Author: TMC Palau

[Fiji Government/ Facebook] Fiji has launched three major national biodiversity policy instruments aimed at strengthening environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainable resource management. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2030, the Fiji National Access and Benefit Sharing Policy 2026, and the National Invasive Species Framework Strategy and Action Plan 2026 were launched by Minister for Environment Lynda Tabuya. She described the policies as a significant step forward in Fiji’s commitment to conserving biodiversity and protecting natural resources for future generations. She says that these strategies are designed to address growing environmental threats while promoting sustainable development and community resilience.Article…

[photo:Enda Low] Hundreds gathered in Suva today to celebrate Rotuma Day, an annual event focused on preserving and promoting Rotuman culture among younger generations. The two-day event has brought together representatives from Rotuma’s seven districts, with communities encouraged to actively take part in keeping their traditions, language, and identity alive for future generations. Organising Admin, Faga Paulokai’tu, says that for the hosting district of Pepjei, the aim of this year’s Rotuma Day celebrations is to ensure that youths remain at the centre of the event. “For this event, it’s showing respect, and more so, is the love, and to sustain…

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka [File Photo] Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has issued a personal apology to the Vanua o Noco after failing to acknowledge the traditional leadership and people of Noco during his Girmit Day address. In a statement released following the event, the Prime Minister expressed regret for not recognizing Na Turaga na Roko Tui Noco and the people of the Vanua o Noco, acknowledging their longstanding contributions and support to the nation and local communities. Rabuka described the omission as an oversight and offered his sincerest apology. The Prime Minister says he holds deep personal respect for the…

[Source: FCEF/Facebook] The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation has warned that calls for an $8 National Living Wage could further strain the economy and trigger internal disruptions for businesses already facing global economic pressures. This follows calls by the Fiji Trades Union Congress for Fiji to adopt a National Living Wage system of $8 an hour, replacing the current minimum wage framework. Speaking to FBC News, FCEF Chief Executive Edward Bernard says businesses, workers, and government must work together to protect the economy amid growing global uncertainty. Bernard says Fiji is already facing economic volatility, with the Asian Development Bank…

[Source: AAP News] Sir David Beckham is Britain’s first billionaire sportsman. The former England soccer team captain and his Spice Girls star wife, Victoria Beckham, have made it to second place in the annual Sunday Times Rich List. The list gives a rundown of the UK’s wealthiest sports stars, with the publication reporting the couple’s value has doubled since 2025, bringing their net worth to an estimated £1.185 billion ($A2.208 billion). The Sunday Times reports: “Sir David and his wife, Victoria, are now valued at £1.185 billion ($A2.208 billion), thanks to shrewd investments across football, food and drink, property and…

[Source: Reuters] During his first year back in office, U.S. President Donald Trump’s blustery negotiating style won him concessions from countries on issues ranging from tariffs to armed conflict. But with Iran, that same brand of coercive diplomacy, marked by public threats, insults, and ultimatums, seems to have hit a wall and may be undermining his own efforts to end a war that has shaken the global economy. With the two sides deadlocked, Trump has signaled growing frustration over the 11-week-old crisis ​but has shown little inclination to soften his harsh diplomatic approach toward Iran’s leaders. That does not bode…

Fijian Drua’s hopes of winning a top-six spot were buried in the Laucala soil, as NSW Waratahs sailed home to win their Super Rugby Pacific clash 50-35 in Suva. The Drua, who needed a good win to keep their hopes alive, trailled 36-7 at halftime and finished second best in front of their fans at the HFC Stadium. Drua co-captain Temo Mayanavanua said they failed to execute, but congratulated the Waratahs. “I think it’s just the execution in certain areas…. that one got us,” he said. “There were a couple of key moments that we weren’t urgent enough and that’s…

[File Photo] The man alleged to have caused the death of a flight attendant in Nadi earlier this year has been released on bail by the Nadi Magistrates Court. Makario Namotu Vilimotama is charged with one count of manslaughter. It is alleged that on 28 March in Nadi, in the Western Division, he engaged in conduct that caused the death of Mary Theresa Lucinta Evans, and that the conduct was reckless as to the risk of causing serious harm. The first phase of disclosures has been served. The matter has been transferred to the Lautoka High Court. The defence made…

[Source: AAP News] Dozens of people have rallied to remember a 19-year-old woman whose body was found in a rubbish dump, amid calls for the government to intervene after charges were dropped against her alleged killer. Isla Bell’s body was located at a Dandenong tip in Melbourne’s southeast in November 2024, six weeks after she was reported missing by her family. Police originally charged Marat Ganiev, 55, with her murder, claiming he killed the teen in the early hours of October 7, 2024, before hiding her body in a fridge. Isla Bell [Source: AAP News] The charge was downgraded to…

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua went down fighting 50-35 against the NSW Waratahs in their last home game of the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season. The Drua tried to make a late comeback in the second half, but the Waratahs held their ground to claim the bonus point win. The Waratahs raced to an early 19-0 lead in the first 20 minutes of the game through tries from winger Harry Potter, hooker Ioane Moananu, and fullback Max Jogernsen, before Mesake Doge scored the Drua’s first converted try in the 23rd minute to trail 19-7. The visitors then…