Author: TMC Palau

[Source: File] McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women head coach Mike Legge commended the contributions of Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s players Atelaite Buna and Verenaisi Bari following their strong performances in last weekend’s win over the Brumbies. Legge highlighted Buna’s immediate impact on her return, particularly with her speed and physical presence out wide, which added an attacking edge from the early stages of the match. “I think you saw the impact of Buna right from our first phase, just what she brings on the edge with her speed and physicality.” He also praised Fijiana 7s captain Verenaisi Bari, who made her…

New Zealand says no new payment is being negotiated over the sinking of the New Zealand Navy vessel, HMNZS Manawanui, despite a report in Samoa to the contrary.Official correspondence between the two governments shows Samoa agreed to not pursue further payment for matters covered by an earlier settlement.However, Samoa’s Environment Minister Ale Vena Ale stated in parliament this week that a separate WST4.2 million (approximately NZ$2.5m) is being negotiated with New Zealand as Manawanui compensation for Siumu residents.Responding to RNZ Pacific’s questions, a spokesperson for New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) said New Zealand made a NZ$6…

The 2026-27 national budget, themed “a responsible budget for a sustainable future,” has arrived at a critical crossroads for Fiji. Facing a global fuel crisis that slashed projected tax revenues down to $3.3 billion, the coalition government had to chart a strict path of fiscal discipline while simultaneously funding massive, non-negotiable national priorities. Total revenue was pinned at $3.82 billion, but with indispensable spending locking the overall budget at $4.87 billion, the nation faced a calculated $1 billion fiscal deficit, amounting to 7% of GDP. Article continues after advertisement This pushed total public debt to a projected $12.6 billion by…

[Photo: FILE] High public debt and limited fiscal space are shaping today’s 2026–2027 National Budget, as the government looks to balance cost-of-living support with increasing spending pressures. Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel is presenting the budget this morning, with households facing rising food, transport, and utility costs, while businesses seek greater policy certainty. The fiscal environment remains challenging, with public debt above ten billion dollars and debt repayments taking up a significant share of government spending. Last year’s budget included a reduction in Value Added Tax from 15 percent to 12.5 percent, along with continued zero-rating on selected essential goods.Article continues…

Ba FC players during a training session in Labasa yesterday. Ba FC knows what to expect this weekend when they take on defending champions Labasa in the semi-final of the BiC Fiji FACT. Head coach Ravinesh Kumar says they’ve only played each other once this season, but they have kept a close eye on the team during the group stage of the Fiji FACT. They have spent the past few days going over their gameplan, and he is confident they have what it takes to face the hosts. “We have been watching them closely. They are a very good team…

A Pacific worker putting in 30 hours on an Australian farm, earning $937 and taking home just over $100 after deductions, as put to a Senate committee in 2022, became, for many people, a defining image of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. The Australian Workers’ Union built a campaign around workers earning over $800 but keeping under $100. The Immigration Advice and Rights Centre warned of workers left with $100 to $200 a week. In 2024, José Ramos-Horta said at the National Press Club: “A dormitory for eight people with bunks, turns out to cost a week $700…

Overview: Pacific Islands Forum leaders are considering major reforms to strengthen regional unity, improve security coordination and better manage geopolitical pressures. Drawing lessons from ASEAN’s governance and disaster response models, the Forum is reviewing its institutional architecture to support the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and ensure it remains effective amid growing regional challenges. SUVA, 19 JUNE 2026 (ISLANDS BUSINESS)—Pacific Islands Forum (PIFS) leaders are trying to redesign the region’s political and security machinery to better protect unity, manage outside pressure and give the 2050 Strategy the institutional backing it needs to work.  Esala Nayasi, the Forum’s Deputy…

Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran. [Photo: FILE] Strengthening social protection and expanding critical support services for vulnerable communities will be the Ministry for Women, Children and Social Protection’s key focus in the new financial year. Minister Sashi Kiran says ensuring vulnerable Fijians have access to essential services remains the Ministry’s highest priority. Kiran says efforts are also underway to expand services for children and families, including establishing drug recovery centres for young people. A centre is already being developed in Lautoka, while plans are progressing for a similar facility in Suva.Article continues after advertisement Kiran says…

[Photo: SUPPLIED] The Santa Rosa Netball Club will be aiming to defend its title at the USA National Championship and State League Rally later this year under a new name – Divine Fijians Santa Rosa Netball Club. The name change reflects a growing partnership between Santa Rosa Netball Club and Divine Fijian Home Care Agency, which has come on board as a major sponsor and community partner. Divine Fijian Home Care Agency LLC continues to support not only the club’s sporting ambitions but also initiatives that promote the health, well-being, and development of the wider community. Club president Mereoni Lutuciri…

Overview: A new INTERPOL report warns that cybercrime is becoming an increasingly serious threat across Fiji and the Pacific, as cybercriminals exploit weaknesses in cybersecurity systems and limited technical resources. The assessment highlights rising risks from online scams, ransomware, phishing attacks and AI-generated deepfakes, underscoring the urgent need for stronger regional cooperation and cyber resilience. SUVA, 19 JUNE 2026 (FIJI TIMES) —Fiji and other Pacific Island nations are increasingly vulnerable to cybercrime as criminals exploit weaknesses in cybersecurity systems, according to the newly released INTERPOL Asia and South Pacific Cyber Threat Assessment Report 2025/2026.  The report highlights that while digital…