The Ministry of Education has identified 13 officers as ghost employees following a payroll verification exercise. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro confirmed the findings, which followed recommendations from the Auditor-General’s 2024 report on officers who were no longer employed by the Ministry but continued receiving salaries. Radrodro said payroll verification is an established process aimed at ensuring employment records remain accurate and public funds are paid only to legitimate employees. The exercise also resulted in the cessation of salary payments for 134 officers in Pay 18 of 2026 after outstanding permanent appointment documents were identified. The affected teachers had received permanent…
Author: admin_fijitimes
Seaweed farming is gaining momentum in Bua, with Team Seaweed beginning site profiling work in Dama as part of efforts to expand local aquaculture. The team, accompanied by the Officer in Charge of Bua, first presented their sevusevu to local elders, seeking the community’s blessing, permission and support before starting work in the fishing grounds. Following the traditional protocol, the team carried out marine profiling of a new seaweed cultivation site in Dama. The site covers 4,800 square metres, measuring 80 metres by 60 metres, and has been divided into 10-metre by 10-metre blocks. The layout has been designed to…
The 70th Hibiscus Festival has come to a close, with the milestone celebration highlighting Fiji’s unity, culture, entrepreneurship and shared history. Closing the festival at Albert Park on Saturday evening, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Industries, Commerce and Business Development Manoa Kamikamica reflected on the festival’s journey since it was first organised by the Suva Jaycees in 1956. The return to Albert Park after 12 years added significance to this year’s celebrations, bringing back memories for older generations while giving younger Fijians the chance to experience the festival at its historic home. “Tonight, we do not simply close a…
The Sugarcane Growers Fund has launched three new initiatives aimed at improving support and services for sugarcane farmers across Fiji. The initiatives include a new Digital Management System, a Chatbot service and a Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion Framework, launched in Lautoka. Agriculture and Waterways Minister Tomasi Tunabuna described the launch as an important step towards strengthening the sugar industry and improving the way farmers access government and institutional services. The Digital Management System will reduce the need for paper-based processes and make important information easier for farmers to access. The new Chatbot will also provide farmers with quick…
Fiji is strengthening the way it measures, monitors and reduces greenhouse gas emissions from the waste sector, as the Government works to turn its national climate commitments into practical and measurable action. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change this week (03.09.26) convened the Waste Sector Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Targets, Mitigation Measures and Monitoring Workshop at USP’s Statham Campus, bringing together representatives from Government ministries, development partners, municipal councils and other key stakeholders. The workshop is supported by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), in partnership with the Center for Clean Air Policy (CCAP) and ImplementaSur, under a…
Fiji’s recycling community has come together in solidarity with the people of Nepal following devastating floods that have caused widespread loss of life, displacement and destruction across the country. The Pacific Recycling Foundation, together with members of Fiji’s recycling community, held a solidarity vigil at Malhana Cloud Kitchen Restaurant, where participants dressed in white, lit candles and placed messages to honour those who have lost their lives, those still missing and families facing immense loss. The Foundation has also expressed particular concern for Nepal’s Collection Pillars of Recycling community, made up of people working informally in the collection and recovery…
The United Arab Emirates’ Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, has concluded her official visit to Fiji, with discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries. During her visit, Dr Al Kaabi paid a courtesy call on President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu at State House, where education, cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections were among the areas discussed. Climate change was also part of the discussions, with Fiji continuing to push for stronger international cooperation to build resilience and support sustainable development. The UAE Minister also met Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Industries, Commerce…
Newly crowned FMF Miss Hibiscus 2026, Sala Korosaya, is celebrating more than a crown, with her family’s support playing an important role throughout her journey. From the first day of the festival to the final crowning, her family stood beside her, helping her stay focused through the challenges and pressure of the week. FMF Miss Hibiscus 2026, Sala Korosaya, highlighted that having the right support system made a difference throughout her journey. “I was able to relax through it, have my cool through it, just because of the support system that I have. That’s really important for young people, when…
Still coming to terms with her achievement, FMF Miss Hibiscus second runner-up Nicole Matavesi admits she never expected to walk away with one of the major titles of the night. Representing Miss Superstore, Nicole was named second runner-up during the crowning of the 2026 FMF Miss Hibiscus Festival, bringing an unforgettable journey at Albert Park to a close. But behind her achievement was a strong group of family, friends and young people who supported her throughout the competition, with her mother Daniella Matavesi proud to watch her daughter grow through the experience. Nicole says the support she received throughout the…
Fiji has reaffirmed the importance of working closely with Pacific neighbours as regional leaders continue discussions on issues affecting communities across the region. Head of Fiji’s delegation and Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Sakiasi Ditoka highlighted that the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror, Palau, brought leaders together to discuss major issues including security, labour mobility, education, trade and the economy. For Ditoka, one of the key messages from the meeting was the importance of Pacific countries working together and coordinating their efforts, with regional leaders sharing their vision for a stronger and more self-reliant Pacific.…