Author: TMC Palau
[Source: Fiji Rugby] Head coach Senirusi Seruvakula has made several changes to his Fiji Water Flying Fijians matchday 23 for Sunday’s Nations Championship clash against England. Three changes have been made to the starting pack, with Mesake Doge replacing Peni Ravai at tighthead prop, while Levani Botia comes into the starting side at number eight. Temo Mayanavanua shifts into the second row alongside Isoa Nasilasila, with Tevita Ratuva moving to blindside flanker. Captain Tevita Ikanivere retains the hooker’s jersey, packing down with Eroni Mawi and Doge in the front row.Article continues after advertisement The backline also sees a reshuffle, with…
The shortage of quality courts across the country remains one of Netball Fiji’s biggest challenges as it works towards its long-term goal of qualifying for the 2032 Olympic Games. According to Netball Fiji Transition Oversight Committee secretary Alumeci Sachs, associations in the Northern Division and the maritime islands have little to no access to proper netball courts, creating a major obstacle to the sport’s development at the grassroots level. Having proper netball courts outside Viti Levu is in Netball Fiji’s wish list as it may attract more youth to the sport. “We call on the goverment for the day to…
[Source: Reuters] Greenlanders attending a traditional kayaking championship in Nuuk rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed call for U.S. control of the Arctic island on Wednesday, saying its future should be decided by Greenlanders themselves. Speaking at a NATO summit in Turkey’s Ankara, Trump this week renewed his demand to gain control of Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, arguing it was important for U.S. national security. At the kayaking championships in Nuuk harbour, where competitors performed rolling manoeuvres in the water by flipping their kayaks upside down and back upright, spectators said Trump was focused on the island’s natural resources…
[File Photo] George Speight, the last person to be sentenced to death in Fiji, claims the Truth and Reconciliation Commission does not have the authority to achieve its purpose. Speaking before the Constitutional Review Commission, the 2000 coup leader said this is one of the reasons he has chosen not to appear before the TRC. Speight says that while the TRC is a necessary part of the process to move Fiji forward, it does not have the authority or mandate “to go all the way” because of the 2013 Constitution. His recommendation is to first amend the 2013 Constitution and…
[File Photo] An Occupational Health and Safety inspector charged over the fatal 2023 Ferris wheel incident in Suva has yet to take his plea. The accused, 34-year-old Ashneel Nath, appeared before High Court judge Justice Thushara Rajasinghe at the Suva High Court. He faces a manslaughter charge linked to an alleged breach of duty. The case relates to the death of a 21-year-old woman who fell from a Ferris wheel during the 2023 Vodafone Showcase at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. Justice Rajasinghe told the court that it was frustrating that the counsels were not able to liaise and solve…
Efforts to preserve and promote the Hindi language are gaining renewed attention, with National Federation Party Leader Professor Biman Prasad urging families and communities to play a greater role in keeping the language alive. Prasad says Hindi is an important part of Fiji’s cultural identity and history, and encouraging younger generations to learn and use the language will help preserve it for the future. He says steps such as allowing Hindi to be used in Parliament and increasing Hindi-language content in the media have helped strengthen recognition of the language. “When our government came in 2023, we took the first…
[File Photo] Former coup leader George Speight has made it clear that he supports calls for the removal of constitutional immunity after similar calls were also made by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Great Council of Chiefs member Ro Naulu Mataitini and former journalist Joe Nata. He described the 2013 Constitution as “contentious” and “contradictory”, pointing to its immunity provision as an example. “From that principle alone, all the other constitutions do qualify, in one degree or another. But this one doesn’t. And that’s the cry that comes from the lowest levels of society, with those who have been…
[Photo: Josefa Sigavolavola] Authorities are warning that drug dealers are increasingly using the real estate market to launder illicit money. The Real Estate Agents Licensing Board has confirmed that cash purchases of houses and land are among the easiest ways for criminals to clean drug money, which raises concerns around the integrity of property transactions. Following the signing of a memorandum of understanding to launch a dedicated code of ethics and a specifically designed education program to protect the integrity of the sector, REALB Chair Dr Ilimotama Cawi stressed that certified agents must carry proper identification to protect the public…
This article is a paid advertorial International human rights group CAP LC submits written statement to U.N. Human Rights Council, urging that administrative and judicial decisions be based on verifiable evidence. Shincheonji Church of Jesus, the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony, said on July 9 that the international human rights organization CAP LC, the Coordination des Associations et Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience, had submitted a joint written statement to the U.N. Human Rights Council expressing concern over the spread of discrimination and stigma against members of Shincheonji Church of Jesus. In the statement, CAP LC focused…
[File Photo] Rural development and government services in Naitasiri can expect a boost after the opening of the refurbished district office in Nadarivatu. The opening coincides with World Rural Development Day, recognizing the role and contribution of rural communities to national development. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the facility will ensure that development reaches rural communities. “Now, it is only appropriate that we look back into the rural and the maritime areas of Fiji and spread the development so that we too can continue. While at the same time, we are looking at resettling those who have grown old in…