The stage is set for the 2026 FMF Hibiscus Festival, with Albert Park ready to come alive with colour, entertainment and excitement as festivities begin shortly. Stalls have been set up, rides are ready and preparations are complete as Suva prepares to welcome thousands of people to one of the capital’s most anticipated annual events. The festival will begin with a colourful march through the streets of Suva featuring this year’s contestants, supporters, and participating organisations. Contestants will make their way through the capital before celebrations continue at Albert Park. At Albert Park, people can expect food stalls, rides, entertainment,…
Author: admin_fijitimes
Rewa FC defender Delon Shankar has been handed the captaincy of the Junior Bula Boys for the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Samoa. The young defender says it is a proud moment to lead Fiji at a tournament that also serves as Oceania’s pathway to the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Nasinu FC midfielder Maikah Dau has been named vice-captain. Shankar states he is grateful for the confidence shown in him by the coaching staff and is determined to lead by example as Fiji targets a strong campaign. The defender believes his recent experience with Bula FC in the OFC Pro…
Fiji Football Association president Rajesh Patel has challenged the Junior Bula Boys to turn pressure into motivation as they chase a historic place at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Addressing the Fiji U-19 squad before their departure for the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Samoa, Patel reminded the players that the opportunity to represent Fiji on the world stage is within their reach. Patel says confidence and belief will be crucial, urging the players to trust the preparation they have received and apply their lessons on the field. He also stressed the importance of teamwork, reminding the squad that success…
Newly included in the Flying Fijians extended squad for next month’s Pacific Nations Cup in Japan, Julian Ravuiwasa describes his rise to the international setup as nothing short of a miracle. “Firstly, I would like to thank God for giving me such an amazing talent. It has definitely been a long journey of hard work and sacrifice but I thank God for giving me such an opportunity. I am very happy that I am able to reach this stage of my rugby career and I have God to thank for that. I believe that I am ready to play.” Despite…
Former Fiji Bati player Jone Wesele has been appointed as the new Head Coach for the Vodafone Fiji Bulikula. This was confirmed earlier today by the FNRL Chairman Rajesh Singh after what he refers to as a “transparent decison” made by a selection panel. Singh reveals that Wesele was one of six candidates who was interviwed for the position. He adds that the FNRL has faith that Wesele from his predecessor, Joe Rabele will do a good job in leading the girls. “FNRL has full faith in this coach. He will also have good coaches like Sam Morris from the…
The Supreme Court of Fiji has restored the conviction and prison sentence imposed on Canadian national Joshua Aziz Rahman over the possession of cocaine worth about $31 million. Rahman had appealed the Court of Appeal’s decision ordering a re-trial after his conviction for possessing the cocaine was quashed. The State appealed the Court of Appeal’s decision to quash Rahman’s conviction. The appeals were heard before the President of the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Salesi Temo, Justice Anthony Gates and Justice William Young. Rahman was convicted by the High Court of one count of unlawful possession of illicit drugs. He was…
Prominent lawyer Jon Apted has been named Head Judge for the 70th FMF Hibiscus Festival, leading a five-member judging panel that includes former Hibiscus queen Michele Smith. Apted brings 40 years of experience in the legal profession, along with a background in fashion, photography, television and entertainment. The Hibiscus Festival Committee says his creativity, attention to detail and extensive judging experience make him well placed to lead this year’s panel. Joining Apted is Michele Smith, who was crowned Miss Hibiscus in 1975 and returns to the festival 51 years after winning the title. Smith has built an international career in…
Navua has officially become Fiji’s 14th municipality following its declaration as a town by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. The declaration marks a historic milestone for Navua and fulfils an aspiration dating back more than five decades to the 1970s. Speaking at the official declaration, Rabuka said the milestone follows years of advocacy, consultation and preparation by the people of Navua. “Today, after many years of advocacy, consultation and preparation, we have the privilege of seeing that long-held hope become a reality,” Rabuka said. He said becoming a town will provide a stronger foundation for local governance, improved municipal services and…
More than 200 residents of Taviya Village in Levuka, Ovalau, now have safer access around their community at night following the commissioning of a new solar lighting project. The Taviya Village Solar Lighting Project will benefit 54 households and was funded at more than $20,000 through the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management’s Self-Help Programme. The project was commissioned by Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mosese Bulitavu. Bulitavu says while access to reliable lighting may appear to be a simple development initiative, it can have a significant impact on the daily lives of…
Five of eight inmates granted presidential pardons have officially received their pardons as they prepare to return to their families and communities. The five are Aisake Qiolele, Josefa Tukana, Mohammed Harun Khan, Sailosi Rokotuiwalevu and Tang Lu. The pardons were formally presented by the Acting Commissioner of Corrections, alongside senior Corrections officials. The inmates were encouraged to view their release as a new beginning and to carry forward the discipline and positive values gained during their time in the Corrections system. They were also urged to make better choices, remain grounded in their faith and use the opportunity to rebuild…