Queen Victoria School fly-half and sprinter Jone Raibevu has secured a place in the Fijian Drua Development Squad after progressing through the club’s grassroots player pathway. The Kalabu, Naitasiri native was first identified during the Drua Foundation’s talent scouting programme in 2024 before joining the inaugural Junior Development Programme later that year. His promotion to the Development Squad reflects the success of the Foundation’s efforts to identify and develop promising young rugby players across Fiji. The Drua Foundation, working in partnership with the Fiji Rugby Union and the Fijian Drua, aims to expand opportunities for emerging talent by providing quality…
Author: admin_fijitimes
Canada’s historic run at the FIFA World Cup will continue following a nail-biting victory over South Africa. In a game that looked destined for extra time, Stephen Eustáquio became an instant Canadian hero with the game-winning goal in second-half stoppage time. The Canadians’ 1-0 win at Los Angeles Stadium in the Round of 32 match moves them onto a Round of 16 clash with either Morocco or the Netherlands in Houston on Saturday. This was Canada’s first-ever match in the knockout stage of a senior men’s FIFA World Cup. It came after they finished second in Group B with a…
Eleven inmates from the Naboro Minimum and Maximum Corrections Centres have reached a significant milestone after graduating with Class 2 Joinery Certifications from Fiji National University (FNU), marking a major step in rehabilitation and vocational training within Fiji’s corrections system. The nationally recognised qualifications certify the graduates as skilled tradesmen, allowing them to seek employment in the joinery and construction sector across the country once they are released. The achievement follows a two-year partnership between the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) and FNU under a Memorandum of Understanding, with support from the Fiji Higher Education Commission (FHEC). The collaboration has enabled…
Colonial’s return beats industry fundsAs of June 16, Colonial First State had delivered a12.9 percent return for the financial year to date for members younger than 51 in its popular growth fund. The Fin
A recent marine monitoring exercise on Gau Island has confirmed encouraging signs for marine conservation, with five healthy giant clams recorded inside the Lovu Village Marine Protected Area. The assessment, conducted by the Ministry of Fisheries’ Eastern Division team on 25 June, found the giant clams thriving within the protected zone, highlighting the effectiveness of ongoing conservation initiatives and responsible management of marine resources. The findings are a positive outcome for the Lovu community, as healthy marine ecosystems contribute to stronger fish stocks, enhanced biodiversity and long-term livelihood security for future generations. The Ministry of Fisheries has acknowledged the dedication…
The Water Authority of Fiji says water services are being progressively restored to communities affected by the burst water main at Suvavou Bridge, following the completion of repair works early Sunday morning. According to WAF, restoration began at 5:00am on 29 June after crews successfully repaired the damaged pipeline and completed site works safely. Residents from the Vugalei Bridge area through to the Naval Base and Togalevu are expected to see water supply return gradually as the network refills and system pressure is restored. WAF noted that customers living in higher-elevation areas may experience a longer wait before normal supply…
Government says strengthening Fiji’s food security remains a key priority in the 2026-2027 National Budget, with increased funding for the agriculture sector aimed at helping farmers cope with the ongoing global fuel crisis and reducing the country’s reliance on imported food. The Ministry of Agriculture and Sugar Industry has been allocated $172.8 million in the 2026-2027 Budget, an increase from $163.5 million in the previous financial year, an increase of $9.3 million, or about 5.7 percent. Minister for Agriculture and Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna said the increased allocation will support farming households and rural communities facing higher production and transportation…
England finished as Group L winners after a composed 2-0 victory over Panama in East Rutherford yesterday. After being frustrated for an hour by Panama’s disciplined defence, England found the breakthrough in the 62nd minute when Jude Bellingham converted from close range following a Bukayo Saka corner. Five minutes later, Bellingham turned provider, delivering a pinpoint cross for Harry Kane to head home his 11th FIFA World Cup goal, surpassing Gary Lineker as England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer. In the group’s other fixture, Croatia edged Ghana 2-1 in Philadelphia to secure second place. Petar Sučić gave Croatia the lead…
The Fiji Labour Party has criticised the 2026/27 National Budget, accusing the Coalition Government of unfairly targeting workers through a reduction in employer Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) contributions while failing to provide relief from the rising cost of living. Labour Leader Mahendra Chaudhry said the decision to reduce employer FNPF contributions by two percentage points was unjustified and would weaken workers’ retirement savings at a time when many families were already struggling financially. He argued the budget had failed to address the increasing cost of living, pointing out that the minimum wage remained at $5 an hour despite significant…
The stage is set for an exciting BiC Fiji FACT Grand Final after Navua FC and Ba FC booked their places with impressive semi-final victories. Navua held their nerve to secure their spot in the title decider, while Ba produced another commanding performance to keep their championship hopes alive. Both sides showed composure under pressure and capitalised on their chances when it mattered most. The win sets up a highly anticipated clash between two of Fiji’s football powerhouses. The BiC Fiji FACT title will now be on the line as Navua and Ba prepare for a blockbuster Grand Final showdown…