Author: TMC Palau

[Photo: FILE] Human rights advocates are sounding the alarm over allegations of systemic exploitation in Fiji’s fishing industry, where both local and migrant workers face conditions that experts say amount to forced labour. Human Dignity Group Director Dr Patricia Kailola while speaking at a recent human trafficking discussion revealed concerns of fishing vessel captains routinely confisicating passports and certificates, stripping workers of their freedom of movement and association. “But even for Fijians, in their surveys we say, do you get them back at the end? No, they say the captain holds them so he can find us again the next…

[Source: File] Rewa FC sent a strong message ahead of its OFC Men’s Champions League campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over  Suva FC in Round 16 of the Extra Premier League at Churchill Park. The Delta Tigers were in complete control as goals from Josaia Sela, Asivorosi Rabo, Semi Matalau and Neemish Prasad sealed an emphatic win and all three points. The result provides a timely boost for Rewa, which will turn its attention to next week’s OFC Men’s Champions League at Churchill Park. Meanwhile, Navua FC produced one of its best performances of the season, thrashing Tailevu Naitasiri…

[Source: File] Yeshnil Karan is already looking ahead to his next challenge after producing a season-best performance in the men’s 5,000 metres at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Competing at his second Commonwealth Games, the Team Fiji distance runner clocked 14 minutes 35.76 seconds, describing the race as one of the toughest of his career against a world-class field. Karan says the fast early pace and strong winds made for difficult racing conditions, but he was pleased to walk away with his best performance of the season. “It was really tough running against world-class athletes. The pace was fast and…

[Source: Fijian Drua/ Facebook] Creating an environment where players and staff want to remain part of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua is the top priority for incoming head coach Brad Mooar as he begins planning for the 2027 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season. Rather than setting results-based targets, Mooar says his biggest key performance indicator is building a positive culture that inspires growth, enjoyment and long-term commitment across the organisation. “My biggest KPI for 2027 is that we have a group of people, everyone that has been part of the Drua by the end of the season wants…

FCS confirms that any form of assault involving an officer and a prisoner will not be tolerated. [Photo: FILE] The Fiji Corrections Service has started an investigation into an alleged assault at the Lautoka Remand Centre following a video shared online. The FCS says the investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the cause of the alleged assault and the appropriate action to be taken. FCS confirms that any form of assault involving an officer and a prisoner will not be tolerated. It says any person found to have abused their authority or breached the law will face…

[Photo: Nausori Town Council Facebook] Residents in the Nakasi now have a new location to recycle eligible beverage containers and earn cash, following the opening of a Return & Earn Fiji collection centre at Nakasi Market. The new facility, launched in partnership with the Nausori Town Council, officially opened yesterday and will operate seven days a week from 9am to 1pm. The centre allows members of the public to return eligible plastic beverage bottles and aluminium cans and receive five cents for every container returned. Nausori Town Council, Acting Chief Executive, Rajesh Kumar, says Nakasi was selected because it is…

Fiji’s beauty and wellness industry has leaped forward with the launch of advanced dermal therapies at the newly opened Australian Verve Lounge in Suva. Founder and Director Feriel Ali, who returned to Fiji after decades abroad, says the clinic is the first in the country to offer treatments such as vegan exosomes and PDRN salmon DNA therapy. “27 years ago I moved to Australia and then I moved back to Fiji to open a skin clinic. So skin clinic is very different from beauty parlours and spas. We work on the dermal layers of the skin.” These innovations, Ali explained,…

Childhood cancer continues to affect families across Fiji, with around 50 children diagnosed with the disease every year. Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa says while cases remain low compared to other illnesses, every child diagnosed faces a life-changing battle. He says early detection is critical, as timely treatment can improve outcomes for children with cancer. Nearly 60 children are currently receiving support from WOW Kids Fiji, which is urging greater awareness among parents and caregivers.Article continues after advertisement “Parents and caregivers should never ignore persistent symptoms such as prolonged fever, unusual bruising, unexplained weight loss. Persistent bone pain, lungs…

The Ministry of Housing says affordable housing should not come at the cost of people’s health and safety. This was highlighted by the Ministry while making submissions to the Standing Committee on Social Affairs on the proposed Public Health Amendment Bill 2026., Permanent Secretary for Housing Manasa Lesuma says the Ministry supports the updated definition of a common lodging house but wants it linked to the Fair Rents Act and the Housing Act. “The Ministry supports the updated definition of common lodging house, particularly its recognition of affordable accommodation. However, we also respectfully recommend that this definition be cross-referenced with…

[Source:YLens Fiji/Facebook] For the first time in Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union history, four Western Zone teams will feature in the Vodafone Deans Under 18 national quarterfinals. The top four from the West have all made the cut following their respective elimination wins. Ba Provincial Freebird Institute, Cuvu College, Ratu Navula College and Ra High School have secured their spots in the top eight. Cuvu College thrashed Saint Johns College 55-7,  Ratu Navula College beat hosts Shri Guru Nanak Khalsa College 27–13, while Ra High School thumped Navatu Secondary School 42-8.Article continues after advertisement Ba Provincial drew 29-all with Queen…