The Fiji Times
FTUC slams Government
THE Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) has red a warning shot at Government over its decision to ease rules for foreign workers, accusing authorities of opening the oodgates while Fijians struggle for decent jobs. FTUC says the temporary changes were...
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Report may go public
FIJIANS could soon have online access to the Constitution Review Commission’s recommendations, with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka saying the report may be made public after Cabinet considers it. The prospect of public release comes as calls...
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Voice of the people
PRIME Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the Constitutional Review Commission report is the voice of Fijians who took the time and the effort to make submissions. Amid growing speculation and commentary over its contents, he said it was not Government’s...
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Forensic twist
FRESH forensic results from New Zealand have put the investigation into police constable Peni Racagi’s death back in the spotlight. The ndings have been returned to Fiji and the case le is now with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for...
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Care before cash
PUBLIC hospitals in Fiji are legally barred from demanding upfront payments or nancial guarantees from patients admitted because of medical urgency or poverty following a landmark Supreme Court ruling on August 28. Delivering the unanimous judgment,...
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Faith beyond boundaries
VASEVA Rokotiko knows what it’s like to be caught in the whirlwind of friends, parties, alcohol, smoking, and drugs. But at 25, she has taken a path few might have expected — leaving behind the life she once knew and embracing the Hare Krishna...
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Drugs on credit
DRUG dealers are cutting prices and offering drugs on credit, making it easier for users to get hooked and harder to break free. Rainbow Pride Foundation is calling for urgent decisive action by Government on the proposed needle and syringe exchange...
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Church rejects race claims
THE Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma has denied claims that race was behind Reverend Dr Anil Reuben being overlooked for its top leadership positions, but questions remain over why the senior minister has not progressed to general secretary or...
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Bad advice, big bill
BAD legal advice may have made a costly Commission of Inquiry even more expensive, says Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube. While defending the decision to establish the inquiry into former FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali’s appointment, he...
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Emi wants to be a voice of hope for other women
QUESTIONS remain. That is the view of Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry, who said the High Court may have struck down the Commission of Inquiry report into Barbara Malimali’s FICAC appointment, but it has not erased the questions that...
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Judge talks about ‘bias’
HIGH Court judge Justice Dane Tuiqereqere found Commission of Inquiry chairman Justice David Ashton-Lewis had “apparently made up his mind” that improper interference existed in Barbara Malimali’s appointment. He said repeated references to nding...
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A voice for hope
FMF Hibiscus contestant Miss Grace Road Keren Koroi strikes a pose with a beautiful smile at Thurston Gardens in Suva.
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Young lives at risk
FIJI is recording up to 30 new childhood cancer cases each year, with 13 children currently undergoing treatment at Colonial War Memorial Hospital as specialists warn that many are reaching hospital only after their disease has advanced. Late...
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BEYOND THE POLITICAL NOISE
There was a time when I believed Parliament was a place where words carried weight. Perhaps that belief came from childhood, when every debate sounded consequential. Growing up in Kashmir, Lautoka, I did not understand government machinery, but I...
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HIV crisis a ‘time bomb’
FIJI is facing an HIV “time bomb”, with every classroom potentially having a child living with HIV within the next decade if prevention efforts fail. Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa issued this warning as the country confronts a rapidly...
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Grounded in faith
FMF 2026 Hibiscus contestant Temalesi Vakatawa Alutakua at Ratu Sukuna Park in Suva.
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Security crisis!
FIJI’S security guards are calling for urgent reforms to end exploitation and improve conditions across the industry. Workers face long hours, low pay, high turnover and safety concerns, while thousands of operators remain outside the formal licensing...
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THE VOICE OF CHANGE
FMF 2026 Hibiscus contestant Nicole Matavesi at Thurston Gardens in Suva. Report on
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BLOOMING CONFIDENCE ...
FIJIANS should think about their health before they have a reason to worry about it. That is the message 21-year-old Kali Shaw hopes to take across the country as a contestant in the upcoming 70th Hibiscus Festival, where her advocacy is focused on...
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Ra High stun title holders...
Ratu Kadavulevu School’s Jovesa Korovulavula loses possession as Ra High School defenders bring him down during their Vodafone FSSRU Super Deans U18 quarterfinal clash at Garvey Park in Tavua yesterday. Ra High School edged defending champions Ratu...
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WHO WILL IT BE?
TWELVE women have been unveiled as contestants for the 2026 FMF Hibiscus Festival, marking the beginning of this year’s journey toward the festival crown. The contestants include students, youth leaders, advocates, a journalist and a medical imaging...
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$123m audit
A BOMBSHELL audit into the $123.6million Walesi project has been with the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for more than 12 months, with no charges announced. Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica says Government has handed over...
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Kamikamica back as Deputy PM
MANOA Kamikamica is officially back as Deputy Prime Minister. He was sworn in yesterday after a Suva court cleared him of all FICAC criminal charges. Mr Kamikamica resigned last October to defend his name.
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Back at the top
FORMER Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica will be reinstated to his Cabinet post after the Suva Magistrate’s Court acquitted him of all corruptionrelated charges yesterday afternoon. Resident Magistrate Charles Ratakele dismissed the perjury and...
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Miracle at sea
A FIJIAN medical team stranded at sea for 36 hours on a wooden plank was miraculously rescued after a mysterious light guided a search vessel directly to them. Captain Adriano Rabolabiu of the Lomaiviti Princess XII diverted to assist the search,...
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Ocean heat alert
PACIFIC nations have been placed on high alert following a stark United Nations warning of unprecedented ocean warming, with sea surface temperatures surging nearly 3 degrees Celsius above normal. Rising temperatures are expected to threaten island...
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From to joy
endeavours at all times to publish articles which are accurate and fair. If you have a complaint about a report that appeared in publication please write to Complaints, GPO Box 1167, Suva Fiji; email: [email protected] or fax to 3301521.
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Missing six found
A SIX-MEMBER medical outreach team missing for more than 24 hours in the treacherous Lau waters was dramatically rescued last evening. The team — comprising a medical officer, dental officer, charge nurse, peer educator, health inspector and dental...
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NCD crisis
EVERY 8.5 hours, a Fijian loses a limb to diabetes, while seven people die every day from heart attacks linked to the country’s worsening noncommunicable disease crisis. New Ministry of Health data paints a grim picture of an epidemic that is no...
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Call to block porn
CALLS to block online pornography have surfaced again as authorities battle a horrifying rise in domestic sexual offences. Citing a rise in family-related violence, a Nadi based police of cer reported that a community meeting advocated for...
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$500m reform package
FIJI is positioned to secure a major $F500million ($US230m) fiscal package from the World Bank and AIIB, aimed at strengthening public finances and building a more lucrative environment for privatesector growth. Finance Minister Immanuel Esrom...
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Laws hurt iTaukei rights
THE legacy of more than 30 laws introduced under the previous government continues to undermine iTaukei rights and institutions, says Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa. Speaking after the Rewa Provincial Council meeting last week, she called for...
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Clash over sugar plans
A FRESH political clash has erupted over the future of Fiji’s sugar industry, with former prime minister Mahendra Chaudhry accusing Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka of failing to understand the sector amid plans to privatise the Fiji Sugar...
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US: STRAIT OF HORMUZ OPEN
THE US military launched a 13th night of consecutive strikes against Iran, US Central Command has announced, and claimed the Strait of Hormuz remained open despite the threats posed by Tehran. “US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces successfully...
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16-year rule haunts iTaukei
SIXTEEN years of “damage” inflicted by the policies of the previous government still haunts the iTaukei community today. Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa said this as she called for urgent attention to unresolved issues involving iTaukei identity,...
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Cash for trash
OVER $680,000 was released into the local economy in the first six months of this year alone from the collection of 7.5 million PET bottles and aluminium cans. This, according to data released yesterday by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), which...
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‘Please send in the army’
SEND in the army. That’s the plea of Ba cane grower, Arvind Singh, who is urging Government to deploy military personnel to sugarcane farms. He says a crippling labour shortage has stalled manual harvesting and threatens local sugar supplies. He...
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Tudravu sounds warning
ONLINE threats and racial incitement will not be tolerated. The warning from Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu follows the arrest of a man over an alleged post threatening to burn Suva. Police say those spreading violent or hateful content online...
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Welcome in style ...
Reigning Miss Bula Alumeci Davu leads the welcome dance during the opening night of the Bula Festival at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.
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A final at home
THE McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women are one step away from creating more history after powering into their rst-ever Super Rugby Women’s home nal next Saturday. The Drua delivered a commanding 31-5 victory over Queensland Reds at Churchill Park in Lautoka...
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Six years, no resort
SIX years after leasing their land for a promised luxury resort, traditional landowners of Vatulele say their patience has run out. Claiming the site remains largely undeveloped, they are demanding $2million in compensation from Vatulele Hotels Pte...
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‘Never by the gun’
NO rule by the barrel of a gun. That’s the submission of the Vanua o Lau to the Constitutional Review Commission where it called for limits on the military’s role – and saying Fiji’s democracy must never be governed by force. It recommended that...
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Call for special audit
CALLS are growing for a special audit of the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) amid allegations of waste and mismanagement. Yesterday, Opposition MP Viam Pillay said FSC had become a “monument of mismanagement”, receiving millions in taxpayer support while...
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‘Coke’ find scare
A COCAINE package that washed onto a beach has left villagers living in fear and reignited concerns that Fiji’s coastline is becoming a gateway for international drug traffickers. The package, found at Mau Village between Suva and Navua, tested...
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Sugar’s hard truth
CANE farmers around the country have been fooled with the possibility of reviving the sugar industry. Finance permanent secretary Shiri Gounder told the Dialogue Fiji National Budget Forum in Nadi that taxpayers would ultimately pay billions of dollars...
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Brothers’ gritty win
THE TISA Insurance Covenant Brothers overcame a fierce Lomaiviti Black outfit to win 17–14 in the semi-final of the FMF Suva Rugby Union’s Escott Shield competition at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva last night. In a intensely contested semi-final match,...
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RAIL CAN SAVE FIJI SUGAR
For more than a century, Fiji’s sugar industry survived on one fact: Cane moved from field to mill free of charge. Rail did that work under the Master Award, carrying over 70 per cent of the crop for free while lorries handled the rest, on tributary...
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Speight breaks silence
FOR the first time since leading the 2000 coup, George Speight has publicly explained why he overthrew the elected government, saying the Mahendra Chaudhry-led coalition’s policies and proposed legislation drove his actions. In a candid submission to...
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Sugar talks bring hope
PRIME Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has signalled possible relief for sugarcane farmers, saying the Government hopes to return with “better news” after examining industry costs and payment rates. The announcement came during consultations with growers in...
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Australian warning on missile test
CHINA’S planned sea-based missile test in the Pacific this week has drawn a sharp warning from Australia, which says the exercise risks undermining regional stability and the Pacific’s shared vision of an “Ocean of Peace”. Australia’s Foreign Minister...
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Defence pact
FIJI has entered a high-stakes defence pact with Australia, signing the “Ocean of Peace Alliance” in a move that locks the two nations into a mutual defence commitment across the Paci c. Under Article 6, an attack on either country is treated as a...
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Hunt on for kill suspects
A VILLAGE is in shock, and police are hunting for a group of men following the brutal death of a Ra villager. The victim was allegedly assaulted by fellow villagers earlier this week, only to be rushed to the Nayavu Health Centre on Thursday when his...
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Fields of despair
THE backbone of Fiji’s historic sugar industry is on the verge of collapse as high transport costs, and the closure of tramlines leave a devastating trail of abandoned, empty fields across the Western Division. Sowani Veremalua Tovata, a...
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The defining storyli
WHEN the groundbreaking Nations Championship kicks off this weekend, international rugby enters a bold new frontier. Every summer tour and autumn test now acts as a high-stakes group match, building toward a spectacular three-day, multi-game Finals...
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‘Remove immunity’
THE Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) has made a historic submission to the Constitutional Review Commission, calling for the removal of immunity provisions in Fiji’s 2013 Constitution with Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai saying Fiji...
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Bitter start
A BITTER start marked the delayed opening of Fiji’s 2026 sugar crushing season as the industry suffered a double blow on day one. Operations at the Lautoka, Rarawai, and Labasa mills ground to a near-halt because of a severe shortage of cane and sudden...
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Rise of women in the force
THE Fiji Police Force is breaking barriers with 1253 women officers, including 81 in senior leadership roles. Following the release of a new Gender Barrier Assessment Report in Suva, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu pledged to continue promoting...
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‘Decision imminent’
PRIME Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has signalled that a decision on the future of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai is imminent, as the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC) weighs submissions ahead of his...
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$1billion shortfall
THE Government will borrow a staggering $1.4billion in the 2026-2027 financial year to plug a $1.045billion net budget deficit, repay maturing debt and bankroll major capital projects as it grapples with what officials describe as an economic...
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Party unveils poll hopefuls
THE Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) has taken its rst major step towards the next general election, unveiling 23 candidates as it seeks to rebuild under leader Aseri Radrodro. The line-up blends experienced politicians with new faces,...
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Budget’s true
For more updates visit our website www. jitimes.com FOR now, the success of Government’s latest national budget (FY 2026-2027) theme: “A responsible budget for a sustainable future” will have to remain on the shelf as a possibility that may or may not...
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ON THE MOVE
Members of the Third Battalion Fiji Infantry Regiment on a route march from Wailoku early yesterday morning as part of Day 4 of Infantry Week activities in Suva.
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Focus on real needs
THE Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) is warning against the use of public funds for political gain as the country moves closer to the next general election, urging Government to focus the national budget on the real needs of ordinary...
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Fuel subsidy backlash
A $5MILLION government fuel subsidy has sparked intense debate over the survival of Fiji’s sugar sector as Bucaisau Cooperative president Firoz Ali warns the relief excludes rail-reliant farmers, forcing many to delay harvests amid soaring production...
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Maritime drug crisis
FIJI could be breeding a dangerous new generation of drug dealers if immediate, funded action is not taken to combat the maritime narcotics crisis, warns Tui Nayau Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara. Demanding an urgent meeting of the National Security...
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Officers under probe
THREE Labasa police officers are under investigation for allegedly accepting a bribe from a suspect held in custody. The snap bribery probe ordered by Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu after a fellow officer blew the whistle has triggered a...
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Tight contest!
Labasa’s Rex Naime tries to make his way through the Navua defence during the second day of the 2026 BIC Fiji FACT tournament at Subrail Park in Labasa last night. Both teams were locked nil-all at halftime when this edition went to press.
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Ready to serve
... Police Constable Jekope Viaviaturaga, recipient of the prestigious Baton of Honour, dedicated his achievement to his family after joining the force to inspire positive change and combat crime in his home village of Loa, Cakaudrove on Vanua Levu.
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Another WC upset
PORTUGAL forward Cristiano Ronaldo’s two second-half misses against the Democratic Republic of Congo and a mostly anonymous display did little to dissuade those who feel he is past his prime and not the man to lead his country to World Cup success....
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