palau

[Photo: FILE] Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga says allegations of abuse and misconduct involving inmates continue to arise within the Fiji Corrections Service, but insists every complaint is investigated through the appropriate disciplinary process. Speaking on the Government’s budget allocation for the Fiji Corrections Service, Turaga says while complaints from inmates are not uncommon, the ministry remains committed to ensuring they are properly addressed. Turaga states allegations are an ongoing reality in correctional institutions, making it essential for authorities to respond promptly and fairly. “Of course, there is a small issue here and there in terms of…

Solomon IslandsThere are fears that a landslide at Gold Ridge Mine in the Solomon Islands may have claimed lives.Gold Ridge Mining Limited today released a statement confirming that an incident occurred at the mine site in the early hours of this morning, 27 July.The company said no injuries, fatalities, or equipment damage have been confirmed, and that mining and construction activities continue without disruption.Earlier, In-depth Solomons reported that up to ten people may have been buried as a result of the ground collapse at the mine.The Solomon Islands Police Force have been approached for comment.KiribatiThe Asian Development Bank (ADB) and…

[Photo: File] Higher fuel purchases pushed Fiji’s imports up in May. The Fiji Bureau of Statistics stated that imports from Singapore increased by $52.5 million to $195.5 million with diesel and fuel products making up much of the rise. Imports from Malaysia also surged by $52.6 million to $64.7 million, driven by aviation fuel and diesel. China remained one of Fiji’s biggest sources of imports at $113.7 million, while New Zealand imports rose to $81.9 million, mainly from food products including frozen meat, milk powder and butter.Article continues after advertisement On the export front, the United States became Fiji’s top…

Labasa cane farmers are being praised for keeping harvesting operations moving despite challenges at the start of the 2026 crushing season. Minister for Sugar Tomasi Tunabuna says cane deliveries to the Labasa Mill have continued to improve, with farmers choosing to harvest despite pressure from some individuals calling for them to stop. He says farmers in the Northern Division have shown strong commitment to the sugar industry despite fuel shortages and other disruptions affecting operations. “I’d like to extend our deep appreciation to the cane farming community here in the North and all those who have been involved in the…

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank says it is ready to support Fiji’s development journey by investing in infrastructure and working alongside the Government. AIIB President Zou Jiayi, who was welcomed in Suva today, says infrastructure is critical for Fiji’s growth, especially with the country’s many islands requiring strong connectivity. “Infrastructure is critical to the development of Fiji. We are the builders. We build infrastructure. You are also the builders. You build your country into a modernized and prosperous one.” Zou says successful development must be based on the history, culture and needs of each country, adding that AIIB is committed…

Papua New Guinea weightlifter Morea Baru is the first Pacific Island athlete at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow to win a medal.The 36-year-old lifted a total of 282 kilogram in the men’s 65kg category – 125kg in the snatch and 157kg in the clean-and-jerk.It is his fourth Commonwealth Games medal and second bronze, with two silvers won in previous Games.Morea Baru with his bronze medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.Facebook / Team PNGIndia’s Raja Muthupandi won silver with a total lift of 286kg, while Malaysia’s Aznil Biden took his third straight gold, winning with a total of 299kg.Samoa’s Felevaa Tafi…

Lelean Memorial School U18 after winning the Eastern Zone and Lutubula Shield. For the first time in its history, the Vodafone Deans under 18 eliminations will be held in four zones this weekend to determine the top eight teams that’ll progress to the national quarterfinals. The standard practice has been the top three U18 teams from the Eastern and Southern Zones, while two from the West make the Deans quarterfinals. However, this year, all top four teams from the respective zones make the eliminations, which gives Northern schools equal chances of making the nationals. Eastern Zone champs, Lelean Memorial School,…

[Source: Fijian Rugby/ Facebook] An all-Vanua Levu final has been confirmed in the Vodafone Vanua Championship Under-20 competition after Cakaudrove and Macuata secured semi-final victories today. Cakaudrove produced a strong second-half comeback to defeat Northland 23-16 in the second semi-final. Trailing 16-10 at halftime, the northern side overturned the deficit to book its place in the championship decider. Earlier, Macuata edged Coastland 39-32 in a high-scoring first semi-final to secure the first spot in the final. The results set up a blockbuster all-northern clash between Macuata and Cakaudrove, guaranteeing that the Vodafone Vanua Under-20 title will head to Vanua Levu.Article…

[Photo: Taina Basiyalo] David Tolu Young has capped off a history-making Commonwealth Games campaign with a sixth-place finish in the men’s 50m freestyle final in Glasgow, Scotland. The Fijian sprint sensation touched the wall in 22.18 seconds, finishing just one-hundredth of a second behind South Africa’s Calvyn Justus (22.17) in a world-class field. Australia’s Cameron McEvoy claimed gold and set a new Commonwealth Games record with a blistering 20.97 seconds, ahead of compatriots Flynn Southam (21.44) and Jamie Jack (21.47). While Young narrowly missed the medals, his appearance in the final had already etched his name into Fiji’s sporting history…

Young learners at Vunidawa Primary School in Cakaudrove are continuing to attend classes in a converted teacher’s quarters as the school seeks support to build a dedicated early childhood education classroom. The need for a proper ECE facility was raised during Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s talanoa session in Koronatoga. School Head Teacher Semi Daugunu says creating a safe and suitable learning environment for the school’s youngest students remains a priority under its three-year strategic plan. “At the moment, one of our teacher’s quarters is being used as the ECE classroom, while the other is occupied by a teacher. We hope…