Author: TMC Palau

[Source: File] Former Natabua High School prop Raymond Navunikaba has sent words of encouragement to his alma mater as they prepare for this year’s Deans Rugby Competition. Navunikaba, who now plays rugby in France and is part of the Fiji Under 20 squad gearing up for the Junior World Championship, was a member of the Natabua side that finished runners up to Queen Victoria School in the Under 18 final in 2023. Despite his current commitments overseas, the young prop says he is keeping close tabs on his former school and wishes the current Under 18 side well as preparations…

[Source: File] McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women captain Kolora Lomani says the side has focused on improving its overall execution and defensive structures ahead of tomorrow’s round three Super W clash against the Brumbies. With one win and one loss so far this season, Lomani says the team has worked hard on strengthening the connection between its attack and defence during the week. “Our defence is what we’ve kind of worked on during this week leading into the Brumbies, and also our cohesion in both defence and attack.” The Drua skipper adds that the players have also been concentrating on being…

A research team diving in Papua New Guinea has discovered a new, highly vulnerable species of shark that walks on its fins.The fish is a type of epaulette shark, a group of small sharks native to New Guinea and Australia, famous for their ability to waddle between rock pools at low tide.Research team discovers new shark species in PNGPacific WavesLocals in PNG have long been aware of the legendary nocturnal fish, which they have nicknamed Kadedekedewa, which means a “lazy shark” or “dog shark”.Dr Christine Dudgeon is a member of the team at Queensland’s University of the Sunshine Coast that…

Opening match of the 2026 BiC Fiji FACT tournament. Lautoka FC made a strong statement in their opening match of the 2026 BiC Fiji FACT tournament, defeating Nasinu FC 4-1 in their first pool encounter at Subrail Park in Labasa. The Blues showcased their ability to adapt to the hot conditions in the North, using their fitness and attacking flair to dominate proceedings and secure all three points. Valeni Roserewa starred for Lautoka, netting a brace in the first half to put his side in control. Rusiate Matererega then added another goal before the break, giving the Sugar City side…

Vishwa Nadan of Naisoso, Nadi, appeared before Magistrate Timoci Qalinauci in the Rakiraki Magistrates Court today. [Photo: FILE] A businessman has become the 16th accused charged in connection with one of Fiji’s largest cocaine seizures. Vishwa Nadan of Naisoso, Nadi, appeared before Magistrate Timoci Qalinauci in the Rakiraki Magistrates Court today. He is charged with one count of importation of illicit drugs and one count of unlawful possession of illicit drugs. Police allege that Nadan and his co-accused imported 2,644.5 kilograms of cocaine between November 1, 2025, and January 15 this year.Article continues after advertisement The second charge alleges that…

The future location of Diabetes Fiji services remains under discussion as concerns grow over the structural safety of the organisation’s current headquarters. Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu says Diabetes Fiji is operating from a government-owned facility and has been offered alternative accommodation within the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. He says the organisation has also been advised to work with the Colonial War Memorial Hospital on temporary relocation arrangements while longer-term solutions are finalised. Dr Lalabalavu says discussions on the matter have been ongoing for several months and maintains that the ministry remains committed to finding a suitable way…

The New Zealand government is being warned that continued political antipathy towards the World Health Organisation (WHO) risks undermining health outcomes in the Pacific, while weakening the international disease surveillance network.This follows revelations that New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters wielded particular political influence over the government’s decision on whether to approve of the latest amendments to International Health Regulations (IHR) under the WHO.As reported by Newsroom this month, Peters went against the advice of the Ministry of Foreign Affiars and Trade (MFAT) officials and rejected the amendments, which were described as particularly beneficial to Pacific Island countries.All but…

View of Suva Port Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says the upcoming national budget will focus on keeping the economy moving, protecting jobs, and supporting Fijians who need assistance. Immanuel says the government’s priority is to ensure people remain employed while continuing to provide support to vulnerable communities and key sectors of the economy. “So what we are going to do is to answer the question, so what? To keep the economy going and also try to assist our people, keep them employed and also look after the people who need them.” He says this approach will include continued assistance for…

Businessman Sanjay Kaba has been acquitted of a charge of obtaining a financial advantage following a ruling by the Suva Magistrates Court. The Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption had charged Kaba with one count of obtaining a financial advantage. FICAC had alleged that while serving as a board director of Telecom Fiji Limited and Amalgamated Telecom Holdings between 2017 and 2018, Kaba used information obtained through his position to secure a project management contract for his company, Houng Lee-Kaba Jacob Pte Limited. The prosecution alleged that the company later received more than $766,000 from Telecom Fiji Limited as a result.Article…

PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN FLAG CARRIER Philippine Airlines (PAL) has resumed its Manila-Saipan service and launched flights to Palau as it expands its international network. “This launch reinforces Manila’s position as a key regional transit hub while strengthening its role as a gateway for medical tourism,” PAL President Richard Nuttall said in a media release over the weekend. Saipan, a US territory, is PAL’s seventh destination in the United States, alongside Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Seattle, Guam, and Honolulu. The Manila-Saipan route complements PAL’s existing Pacific network, which includes flights to Guam, Honolulu, and services to Palau via Cebu.…