For a child, discipline should teach, not hurt. A proposed constitutional provision is now raising concern over where the line will be drawn between correction and violence.The Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission is warning that children could be left vulnerable if the proposed Constitution Amendment Bill allows corporal punishment described as “lawful and moderate chastisement.” In a statement by the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission commissioner, Alefina Vuki argues that what may be considered moderate by an adult can still be violence against a child, and that children should have the same protection from violence at home, school…
Author: admin_fijitimes
The shortage of cane-cutting labour is putting extra pressure on growers during this year’s harvest. Government is increasing support now, while looking at new ways to keep the industry running in the long term. Cane growers facing higher harvesting costs are receiving more support this season, with Government increasing the manual harvesting assistance from two to five dollars per tonne. Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry, Tomasi Tunabuna, highlighted that the payment has also been brought forward to help growers manage their cash flow during the harvest. “The $5 per tonne grant is now being paid to the farmers’…
Andrew Garth will replace Rebekah Letherby at the helm of Perth 3D-printed propulsion system developer Aurora Labs Limited, as the company progresses its joint venture with Airbus and BAE Systems.
A damaged section of the Queens Highway near Semo Village is being rebuilt to provide a safer and stronger crossing. The upgrade is expected to improve travel for communities and motorists who rely on the busy road. The upgrade of the damaged section of the Queens Highway near Semo Village in Sigatoka is progressing, with work now focused on building a stronger crossing that can withstand heavy rain and future traffic. Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, highlighted that the old culvert has been removed and the site has undergone major earthworks and geotechnical investigations…
Albert Park hosted the 70th anniversary of the Hibiscus Festival, but the Suva City Council did not receive any venue hire revenue from the event. The Council have highlighted that the festival instead generated more than $823,000 through its activities and sponsorships, with wider benefits reaching vendors, businesses and the community. The return of the Hibiscus Festival to Albert Park came without a venue hire charge for the Suva City Council, with the Council owning and operating both the park and the festival. When questioned in parliament on the revenue from the use of the grounds, the Minister for Housing…
The Navakaka Women’s Group in Navatu, Cakaudrove, is turning traditional skills and locally sourced materials into income while supporting development in their community. The 24-member group, led by Rukalisa Maimua, received national recognition at the 2026 National Agriculture Show in Labasa after winning the Value-Adding Crops Award. The women produce a range of traditional and natural products, including Virgin Coconut Oil, traditional wellness products, woven mats, necklaces, earrings, tekiteki and handmade brooms. Their 750ml bottles of Virgin Coconut Oil are sold for $10, while their traditional sinusinu also sells for $10. Woven mats are priced between $80 and $600, depending…
Australia’s climate credentials will face renewed scrutiny at an international summit in Fiji as the federal government considers approval for a major coal mine expansion.
Sasa Bridge along Bukuya Road in Nadi will be temporarily closed this weekend to allow emergency replacement of its bridge deck. The Fiji Roads Authority says the closure will begin at 9pm on Friday, October 9, and continue until 7am on Saturday, October 10, 2026. There will be no alternative diversion route available while the works are underway. A standby vehicle will, however, be stationed at the site to assist residents who require urgent or emergency access during the closure. Motorists and residents are being advised of the temporary closure as the emergency works are carried out. The post Sasa…
The Fiji Meteorological Service is hosting a regional training programme aimed at strengthening tropical cyclone forecasting and preparedness across the South-West Pacific. The 17th Session of the World Meteorological Organization Regional Association V Training Course on Tropical Cyclones is being held from October 5 to 16, bringing together meteorologists and tropical cyclone specialists from the region. The two-week programme is designed to build technical knowledge and improve operational skills in monitoring, forecasting and communicating tropical cyclone threats. The first week covers fundamental aspects of tropical cyclones, including their formation, structure, development and analysis. Participants will then move into advanced forecasting…
Football fever is building across Viti Levu as the 86th FMF Inter-District Championship torch relay continues its journey through the Western Division. The torch made stops in Ba and Tavua today, where it was welcomed by local football communities as anticipation grows ahead of the tournament. Following its visit to Ba, the relay arrived in Tavua for its scheduled stop from 10.30am to 11am. The torch will next head to Rakiraki before continuing to Korovou, where it is expected between 3pm and 3.30pm. The relay will continue tomorrow before making its way to Suva for the official opening of the…