GRACE Mua believes that when life gets hard, you just hold your head up and keep going. The Rotuma native with maternal links to Vitawa in Ra became a single mum in February of last year. Ms Mua said walking the path of a single mum was tough and there were a lot of things to learn. However she couldn’t have done it without the support of her family and faith in God. So she vowed to keep moving rather than staying at home. She said she joined the SODELPA party and is currently the treasurer of the youth executive wing. She finds the work a good way to gain experience and grow. “For politics, p ..read more

President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara was the chief guest at the 60th anniversary celebration of Marist Brothers High School, stated an article published by The Fiji Times on Monday, December 1, 1997. Ratu Sir Kamisese proposed the establishment of the Brothers Trust Fund to assist the Marist Brothers in the event they were unable to continue serving the community as teachers. As approved by the board of trustees, the fund would assist in covering unforeseen medical expenses for elderly Brothers and support the Marist Brothers’ operations in Fiji. The fund was managed by a group that was to report ..read more

In the grand tapestry of economic development, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) occupy a key position, especially in the context of local economies.  These entities, often characterised by their flexibility, innovation, and adaptability, serve as the lifeblood of communities around the globe.  In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the critical role MSMEs play in driving sustainable economic growth.  Empowering these businesses not only fosters local entrepreneurship but also catalyses broader socio-economic development.  From the perspec ..read more

AT the heart of this event lies our collective commitment and dedication to the local tourism operators who are the lifeblood of our industry. This was highlighted by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Civil Aviation, Tourism and Education Viliame Gavoka at the closing of the inaugural Tourism Super Week 2024 at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa last week. With the theme ‘Thriving on the Edge: A Journey into Sustainable Adventure’, he said it was imperative to equip local tourism operators with the tools, knowledge and resources they needed to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. “Through s ..read more

Registrations for Australia’s anticipated Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) is weeks away from opening, but which Pacific nations are eligible? And how does it work? The Australian government jumped through the final hoop to open registrations to some Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste nationals for its new visa from June 3, almost six months after Parliament legislated it. The new, first-of-its-kind Australian permanent resident visa will clear the path for up to 3000 people to migrate to Australia as permanent residents each year through a ballot process. Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Se ..read more

Publicly listed medical insurer FijiCare Insurance Ltd has recorded a net profit after income tax of $1.35million for the group for the financial period ended December 31, 2023, despite challenges faced in the domestic and global markets. In 2022, the group had recorded a net profit after tax of $5.93m. FijiCare Insurance Ltd chairperson Dumith Fernando said the reduced profit was a result of record claims of $35.9m paid out last year, compared with $33.8m paid out in 2022. He said as anticipated, medical and motor vehicle claims were at all-time highs. “This has been the trend globally due to ..read more

The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) is seeking an increase in its budgetary allocation for the 2024-25 financial year. Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways permanent secretary Dr Andrew Tukana said the ministry had prepared and submitted a submission for AMA to the Ministry of Finance. He did not reveal the amount sought saying “there is a figure there but it is still with them (Finance Ministry)”. He said they would reveal the figure after confirmation from the Finance Ministry. “But that money is to help them (AMA) with their operations and also with their capital projects,” Dr Tukan ..read more

Fiji is an ideal place to become the destination of trade and investment by choice, says Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications Manoa Kamikamica. In his address at the Fiji-North America Business Forum in Surrey, Canada on Monday, Mr Kamikamica said that was why the Fijian Government was undertaking proactive initiatives in its quest to rebuild the country and attract investors by creating a conducive environment for businesses to flourish. He said the presence of Fiji’s delegation at the inaugural trade and investment missi ..read more

FIJIAN exporters who are part of Fiji’s delegation to the Fiji-North America Business mission got to meet and engage in constructive dialogue with a major distributor responsible for importing Fijian products to Canada during a market visit in Surrey on Monday. The delegation included Fijian businesses like Agriculture Marketing Authority (AMA), Ranviz Farm Fresh Produce, Kavalicious (Fiji) Pte Limited, Pleass Global Limited, and Sea and Soil Pte Limited. They toured local stores in Surrey that are owned by former Fiji citizens who specialise in selling authentic Fijian products, and also had ..read more

AN investment of $85million by Carpenters Properties Limited, Hilton Garden Inn Suva is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2025. This was revealed by Hilton director development Australasia Tushar Raniga at the Fijian Tourism Exchange (FTE) held at the Sheraton Fiji Golf and Beach Resort yesterday. The first Hilton Garden Inn’s property in Fiji will feature 178 guest rooms, a restaurant and bar, a fully equipped gym and pool. The development will be the first major mixed-use waterfront development in Suva, featuring over 40,000sqm of waterfront retail, entertainment, and dining venues ..read more