Author: TMC Palau

RBF states that Fiji’s economic outlook remains fragile amid ongoing global energy uncertainty.[Photo: Litia Cava] Rising global energy costs remain the key concern highlighted in the Reserve Bank of Fiji May Economic Review. The report warns that higher fuel prices are already feeding into domestic inflation and could continue to lift the cost of living in Fiji. The report says continued tensions between the United States and Iran have kept global oil prices high, with Brent crude reaching $US114.01 a barrel in April before easing slightly this month. It warns that even with progress in negotiations, uncertainty in global supply…

As the countdown to the 2026 BiC Fiji FACT continues, Lautoka FC is once again expected to be among the title contenders. At the heart of their resurgence is association president Shalendra Prasad, better known as “SP Pardhaan”. Calm, passionate and deeply committed to the district, Prasad has played a key role in guiding Lautoka back among Fiji football’s elite in recent years. The Blues remain one of Fiji football’s most successful districts, with a proud history dating back to 1934.Article continues after advertisement Lautoka has won four Fiji FACT titles — in 2000, 2002, 2023 and 2024 — while…

The Pacific Business Brief tracks the capital, trade and trends shaping the regional economy. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Koroi Hawkins This week in the Pacific Business Brief, we look at fuel relief efforts, critical minerals diplomacy, and fallout at a publicly funded trust. In this edition: ABD to provide millions in financial relief to Pacific countries The Quad’s $20 billion critical mineral push Pacific Business Trust’s embattled CEO resigns Motorists in parts of Fiji lined up at petrol stations on Tuesday night to fuel up. Photo: Facebook / Fiji News & Sports ADB fronts up cash for fuel The Asian…

Neymar has been ruled out of Brazil’s upcoming friendlies and is expected to miss their World Cup opener after scans confirmed a grade-two calf injury, the Brazilian Football Confederation said yesterday. Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar said the 34-year-old forward will be sidelined for around two to three weeks following an MRI that revealed a partial tear in his right calf muscle. Neymar joined the squad on Tuesday but missed training the following day after reporting swelling, before undergoing scans at a private clinic. He will miss Sunday’s friendly against Panama in Rio de Janeiro and the match against Egypt in…

Source: Entertainment Weekly Olivia Rodrigo is so done with all the babydoll dress discourse. The “Drop Dead” singer-songwriter has addressed the wave of criticism that she’s been facing for sporting babydoll dresses and matching bloomers while promoting her upcoming album, You Look Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love. The whimsical looks have sparked debate online, with some accusing the 23-year-old pop star of sexualizing children’s clothes. (The garment’s history is actually rooted in female liberation, but we digress.) “That’s been making me so upset,” Rodrigo said when asked about the backlash on the new episode of The New…

The Spain 7s tournament this weekend will hold special significance for two former Fiji 7s greats, who will reunite not as teammates, but as coaches of the team they once proudly represented. Fiji Airways Men’s 7s head coach Osea Kolinisau has been working closely with former Olympic gold medalist Jerry Tuwai in recent weeks, following the “Magician’s” appointment as assistant coach. Kolinisau is eagerly anticipating his first tournament alongside Tuwai in their new coaching roles. He said Tuwai’s presence has already made a positive impact on the players, with the squad benefiting from the experience and leadership of one of…

Overview: A new U.S. Government Accountability Office report warns that the Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands are facing steep population declines as residents migrate abroad for better jobs, education and health care. The report highlights growing labor shortages, rising costs for public services and concerns over the long-term sustainability of schools, health systems and infrastructure projects across the Pacific. PONPHEI/MAJURO, 25 MAY 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — The populations of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Marshall Islands have dropped sharply over the past decade as thousands of residents leave for better jobs, education and…

[Photo: FILE] The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua are determined to end their 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific campaign on a high when they face the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium tonight. Despite falling short of a first-ever win in Perth last week and missing out on a top-six finish, coach Glen Jackson says motivation within the squad remains strong heading into their final match of the season. Jackson admits it was frustrating for the Drua to sit second from the bottom of the standings despite recording five wins this season, the same number as several teams above them…

Australian aid The Albanese government’s fifth federal budget sees Australia’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) increase in nominal terms from an estimated $5.097 billion in 2025-26 to $5.450 billion in 2029-30. This increase is partly the result of the government’s applying its promised 2.5% annual increase to “base ODA” from 2026-27 to 2036-37 (see breakdown in Table 1). When adjusted for inflation, however, Australia’s aid spending is estimated to fall by 3% between 2026-27 and 2029-30 and by 7% since Labor’s first budget in 2022-23. As a result, allocations for several of Australia’s core multilateral contributions have been reduced or ceased…

Overview: The United States has lowered its travel advisory for New Caledonia, signaling renewed confidence in the French Pacific territory more than a year after deadly unrest shook the archipelago. While officials now consider the destination generally safe for travelers, warnings remain over petty crime, political tensions and limited emergency assistance outside Nouméa. NOUMEA/WASHINGTON, 25 MAY 2026 (ISLANDS BUSINESS) — The United States’ State Department has officially lowered its travel advisory for New Caledonia.  As of 21 May the advisory was reduced from Level Three (“Reconsider Travel”) to Level Two (“Exercise Increased Caution”).   The decision comes more than a year…