Author: TMC Palau
[Source: Reuters] The Trump administration said on Wednesday it will immediately release $600 million in congressionally appropriated funds for vaccines for the world’s poorest countries after Washington withheld the money over unsubstantiated safety concerns raised by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said in June that it was time to re-engage with the Geneva-based global alliance Gavi, which helps the world’s poorest countries buy vaccines to protect children from diseases such as measles and diphtheria, citing both congressional concerns and “our goals on global health.” The previous month, Gavi’s chief executive Sania…
Former Fijian Holdings Ltd Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Nouzab Fareed outside the Suva High Court The Suva Magistrates Court dismissed a bail application filed by former Fijian Holdings Ltd Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Nouzab Fareed this afternoon. Fareed appeared before Chief Magistrate Josaia Waqaivolavola, represented by lawyers Hemendra Nagin and Ritesh Singh. Defense counsel argued that Fareed posed no risk and had upheld all previous bail conditions; however, Chief Magistrate Waqaivolavola ruled that the presumption in favor of bail was displaced following his conviction. He noted that an accused person loses their right to liberty once convicted, and that bail…
[Photo: File] Extending reliable internet access to remote Pacific communities remains one of the region’s biggest digital infrastructure challenges despite significant investment in submarine fibre cables. Pacific Telecommunications Council President and CEO Brian Moon says while submarine cables have transformed regional connectivity, connecting communities beyond major centres remains difficult because of the Pacific’s dispersed island geography. Moon says bringing fibre cables to Pacific countries is only the first step, with the greater challenge being extending that connectivity to outer islands and remote communities. He adds that low Earth orbit satellite services are emerging as a practical solution for areas where…
A crew member on a revamped Samoa Airways aircraft was injured after it veered off the runway while landing at Fitiuta Airport in American Samoa.Initial reports indicated that the DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft encountered strong crosswinds during its final approach and landing on Tuesday morning (American Samoa Time), Samoa Airways said in a statement.”The aircraft had five people on board, two pilots and three passengers, including a staff member. One passenger sustained a leg injury and is receiving medical treatment at Fitiuta Clinic,” said the statement.The airline has activated its emergency response procedures and is working with aviation authorities, airport…
[ Source: Fiji Government / Facebook ] The New Zealand Defence Force arrives tomorrow morning to support the Government and Fiji Navy in searching for the missing medical personnel. Joint search and rescue operations have intensified following the disappearance of the Lakeba Medical Team in Lau waters, with national and international assets deployed. Government officials, emergency services, and international partners are coordinating efforts to locate the six missing healthcare workers. Rescue teams – including the Commissioner Eastern’s Office and the Provincial Administrator Lau – held strategic briefings to streamline response efforts, while a meeting with the Fiji Navy Commander mapped…
Six people who were reported missing at sea have been found safe after an extensive search, bringing a successful end to the operation. The six were located about 11 nautical miles southwest of Lakeba by the crew of Lomaiviti Princess 12, who safely rescued all those on board. Authorities have thanked the captain and crew of the inter-island vessel for their swift response and professionalism in locating and rescuing the missing group. They also acknowledged the mariners and vessels operating in the area who responded immediately and assisted in the search effort.Article continues after advertisement Government agencies, search and rescue…
The opening of the Tropik Wood Industries’ multi-million dollar Carriage Sawmill Project Work on Tropik Wood Industries’ multi-million dollar Carriage Sawmill Project has begun – an investment set to help transform the Fijian economy. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the project reflects the aspirations of Vision 2050: building a resilient, productive, and prosperous Fiji where natural resources are sustainably utilised to create opportunities for current and future generations. Rabuka stresses that while our forests have long supported livelihoods, communities, and economic activity, the greatest value comes from processing and manufacturing higher-value products locally. Article continues after advertisement Rabuka adds that…
A former Fiji gold medallist has won her third weightlifting title at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.Eileen Cikamatana won gold for Fiji in the 90kg division at the 2018 Games before switching her allegiance to Australia.Cikamatana won gold for Australia in Birmingham four years ago, with a Games record 255kg total lift in the 87kg category.On Thursday morning, she won her third Commonwealth gold – her second in Australian colours – with a Games record total lift of 248kg in the 86kg category.England’s Madias Ngake also breached the previous Games record, finishing second with a total lift of 239kg, while Canada’s…
[Source: Reuters] Protests during regional elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir have turned deadly, with leaders of a banned Kashmiri group saying on Wednesday more than 30 people had been killed around one town in clashes with security forces ahead of the second round. Pakistan’s primary governing party, the PML-N, won nine out of the 13 seats that were up for election in the districts of Mirpur, Kotli and Bhimber on Monday. The election was originally scheduled to be held in one round on July 27, but was split into three separate votes by districts, with officials citing security concerns. The second…
[Source: Reuters] President Donald Trump unveiled a $22 billion plan. This is to rebuild Washington Dulles airport by replacing concourses and adding a large parking garage while preserving the landmark main terminal. The announcement is the latest in a series of major projects he has announced in and around the U.S. capital. “It’s considered one of the worst airports anywhere in the world, we’re going to make it maybe the best with some hard work,” Trump said, arguing it was time “for a major and long overdue renovation and reconstruction of Washington’s really horribly-thought of Dulles.”Article continues after advertisement Trump,…