Author: TMC Palau

[Photo: File] Retailers in Suva are warning that rising freight costs, inflation and weaker consumer spending are placing increasing pressure on businesses and households across Fiji. Suva Retailers Association President Jitesh Patel says many retailers are experiencing slower business activity as operating costs continue to rise. He says global events, including ongoing overseas conflicts and higher fuel prices, have driven up shipping, trucking and courier costs, making imported goods significantly more expensive. Patel says the cost of bringing goods into Fiji has increased sharply, with container freight charges almost doubling in recent years.Article continues after advertisement Retailers make their own…

[Photo: File] A local recycling company is calling on businesses to play a bigger role in reducing Fiji’s paper waste, after recycling millions of kilograms of discarded paper over the past 15 years. South Pacific Waste Recyclers says businesses can support the initiative by separating wastepaper and allowing the company to collect recyclable materials at no cost. Executive Director Namrata Charan Singh says businesses can help by allowing recycling bins and collection points to be placed at workplaces. “I would like to ask for your continued support in helping us expand paper recycling in Fiji, there are two simple ways…

[Source: File] The Fiji Rugby Union has confirmed that the cross-registration window for the Vodafone Deans competition has closed, while schools competing in the Weet-Bix Raluve competition can still register guest players until after the quarter-final stage. FRU Chief Operating Officer Talemo Waqa says Deans teams were only permitted to use the cross-registration system during the elimination rounds, with schools given the choice of either bringing in players from eliminated teams within their zone or retaining their original squads. “Some schools chose to take the cross-registration, and some kept on to the school registration, which is fine. But the system…

Papua New Guinea has initiated plans to request 200 defence personnel from Timor-Leste to help supervise PNG’s general election next year.PNG’s Prime Minister James Marape said the request is part of a broader plan to build a 1000-strong multinational election security and observation team.This would feature soldiers from Timor-Leste, Vanuatu, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Australia, and New Zealand.According to a statement from Marape’s office, Solomon Islands has already agreed to join the deployment.”External support is vital to our strategy to lengthen actual polling time, allowing our citizens a peaceful environment to choose their leaders,” Marape said.Marape held talks last week with…

[Source: File] Auckland Fijians captain and Southern Steel star Serina Daunakamakama believes the future of Fiji netball is bright after her youthful side pushed Fiji Blue to the limit at the Netball Fiji Invitational Tournament. Despite falling just short in a 45-43 thriller, Daunakamakama was full of praise for her team, which featured several young players experiencing high-level netball for the first time. “I’m just really proud of the girls. We’re a young bunch and a lot of these girls don’t play a lot of 60-minute netball, so to put out a performance like that against an experienced and mature…

[Photo: File] A structural fire at Momi Gun side in Nadi this week, is raising concerns over the increasing risk posed by bush fires. This follows after a vacant structure was completely destroyed by a fire that caused the property to collapse to the ground. The National Fire Authority says firefighters responded to the incident but faced access challenges due to poor road conditions and the remote location of the property. NFA Chief Executive Puamau Sowane says the incident highlights how quickly bushfires can spread from dry vegetation to nearby buildings, putting homes and communities atrisk. “This incident is a…

Building strong relationships and empowering players will be central to Brad Mooar’s approach as the new head coach of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua. The former Crusaders and All Blacks assistant say creating an environment where players feel valued and supported is the foundation for success, both on and off the field. “We care for our people, care for them as individuals and as the people that they are. Get to know them, understand what life is outside of here. Who’s in your family? Who’s important to you? Why do you play?” Mooar also highlighted the importance of faith within…

US President Donald Trump has approved a major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), unlocking federal disaster assistance for residents of Rota nearly a month after Super Typhoon Bavi devastated the island.The declaration makes eligible households on Rota able to apply for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance and expands federal support for government recovery efforts.The declaration covers damage from Bavi between 4-12 July.Federal Public Assistance will also cover all eligible recovery work on Rota and emergency protective measures on Saipan and Tinian, with direct federal assistance on Rota funded at 100 percent…

[Source: AP] Spider-Man beat the Avengers at the box office. “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” broke the “Avengers: Endgame” record for the biggest North American opening weekend with $360 million in ticket sales from theaters in the U.S. and Canada, Sony Pictures said Monday. Sony on Sunday projected that “Spider-Man” would net an estimated $355 million in its first weekend playing in 4,487 theaters, just barely missing the 2019 “Avengers: Endgame” record of $357 million. But the fourth Spider-Man movie starring Tom Holland had a stronger than expected Sunday and ultimately came in ahead.Article continues after advertisement Tom Rothman, the chairman…

[Source: Reuters] Jetstar, the budget arm of Australia’s national carrier Qantas (QAN.AX), opens new tab, will require passengers who want to store carry-on bags in ​overhead lockers to pay extra from February, as the airline overhauls ‌its cabin baggage policy. The carrier will allow one bag that can fit under the seats, such as a backpack, handbag, or laptop bag for no extra cost, but ​a larger bag could cost between A$25 and A$52 ($18 and $37) ​per flight depending on the route, according to examples provided by ⁠the airline. The move brings Jetstar’s carry-on baggage policy closer to systems…