Author: TMC Palau
[Source: Fijian Drua/Facebook] The McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women have booked a Super W home semi-final spot following a commanding 50-17 victory over the Queensland Reds at Ballymore Stadium this afternoon. From the outset, the Drua stamped their authority on the contest, combining physicality, pace and precision to overwhelm the home side. Their intent was clear early, as they took control of territory and possession, capitalising on Queensland’s unforced errors and defensive lapses. At halftime, the visitors had already opened up a decisive 33-5 lead, reflecting their dominance across all areas of the game.Article continues after advertisement The Drua’s attacking shape…
[File Photo] The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association says the tourism industry did not propose, endorse, or broadly agree to the Government’s new five percent Tourism Services Tax announced in the 2026–2027 National Budget. The tax will be used to help support Fiji Airways, but FHTA Chief Executive Officer Fantasha Lockington says the majority of the industry’s operators were not consulted before the decision was made. She says while a small number of individuals may have expressed support during discussions, they do not represent the wider tourism sector. Lockington says Fiji Airways plays a vital role in the country’s connectivity,…
Ba FC booked their place in the grand final of the 2026 BiC Fiji FACT tournament after edging hosts Labasa FC 1-0 in extra time at Subrail Park, Labasa this afternoon. The two sides were locked in a tense battle from the opening whistle, with both teams producing solid defensive displays to remain scoreless at halftime. The deadlock continued throughout the second half as both sides searched desperately for the breakthrough. Despite several promising attacks and numerous corner kicks, neither team could find the back of the net, thanks to disciplined defending and the electric atmosphere created by the packed…
The University of the South Pacific Raiders came away with a solid 32-4 victory over the Makoi Bulldogs earlier today in round two of the Fiji National Rugby League Vodafone Cup, but the performance was far from flawless, according to team support staff member Tommy Finau. Finau, who is part of the USP rugby league […] Source link
Kawsar Ahmad (covered in grey jacket) departs the Melbourne Magistrates Court in Melbourne. [Photo Credit: AAP Image/Con Chronis] An accused ISIS bride has been given a police barricade as she walked from court and into the arms of her loved ones. Kawsar Ahmad, 54, emerged from Melbourne Magistrates Court about 7.30pm on Friday, with a group of police officers forming a line to push media back. Members of her family quickly covered her face with jackets but she could be seen embracing one of them in the back of the waiting vehicle. Three hours earlier, Chief Magistrate Lisa Hannan granted…
Overview: Pacific Islands Forum leaders are expected to play a decisive role in shaping the region’s future partnerships as the long-awaited regional architecture review moves closer to completion. Forum Secretary General Baron Divavesi Waqa says recommendations on strategic and development partners will remain confidential until leaders consider and approve them at the upcoming Forum meeting in Palau. By Pita Ligaiula MAJURO, 25 JUNE 2026 (PACNEWS) — Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Baron Divavesi Waqa says the regional architecture review is still underway and will be presented to Forum Leaders for approval before further details on strategic and development partnerships are…
[Photo Credit: Reuters] U.S. President Donald Trump threatened on Friday a 100% tariff on all goods from any country that imposes a digital services tax on American companies, inflaming transatlantic trade tensions a day after European Union countries met Trump’s July 4 deadline to cut tariffs on U.S. goods. Trump said the new tariff would supersede any trade deals with the United States, “whether implemented, signed or not.” That would include the deal the U.S. and EU agreed to last year, which caps U.S. tariffs on European goods at 15% in exchange for EU countries reducing tariffs on U.S. industrial…
Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez addresses the media. [Photo Credit: Reuters] Venezuela’s strongest earthquake in over a century is the biggest challenge to Delcy Rodriguez’s early leadership but could also allow the interim president to stamp her authority on a fractured government and begin rebuilding a broken country. After two earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, it could take weeks for the full extent of the damage to become clear. U.S. government data models suggested the death toll could ultimately exceed 10,000. Even so, some things were already clear. Rescuing those trapped, treating the injured…
[File Photo] The five per cent tourism levy introduced in the National Budget will be absorbed by the industry and is not expected to be passed on to visitors. Permanent Secretary for Finance Shiri Goundar said hotels, tour operators, and cruise operators will shoulder the cost through internal adjustments rather than increasing prices for tourists. He said the levy will support Fiji Airways during a period of rising operational costs, particularly fuel expenses. Goundar said industry stakeholders have agreed that the additional cost will be absorbed within existing pricing structures rather than added to room rates or service charges.Article continues…
Overview: Samoa’s Minister of Revenue has come under scrutiny after threatening to revoke the Samoa Observer’s business licence during a parliamentary budget debate. The remarks, directed at the country’s leading independent newspaper, have raised concerns about press freedom and government relations with the media. APIA, 25 JUNE 2026 (SAMOA OBSERVER) —Samoa Minister of Revenue and Member of Parliament for Vaimauga No. 1, Pauga Talalelei Pauga, threatened to revoke the Samoa Observer’s business licence during Parliament on Wednesday. Pauga made the threat while speaking on business licences in his budget address, saying the Ministry of Revenue is responsible for issuing them…