Author: TMC Palau
Despite these challenges, conservation work continues across the Mamanuca region, with the Mamanuca Environment Society focusing on restoring damaged reef systems. [Photo: FILE] Coral diversity in the Mamanuca Group of Islands has declined significantly in recent years. The decline has been attributed to climate change, with rising sea temperatures placing stress on reef ecosystems and limiting coral growth and recovery. This was highlighted by Castaway Island Environments Department Manager, Kolinio Mataiyaga, who says the island once saw over 10 different coloured coral species, and now it can barely find three to four. The World Wide Fund for Nature reports that…
The matter is adjourned to July 3rd. [Photo: FILE] The State has sought time to serve additional disclosures in the alleged kidnapping case of a 20-year-old. Artika Sharma, Ajay Kumar, Ravinal Anand and Sanjay Kumar appeared in the Lautoka High Court yesterday. The four accused were initially charged with acts intended to cause grievous harm. However, following a review of the evidence, the charges were upgraded to attempted murder.Article continues after advertisement It is alleged that on February 25th, the accused persons attempted to murder the 61-year-old man after he intervened to save the 20-year-old woman from being kidnapped. The…
Source: Entertainment Weekly Ariana Grande has said “Bye” to the White House’s immigration policies and hello to a charity that will support those affected. The Wicked: For Good star announced The Brighter Days Ahead Foundation on Friday, one day after she successfully blocked the Trump Administration’s unauthorized use of her music in a TikTok video promoting the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “I am beyond excited to finally announce the brighter days ahead foundation,” Grande said in a press release. “Our mission is to support, protect, and provide resources for our vulnerable friends in need. Through four different funds, we…
Source: Reuters The United States and Iran signaled on Friday that an agreement to end their war was close, with a senior U.S. administration official saying both sides had agreed on a text and that Washington expects to sign an initial deal in the coming days. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said that while changes in the deal were still possible, the tentative agreement showed his country had emerged stronger from the conflict. “Iran is the winner of the war with the U.S.,” he said on state television. Hours after those remarks, U.S. forces shot down multiple Iranian one-way attack…
Last year, FSC crushed over 1.33 million tonnes of cane and produced 126,500 tonnes of sugar. [Photo: FILE] The Fiji Sugar Corporation recorded its lowest-ever cane production during the last crushing season. Chief Executive Bhan Pratap Singh made the comments while responding to questions on FSC’s 2024 and 2025 annual reports before the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs. Singh says the major reason for the low yield was the prolonged dry spell that affected cane belt areas in 2025. Last year, FSC crushed over 1.33 million tonnes of cane and produced 126,500 tonnes of sugar.Article continues after advertisement Singh says…
Child labour often exists in places that may not traditionally be viewed as workplaces. [Photo: FILE] Child labour is not limited to factories and workplaces and can also occur in homes, farms, and family businesses when it affects a child’s education and well-being. Speaking during World Day against Child Labour, Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation Manager Advocacy Gaylene Kamali stated that child labour often exists in places that may not traditionally be viewed as workplaces. Kamali adds that many children appropriately contribute to family life and enterprises in ways that support learning and development. “And when those barriers persist, vulnerability…
The Drua emerged with renewed energy and intent, lifting the tempo and applying sustained pressure on the Force defence. [Photo: Fijian Drua] The McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women produced a stirring second-half comeback to defeat the Western Force 29-24 in Round Two of the Super W competition at Churchill Park in Lautoka this afternoon. Roared on by a passionate home crowd, the Drua overcame a difficult start to claim their first victory of the season and continue their strong record on home soil. The visitors came out firing and put the Drua under pressure early, capitalising on a sluggish start from…
[Source: FIFA World Cup/ Facebook] The United States have opened their FIFA World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating Paraguay 4–1 in their Group D clash at the Los Angeles Stadium. The Americans took an early lead in the seventh minute after Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla turned the ball into his own net before Folarin Balogun took control of the match with a first half brace. Balogun struck in the 31st minute and again in first-half stoppage time to give the USA a commanding 3–0 advantage at the break. Paraguay showed some fight early in the second half and pulled one…
People in Kaintiba call their part of Anga’s interior “no man’s land.” Better services, for them, meant being able to stay. One line came up often when people talked about services: “We won’t need to go far. We will be treated here.” Schools, health clinics and village courts are operating. Communities keep them going. People live in scattered hamlets and come at intervals to the ples bung, gathering places, for markets and services. Bema, Kaintiba and Hawabango are three such places. We were based at Bema Catholic station while assessing service delivery in each of these locations. The Connect PNG…
Sayed-Khaiyum believes more must be done to improve working conditions, remuneration and resources for officers. [Photo: FILE] Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says police officers are carrying an increasingly difficult burden as they confront the country’s growing drug problem. Sayed-Khaiyum says officers are expected to uphold the law, protect communities and combat organised crime, often while facing financial and operational challenges. He argues that frontline officers deserve greater recognition and support from the government. Sayed-Khaiyum pointed to efforts by the previous administration to modernise the Force.Article continues after advertisement “Even today in Fiji, the police are the ones who need a…