Cabinet approved grant funding support pledged by the Australian Government in the sum of AUD58 million (grant) as general budget support for the current fiscal year. In a statement, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the overall goal of the grant provided by the Australian Government is to provide financial support to the Fiji Government in achieving economic and fiscal reforms as agreed to by the development partners. Rabuka said the key reform areas include contributing to more effective and accountable Public Financial Management and contributing to economic reforms for enhanced reco ..read more

Cabinet has endorsed the draft Child Justice Bill 2024 and Child Care and Protection Bill 2024 (Bills). The Bills will now be finalized for tabling in Parliament. The Bills are the outcome of the review of the Juveniles Act 1973. In a statement, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the Child Justice Bill replaces the provisions of the Act that deal with children in conflict with the law. Rabuka said it provides a more comprehensive framework for the special treatment of children at all stages of the criminal justice process, from the point of their initial contact with the police through to tri ..read more

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua coach Mick Byrne is keeping the game plan straightforward for the upcoming match against the Force with no big changes but a strong emphasis on maintaining focus. Byrne said the players need to stick to their established processes while aiming to cut down on unforced errors. “We’ll just stick to our normal processes, but we’ll focus on reducing our unforced errors,” “We are in 8th, we just need to keep winning and I think the big thing is our mindset going into the game this weekend,” he said. The coach mentioned that the team’s intense physical training and emphasis ..read more

King Charles III has reportedly bestowed a military title reserved for Prince Harry to Prince William, making his eldest son and heir to the throne the next colonel-in-chief of the Army Air Corps despite Prince Harry’s tenure with the unit in Afghanistan. According to The Independent, Harry would have retained the military appointment had he not elected to step back from royal family duties and move to the United States with his wife, Meghan Markle, in 2020. “His Majesty the King will officially hand over the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wa ..read more

Suva based lawyer Alefina Vuki has been appointed as a member of the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission for a term of 3 years, effective immediately. Her appointment was announced by the Constitutional Offices Commission today. As a seasoned legal practitioner and advocate for human rights, Vuki’s appointment reaffirms the Commission’s commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of all individuals in Fiji. Her involvement in grassroots movements such as the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, coupled with her academic achievements, reflects her unwavering dedication to advancing e ..read more

Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa has been appointed as the Commissioner for Fiji Corrections Service for a term of five years, effective immediately. His appointment announcement was made by the Constitutional Offices Commission today. Dr Nakarawa’s extensive legal background, coupled with his vast experience in correctional services and security, make him an ideal candidate for this crucial role. Having previously served as an Assistant Commissioner of Prisons and held senior positions within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr Nakarawa brings a wealth of leadership and strategic vision to his new position ..read more

The Constitutional Offices Commission has appointed Finau Nagera as the Auditor-General for a term of five years, effective immediately. With over 20 years of professional work experience in audit and assurance, Nagera’s expertise is unparalleled. Holding the esteemed title of chartered accountant and possessing a master’s degree in forensic accounting, she brings a unique skill set to the position. Nagera’s previous leadership roles, including serving as President of the Fiji Institute of Accountants, underscore her capabilities and dedication to upholding the highest standards of financial a ..read more

The Constitutional Offices Commission has announced the appointment of Ana Salaivalu Mataiciwa as the Supervisor of Elections for a term of five years, effective immediately. With over 12 years of legal practice experience, Mataiciwa brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role. Having served with the Fijian Elections Offices for over nine years, including a tenure as Manager Legal and an acting appointment as Supervisor of Elections since January 2023, her dedication and commitment to ensuring transparent and fair electoral processes are undeniable. Upon receiving confirmation ..read more

A full and thorough investigation will be conducted into the leaked image of the suspended Commissioner of Police Sitiveni Qiliho in a prison uniform yesterday. The image which went viral on social media drew a lot of criticism and the lack of professionalism shown by officers who work for the Fiji Corrections Service. The image could have only been taken by an officer or officers, from a screen monitor that shot and recorded videos from a CCTV feed. Fiji Corrections Service Acting Commissioner Salote Panapasa said that an investigation is expected to be conducted. In the meantime, she has qui ..read more

Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has filed a complaint with the Criminal Investigations Department against SOLE founder and former USP Council Member Semi Tukana for incitement. Speaking in a media conference yesterday, Sayed-Khaiyum said Tukana in a Facebook post targeted a group of people and Islamophobia. Sayed-Khaiyum the post targets Muslims and has maliciously been fabricated and that Tukana has published false information in relation to the 2013 Constitution and against Muslims. “This false information can create public harm, foster anxiety, and disaffection, and result in th ..read more