Author: TMC Palau

[Photo: Supplied] Healthcare facilities across Fiji’s Western Division will now have access to a safer and more efficient medical waste disposal system following the commissioning of two new medical waste incinerators at Lautoka Hospital. The $1.2 million investment by Aspen Medical will allow the hospital to safely process clinical waste from Lautoka Hospital and most health facilities in the Western Division through a centralized disposal system. Aspen Medical Chief Executive Gavin Whiteside says the project is about more than replacing old equipment. He says it is an investment in safer hospitals, healthier communities and better environmental management.Article continues after advertisement…

A Republican congressman has introduced legislation that would end automatic United States citizenship for many people born in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Guam, and other US territories from 2027, drawing strong opposition from a territorial rights advocacy group.The End Birthright Citizenship for Territories Act, introduced by Virginia Republican rep Morgan Griffith, would amend federal law so that people born in Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands and the CNMIon or after 1 January 2027, would no longer automatically receive US citizenship under current statutory provisions.The bill argues Congress has the authority to change citizenship laws…

[Photo: Supplied] A total of 31 families officially received the keys to their new homes at the Nepani Subdivision today, marking another milestone in the first-home ownership initiative. Speaking at the handover, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the event celebrates families fulfilling their aspirations to access secure and affordable housing. Rabuka emphasized that housing is about more than just providing families with a roof over their heads. “Housing development therefore creates benefits well beyond the families who receive homes, it supports jobs, investments and sustainable growth across Fiji.”Article continues after advertisement Rabuka added that providing affordable housing remains a fundamental…

[Photo: Supplied] The suspension of school bus services on the island of Taveuni has triggered enforcement action from the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission. FCCC is investigating whether the decision by the island’s only scheduled bus operator to withdraw services during the examination period breached consumer protection laws. The FCCC has described the disruption as unacceptable, highlighting the impact on students who rely on the service to get to school. Chief Executive Officer Senikavika Jiuta has warned that children’s education must not be affected by commercial disputes.Article continues after advertisement She says where a business is the only provider of…

[Photo: Supplied] School bus services on Taveuni island are expected to resume by tomorrow, after the island’s only bus operator announced it has reached an understanding with relevant authorities. In a statement sent to FBC News, Taveuni Buses Pte Limited says all scheduled bus services, including school trips, are expected to return to normal operations from Wednesday morning. The announcement comes after school children were forced to rely on alternative transport arrangements, with parents and Rural Service License carriers stepping in since yesterday to help students get to and from school. The company apologised for the inconvenience caused and thanked…

SamoaPrime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt is in New Zealand this week to meet seasonal workers and their families.He and Labour Minister Fata Ryan Schuster met Samoan Recognised Seasonal Employer workers near Napier on Sunday.While in Napier, La’auli heard from Mr Apple RSE programme head Belinda Brans about the importance of Samoan workers to the company..She said Samoans have been central to the RSE programme since it began.In February, La’auli said he planned to cap the number of Samoan RSE workers at 3000 a year, down from 4000 in the past year.Meanwhile, the prime minister is to meet his New Zealand…

[Photo:File] The Fiji Sugar Corporation confirmed this afternoon that consumers can expect sugar supplies to return to supermarket shelves as retailers replenish inventories over the coming weeks. This follows steady improvements in cane supply across all three operating mills, including the Lautoka Mill, which began crushing on July 14th. FSC says as milling continues and production increases, bagging operations have resumed and fresh stocks are progressively entering the distribution network. The Corporation has made significant progress in clearing outstanding orders.Article continues after advertisement The retail pack backlog stands at approximately 65 tonnes and is expected to be cleared by the…

[Photo: Supplied] The Sugar Industry Ministry does not have a tracking system to gauge how much sugar stock is left in supermarket bulk. Sugar Industry Minister Tomasi Tunabuna says he does not understand why supermarkets are complaining about running low on sugar or not being supplied with new stock. He states that three weeks ago, he requested a team from his Ministry to take a stock account of what is available. He says he made this request because they do not have a tracking system to monitor remaining supermarket inventory or check whether retailers are hoarding stock.Article continues after advertisement…

[Photo: File] The Land Transport Authority has stepped in to issue temporary permits and approved additional routes to enable transport providers to assist students travelling to and from school in Taveuni. This is after the bus companies temporarily suspended student bus services on the island, as they are unhappy about the disparity in student fare rates when compared to the mainland. Permanent Secretary for Education, Navin Raj says they worked closely with LTA, Heads of Schools, transport providers and other relevant stakeholders to ensure students continue to access education safely. The Ministry also welcomed the willingness of additional transport providers…

Fiji’s government is working on a ‘Diaspora Policy’ focused on ensuring Fijians around the globe play a key role in the country’s economic development.The country’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Sakiasi Ditoka has just been to New Zealand, where he met with investors and the Fijian business diaspora.Ditoka told RNZ Pacific the increasing interest from the diaspora across New Zealand, Australia, the United States and Europe is positive for the island nation.He said every effort is being made to ensure that interests are safeguarded and served for the mutual benefit of Fiji and her diaspora investors.He also confirmed…