Author: TMC Palau

[File Photo] The Republic of Fiji Military Forces will receive a reduced allocation in the 2026-2027 financial year, with its budget cut by 9.1 percent. The Ministry of Finance has allocated $152.6 million to the RFMF, an increase over the previous financial year. Despite the reduction, the Government says the funding will support efforts to strengthen national security, including the RFMF’s role in combating transnational crime through the Joint Counter Narcotics Task Force. Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel says the allocation will also support border protection and improve coordination between government agencies.Article continues after advertisement Source link

[File Photo] Major infrastructure projects will receive a funding boost in the new financial year, with the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport allocated $821 million in the 2026-2027 National Budget. The allocation is an increase of 21 million dollars compared to the current financial year’s $800 million budget. Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says the funding will support critical infrastructure upgrades, including the replacement of four major bridges at Lami, Medraukutu, Sabeto and Viseisei, with $41.5 million allocated for the projects. The Government has also allocated $3.2 million for jetty maintenance and preparatory work for the Vunikura Jetty.Article…

Barça’s defeat in Valencia has put the team against the ropes in a series that is shaping up to be increasingly tight. With a score of 80-88, Barça loses the home court advantage and sees how the initial lead in the series crumbles. However, Joel Parra does not give up. The Barça forward has faced adversity with a speech full of conviction, ensuring that there is still time to turn around a final that is just beginning to write its decisive chapters. Parra was firm in his statements after the game. “This is a final, it is worth nothing. Today…

[ Source: Fiji Police Force / Facebook ] Nearly 60 parcels of drugs have been discovered on our shores. Police say more than 20 parcels were found and transported to Suva. Another 35 parcels were discovered on Munia Island and handed over to the joint Maritime Taskforce currently operating in the Lau group. Earlier, one parcel found in Kadavu and the most recent discovery in Beqa both tested positive for cocaine.Article continues after advertisement Joint maritime operations, involving the Republic of Fiji Navy and the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, are ongoing in the Lau group following these discoveries. The…

[Source: OFC media via Phototek] Ba FC Women’s team has turned an unfortunate travel setback into a source of motivation as the Fijian champions count down to their opening match of the OFC Women’s Champions League in Honiara tomorrow. Despite enduring a demanding training session in the Solomon Islands’ heat, coach Charlene Lockington says the squad remains excited and ready to begin its campaign. “The girls are really excited, and we’re all looking forward to the game.” Ba FC’s preparations were disrupted on arrival in Honiara after 119 bags from the Fiji Airways flight from Nadi failed to arrive, leaving…

[Photo: FILE] The Ministry for Sugar has been allocated $96.3 million in the 2026–2027 National Budget, an increase from the $72.2 million allocated in the current financial year. Despite declining global sugar prices and rising fuel costs, the government will maintain the $85 per tonne cane payment for the 2026 season. Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says $41.6 million has been set aside to fund a $28 per tonne top-up for cane farmers. “The sugar industry has been on a decline, and given the economics of the industry and to protect the interests of the farmers and taxpayers, the government will…

[Photo: FILE] The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs has been allocated $33.1 million in the 2026–2027 financial year, with funding focused on supporting landowners, traditional institutions, and village development projects. The allocation is a decrease of $7.9 million compared to the current financial year. The Budget includes $7.2 million for provincial councils, while $3.2 million has been allocated as an operating grant for the iTaukei Affairs Board. A further $3.8 million will support economic empowerment initiatives for landowners through the iTaukei Resource Owners Support and Development Fund.Article continues after advertisement “This programme supports landowners to move beyond simply leasing land and…

[File Photo] A Nadi resident is hopeful that increased Budget funding will help address long-standing infrastructure and service challenges in rural communities across Fiji. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the resident says his village has faced years of transport and water challenges, and is calling for stronger government support through Budget funding. The Nadi resident says limited public transport has left students struggling to travel to and from school each day. “Now in the village, currently students are facing that. Since there are only two buses that can help students to go from there in the morning at six o’clock,…

[File Photo] Fiji Airways has welcomed the support announced by the Fijian Government in the 2026–2027 National Budget. During the Budget address, Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel highlighted increasing pressures facing the national airline, announcing a five percent Tourism Services Tax on tourism operators to support Fiji Airways. Fiji Airways Chief Executive Paul Scurrah says the support reflects the continued partnership between the airline and the Government in strengthening economic growth and global connectivity. In a statement, Scurrah says the aviation sector continues to face challenges, including high fuel prices, supply chain disruptions, and rising operating costs.Article continues after advertisement He…

Navua FC have booked their place in the final of the 2026 BiC Fiji FACT after defeating Lautoka FC 2-1 in an extra-time thriller at Subrail Park in Labasa this afternoon. Both teams were locked at 0-0 at halftime following a tightly contested first spell. Rusiate Matererega broke the deadlock early in the second half to give Navua the lead, but Lautoka fought back strongly and Thomas Dunn found the equaliser in the dying minutes of regulation time to force the match into extra time. The first period of extra time failed to produce a goal as both sides remained…