Author: TMC Palau

[Photo: File] Goundar Shipping Limited is calling on the government to provide relief for Fiji’s maritime sector in the upcoming National Budget, warning that rising operating costs are threatening the sustainability of the industry. Speaking to FBC News, Managing Director George Goundar says freight rates have remained largely unchanged for the past 14 years, despite significant increases in fuel prices and operational expenses. Goundar questioned why the government has not provided greater support to the shipping industry, highlighting that fuel remains one of the sector’s biggest costs. He says his operations consume around nine million liters of fuel annually, with…

Recent picture of traffic in Nabua during peak hours. Fijians will pay more for taxi services from next week after the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission approved a temporary fare increase due to rising global fuel prices. The adjustment will take effect from Wednesday, with the drop charge increasing from 10 cents to 14 cents per 100 metres travelled. The FCCC says the increase is limited only to the distance-based component of taxi fares, while flag fall and waiting charges will remain unchanged. For taxis operating in Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Ovalau, Taveuni, and Kadavu, the drop charge will increase…

[Photo: FILE] The government is expecting a decline in revenue as economic conditions slow, according to Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel. Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s National Budget announcement, Immanuel says the country’s current financial challenges have been compounded by the ongoing global fuel crisis. He says while economic conditions remain challenging, the government remains committed to ensuring that key services and projects continue without disruption despite pressure on public finances. The Finance Minister says this approach is aimed at maintaining economic stability while supporting critical national development priorities.Article continues after advertisement He says the 2026–2027 National Budget will focus on stabilizing…

A former coup convict in Fiji claims the country will remain unstable while the iTaukei (indigenous people) are economically marginalised.Josefa ‘Jo’ Nata, who spent 24 years in jail for treason, told the Fijian government’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission that “the lot of [the] iTaukei has not improved a single bit [as a result of the coups], if anything their situation has regressed”.”Indigenous [iTaukei] should never again be hoodwinked into supporting any coup supposedly carried out in their name, to raise their standard of living or correct supposed past injustices,” the 68-year-old said.Fiji has been rocked by four coups since gaining…

[Source: FIFA World Cup/ Facebook] Mexico delivered a dominant performance to defeat Czechia 3–0 in their decisive FIFA World Cup group stage clash, securing progression to the next round. After a tight opening half, Mateo Chávez broke the deadlock shortly after the restart, setting the tone for Mexico’s second-half surge. Julián Quiñones then extended the lead before Álvaro Fidalgo added a third to seal a comprehensive victory. Mexico’s attacking efficiency and defensive discipline proved decisive, with the side maintaining a perfect defensive record in the group stage.Article continues after advertisement The convincing result sees Mexico advance with confidence, firmly underlining…

[File Photo] The Government is being urged to consider establishing its own shipping service for maritime islands following the suspension of Goundar Shipping operations. Fisheries Minister Alitia Bainivalu says the cancellation of sailings has highlighted the challenges faced by island communities that depend on sea transport for travel, supplies and business activities. She says disruptions to commercial shipping can leave people stranded and affect families and livelihoods. Bainivalu believes a government-operated service could provide a more reliable connection for maritime communities and ensure essential transport links are maintained during future disruptions.Article continues after advertisement Source link

While Fiji Football CEO Mohammed Yusuf has condemned the use of banned substances, he says the current economic challenges facing the country, particularly the rising cost of living, are having a significant impact on players across districts, especially young people. Reflecting on the three players who tested positive for drugs during testing conducted at the BiC Fiji FACT last weekend, Yusuf said he was disappointed by the results but stressed the importance of continuing awareness and education efforts on the dangers of substance abuse. He noted that players come from diverse backgrounds and communities, and that financial pressures and social…

There is still hope that Moana Pasifika, or a similar Pacific Island-based rugby franchise, will be playing in the Super Rugby Pacific competition from 2028 and beyond.This follows Wednesday’s announcement by New Zealand Rugby (NZR) that it haddecided against awarding Moana Pasifika’s current licence to an outside party, and ending hopes the franchise would still be able to compete next season.Moana Pasifika wrapped up its operation following their 2026 Super Rugby Pacific commitments last month, with the club also now in liquidation, and owing just over $8 million in debt.NZR chief financial officer Chris Kinraid told media in Wellington the…

[Source: Facebook] Fiji rugby is mourning the loss of SportsWorld Fiji Under‑20 representative Kaminieli Talanacolo, who has passed away at the age of 19. Talanacolo died at the Suva Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, a week after collapsing during a rugby match while representing his club, Viria Blues, at Ratu Cakobau Park. He had been receiving medical care since the incident. A talented lock and flanker, Talanacolo represented Lelean Memorial School in the Deans Rugby Competition in 2023 and went on to become a key development player for Naitasiri during last year’s Skipper Cup campaign.Article continues after advertisement His performances earned…

[Source: File] The Fiji Sports Council is now operating under the oversight of its Board Executive Committee following recent leadership changes within the organisation. FSC board member Peter Mazey confirmed that the Executive Committee has assumed responsibility for day-to-day operations after the termination of Acting Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair Gilbert Vakalalabure, along with Manager of Operations Litia Senibulu. Mazey said both senior positions remain vacant at this stage, with no interim appointments made, as governance processes continue. He added that discussions around the recruitment of a substantive chief executive officer are still ongoing, with the board expected to…