Author: TMC Palau
Ten-man Belgium was held to a 0-0 draw by Iran in their World Cup Group G match in Los Angeles on Sunday as they failed to break through Iran’s resilient defence. Boosted by an LA crowd largely in their corner, Iran repelled waves of attacks to share the points, with keeper Alireza Beiranvand making seven saves on a mostly sunny day in Southern California. In a frustrating game where they dominated possession, Belgium were reduced to 10 men after Nathan Ngoy was shown a red card for hauling down Mehdi Taremi, who was through on goal, in the second half.…
Aquila Peleseuma is a eleven-year-old young footballer of Samoan heritage who has the world at his feet so to speak.The youngest of three siblings has been offered a pathway to professional football, something not too many Samoan kids or Pasifika youths have achieved.Top French football club signs an 11 year-old Samoan playerPacific WavesEspecially out in France, where almost all Pasifika families are involved in rugby union at one level or another.The Wellington-born has been signed by renowned French football club, Paris FC, whose premier team plays in the top French Football competition.It is something both his parents, dad Opetera and…
Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu. [Photo: FILE] Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu says he is deeply concerned by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s recent comments suggesting the Government is considering whether the next General Election should proceed according to the constitutional timetable. He says Fiji is now months away from the dissolution of Parliament, and it is unrealistic to believe that major constitutional amendments, electoral reforms, extensive public consultations, parliamentary processes and any potential referendum can all be properly completed before the next election. “The Prime Minister is wishfully thinking if he believes these processes can be undertaken in a credible, transparent and…
Ever since the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, policymakers worldwide have been asking themselves two important questions: how will households cope, and what support do they want from their governments? My colleagues and I have surveyed nearly 50,000 people across 15 middle-income countries over the last three years, asking them these exact questions (findings published as a World Bank Policy Research Working Paper and Journal of Development Economics article). We also surveyed experts to see whether they could predict the answers households would give. Our findings provide reasons for policymakers to pause and reconsider if they are responding…
[Photo: FILE] The Fiji Sugar Corporation is calling for stricter eligibility criteria for cane farming grants, stating that assistance should be directed towards growers who can deliver higher production. The issue was discussed before Parliament’s Standing Committee on Economic Affairs during scrutiny of the annual reports of the Fiji Sugar Corporation and the Sugar Cane Growers Council. Committee Chair Sakiusa Tubuna suggested government assistance should be targeted at productive farmers to help boost cane production. FSC head of agriculture Lakshman Jayaraman says data submitted to the government last year showed that out of 10,250 registered cane growers, only between 3,600…
FCOSS Program Manager Josaia Tokoni. [Photo: FILE] The Fiji Council of Social Services is pushing for stronger community participation and greater protection of customary decision-making under the proposed Customary Marine Areas Bill. Making submissions before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights, FCOSS Program Manager Josaia Tokoni says that key decisions affecting marine resources must not be left solely to regulations and administrative processes. Tokoni says communities have previously experienced consultations that were inaccessible and failed to include all affected groups. The organisation is calling for the free, prior and informed consent requirements to be clearly defined…
Valencia Basket men’s team travels to Barcelona to play the first of the two Liga Endesa Finals Playoff games that will be held at the Palau Blaugrana, after leveling the series at 1-1 with a commanding 102-75 victory in Game 2, played on Saturday at Roig Arena.In this third game of the finals (Monday 22, 8:00 p.m., Palau Blaugrana, DAZN/Movistar Plus+/Orange/Vodafone TV), the orange squad will have its first opportunity to achieve a positive result on a very challenging court, where it needs to secure a win to keep its title hopes alive.More than 23 years after their last visit…
US Vice-President JD Vance [Source: BBC News] Direct talks between the US and Iran are set to begin in Switzerland despite the Iranian military saying it has closed the Strait of Hormuz again over Israel’s attacks on southern Lebanon. The US military has disputed the claim, saying “traffic continues to flow”. Iran said the Strait was closed in response to deadly Israeli strikes in Lebanon that were a breach of Tehran’s agreement with the US to end the war. Late on Saturday, US Vice-President JD Vance departed Washington for the talks in Switzerland. An Iranian delegation, including parliamentary speaker Mohammad…
Navua have booked their place in the semi-finals of the BiC Fiji FACT 2026 following a crucial 2-0 victory over Suva in their final Group A fixture at Subrail Park in Labasa this afternoon Needing a positive result to keep their tournament hopes alive, Navua rose to the occasion with a disciplined and determined performance. Junior Jack handed Navua the lead in the 10th minute, giving his side the perfect start in a match with semifinal implications. Navua maintained their advantage heading into the break before William Komasi sealed the victory in the 57th minute with a well-taken finish.Article continues…
[Photo: Ministry of Agriculture/FACEBOOK PAGE] The construction of a nature-based seawall in Saolo Village, Bua is progressing as part of efforts to protect vulnerable coastal communities from the growing impacts of climate change. The project aims to strengthen the village’s resilience against coastal erosion, rising sea levels and flooding through environmentally sustainable solutions. Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry, Tomasi Tunabuna, says nature-based approaches offer long-term coastal protection by working with the environment rather than against it. Tunabuna acknowledged the villagers and project teams for their commitment to advancing the initiative.Article continues after advertisement He reiterated the government’s commitment…