A gathering celebrating Fiji’s local food, traditional knowledge and biodiversity was held at Tukuni Restaurant at the Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises & Development headquarters in Tuvu, Lautoka. The “Taste of Fiji” event brought together women entrepreneurs, food innovators, hospitality representatives, diplomatic guests and regional partners to highlight opportunities within Fiji’s local and regenerative food economy. Three Fijian women entrepreneurs from the Idea2Market Regenerative Bioeconomy Initiative — Viloki Gohil, Melaia Salacakau and Amareeta Chand — showcased their innovative products to buyers from the hospitality and retail sectors. The event also featured international collaboration, with Indonesia’s food innovation hub Seniman Pangan…
Author: admin_fijitimes
All eight clubs that competed in the inaugural OFC Pro League season have been approved for the next stage of the 2027 club licensing process. The approval was granted by the OFC Executive Committee during its meeting in Fiji this week, with all eight clubs meeting the minimum standards under the OFC Professional League Club Licensing Regulations. The licensing process is designed to ensure clubs continue to strengthen their governance, operations and overall structures as they compete at professional level. Although their applications have been approved, the clubs must still meet additional participation requirements before their places for the 2027…
Boxing has made its return to Navosa after a 44-year absence, reviving a sporting tradition that last featured in the province in 1982. The comeback has provided young athletes with an opportunity to test their skills in the ring, gain experience and pursue their ambitions in the sport. Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru supported the revival by handing over boxing punching bags to newly established boxing clubs in Navosa. The return of boxing is expected to create more opportunities for young people while encouraging them to take part in sport and helping rebuild the region’s boxing tradition. After…
The Sawani Village School community in Naitasiri has been encouraged to continue supporting its annual fundraising campaign, with two key projects identified to improve conditions for students and teachers. Speaking at the fundraising event, Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel highlighted plans to construct a footpath for the Early Childhood Education section and renovate the school’s teachers’ quarters. He said the projects were not only about improving infrastructure but also about creating a safer environment for young learners and providing better facilities for teachers who play an important role in educating future generations. Immanuel also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to making…
The Government has set aside $14.8 million for the Ministry of Immigration to upgrade border operations, improve passport services and expand access to immigration services across the country. Minister for Immigration Viliame Naupoto says the investment will support the modernisation of Fiji’s immigration system while strengthening national security as visitor numbers continue to rise. A key priority is preventing another passport shortage, with $5 million allocated for the purchase of 100,000 blank passport books. The online passport application system will also be upgraded to make applications faster and more accessible. New regional immigration offices are planned for Nakasi and Rakiraki,…
Jackky Bhagnani has returned to acting after a six-year gap with the Independence Day anthem ‘Tere Rang Mein,’ released under his music label Jjust Music. The actor-producer said the song offered him an opportunity to return to the screen with a project that was personally meaningful to him.Bhagnani described himself as a patriot and said the nature of the song played an important role in his decision to face the camera again. “I am a patriot by heart. It’s been quite some time since I faced the camera. So, I thought the best way to come back is with the…
The English trailer of Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Part 1 has been released by Sony Pictures for audiences worldwide, offering an international preview of the upcoming epic. While the scale and visual effects have drawn attention, one of the key talking points has been the technology used to ensure that the actors’ lip movements match the English dialogue.Unlike conventional dubbed versions, where a new voice track is placed over the original footage, the English version of Ramayana: Part 1 uses DNEG’s AI-powered technology to digitally adjust the actors’ mouth movements. Producer Namit Malhotra has now explained how the process combines human…
Reports claiming that IPL founder and businessman Lalit Modi will enter the Bigg Boss 20 house have been denied by Modi, who has also issued a legal notice to publications and social media accounts that carried the claim. The clarification came a day after several social media accounts reported his alleged participation in the upcoming season of the Salman Khan-hosted reality show.Taking to X early on Saturday morning, Modi categorically rejected the reports and said he has neither been approached for the show nor intends to participate in it.“FAKE NEWS. PERIOD. I have NOT been approached for Bigg Boss 20.…
The Vodafone Fijiana XV delivered a spirited performance but were unable to hold off a second-half surge from Springboks Womens Team, going down 29-22 in a hard-fought encounter. Fiji made an impressive start, with tries from Atelaite Buna and Adi Vani Buleki helping the visitors take a 10-5 lead into halftime after a dominant opening 40 minutes. South Africa responded strongly after the break, applying sustained pressure to overturn the deficit. Despite the challenge, the Fijiana refused to back down, with Salote Nailolo crossing the line to level the scores at 17-17 and keep Fiji firmly in the contest. Ivamere…
Schools are being urged to take stronger action against bullying, harassment, intimidation and abuse while ensuring students are provided with safe and respectful learning environments. Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro said recent concerns involving bullying and student accidents highlight the need for schools to strengthen supervision, risk management and child protection measures. He said bullying, whether physical, verbal, emotional, social or online, should not be accepted in schools. Preventable accidents must also be addressed through proper supervision and safer school practices. Parents and guardians have been encouraged to report bullying, injuries, accidents and other serious concerns involving students to Heads…