Author: TMC Palau

Improving support for Fijians living, working and travelling overseas is a key priority in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ 2026-2027 budget submission. Minister for Foreign Affairs Sakiasi Ditoka says the Ministry is seeking additional funding to strengthen services at overseas missions and ensure citizens can access assistance when facing difficulties abroad. Ditoka says the goal is to improve country’s representation overseas so that Fijians have reliable support, whether they encounter visa issues or other challenges in countries across Asia, Europe and beyond. He says priority areas include upgrades to Fiji House in the United Kingdom and the High Commission in…

Samoan PM Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt Photo: Supplied / Samoa Government Samoa’s Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt claims the country’s youth are being “used” by international drug rings who are luring them with hefty pay checks. This is the first time the Prime Minister has spoken out following shocking revelations ten days ago that two alleged hitmen from Apia murdered a Sydney gang boss in Vietnam. Laauli, who is also the Police Minister, said at a recent police academy graduation that the high profile international case had damaged Samoa’s reputation, according to the Samoa Observer. Joseph Vaa, 27, has confessed on…

Three of Fiji’s top boxers departed for Samoa this morning to compete in the Independence Games, which commemorate 64 years of Samoa’s independence. The team, accompanied by head coach Cam Todd, left from Nadi International Airport and will use the tournament as part of their preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Scotland next month. The Independence Games began on Saturday, with the boxing competition scheduled for Friday. The tournament is expected to provide valuable international exposure for the Fijian boxers as they continue their build-up towards the Commonwealth Games.Article continues after advertisement Source link

Radrodro highlighted the importance of ethical, values-driven leadership and the need for strong connection with grassroots communities. [Photo: FILES] In a male-dominated society, women must frame leadership around values, not gender, and when women lead with respect and resilience, they redefine strength. This was the clear message shared by University of Fiji Law Lecturer and Director of Special Projects Sainiana Radrodro as she participated in a national training programme on “Strengthening Women’s Leadership and Media Engagement for Inclusive Elections”. The training, an initiative ahead of the national and local elections, aimed to encourage more women to step into leadership roles…

One-year-old child is Fiji’s latest road fatality. A one-year-old child is the latest road fatality following a motor vehicle accident near the Barara Bypass in Lautoka on Saturday night. Police say the child was traveling in a vehicle driven by a 23-year-old man from Sabeto when it allegedly veered off the road. The child’s mother, aunt, and two siblings were also inside. All passengers were rushed to the Lautoka Hospital, where the child was pronounced dead.Article continues after advertisement The driver and the remaining passengers were treated and discharged. The driver will be questioned as investigations continue. Source link

Left to right: Beatrice Roini Liua Faumuinā, Talaleomalie Filomena Loheni, Lemalu Freddie Ah Kuoi. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Photosport / file Twelve Pasifika people in New Zealand received awards in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours. The New Zealand Royal Honours acknowledges people who have served their communities and recognizes their achievements. The honors system includes three Orders: The Order of New Zealand; The New Zealand Order of Merit; and The King’s Service Order. Various other medals are also awarded: including the King’s Service Medal, the New Zealand Antarctic Medal, and New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration. A total of 178 recipients…

[Photo: FILE] The Fiji Teachers Union is calling on the Government to grant teachers a 15 percent pay increase in the 2026–2027 National Budget. FTU General Secretary Muniappa Goundar says the increase is necessary to help teachers cope with the rising cost of living and improve retention in the profession. “You know, that 15% that FTEU is asking for, it ensures the teachers can meet the cost of living, to some extent, I would say, that salary structures remain intact, that performance is recognised, that retention becomes possible. Why am I listing these four things? Because that 15% I have…

Two days before leaving Palau at the end of their mission in July, Elder Scott Lieber and Sister Kristin Lieber experienced an event they describe as nothing short of miraculous.The foundation of the event began over 40 years ago, when Elder Lieber served as a young missionary on Palau.Found in the western Pacific Ocean, the small island country of Palau consists of over 300 coral and volcanic islands and nearly 22,000 people. Palau has one branch, the Koror Branch, and 421 Latter-day Saints. The first missionaries in Palau arrived five years before Elder Lieber in 1978. The island is part…

[Photo: FILE] Dialogue Fiji is urging the government to review and temporarily reduce fuel duties following the latest increase in fuel prices, arguing that the state is collecting significantly more tax revenue as pump prices continue to rise. In a statement issued today, the civil society organisation says households, businesses, farmers and transport operators are facing mounting financial pressure following recent fuel price increases. Motor Spirit is now retailing at $3.93 per litre, while Automotive Diesel has risen to $4.58 per litre. Dialogue Fiji Executive Director Nilesh Lal says while global events are driving fuel costs higher, taxation remains one…

[Photo Supplied] The Fijian Broadcasting Corporation is proud to announce that the biggest tournament in world football, the FIFA World Cup 2026, will be broadcast LIVE and exclusively on FBC Sports, bringing every match, moment and memory straight to audiences across the country. Kicking off next Thursday, the tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico and will feature an expanded format of 48 nations competing on football’s grandest stage. For Fijian fans, this means unmatched access to the world’s biggest sporting event – from the opening whistle to the final in July—all only on FBC’s platforms.…