Security officers and grid guards at the Port of Suva have strengthened their knowledge of border security following an awareness session delivered by the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) Maritime and Outer Ports Team. The session focused on the important role port security personnel play in protecting Fiji’s borders and ensuring the safe movement of people and goods. Key areas covered included identifying and preventing insider threats, supply chain security checks, customs legislative powers, access procedures for customs-controlled areas and different types of container seals. Participants were also briefed on signs of container tampering and International Ship and Port…
Author: admin_fijitimes
Pacific regional organisations are moving closer to the implementation phase of a major reform process following two days of discussions between CROP Heads, CROP Governing Council Chairs and the Forum Troika Review Committee. The meetings focused on the committee’s findings on issues that Pacific Islands Forum Leaders had referred for further consideration in 2025 as part of the Review of Regional Architecture (RRA). The latest discussions mark the final part of the RRA review phase. Attention will now turn towards putting the emerging regional reform agenda into practice based on the work completed so far. CROP Heads also used their…
The proposed Pasifika Communities University (PCU) is moving closer to the next stage of its establishment, with authorities continuing to examine the legislation needed to support the institution. Representatives from PCU, the Higher Education Commission Fiji and the Ministry of Education recently met to assess progress on the PCU Bill, including proposed changes and the parliamentary procedures that must be followed before the legislation can advance. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro was briefed during the discussions, which brought together PCU Pro-Chancellor Dr Akanisi Kedrayate, Higher Education Commission Fiji Director Dr Eci Naisele, Legal Officer Neha Prasad, the Permanent Secretary for Education…
Authorities are assessing a report of a potential crime after two critical undersea telecommunications cables off Perth suffered near-simultaneous physical disruptions inside a national protection zone.
Parliament is returning with government deals expected to see contentious changes to gambling advertising, media funding and NDIS benefits become law.
Kerry Stokes’ industrial conglomerate SGH has spent almost $1 billion on the Crux LNG project of WA’s coast, despite owning just 15.5 per cent of the project.
The new owner of Seven Network has delivered a full-year loss as it continues to bed down its merger with one of the country’s largest radio operations.
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division has showcased Fiji’s maritime capabilities during a visit by Solomon Islands Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Rick Houenipwela to the Maritime Essential Services Centre (MESC). Mr Houenipwela, who chairs the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, visited the centre over the weekend as part of an engagement focused on maritime security and cooperation in the Pacific. During the visit, RFMF Naval personnel outlined the MESC’s role in monitoring the maritime domain, coordinating search and rescue operations, conducting hydrographic surveys and supporting information sharing. The briefing also covered the centre’s role in…
At least 132 people have died and 572 others have been injured after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia on Monday. President Abelardo de la Espriella has declared a national disaster as emergency teams continue rescue and recovery operations across several affected areas. The earthquake was recorded about five kilometres east of San José del Palmar, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Pereira and Cali are among the worst-affected areas, with significant loss of life and widespread structural damage reported. Authorities say at least 61 buildings have collapsed, while more than 1,600 homes have been damaged or destroyed. Health…
Fiji’s military relationship with Australia has received further attention during a visit by Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Commander Major General Jone Kalouniwai to Darwin, where 12 Fijian personnel are taking part in Exercise Pitch Black 26. The multinational air combat exercise involves defence forces from 21 countries and provides the RFMF with an opportunity to contribute to a major regional military activity while strengthening cooperation with Australia. During his visit, Maj Gen Kalouniwai met the 12 RFMF members supporting the exercise in roles including Air Ground Movement Control, media and communications, military policing, catering and medical support. He…