5 h. ago DPP’s office records over 400 rape cases, children heavily affected

More than 400 rape cases were reported to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions last year, with more than half of the victims being children, highlighting a deeply troubling trend in Fiji. This was revealed by Divisional Manager for the Sexual Crimes Unit at the Office of the DPP, Unaisi Ratukalou, while speaking […]

Politics

29 h. ago People’s Alliance backs minister’s push for power tariff consultation

The People’s Alliance Party says concerns raised by Minister for Public Works Ro Filipe Tuisawau over the recent electricity tariff increase are legitimate and in the best interests of Fijians. General Secretary Sila Balawa says while the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) is independent, it must recognise that government ministers represent the people. He […]

Politics

38 h. ago Ali warns harmful teachings can undo gains in fight against violence

Years of work to reduce violence against women and children can be undone when messages that place men as the unquestioned heads of households continue to be preached. That warning has come from Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre Coordinator Shamima Ali, who says while progress has been made in engaging churches and faith-based organisations, deeply rooted […]

Events

59 h. ago FENC Fiji closes applications after 11,600 seek education support

The Foundation for the Education of Needy Children in Fiji has closed applications for its Child Education Support Scheme after receiving more than 11,600 submissions nationwide. National Executive Coordinator Nirmila Nambiar says the Foundation is now undertaking a detailed vetting process, carefully entering and assessing data to ensure a fair and transparent selection of beneficiaries. […]

Politics

3 d. ago Protesters torch Bangladesh newspaper offices after student leader dies

The Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka was on edge on Friday (December 19), with the offices of several newspapers still reeling from a night of protests, triggered by the death of popular youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi. Hadi, 32, a spokesperson for the Inquilab Mancha platform who participated in the student-led protests that overthrew the government […]

Politics

4 d. ago Funeral for youngest Bondi Beach shooting victim, Matilda, to be held on Thursday

The funeral of 10-year-old Bondi Beach shooting victim Matilda will be held in Sydney on Thursday as her parents criticized the government for failing to respond to a rising tide of antisemitism. Matilda was the youngest of 15 people killed in the Hanukkah festival shooting spree in Sydney on Sunday, allegedly carried out by a […]

Events

4 d. ago Ministry and Police step up night patrols to protect children

The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection has raised concerns over the safety of children, particularly those under 16, who are being found unsupervised in public places at night during the festive season. The Ministry warns that leaving children unattended after dark exposes them to serious risks, including abuse, exploitation, robbery and road accidents. […]

Politics

5 d. ago Municipalities urged to conduct drainage work and not wait for relevant ministries

The recent heavy rains have raised serious questions about the lack of proper drainage in towns, cities, and urban areas around the country. Furthermore, with the Fiji Meteorological Service forecasting two tropical cyclones to pass through the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone, with one having a high chance of intensifying to a Category 3 system, government […]

Politics

6 d. ago $2m Nabouwalu passenger terminal commissioned to aid Bua travel

The Nabouwalu Passenger Services Terminal has been commissioned officially marking a major milestone to improve transport infrastructure and service delivery in rural and maritime communities. Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, says the new facility will significantly improve safety, comfort and dignity for passengers who rely on Nabouwalu as a key transport hub. […]

Events

6 d. ago Local Government Ministry accelerates key infrastructure projects

Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa says the Ministry is prioritizing several key infrastructure projects, including a major market complex and a bus station, with construction expected to accelerate in the coming financial year. Speaking on ongoing municipal developments, Nalumisa confirmed that while the Ministry currently has no active projects at the municipal level, tenders have […]

Politics

6 d. ago Nalumisa urges candidates to prioritize public in municipal polls

Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa is urging those intending to contest the upcoming Municipal Elections to put the interests of the people first, as Fiji prepares for the return of local government polls after more than 25 years. Nalumisa is also calling on ratepayers to be cautious and discerning when choosing their representatives, stressing […]

Politics

7 d. ago Government promises legal recognition and development for Banabans

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to the Banaban community, promising legal recognition, infrastructure upgrades, and inclusive development as Rabi marks 80 years since their arrival. Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo described the occasion as a tribute to the courage and resilience of the Banabans, who arrived in 1945 facing extreme hardship, […]

Politics

7 d. ago Investment Facilitation Committee accelerates business reforms

The Investment Facilitation Committee is playing a critical role in removing bottlenecks and strengthening Fiji’s investment and business environment says Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel. Immanuel says the body holds a strong mandate from Cabinet and sits at the center of the government’s investment facilitation and economic reform agenda. He says the Investment Facilitation Committee is […]

Economics

8 d. ago Two US soldiers and an interpreter killed in suspected Islamic State attack

Two U.S. Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed in Syria by a suspected Islamic State attacker who targeted a convoy of American and Syrian forces before being shot dead, the U.S. military said. The attack was barely a month after Syria announced it had signed a political cooperation agreement with the U.S.-led coalition […]

Events

8 d. ago Thousands march in Hungary in protest over child abuse scandal

Thousands of Hungarians marched to Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s offices, led by opposition leader Peter Magyar, who urged the veteran nationalist to resign over an abuse scandal at a juvenile detention centre. Protesters walked through Budapest’s frosty streets behind a banner reading “Protect the children!”, carrying soft toys and torches in solidarity with victims of […]

Politics

1 week ago High Court to deliver judgment in COI judicial review case in Jan

The Suva High Court will deliver its judgment next year on an application for leave for judicial review relating to the Commission of Inquiry report. Three different parties have challenged the validity of the report and are seeking an order to quash its findings and recommendations, along with other declarations. The applicants include former FICAC […]

Events

1 week ago Waqanika says Malimali denied right to respond in COI report

Suva lawyer Tanya Waqanika today argued in court that her client Barbara Malimali was never given the opportunity to respond to the allegations in the Commission of the Inquiry report before it was finalized and released. Waqanika is representing former Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption Commissioner Barbara Malimali in the matter where they are seeking […]

Politics

1 week ago Kiran urges young leaders to push for gender parity in politics

Women across Fiji have the ability to lead, but continue to face cultural, social and structural barriers in politics. This was highlighted by Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran during a workshop with emerging leaders at a Co-Creation Workshop in Nadi. Speaking to participants from the Nominated Women Mock Parliament and Youth […]

Politics

1 week ago Disney to invest $1 billion in OpenAI, license characters for Sora video tool

Walt Disney (DIS.N), opens new tab is investing $1 billion in OpenAI and will let the startup use characters from Star Wars, Pixar and Marvel franchises in its Sora AI video generator, a crucial deal that could reshape how Hollywood makes content. The three-year partnership announced on Thursday is a pivotal step in Hollywood’s embrace […]

Economics

1 week ago New research reveals low trust in official information sources

A new BBC Media Action study has revealed that only a small fraction of Fijians rely on or trust information from official sources. The survey of more than 1,000 Fijians found that seven percent turn to local authorities or government officials for information, and only five percent trust the information they receive from them. The […]

Politics