Author: TMC Palau

[File Photo] Government support for Extra Bula FC’s participation in the inaugural OFC Pro League was strongly advocated in Parliament this morning. Member of Parliament Joseph Nand calls for direct funding and tax incentives to help Fiji’s first professional football franchise. During his end-of-week statement, Nand described the Oceania Football Pro League as a “turning point” for football in the Pacific, saying Bula FC could create jobs, develop young players and strengthen national pride. Nand compared the opportunity to the success of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua.Article continues after advertisement He says football fans across the country could unite behind…

Two of the three tertiary students charged in the murder case at Nauluvatu Settlement earlier this year have been discharged. This as the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has filed a Nolle Prosequi at the Suva High Court this morning. Charges against second and third accused Alexander Leweniqila and Manoa Vakavuniwalu have been terminated, while the charge against first accused Aisake Lovobalavu has been reduced from murder to manslaughter. The trio were initially charged in relation to the alleged killing of a 30-year-old man whose body was discovered at Nauluvatu Settlement in Samabula in March.Article continues after advertisement…

Joseph Vaa, 27, admitted gunning down “Coconut Cartel” ringleader Lorenzo Lemalu Tovia outside a restaurant on 21 May. Vaa’s associate, Steve Tofa, 23, has confessed to being his accomplice in the shooting. Photo: Screengrab / 7NEWS Sydney Samoa police have launched an investigation into a bizarre international case involving two Samoan men who have appeared on Vietnamese television confessing to the murder of a Sydney gang leader in Ho Chi Minh City. The Samoa Observer reported that Joseph Vaa, 27, admitted gunning down suspected “Coconut Cartel” ringleader Lorenzo Lemalu Tovia outside a restaurant on 21 May. Vaa’s associate, Steve Tofa,…

Sixteen school heads have returned to work. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro confirms that the 16 heads of schools who were reporting to the Ministry of Education headquarters at the beginning of the year have now returned to their respective schools. Radrodro says the school heads had been directed to report to headquarters due to allegations of misconduct and referrals made by divisional education officers, the Director of Human Resources and deputy secretaries. Opposition MP Hem Chand had asked the Minister through a written parliamentary question to clarify the number of teachers reporting to Ministry headquarters and district education offices.Article continues…

[File Photo] Hooker Zuriel Togiatama will create another piece of history for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua tomorrow night when he becomes just the sixth player to reach 50 caps for the club in their final 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific match against the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. Togiatama, who celebrated his 49th appearance with his first-ever try last week, will achieve the milestone in Round 16 clash as the Drua look to finish their season strongly away from home. The experienced hooker headlines several changes to the matchday 23, with Isikeli Rabitu shifting to…

In a recent post on the Devpolicy Blog, Andrew Donigi hailed the report of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Customary Land and Land Reforms in Papua New Guinea as a further step along a well-trodden path of reform that has sought to reconcile the fundamental principles of customary land tenure with the demands of good governance. However, this appears to be a much bigger step than those previously taken after the 2005 National Land Summit. Amongst the committee’s numerous recommendations are those contained in the provisions of a Customary Land Tenure Bill attached as an appendix to the report. In…

FRU CEO Koli Sewabu. [Photo: FILE] Inclusivity in sport has taken a major step forward in Fiji with the official launch of Wheelchair Rugby, as the Fiji Rugby Union declares that rugby is now a game for everyone. Speaking at the launch of the Fiji Rugby Wheelchair Association and the formal constitution of the Wheelchair Rugby Union at the French Residence in Suva, FRU CEO Koli Sewabu says the initiative is about breaking barriers and ensuring no athlete is left behind. Sewabu says he was proud to witness the extension of rugby to include Fiji’s wheelchair community, adding that the…

Joseph Vaa, 27, admitted gunning down “Coconut Cartel” ringleader Lorenzo Lemalu Tovia outside a restaurant on 21 May. Vaa’s associate, Steve Tofa, 23, has confessed to being his accomplice in the shooting. Photo: Screengrab / 7NEWS Sydney Samoa police have launched an investigation into a bizarre international case involving two Samoan men who have appeared on Vietnamese television confessing to the murder of a Sydney gang leader in Ho Chi Minh City. The Samoa Observer reported that Joseph Vaa, 27, admitted gunning down “Coconut Cartel” ringleader Lorenzo Lemalu Tovia outside a restaurant on 21 May. Vaa’s associate, Steve Tofa, 23,…

[Photo: NRL.COM] New South Wales has pulled off the greatest comeback in State of Origin history, storming back from 20-0 down to defeat Queensland 22-20 in a dramatic series opener at Accor Stadium after Maroons star Kalyn Ponga was sent off. Queensland looked in complete control early, running in three tries within eight minutes as Robert Toia, Robert Flegler and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow tore through the Blues’ defence. Sam Walker orchestrated the fast start, setting up two tries and converting all three before adding a penalty goal as the Maroons surged to a commanding 20-0 lead. The Blues were shell-shocked before…

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka. [Photo: FILE] Fiji is set to modernise its tourism industry with the Tourism Bill 2026, aimed at strengthening regulation, improving sustainability and attracting new investment. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka says the Bill will update Fiji’s tourism framework to meet current industry needs and global standards. He says it will create a more competitive and investor-friendly environment while supporting community participation and protecting Fiji’s natural and cultural assets. Gavoka adds that the reforms aim to ensure tourism growth is inclusive, with benefits reaching rural and maritime communities…