Author: TMC Palau
[File Photo] International constitutional experts from New Zealand and Queensland will assist in the drafting of Fiji’s new Constitution as the constitutional review process moves into its next phase. Justice Minister and Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga says the experts will provide technical support to the Constitutional Review Commission in preparing the draft Constitution. Turaga says constitutional drafting is a specialized field, and the involvement of international experts will help ensure the process meets the required legal and technical standards. He says the review process has been inclusive, with ordinary Fijians from across the country given the opportunity to share their…
[File Photo] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade will get $56.6 million in the 2026–2027 National Budget, an increase of 11% from the current financial year’s $51 million. Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says the allocated funds will advance Fiji’s foreign policy priorities and maintain the country’s growing international presence. From its allocation, $6.3 million will support the operations of the country’s newly established diplomatic mission in Jerusalem and the re-establishment of Fiji’s mission in Brussels. Immanuel says maintaining Fiji’s connection to key partners and markets around the world is important.Article continues after advertisement He adds that the investments…
[Source: Reuters] Colombia and Portugal played out a breathless 0-0 draw that was anything but dull to a wall of sound at Miami Stadium on Saturday with both teams advancing to the last 32 of the World Cup as the top two in Group K. The Colombians will rue their profligacy in front of goal but take encouragement from dominating quality European opposition for large periods as they head off to Kansas City as group winners to take on Ghana on Friday. “We played a great game against a tough opponent,” said Colombia playmaker James Rodriguez. “I always say that…
[File Photo] Strengthening social protection remains a key priority for the Government, with the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection receiving increased funding in the 2026-2027 National Budget. The Ministry has been allocated $211 million to provide welfare assistance to more than 130,000 vulnerable people. Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection Sashi Kiran says they are pleased with the allocation, highlighting that the Government has provided the funding requested by the Ministry. The Ministry will continue to maintain the 15 percent increase across all social welfare allowances to ensure vulnerable households continue receiving the support they need.Article continues…
[Photo: FILE] Brigadier General at Blackrock Camp in Nadi, Manoa Gadai, has welcomed the budget allocation of $152.6 million for the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. In a statement, Gadai said he completely supports the Commander’s position that the military will accept whatever allocation is provided by the government. The RFMF’s allocation has been reduced by $15.4 million in the next financial year. He says Fiji continues to face what he describes as three key existential threats, including climate change, terrorism, and the use and abuse of illicit drugs.Article continues after advertisement Gadai says these challenges are addressed through humanitarian…
[Source: Reuters] New Zealand’swinless World Cup in North America proved a let-down for a nation that had waited 16 years for a return to the global stage, and has shone a harsh light on FIFA’s decision to give Oceania an automatic qualifying berth. The Chris Wood-captained All Whites made a positive start with a 2-2 draw against a distracted Iran but bowed out of the group stage with a 5-1 demolition by Belgium on Friday following a 3-1 loss to Egypt. Despite being one of the tournament’s lowest-ranked nations in a tough group, New Zealand’s early exit will feel like…
Heavy security has been deployed in New Caledonia as crucial provincial elections are being held in the French Pacific territory on Sunday.Polling stations are open from 8am Sunday local time (9am NZ time) until 6pm.This comes as heavy a security set-up has been deployed. It involves a total of some 2,500 law enforcement officers, mostly policemen and gendarmes (the equivalent of 16 squadrons, as opposed to 12 in normal circumstances), as well as additional officers from the French anti-crime squad and judiciary police.The reinforcements are to remain posted at least until early July 2026 or longer, depending on how the…
[Source: Reuters] Croatia dropped Josko Gvardiol in one of three changes for Saturday’s final World Cup Group L match against Ghana, who also made three switches, leaving out forward Inaki Williams. Ghana have booked their place in the next round and coach Carlos Queiroz brings Kamaldeen Sulemana into the attack for the game in Philadelphia, with Derrick Luckassen coming into the defence in place of Jerome Opoku. A win for Croatia would guarantee their place in the knockout rounds. Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic gives starts to Ante Budimir and Nikola Vlasic for the first time in this World Cup, and…
[Source: Taveuni Rugby Union/Facebook] Taveuni and Rewa have sealed their places in this season’s Skipper Cup competition after topping their respective pools with impressive campaigns. Taveuni confirmed their status as Northern Pool champions with a hard-fought 27-19 victory over Macuata in yesterday’s decisive clash, capping off a dominant run to the title. Rewa also punched their ticket to the top domestic competition after edging Northland 9-8 in a gripping Viti Levu Pool decider. The nail-biting one-point victory was enough to see the Delta Tigers finish at the top of the standings.Article continues after advertisement Both sides produced consistent performances throughout…
Valencia Basket regained home-court advantage in the Liga Endesa final after defeating Barcelona 80-88 in the third game held at Palau Blaugrana. Led by a spectacular Jean Montero, who had an outstanding third quarter, and by the solidity of Tornike Shengelia in crucial moments, the orange team made a strong statement to take the lead in a series that was tied and still up for grabs. The match started with Valencia being aggressive and accurate. Montero led from the start and assisted Sako in opening the scoring before scoring himself in transition. However, Barcelona reacted through Shengelia, who carried the…