When Nadi International Airport opened its doors after the forced border closure in March 2020, the atmosphere was electric as the first tourist flight landed that morning, signifying a monumental moment for Fiji’s tourism industry amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Picture the anticipation and pride among airport staff members as they meticulously prepared for the arrival, wiping down surfaces, adjusting masks, and ensuring a safe and polished appearance awaited Fiji’s first visitors in 20 months who were eagerly testing newfound travel freedoms. The excitement mirrored wha ..read more

Mobile service provider Digicel Fiji has opened its Damodar City Experience store that features the country’s first 5G gaming experience centre. The company said the gaming experience centre offers an interactive and engaging space for customers to explore the potential of 5G. Digicel Pacific Regional CEO Shally Jannif said the launch of the store represented their ongoing commitment to provide Fijians with advanced technology and an exceptional network experience. “We are thrilled to offer our customers a chance to experience the future of gaming on 5G with Digicel Fiji,” Ms Jannif said. “Our ..read more

GOVERNMENTS must establish tripartite relationships and dialogue to achieve quality and inclusive employment, says Pacific Island Council of Trade Unions president Daniel Urai. Speaking at the International Labour Organisation-led Pacific Tripartite High-Level Dialogue on Decent Work in Suva yesterday, Mr Urai said this was not the case for Fijian workers under the FijiFirst government. “Many workers in Fiji suffered under the former administration over the last 16 or so years,” Mr Urai said. “But we are very grateful to the current Government who recognise that workers rights are human rights ..read more

MORE than 16,000 free heart screenings and 260 heart surgeries for children in Fiji and the region were conducted at the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital over the past two years. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said this during the second anniversary celebration of the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital at the Suva Civic Centre last night. Mr Rabuka said the hospital was truly a God-sent to Fiji and the region, a dream — given Fiji’s economic challenges. He extended his gratitude to the doctors from overseas, who have conducted surgeries at the hospital, the hospital’s founder and board, and ..read more

FIJI’s participation in the Global Coalition for Social Justice signified a commitment to advancing social justice ideals both domestically and on the world stage. Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh said Fiji’s membership of the International Labour Organization initiative provided an opportunity to share ideas, best practices and leverage collective expertise and resources. “The Global Coalition plays a crucial role in advancing social justice through various initiatives and policy interventions,” Mr Singh said. “Fiji has been implementing various measures to address social justice under its ..read more

FORMER attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has applied to be an “interested party” in the Cabinet reference case on the eligibility of Justice of Appeal Alipate Qetaki and acting Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku to hold their positions. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum’s lawyer Gul Fatima said he could provide information that the Supreme Court could be interested in. The former A-G is applying to be an intervener — an interested party that was not named as an original party but has a stake in the outcome of the case. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum and Mr Saneem applied to be interveners or interested parties i ..read more

Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women’s former skipper Bilita Tawake will be playing their third Super W final this weekend after being named in coach Moses Rauluni’s starting lineup against the NSW Waratahs. The 25-year-old will be making her first start for the side this season, as she replaces Ana Korovata for the tighthead prop position. This is also the only change from last weekend’s lineup during the semifinals against the Western Force. Tawake will be joined by Salanieta Nabuli in the front row, supporting Keleni Marawa who will be in the hooker position. The trio will be backed up by Jade ..read more

The NSW Waratahs are well aware of the threat Fiji Drua fullback Atelaite Buna will bring to their quest to regain the Super Rugby Women’s title at Ballymore on Sunday. That’s why they will be looking to hold onto the ball and nullify the electric outside back of Buna and her wingers Adita Milinia and Merewairita Neivosa. Buna has been the find of the season for the Drua, torching the Western Force in their semi-final victory in front of a packed Suva crowd. The livewire finished with a hat-trick of tries, 11 tackle busts and four line breaks, and Waratahs flyhalf Arabella McKenzie recognises ..read more

DIVERS working in the tourism sector aren’t covered under any wages council in Fiji, the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations mediator Tomasi Keni told a public consultation in Rakiraki yesterday. A diver working in Rakiraki had queried if they qualified to receive wet allowances given the work they do. Mr Keni said they received similar queries from other divers in Taveuni and Savusavu. “Divers in resorts are not covered,” he said. “Perhaps the team reviewing the national minimum wage rate can take this into account. “A few years back there was a strike by divers at a ..read more

Ii form Swire Shipping Fijian Drua hooker Tevita Ikanivere is the big miss while young Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula returns for the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific round 10 match against Moana Pasifika at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday. Coach Mick Byrne has named his strongest available starting 15 with Zuriel Togiatama coming in at hooker in place of Ikanivere. Armstrong-Ravula, Etonia Waqa, Taniela Rakuro and Apisalome Vota return to the starting 15 after missing the match against the Hurricanes last weekend. Meli Derenalagi will start at number eight and captain the side. DRUA (1-15): Hae ..read more