Author: TMC Palau
Some Civil society groups in Fiji and the region say they have been sidelined from key discussions on deep-sea mining, raising concerns about transparency and the inclusion of Pacific voices in decisions that could impact the region’s oceans and future. The Pacific Regional Non-Government Organisations Alliance, which includes the Pacific Conference of Churches, Pacific Network on Globalisation, Fiji Council of Social Services, and Greenpeace Australia Pacific, held a press conference in Suva criticising the International Seabed Authority’s ongoing regional consultation. The group says while they have conducted extensive research and policy analysis on deep-sea mining, their expertise has not been…
More than 11,000 Fijians have applied to work during the upcoming election periods, as preparations continue amid uncertainty over whether the Local Government Elections will proceed as planned. The Supervisor of Elections, Ana Mataiciwa, says the Fijian Elections Office has already completed its Phase One recruitment drive, attracting a total of 11,333 applicants willing to serve as election officials. Mataiciwa said the recruitment covered both the Local Government Elections and the General Elections, ensuring manpower can be shared efficiently depending on how the government decides to proceed. She acknowledged ongoing uncertainty, with Cabinet still deliberating whether the municipal polls will…
Mase Mahonri Schwalger Photo: Former Manu Samoa captain Mase Mahonri Schwalger has been found guilty of multiple criminal charges, including sexual assault, by Samoa’s Supreme Court, local media report. Mase was charged in September 2024 with unlawful sexual connection, attempted sexual violation, sexual conduct with a person under 16, indecent assault, and common assault. He was initially suspended by Lakapi Samoa (Samoa Rugby Union) before resigning from his position as head coach of Manu Samoa on 6 January 2025. Local media reported on Monday Mase, who also played for New Zealand Super Rugby franchises Highlanders, Hurricanes and the Chiefs, was…
Sugarcane crushing at the Labasa Mill The sugar industry is continuing to face major production challenges as large volumes of unapproved cane varieties are still being supplied to mills across the country during each crushing season. Minister for Sugar Tomasi Tunabuna has now issued a strong warning to farmers, reminding them that supplying unapproved cane varieties is illegal under the Master Award agreement, and that mills have the authority to reject such cane. Tunabuna says farmers were previously given three years to phase out unapproved varieties, and this year will be the final season these cane types will be accepted…
[Photo: FILE] Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa, has apologized to healthcare workers over delays in overtime payments for February and March 2026. Ravunawa acknowledged that the delays had caused frustration and hardship for many health workers and their families. He confirms that the processing of outstanding overtime payments for eligible staff has now been approved. The Assistant Minister commended doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, attendants, drivers, administrative officers, and support staff for their continued dedication and service during a challenging period for the healthcare system.Article continues after advertisement Ravunawa says the Ministry recognizes the sacrifices made by frontline workers…
source: reuters Danish filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn returned to the Cannes Film Festival 15 years after his breakthrough hit “Drive” with a dark new fable shaped by what he described as the hidden narratives driving modern media consumption. “I love the idea of juxtapositions of narratives,” he told Reuters, recalling how he loved flicking between TV channels as a child because it allowed him to go between worlds – an experience now echoed with social media’s endless scroll. “The algorithm essentially creates an internal narrative that you’re unconscious of, because it feeds what your emotions react to,” he said. “All…
The eruption has been seen from space in recent days. Photo: Supplied / NASA Worldview By Patrick Martin and Dana Kirimof, ABC A volcano is erupting under the ocean in the Bismarck Sea, prompting warnings of possible tsunamis from authorities as ash and smoke bellow into the sky. Kennedy Masis took in the spectacle from the fishing boat he was working on. Photo: ABC / Supplied Papua New Guinea authorities have warned of falling pumice, ash, unpredictable swells and turbulent currents in the area near the eruption of the provisionally-named Titan Ridge Volcano. Satellites have captured the event unfold from…
[File Photo] Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa has warned that transnational organised crime in the Pacific is becoming more sophisticated, describing criminal networks as “organised, adaptive and systemic.” Speaking at the Pacific Transnational Crime Summit in Nadi, Waqa said the threat is no longer just increasing in volume but has fundamentally changed in character, requiring a stronger and more coordinated regional response. “Criminal networks are now organised, adaptive and systemic,” He adds that the region’s challenge is no longer intelligence gathering, but ensuring that systems are connected to act on it effectively.Article continues after advertisement He said Forum…
Fiji secured their second win in the 2026 Men’s Invitational Series after thrashing Tonga 79-18 at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. Captain Kitione Waqavonovono praised the team’s performance, saying they showed significant improvement from their opening match of the series. While pleased with the result, Waqavonovono believes there are still several areas the side needs to improve on moving forward. “We managed to get a much larger scoreline than we did in our opening game and I am really proud with how the boys performed. We just need to touch on a few more areas, other than that, I think…
[Source: File] Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson believes competition for places within his squad will intensify following the naming of the Flying Fijians’ extended 50-member squad for the Nations Championship. Several Drua players were included in the wider national training group, highlighting the franchise’s growing contribution to Fiji rugby ahead of the July campaign. Jackson says strong performances at the Drua level should naturally translate into national selection opportunities. “There are 50 guys being named in the Flying Fijians… if the blue jersey’s going well, the white jersey should go well.”Article continues after advertisement The Drua coach…