Pacific nations need to work more closely to tackle security threats that increasingly cross national borders, Commander Joint Task Force Command Brigadier General Manoa Gadai has told regional defence leaders in Nadi. Brig Gen Gadai made the comments at Blackrock Camp during a Guard of Honour held for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Tonga and delegates attending the 2026 South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM). For Pacific communities, he said, regional security could not be addressed by countries working in isolation. The SPDMM provides an opportunity for defence partners to improve coordination, interoperability and relationships while preparing for…
Author: admin_fijitimes
The battle for a place in the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup 2026 final continues tonight with two crucial men’s matches at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Solomon Islands take on defending champions Vanuatu at 4pm, followed by Papua New Guinea against New Caledonia at 7pm. Solomon Islands currently lead the standings with four points from two matches after drawing 3–3 with Fiji and defeating New Caledonia 2–0. Rafa Le’ai and Javin Wae scored in that victory. Vanuatu have three points following their 1–0 win over Fiji on Monday, with Bill Kaltfer Kaltack scoring the only goal in the 70th minute.…
Fiji’s foreign reserves have reached $3.9 billion, marking the highest nominal dollar value recorded in the country’s history. The level of reserves provides Fiji with a financial buffer against external shocks and reflects continued economic activity and financial inflows, according to the statement. The milestone comes as Fiji continues to navigate a challenging global economic environment marked by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, fluctuating fuel prices, rising food costs and ongoing pressure on international supply chains. For Fiji, as a small island economy, these global developments have created significant challenges and exposed…
A young family in Bilalevu, Sigatoka, is building an agricultural export business that is connecting local farmers with international markets. At 31, Vinesh Varun Sharma, director of Vinesh Export, has grown the company into an exporter supplying buyers in New Zealand and Japan. Vinesh Export was established in 2023, starting with two acres of freehold flatland in Bilalevu. The business has since expanded its network by sourcing produce from farmers across Sigatoka, the western corridor and central Viti Levu. Working alongside his wife, Vandhana, Vinesh exports a wide range of agricultural products, including eggplant, pawpaw, okra, curry leaves, long beans,…
Damaged, vandalised and missing road signs are continuing to raise concerns for the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), with the issue potentially affecting how safely motorists navigate Fiji’s roads. Road signs provide drivers with important information, including warnings about hazards, speed limits, intersections, pedestrian crossings and changing road conditions. When these signs are damaged or removed, motorists may be left without essential guidance, creating additional safety risks. The FRA says unsafe driving, including speeding, reckless behaviour and vehicle crashes, can also result in damage to road signs, guardrails and other roadside infrastructure. Repairing and replacing damaged road assets requires additional time…
At 29, Paula Sovui Vakaruru is building a commercial farming operation in Naiyarabale, Cakaudrove, with yaqona at the centre of his long-term plans. Paula began farming yaqona at the age of 19, choosing to invest in agriculture rather than pursue an opportunity to study and play sport overseas. He says advice from his father encouraged him to put his money into land and its development, rather than relying solely on savings. So far, Paula has invested more than $30,000 of his own money into the farm, covering labour, planting materials, land preparation and infrastructure. He currently has around 10,000 yaqona…
Four men were arrested in Labasa yesterday after police allegedly found a white sack containing loose dried leaves believed to be marijuana in their vehicle. Police intercepted the vehicle and conducted a brief search, during which the sack containing the suspected drugs was discovered. The arrests form part of the Fiji Police Force’s ongoing efforts to combat drug-related activities through its routine operations. Police are urging members of the community to support these efforts by providing information that could assist in tackling drug-related offences. Investigations into the case are continuing. The post Four arrested following suspected drug find in Labasa…
A 30-year-old man from Lautoka was arrested at Lomolomo Beach yesterday after police allegedly found him in possession of 177 branches of dried leaves believed to be marijuana. Police said the suspected marijuana was wrapped in aluminium foil when it was found on the man. The arrest was made as part of the Fiji Police Force’s ongoing efforts to tackle drug-related activities through its routine operations. Police are also calling on members of the community to support efforts to combat the illegal drug trade by providing relevant information. Investigations into the case are continuing. The post Lautoka Man Arrested Over…
AI may be transforming newsrooms, but journalists must remain firmly in control of the information they publish, Australian Associated Press (AAP) representative Andrew Drummond told journalists. Speaking during the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu, Drummond said journalists should embrace experimentation with artificial intelligence and become familiar with how the technology can support newsroom work, but warned that AI must not replace human judgment, verification and journalistic standards. He said the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation makes the role of journalists even more important, particularly during elections, parliamentary debates and other major public events. Journalists, he said, have a…
RBA flags need for 5pc jobless rate