Author: TMC Palau

The 2026–27 Budget tabled in Fiji’s Parliament last month projects total government expenditure of $4.9 billion against revenues of $3.8 billion, leaving a net deficit of approximately $1 billion (all dollar figures in this article are Fijian dollars; AUD1 is approximately FJD1.55). Including debt repayments pushes the overall financing gap to around $1.5 billion. This shortfall is expected to be financed through domestic borrowing of $854 million and foreign borrowing of $628 million. By this time next year, public debt is projected to exceed $12 billion — three times its level a decade ago — and debt-servicing costs alone will…

[Photo: FILE] People living in rural communities can soon expect better access to clean drinking water, following a $10 million allocation by the Ministry of Public Works announced in Parliament. The allocation comes as part of the government’s commitment to enhance clean water accessibility for isolated communities. The project will utilize a new comprehensive survey to ensure works are executed without extra costs. Public Works Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau says the allocation will greatly benefit rural communities without proper access to clean water.Article continues after advertisement Additionally, Minister for Lands Filimoni Vosarogo says the announced collaboration comes with a guaranteed…

[Photo: PECELI NAVITICOKO] Residents in Southern Taveuni are calling for government services to be brought closer to rural communities, citing high travel costs and disruptions caused by system outages at service centres. Vuna District Representative Laisiasa Tuimouta highlighted that travelling long distances to Waiyevo and Naqara only to find services unavailable leaves many families out of pocket. Communities are now advocating for regular outreach visits by government agencies to the south of the island. Tuimouta says that years of lobbying by community leaders, supported by 21 village headmen from Taveuni and Qamea, had already successfully brought several agencies to the…

[Photo: FILE] A total of 2,760 authenticated traditional knowledge and cultural expression records from Serua and Namosi have now been entered into Fiji’s Traditional Knowledge and Expression of Culture database. Assistant Minister for iTaukei Affairs Isikeli Tuwailevu says the Ministry used the two provinces to pilot its data input procedures to ensure accuracy and efficiency before expanding the project nationwide. He says the database now contains 1,596 authenticated records from Namosi and 1,164 from Serua, while data entry for Lomaiviti has also begun this year. Tuwailevu says the Institute has successfully digitised cultural mapping data for 10 provinces, with Kadavu,…

[Source/ File] The quarter-final matchups for the Vodafone Vanua Championship and Royal Tea Ranadi Cup have been confirmed following the completion of the pool stages. In the Vanua Championship Under-20 division, Macuata will face Vatukoula, Tavua meets Cakaudrove, Northland takes on Ovalau, while Namosi clashes with Coastland. The Vanua Championship senior quarter-finals will see Macuata square off against Vatukoula, Tavua battle Cakaudrove, Northland meet Namosi and Ovalau take on Ra. Meanwhile, in the Royal Tea Ranadi Cup, Cakaudrove will face Tavua, Yasawa takes on Taveuni, Northern Bulls meets Serua and Navosa battles Northland for a place in the semi-finals.Article continues…

[Source: Fiji Rugby] Fiji Water Flying Fijians captain Tevita Ikanivere was left frustrated after Fiji’s strong first-half display failed to translate into a victory against Scotland in their final Nations Championship match. Fiji led 17-7 at halftime and appeared on course for a positive finish to the tournament before Scotland stormed back to claim a 33-17 victory. Ikanivere acknowledged the effort shown by his teammates but admitted the side was unable to maintain control when it mattered most. “We came out here today trying to get the win. I think a lot of people did so much work to be…

[Photo: FILE] Parliament has passed a series of budget amendment bills aimed at strengthening Fiji’s financial regulatory framework while implementing key budget measures for the 2026–2027 financial year. The legislation includes amendments to the Fiji National Provident Fund Act, the Reserve Bank of Fiji Act, and the Exchange Control Act. Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel says the Fiji National Provident Fund Budget Amendment Act 2026 introduces changes to the Fiji National Provident Fund Act 2011 as part of the government’s budget policy. The amendment, which comes into force on 1 August 2026, temporarily reduces the total mandatory contributions made by…

[ Source: Fiji Government / Facebook ] A new alcohol and other drugs recovery facility launched in Suva recently will be built around Fijian culture rather than replicate treatment models used in other Pacific countries. Salvation Army Territorial Director for Addiction Services Colonel Lynette Hutson says the programme will be designed specifically for Fiji, with cultural values and local needs shaping the way services are delivered. “One of the things that is critical is that this will not replicate what is done in New Zealand, in Tonga, in Samoa – it will be Fijian. We must design what we do…

[ Source: Fiji Government / Facebook ] Women and girls experiencing domestic violence will receive faster and more coordinated support under a new nationwide service delivery protocol launched by the Ministry of Women. Speaking on the initiative, Minister for Women Sashi Kiran says domestic violence remains one of Fiji’s biggest social challenges and survivors often face difficulties accessing timely assistance. She says the new protocol establishes a standard system that police, hospitals and other frontline agencies must follow to ensure survivors receive immediate and consistent support. Kiran says training on the protocol will be rolled out across the country in…

[Photo: FILE] The Standing Committee on Economic Affairs’ consolidated review of Investment Fiji’s 2022-2024 annual reports finds they lack sufficient evidence for parliament to independently assess the organization’s true impact. Committee Chair Sakiusa Tubuna says the reports place too much emphasis on promotional activities and broad outcomes, rather than verifiable data. While the Committee noted positive steps in export promotion and diversifying investments beyond traditional industries, it identified significant shortcomings in information quality, transparency, and reliability. Tubuna says that of particular concern is the absence of independently verified data for key performance indicators, including reported investment outcomes, job creation figures,…