A one-year-old child has become Fiji’s latest road fatality following a vehicle accident near the Barara bypass on Saturday night. Police said the child was travelling in a vehicle driven by a 23-year-old man from Sabeto, accompanied by her mother, aunt and two siblings, when the vehicle reportedly left the roadway. All occupants were transported to Lautoka Hospital for treatment. The child’s death was later confirmed by medical officials. The remaining passengers, along with the driver, received medical attention and were subsequently discharged. Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing, and the driver is expected to be…
Author: admin_fijitimes
Fiji Rugby has unveiled its final 32-member FIJI Water Flying Fijians squad for the upcoming Nations Championship campaign, with preparations now underway for a challenging series of Test matches in Europe. Acting Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula has selected a squad that combines experienced internationals with players in strong form at club level, aiming to build a competitive side capable of performing on the international stage. Seruvakula said the squad was chosen based on both experience and current performance, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to meet the demands of the campaign. He noted that the group possesses the talent, commitment…
The Fiji National University has strengthened its research framework with the Fiji Institute of Pacific Health Research (FIPHR) officially transitioning from the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences to the University’s Research Office after seven years of operation. The move, effective from 1 June 2026, aligns with FNU’s vision of enhancing research leadership and fostering research excellence across all academic disciplines. It also places FIPHR at the centre of the University’s research network as part of a broader strategy to establish and strengthen research institutes throughout FNU’s five Colleges. As part of the transition, FIPHR founding Director Dr Donald…
Residents of Tavua and nearby communities will soon benefit from improved access to youth and sports services with the opening of the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ first office in the area on 12 June 2026. The new facility, located within the District Officer’s office, will cater to communities in Tavua, Vatukoula, Nadrau, Savatu and Nabobuco, providing easier access to government programmes and support services. Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru visited the office ahead of its official launch and emphasized the importance of extending government services beyond major urban centres to better serve local communities. The office is…
A teacher from a prominent school in Tailevu has been convicted on six charges of rape involving students.The court heard evidence from the complainants, who testified that the accused lured them to his residence on various occasions and forced them to perform sexual acts. In delivering his judgment, Judge Justice Usaia Ratuvili found the complainants to be credible witnesses and ruled that their evidence was consistent and reliable. The offences were alleged to have occurred between 2023 and 2024 and involved three students, two 17-year-old boys and a 15-year-old boy, from the same school.The State called five witnesses, including the…
A 40-year-old man charged with attempted murder after allegedly driving through a police checkpoint and seriously injuring a police officer has been granted bail by the High Court in Suva. Domoniko Tabao appeared before Suva High Court Justice Dane Tuiqereqere, who granted bail under strict bail conditions. Tabao is accused of driving through a police roadblock at Laqere and striking a police officer who was on duty at the checkpoint. The police officer is Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua’s daughter, who is still admitted at the hospital since the incident. As part of his bail conditions, Tabao must reside with…
Efforts to strengthen sustainable waste management in Lautoka received a major boost with the official handover of recycling equipment under the Recycle Organics Program at the Lautoka Municipal Market on 28 May 2026. The ceremony saw the transfer of an Isuzu truck, wheelie bins and compost bins to support organic waste collection and recycling initiatives across the city. Government officials, development partners, market vendors, stakeholders and invited guests attended the event, highlighting a shared commitment to improving environmental practices and promoting cleaner communities. Speakers at the ceremony included Lautoka City Council Special Administrator Chair and Acting Chief Executive Officer Taitusi…
The Fijian Elections Office has continued its nationwide voter registration and awareness campaign from 1 to 6 June 2026, expanding access to voter services in communities across Fiji. Teams are visiting villages, settlements and community halls throughout the Central, Northern and Western Divisions, as well as Matuku in Lau, to assist eligible citizens with voter registration, updating personal details and learning more about the electoral process. The initiative aims to make voter services more accessible by bringing them directly to communities. Residents are encouraged to review the schedule for their respective areas and make use of the opportunity to ensure…
As Pacific nations face increasing threats from transnational organised crime, customs leaders from across the region are gathering in Fiji this week to strengthen cooperation aimed at protecting borders and safeguarding Pacific communities. The issue comes amid growing concern over the Pacific’s vulnerability to international criminal networks, with recent large-scale narcotics seizures exposing how maritime and aviation routes across the region are increasingly being targeted for illicit activities. From 2 to 4 June, customs leaders from 24 Pacific administrations will meet in Fiji for the 28th Annual Conference of the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO), with discussions expected to focus heavily…
The Fiji Airways Men’s 7s team suffered their first loss of the Valladolid 7s tournament after going down to hosts Spain in their final pool match, but the defeat did little to derail their campaign as they bounced back in emphatic fashion to secure a place in the semi-finals. After opening their tournament with wins over France and the USA, Fiji were edged by a spirited Spanish side in front of their home crowd, allowing Spain to finish on top of Pool C. Despite the setback, Fiji had already done enough in their earlier matches to qualify for the Cup…