Author: TMC Palau
[File Photo] Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai is calling on personnel to uphold integrity, accountability and transparency as the force prepares for reforms. Speaking during an RFMF service at Tuvasu Hall, Queen Elizabeth Barracks, Major General Kalouniwai said every member has a responsibility to protect the reputation of the military and maintain public trust. He says serving in the RFMF is not about personal interests, but about safeguarding the institution and honouring the trust placed in it by the people of Fiji. “This is especially important in demonstrating honesty, integrity and transparency to the…
Papua New Guinea’s many parties in parliament make for fragmented politics. In previous posts, one of us (Laveil) used the effective number of parties (ENP) index to measure fragmentation at elections and in the previous parliament. In this post, we extend the analysis to the current parliament. Although most candidates stand as independents, most winners come from parties. Since 1977, an average of 81% of winners in each election belonged to parties, reflecting the tendency of parties to endorse the candidates they judge most likely to win. PNG’s parliament had 109 seats between 1975 and 2011, 111 seats between 2012…
[File Photo] New Zealand and Fiji are stepping up efforts to reach a trade target of two billion dollars, with both countries looking to build on growing economic ties and business opportunities. The target comes as the two nations formalise a renewed partnership that will guide cooperation over the next five years. New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji Greg Andrews says trade remains a key priority under the newly signed Duavata Partnership Agreement. The agreement, signed last week by Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran Dutoka and New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters, outlines cooperation in…
Supplied by SPC Firefighters from Fiji and Samoa have strengthened regional disaster response capabilities after completing their first joint Urban Search and Rescue and Swift Water Rescue training. The programme is the first major outcome of a twinning partnership signed in April 2025 between Fiji’s National Fire Authority and the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority. The partnership focuses on firefighter exchanges, shared training programmes, and building skills to respond to increasingly complex emergencies across the Pacific. The National Fire Authority says Fiji aims to become a regional training hub, allowing neighbouring countries to access advanced rescue training closer to…
[Source: Reuters] A federal appeals court on Saturday declined to allow U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to implement in 23 states his executive order that aims to tighten rules for mail-in voting ahead of November elections that will decide control of Congress. The Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the administration’s request to lift an injunction several Democratic-led states secured on June 25 from a lower-court judge who concluded that key parts of the Republican president’s order were unconstitutional. In asking the court to pause U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani’s ruling while it pursues an appeal, the U.S.…
More than 700 students and staff at Draiba Primary School will now benefit from a new multipurpose hall built by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Engineers Regiment. The facility was officially handed over by Officer Commanding 1 Combat Squadron, Captain P. Bilitaki, before being commissioned by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. But behind the new building is a story of commitment and sacrifice. Led by Staff Sergeant Kotobalavu Tawayaga, the engineering team worked mostly after school hours to ensure classes continued without disruption.Article continues after advertisement The soldiers reported for duty at 4pm each day, often working until 3am, before…
More than 200 farmers in Macuata now have easier access to markets after the completion of a $460,000 farm road aimed at improving transport and boosting agricultural productivity. More than 200 farmers in Macuata are expected to benefit from improved access to markets following the completion of a new 10-kilometre farm road. The Nubunisoqosoqo Farm Road in Dogotuki was officially opened this week under the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development’s Rural Outer Island Development Programme. The $460,000 project provides safer and more reliable transport links for farmers in Dogotuki, Udu and Cikobia to move their produce and farming supplies.Article…
There is hope that the Pacific Island contingent at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will be able to win medals in bowling and boxing.Top Fijii men’s singles player Rajnesh Parasad is the best bet for a medal in the bowls, following his early three round wins so far.Prasad claimed his first win on Friday morning, when he beat England’s top bowler Sam Tolchard in a tie-break, after the two players were tied 1-1 at the end of two sets.Tolchard won the prestigious World Singles Champion of Champions title in November 2022 in New Zealand, and claimed the top title at…
FMF is expanding its footprint in the Northern Division with a new warehouse and electric vehicle showroom in Wailevu, Labasa. The company says the development will help address stock shortages caused by shipping disruptions while making it easier for customers in Vanua Levu to access its products and electric vehicles. FMF Sales Manager Ganeshwar Mani says the investment is focused on improving service delivery for customers in the North. “Sometimes there are times when boats are unable to come up, and people in the North experience out-of-stock situations. That’s why we’re building a much larger warehouse here to ensure we…
The FMF Duavata Northern Crime Prevention Carnival is marking 15 years of bringing communities together to fight drugs and crime through awareness, education and positive engagement. Organisers say what started as a carnival has grown into a platform that empowers young people, strengthens communities and promotes safer choices. The 2026 carnival will bring together contestants, communities, police and government agencies under the theme “Duavata for Everyone’s Safety and the Fight Against Drugs.” FMF Group Marketing Manager Maria Kumar says the event continues to play an important role in addressing social challenges.Article continues after advertisement “Because this event is much more…