Author: admin_fijitimes

For 54-year-old Lavo-levu Soro Toutou, being admitted to the Bar is the result of a decision he made later in life, and that is to leave behind a career in management and pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer. Toutou, from Lewa Village in Nadarivatu, Ba, was the oldest of the 30 law graduates admitted to the Bar at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva this morning, and standing alongside younger graduates made the moment even more meaningful for him. “I’m really overwhelmed,” he said. He says he is proud of his parents, siblings, relatives and ancestors who have supported…

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The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is planning to convert more nursing stations into full health centres, while also relocating some facilities to new sites. Minister for Health Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu told Parliament that the government has allocated funding for preliminary work required to upgrade nursing stations and improve service delivery in remote communities. “In terms of plans, yes, there are plans to convert nursing stations to health centres, there are plans to relocate nursing stations to new sites,” Dr Lalabalavu said. He said the funding would be used as seed funding for initial preparatory works, including upgrades…

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Military officer Rusiate Cama Tawakilai has been refused bail and remanded by the Suva Magistrates Court over alleged methamphetamine possession, attempted bribery and serious assault. The 44-year-old single father appeared before Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne this afternoon. Police allege Tawakilai was stopped and searched by a team of officers conducting patrols in Delainavesi on Wednesday. During the search, officers allegedly found a zip-lock plastic bag containing white crystals, which later tested positive for methamphetamine. Tawakilai allegedly offered $150 to the arresting officer in an attempt to secure his release. He allegedly then fled the scene before being apprehended by two police…

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The captains of the Vodafone Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union (FSSRU) Super Deans Under-18 finalists have been urged to set the standard both on and off the field as they prepare for tomorrow’s highly anticipated national final. Speaking during the official meet-and-greet breakfast hosted by the Fiji Rugby Union, Flying Fijians interim head coach Senirusi Seruvakula reminded the young leaders that they carry the responsibility of representing not only their schools, but also their families, communities, and the future of Fiji rugby. Seruvakula emphasized the importance of sportsmanship, discipline, and respect, encouraging the captains to lead by example regardless of…

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The Methodist Church is reminding lay pastors that they are also expected to follow the Church’s existing discipline on smoking. Reverend Dr. Semisi Turagavou said the standard should apply equally to ordained ministers and lay pastors because both are expected to provide a Christian example. He added that the issue is not simply about following a Church regulation, but about how those serving the Church represent their faith. “For this reason, I also affirm that the Church’s discipline regarding smoking remains unchanged. I now ask that not only every ordained minister but also every lay pastor should embrace this standard…

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The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma is raising concern over the health of its ministers and the impact of preventable illnesses. Reverend Dr. Semisi Turagavou highlighted that poor nutrition, unhealthy eating, excessive drinking, lack of exercise and insufficient rest are contributing to chronic health problems. Reverend Dr. Turagavou added that these illnesses can affect ministers’ ability to travel, preach, visit families and lead worship. “Medical evidence continues to remind us that poor nutrition, unhealthy eating habits, excessive drinking, lack of exercise and insufficient rest contribute significantly to diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, heart disease and other chronic illnesses” Reverend Dr.…

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