Fiji

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Cover of None edition of Islands Business magazine

MAI TV appoints new general manager

SUVA, Fiji ---- Fijian free to air and privately owned broadcaster Mai TV (Fiji) Limited has appointed an experienced Television executive as its General Manager replacing the functions of its founder and Managing Director Richard Broadbridge.

Fiji/PNG looks into trade logistics

SUVA, Fiji --- The Fiji/Papua New Guinea Business Council has begun looking at trade logistics between the two countries.

Fiji within its sovereign rights to decide on diplomatic posting - Khaiyum

SUVA, Fiji --- Fiji's acting Prime Minister and Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the Pacific Island nation is exercising its sovereign right to decide on a nominee of another country for a diplomatic mission.

Pacific Disability Forum and SPC join forces

NADI, Fiji ---- The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Pacific Disability Forum (PDF) signed a memorandum of understanding on 14 May 2013.

NGO Coalition on Human Rights Calls for Respect of LGBTI Rights

SUVA, Fiji --- Fiji’s NGO Coalition on Human Rights has called for the respect for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) Fijians on the occasion of May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.

Airline exposed as shark fin trafficker

Michael Field

International airline Air Pacific – soon to be rebranded as Fiji Air – has been exposed as one of the world’s major carriers of shark fins into Hong Kong. In an extensive investigation, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) has reported that the airlines’ new Airbus A330 aircraft were, according ...

PACP will not tolerate extension of EPA negotiations: Fiji Trade Minister

NADI, Fiji --- Fiji’s acting Prime Minister and Trade Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says Pacific ACP countries will not tolerate further extension to the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) negotiation with the European Union.

Pacific ACP remain positive to conclude EPA with EU

NADI, Fiji (PACNEWS) ---- The Pacific ACP bloc remains optimistic that negotiations for their Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU) can be concluded by the end of this year despite claims by the EU that such a deadline is unrealistic.

Raid nets $50,000 marijuana

SUVA, Fiji --- About 40 marijuana plants with an estimated street value of $50,000 were uprooted by (Fiji) police near Vatubalavu Village in Navosa on Tuesday. The raid followed a tip-off as police continued their crackdown targeting marijuana growing operations in the Nadroga-Navosa highlands.

India to attend Fiji sugar meet

SUVA, Fiji ---Suva — India will take part in a five-day meet in Fiji where local and international sugar researchers will share information on "erianthus", a sugar hybrid, the government said Wednesday.

Rewards are high if Fisheries Issues negotiated well in EPA

SUVA, Fiji --- The Pacific region’s Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union could be an important vehicle for sustainable development of our region. This is the message that was conveyed to the Pacific ACP Trade Ministers at their Meeting currently being held in Nadi, Fiji.

Fiji stands to lose most from no EPA

NADI, Fiji --- Fiji stands to loose the most if Pacific members of the ACP bloc could not conclude their Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union, a senior delegate attending the Pacific ACP Trade Ministers meeting has told PACNEWS.

Record payout for cane farmers

SUVA, Fiji --- Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama announced from France today a banner year for Fiji's sugar cane industry.

Fiji turns to Russia, China amid strained regional ties

SUVA, Fiji --Fiji's Prime Minister said he would meet Beijing's leaders in China this month, a week after unveiling an official trip to Russia, as he looks beyond strained regional ties in the South Pacific.

Recruitment agencies cautioned: Fiji High Comissioner

SUVA, Fiji --An understanding signed between a Fiji recruitment agency and individuals in Papua New Guinea has come under the spot light.

Another airbus for Fiji

SUVA, Fiji -- Fiji's Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has officially received the second A330 aircraft from the Airbus outlet in Toulouse, France.

Joint PIFS-SPC Regional Civil Society Dialogue on Conflict, Peace and Security Issues

SUVA, Fiji --- A regional dialogue for civil society organisations on conflict, peace, and security issues was held at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat from 6-10 May 2013.

National Federation Party ready for 2014 Fiji elections

SUVA, Fiji ---Fiji’s National Federation Party (NFP)says it is ready for the elections scheduled for 2014 in that south pacific island nation.

Pacific trade talks 'waste of time': PNG

NADI, Fiji --Officials from Papua New Guinea say they are considering withdrawing from free trade negotiations between Pacific Island countries and Australia and New Zealand.

Fiji Youths urged to engage in political process

SUVA, Fiji ---Fiji’s youth have a very important role to play in the 2014 parliamentary elections, says Attorney General and Elections Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

SIDS lauds Fiji

SUVA, Fiji --- Fiji has shown leadership and is clearly on the way to having 80 to 90 per cent of its energy needs generated from renewable sources.

Fiji HIV statistics under review

SUVA, Fiji --- Sex workers in Fiji are not the drivers of HIV transmissions in Fiji.

PNG’s Trade Minister keen for a common market in MSG nations

NADI, Fiji --- Papua New Guinea’s Trade Minister says he wants to see a common market established in the Melanesian Spearhead Group of nations before it is extended to the wider Pacific.

Kava exports to boost economy

SUVA, Fiji ---Fiji's economy will be boosted if kava exports are opened up for pharmaceutical or medical purposes.

Fiji PM promises tough action on trouble-makers

SUVA, Fiji --- Fiji's rime Minister of Fiji, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, says the government is not monitoring political activity but it is keeping an eye on anything that might provoke unrest.

Dirty money circulating in Fiji: Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority

SUVA, Fiji ----An estimated $200 million ( US$108 million) to $300million (US$163 million) in dirty money has been circulating in the country for the past three years, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority revealed.

Kuwait, UAE offer $800,000 for Pacific Islands Development Forum

SUVA, Fiji ---- The governments of Kuwait and United Arab Emirates have supported Fiji with more than $800,000 (US$434,000) to host the inaugural Meeting of the Pacific Islands Development Forum in August.

SPARCK: Sharing Perceptions of Adaptation, Resilience and Climate Knowledge

SUVA, Fiji --- An exciting and innovative new project is underway in Fiji that asks communities, teachers and media to share their thoughts on climate change. The project is also pioneering a ground-breaking mobile survey run on both Digicel (with technology provided by Mobimedia) and Vodafone networks that allows people ...

Kuwait, UAE offer $800,000 for Pacific Islands Development Forum

SUVA, Fiji ---- The governments of Kuwait and United Arab Emirates have supported Fiji with more than $800,000 (US$434,000) to host the inaugural Meeting of the Pacific Islands Development Forum in August.

Think beyond donor funding: PIPSO chair

NADI, Fiji --- Members of the Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation (PIPSO) have been urged to think strategically on how to be sustainable in future and not solely depend on donor funding.

PM Bainimarama visit to China underlines Fiji's regional leadership

SUVA, Fiji --- Fiji's Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama’s visit to meet with China’s top leaders this week highlights the strengthening of the already close relationship between the two countries and recognises the rising importance of Fiji as a regional leader in the Pacific.

Fiji on the agenda of Pacific Plan review team

SUVA, Fiji ---- The chair of the Pacific Plan Review team, Sir Mekere Morauta says many governments and people of the Pacific are concerned that Fiji is not currently participating in Forum meetings.

SOPAC awarded 2013 DigitalGlobe Asia Pacific Innovation Award

SUVA, Fiji ---- The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) recently accepted the 2013 DigitalGlobe (Asia Pacific) APAC Innovation Award. This award is in recognition of the systems and approaches SPC has taken in the adoption and introduction of DigitalGlobe imagery.

PCC renews call for self-determination in the Pacific

SUVA, Fiji --- Pacific Island countries must be commended for their work which has seen Maohi Nui (French Polynesia) return to the United Nations’ list of territories for re-inscription.

PCC calls for halt to seabed mining

SUVA, Fiji --- The Pacific Conference of Churches has renewed its call for a stop to all sea bed mining research in line with a resolution by regional church leaders in Honiara last month.

Fiji seeks China support in PIDF

SUVA, Fiji ---- Fiji is seeking China’s support to establish the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) Secretariat.

FNPF extends amnesty

Fiji employers who have not paid their workers FNPF contributions have been given one more month to pay up or else face penalties.

Fiji steadfast in its vision to form a new constitution and hold national elections

BEIJING, China --- Fiji's Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama says the government is in the process of completing open dialogue for the nation's new constitution in preparation for national elections next year.

Securing a Safer Pacific

SUVA, Fiji --- More than thirty officials of Forum and United Nations Member Countries and representatives of civil society attended the ‘Security Sector Governance in the Pacific’ meeting that was convened jointly by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Centre in Suva, Fiji ...

Supporting sustainable and universal access to energy in the Marshall Islands

SUVA, Fiji --- Following the presentation of his diplomatic credentials to the President of Marshall Islands, Christopher Loeak, the new Ambassador of the European Union for the Pacific, Andrew Jacobs and Marshall Islands Finance Minister, Dennis Momotaro signed a financing agreement that provides the Marshall Islands with an additional EURO ...

Sugar plea

NADI, Fiji ---- Fiji's Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama has urged the European Union (EU)to give the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) sugar-producing countries quotas for five more years to enable countries such as Fiji to better prepare themselves for global challenges and price fluctuations in the future.

Fiji spectrum auction

Dionisia Tabureguci

Twenty One lots of spectrum space are up for grabs for companies wishing to use or sublet portions of Fiji’s spectrum space for the provision of 4th generation (4G) mobile telephone services.

SPC divisions collaborate to develop local pilot training tool

SUVA, Fiji --- Local pilots play an important role in the safe passage of container ships and other large vessels into and out of Pacific ports. Foreign shipmasters rely on pilots for their local knowledge of depths, currents, locations of wrecks, reefs, navigation aids, and other potential obstacles.

Pacific tells EU – conclude EPA or we’re out

Samisoni Pareti

‘We have done everything possible .. but there seems to be no end to the question and answer session’ – Pacific spokesperson to EU Trade Commissioner

Fiji News USP VC cleared of allegations

SUVA, Fiji ---- The Vice Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific, Professor Rajesh Chandra, has been cleared off allegations of corruption and abuse of authority.

Vatican made right choice

SUVA, Fiji --- The Vatican has made a wise choice in appointing Father Peter Loy Chong Archbishop of Suva, says Pacific Conference of Churches general secretary Reverend Francois Pihaatae.

Fiji soldiers bound for Golan mission

SUVA, Fiji --- The Republic of Fiji Military Forces will be sending its first batch of soldiers to Golan Heights soon.

No push for Fiji to rejoin Pacific Islands Forum, Commonwealth, says Ratu Inoke

SUVA, Fiji ---- Fiji has no plans to push for readmission to the Pacific Island Forum.

EU, UK reaffirms Fiji support

SUVA, Fiji --- The Head of the European Union (EU) delegation in the Pacific Andrew Jacobs says the European Union has been a long term development partner to Fiji providing real benefits for the country and its people and will continue to do so.

Fiji Government saves 24 children from child labour

SUVA, Fiji -- Fiji's government successfully withdrew 24 children from the clutches of child labour in the first five months of this year.

NAM links growing for Fiji

SUVA, Fiji --- Fiji is growing closer to the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) compared to its historical links to the Commonwealth.

New benchmark for Fiji’s tourism earnings

SUVA, Fiji --- Fiji’s earnings from tourism for 2012 are estimated at $1.3 billion.

Fiji's Electronic voter registration going strong

SUVA, Fiji ---- Phase III of electronic voter registration (EVR) started strong last week, as Fijians travelled to registration centres across the country.

New Caledonia Congress probes sacking of top tax official

SUVA, Fiji ---- New Caledonia’s Congress has decided to set up a commission of inquiry into this week’s sacking of the head of the tax administration, Stephanie Boiteux.

Lau reefs under the spotlight

Robert Matau

A combined team of local and international scientists together with local villagers and chiefs of the Lau group are embarking on a research of reefs in the Lau group, which should enable them to assess stocks of exploited marine organisms like beche de mer.

Goodbye Air Pacific... Hello Fiji Airways!

Air Pacific will change its name and start trading as ‘Fiji Airways’ on June 27. Returning to its 1958 name, the switch-over marks another important milestone in the airline’s turnaround. Customers have already been able to experience a “sneak peak” of our new A330 aircraft with their new state of ...

Fiji soldiers to be deployed to Golan heights soon: UN

SUVA, Fiji ---Fiji Peacekeepers could be the first to feel the brunt of any spill-over from the civil war in Syria if the situation between the Israeli and Syria governments near the border at the Golan Heights is not resolved.

518,148 voters registered in Fiji

SUVA, Fiji --- A total of 13,112 Fijians have registered to vote into the third phase of electronic voter registration (EVR) bringing to 518,148 the total number of registered voters.

Churches say no to mining research in the Pacific

SUVA, Fiji --- The Pacific must not be allowed to become a testing ground for deep sea mining and regional governments must stop issuing licences immediately.

Fiji’s Social Democratic Liberal Party to select interim board

SUVA, Fiji ---Fiji’s Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) will be meeting this Thursday to discuss the party constitution and select an interim board.

Pacific Conference of Churches congratulates Vanuatu MP for mining stand

SUVA, Fiji --- Pacific leaders should follow the example of Vanuatu Lands Minister Ralph Regenvanu and introduce legislation which will protect communities from the ravages of extractive industry.

Drug import rises in Fiji, FRCA beefs up borders

FIJI TIMES

SUVA, Fiji (FIJI TIMES) ---- The Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority has confirmed the importation of drugs and other contraband through Suva's wharves.

Australia extends partnership with USP

SUVA, Fiji (USP) -- A special function to mark the one-year partnership extension for the year 2013 between the University of the South Pacific and Australia was held on 30 January.

Violence against women in Fiji touches all aspect of women's lives, survey finds

FWCC

SUVA, Fiji (FWCC) --- A national survey of women in Fiji has found that more than three in five (64% of women) who had ever been in a relationship have experienced physical or sexual violence or both by a husband or intimate partner.

Beddoes to join newly proposed SDL

FIJI LIVE

SUVA, Fiji (FIJI LIVE) ---- Former United People’s Party President Mick Beddoes is intending to apply for a membership with the newly proposed Social Democratic Liberal Party (SDL).

Cook Islands MP criticises leader for Fiji stance

RADIO AUSTRALIA

RAROTONGA, Cook Islands (RADIO AUSTRALIA) --- Cook Islands MP, Norman George, has criticised his country's prime minister for being soft on Fiji's government.

We will not support any party: Fiji Military

SUVA, Fiji (FIJI LIVE) ---- Fiji's military as an institution will not support any political party even if Prime Minister and Army Commander Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama decides to form a party.

Fiji misses its own draft constitution deadline

RADIO AUSTRALIA

SUVA, Fiji (RADIO AUSTRALIA) --- The Fijian Government has missed a self-imposed deadline to present its new draft constitution.

Top global banks to fund new Air Pacific aircraft

Air Pacific, Fiji’s national carrier soon to be flying as ‘Fiji Airways’ has announced that following the conclusion of a highly competitive bidding process, it had selected two major international aviation banks for European export credit financing for its three new A330-200 aircraft. The two banks are German-based: KfW IPEX-Bank ...

Australia may lose Fiji influence: Rabuka

AAP

SYDNEY, Australia (AAP) - Australia will lose its political and strategic influence in Fiji if it doesn't restore good relations as soon as possible, the Pacific nation's former prime minister says.

An emerging chasm in Pacific integration

Professor Wadan Narsey

The Forum Secretariat is currently coordinating a review of The Pacific Plan, while the MSG Secretariat is coordinating a review of the Melanesian Spearhead Group to chart a way forward for the next twenty five years.

Fiji suicide concern

RADIO AUSTRALIA

SUVA, Fiji ----- There is major concern over the continuing high rate of suicides in Fiji, particularly by young people.

KOICA-sponsored Project to Fight Against Tuberculosis in Fiji

KOREAN EMBASSY

SUVA, Fiji---- Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Korean NGO, ‘World Zero Tuberculosis (TB) Movement’ will implement the project on the capacity building of TB control services in the Northern division of Fiji, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Fiji and World Health Organisation-South ...

Interpol chief commends Fiji’s leadership in the region

SUVA, Fiji ----- Fiji’s presence and contribution towards the efforts International Criminal Police Organization’s (INTERPOL) in the region was praised by the Secretary General of INTERPOL Ronal Noble.

Fiji ‘Commit’ to end gender-based violence

FIJI LIVE

SUVA, Fiji---- Fiji underlined its commitment to put an end to gender-based violence by signing a global ‘Commit’ campaign Wednesday becoming the first of 27 countries to do so.

Fiji Methodists keen to hold AGM, fundraising

FIJI LIVE

SUVA, Fiji---- The Methodist Church of Fiji is hoping to hold its Annual General Meeting with its fundraising this year.

USP Kiribati campus first to be upgraded

RNZI

SUVA, Fiji ---- The head of the University of the South Pacific says Kiribati will be the first to benefit from an upgrade to tertiary education planned for the region over the next six years.

Claims of Fiji torture not isolated - Amnesty

TVNZ

WELLINGTON, New Zealand ----Amnesty International says video appearing to show the vicious beating of two Fijian prisoners is just one of several cases it is aware of.

National Council of Women Plans ‘Nite Mart at the Park’ for International Women’s Day

NCW

SUVA, Fiji --- Economic empowerment is this year’s National Council of Women’s International Women’s Day celebrations focus says NCW general secretary, Fay Volatabu.

62 newly-detected cases in Fiji takes HIV/AIDS numbers to 482

FIJI TIMES

SUVA, Fiji ---- Sixty-two new HIV/AIDS cases were confirmed in Fiji last year, bringing the total number of people living with HIV/AIDS since 1989 to 482.

Shameem is Fiji’s Goodwill Ambassador for Women

FIJI LIVE

SUVA, Fiji ---- Former Director of Public Prosecutions and first female High Court judge Nazhat Shameem has been named Fiji’s very first Goodwill Ambassador for Women.

Fiji police order women march ban

FAIRFAX NZ

SUVA, Fiji --- Just days after a graphic video of prisoners being severely beaten, Fiji police have ordered a ban on a street march planned for the capital, Suva today.

Fiji urges EU to conclude EPA

NADI, Fiji (MINFO) ---- Fiji has called on the European Union (EU) to meet the June deadline established by the Pacific ACP to conclude its comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the EU.

Senior Forum Secretariat officials breach work visa, told to leave the country

PACNEWS

SUVA, Fiji---- Reports have surfaced that the region’s premier political body the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat is employing two senior officers with expired work visas in Fiji.

Fiji's Permanent Secretary for Justice resigns

MINFO

SUVA, Fiji ---- Fiji's acting Permanent secretary for Justice, Mere Vuniwaqa, has resigned for personal reasons.

Fiji’s draft constitution ready: PM Bainimarama

FIJI VILLAGE

SUVA, Fiji ----The Fijian government has already prepared a draft constitution that will be presented to the Constituent Assembly.

Strengthening Melanesia to fight climate change

MINFO

NADI, Fiji ---- The Fiji government is looking forward to the appointment of a Climate Change Advisor to strengthen the MSG secretariat’s role in addressing this issue.

Leadership crucial: Fiji PM

FIJI SUN

SUVA, Fiji --- Fiji needs new political parties with new leadership, Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama says as the country prepares for the 2014 General Election.

Bainimarama stands by Fiji Police

FIJI LIVE

SUVA, Fiji --- Fiji’s Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama says no one condones prisoner brutality, but he stands by his men as they do a job "for you and your family".

Fiji to establish Accountability and Transparency Commission: AG

SUVA, Fiji --- Accountability and Transparency Commission will be set up by the Fiji government in the next three months.

New name for vessel to the serve the region

FIJI TIMES

SUVA, Fiji --- Fiji President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has officially renamed the container vessel Reef Nauru, the Mana.

Fiji's foreign ministry seeks media assistance in climate change

MINFO

SUVA, Fiji ----- Fiji's Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its Climate Change Unit has sought the assistance of the media to educate Fijians on issues pertaining to climate change.

Fiji and Tuvalu develop fisheries and trade

MINFO

SUVA, Fiji --- Co-operation between Fiji and Tuvalu on fisheries issues will be further developed.

Proposed Fiji Labour Party legal challenge of Political Party decree dismissed

FIJI VILLAGE

SUVA, Fiji --- High Court Judge, Justice Anjala Wati has dismissed the proposed Fiji Labour Party’s case against the Registration of Political Parties Decree.

SOPAC role in Lockheed seabed mineral bid queried

RADIO AUSTRALIA

SUVA, Fiji ---- The Pacific's peak geoscience advisory body has been accused of assisting United States aerospace giant Lockheed Martin in negotiations for Fiji's new draft decree on seafloor mining.

Global Human Development Report Offers Opportunities for Pacific Islands to Gain from the South-South

NADI, Fiji --- The Pacific region can take appropriate actions to advance human development, as outlined in the 2013 Human Development Report—The Rise of the South: Human Progress in a Diverse World.

PNG supports Fiji's leadership: Sir Michael Somare

SUVA, Fiji ----Papua New Guinea’s first and longest-serving prime minister, Sir Michael Somare, says their stance on Fiji remains the same – they support Fiji’s leadership.

Sir Michael Somare challenges MSG to change ‘arc of instability’ tag

SUVA, Fiji ---- Papua New Guinea’s founding Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare has challenged the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) to change the label of being an ‘arc of instability’ to that of being an ‘arc of prosperity.’

MSG to step up efforts on Kanak independence and revisit nuclear free Pacific, says Sir Michael Somare

SUVA, Fiji ---- The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) should focus its energy and limited resources on a few things it can do well, says former PNG Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare.

Fiji army will respect elected government, says colonel

SUVA, Fiji ---- A senior officer in Fiji's military has rejected any criticism in a recent study indicating many Fijians want a smaller army with no political role.

Fijians maybe involved in human trafficking overseas

SUVA, Fiji --- The Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit suspects people from Fiji may be involved in human trafficking abroad.

Fiji committed to labour mobility

SUVA, Fiji --- Fiji and other Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) countries need to build better relations and share knowledge amongst each other, says National Employment Centre chief executive Vilimone Baleidrokadroka.

Fiji Airways first Airbus A330 will boost tourism: Fiji President

NADI, Fiji ----- The arrival of Air Pacific’s new A330-200 Airbus will enable Fiji to expand and sustain its connections to countries with a high number of out-bound tourists, says Fiji President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.

Mining to replace logging: Solomons Finance Minister

NADI, Fiji--- Solomon Islands Finance Minister Ric Hou says he expects mining to take over from logging as his country's economic mainstay.

Recovering and Sustaining Livelihoods, Communities Continue on Strong After Floods in Fiji

NADI, FIJI --- Flood affected families in Nadi who benefitted from Fiji’s first cash-for-work project to recover from the devastating effects of the twin floods of early 2012, had a first-hand chance to share their stories with Nicholas Rosellini, the UNDP Deputy Assistant Administrator and Deputy Regional Director for Asia ...

MSG needs a new roadmap for the next 25 years

SUVA, Fiji ---- The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) needs a ‘roadmap’ to guide its work for the next 25 years and beyond.

Involve young Melanesians in promoting culture and heritage

SUVA, Fiji ---- The manager of the Pacific Heritage Hub has called on the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) countries Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and the Kanaks of New Caledonia to involve young Melanesians in promoting their culture and heritage.

MSG membership crucial for Fiji

SUVA, Fiji --- It wouldn’t have been right for Fiji not to join the Melanesian Spearhead Group when it did in 1996, says then Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

$342m injection into Fiji's economy

SUVA, FIJI --- New Zealand companies injected $342million (US$191 million) into the local economy from 2005 to 2010, adding mileage to its third spot ranking as one of Fiji's top five investors behind China and Australia.

First climate change glossary translated into I Taukei language

SUVA, Fiji---- For the first time in Fiji, three government ministries have worked together to publish a glossary of climate change terms, translated into the iTaukei vernacular language.

Fiji's draft constitution released

SUVA, Fiji ---- Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama released the draft document in Suva, Thursday.

Court vacates April trial date for clerics

SUVA, Fiji --- New trial dates were set yesterday for the case against four senior Methodist Church ministers in Fiji facing charges of organising and participating in an unlawful meeting.

Ratukalou appointed as director of SPC’s Land Resource Division SPC

SUVA, Fiji ---- The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) has announced the appointment of Inoke Ratukalou from Fiji as its new Director of the Land Resources Division.

Proposed NFP in Fiji optimistic with release of draft constitution

SUVA, Fiji ---- The president of the proposed National Federation Party in Fiji says he is happy a draft constitution has been released.

Draft constitution way forward for new Fiji: PM

SUVA, Fiji ---- Fiji's Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says the draft Constitution spells the way forward for a new Fiji.

PM to resign as army commander in 2014 polls

SUVA, Fiji --- Fiji's Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says he will resign as army commander to contest the 2014 elections.

Referendum needed for any amendment

SUVA, Fiji ---- Any amendments to Fiji’s new constitution will have to be approved by majority of the registered voters and parliament.

People to people connection very important: Miles

SUVA, Fiji ---- The Acting Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, Glenn Miles told a gathering of Australia Award scholars that people to people connection is very important.

Dalo beetle threat in Fiji

SUVA, Fiji --- The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji has warned that the country could face losses of up to $21million (US$11.7 million) in export earnings if the spread of dalo beetles is not arrested.

Castaway Island Resort back in business

SUVA, Fiji --- The Castaway Island Resort has successfully bounced back from the $6million (US$3.3 million) loss incurred by Tropical Cyclone Evan in December.

Church leaders failed to adress climate Change: IUCN

SIGATOKA, Fiji --- Church leaders have failed to step up to the challenge of climate change, says Taholo Kami, Regional Director for Oceania Program of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Pressure from big investors a threat to Environment

SIGATOKA, Fiji --- Double standards by key organizations and pressure from big investors pose a major threat to the environment, religious leaders were told at a stewardship summit Tuesday.

Seawalls are not an option to stop rising sea levels

SIGATOKA, Fiji --- Seawalls are not an option to stop rising sea levels and villagers threatened by climate change must be relocated, religious leaders have been told.

Women played an integral part in the success of environmental conservation

SIGATOKA, Fiji ---Women played an integral part in the success of environmental conservation projects in Fiji's Northern Division.

Sea walls not an option: Nayasi

Netani Rika

SEAWALLS are not an option to stop rising sea levels and villagers threatened by climate change must be relocated, religious leaders have been told.

Fiji’s youth must find a place in the protection of the environment

SIGATOKA, Fiji --- Religious leaders have been challenged to involve young people in discussions on important social issues such as the environment and extractive industries.

Fiji’s Environment Department needs more resources: President Nailatikau

SIGATOKA, Fiji ---Fiji’s Department of Environment lags behind in balancing, enforcing and monitoring the environmental trade-offs of the pace of national social and economic development, says President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.

Misrepresentation of draft Constitution concerns Fiji PM

SUVA, Fiji --- Fiji’s Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama is concerned that some individuals and non-government organisations are trying to misrepresent and mislead the public about the draft constitution.

How effective are the watchdogs?

Professor Wadan Narsey

The Commerce Commission of Fiji (CCOF) is charged with fostering competition in the Fiji economy and discouraging non-competitive behaviour or the abuse of "substantial market power".

Make submissions, ex PM Qarase urges all Fijians

SUVA, Fiji ---- Fiji’s former Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase who was released from prison yesterday is calling on all Fijians to make their submissions on the new draft Constitution.

Faith-based Organisation Environment Stewardship Summit highlights

SIGATOKA, Fiji -- Poaching of Marine Protected Areas is a concern to coastal village communities.

Fiji draft Constitution has mechanisms to avoid coups: AG

SUVA, Fiji ---- Fiji's draft Constitution has a lot of mechanisms to prevent future coups in Fiji, says Attorney General and Minister for Elections, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

Fiji Airways tops aircraft livery

SUVA, Fiji --- Fiji Airways has been crowned top choice among the amazing six airlines of the Pacific Rim that have made it into top 10 this year for its stunning livery.

Fiji govt to work closely with fisheries agency

SUVA, Fiji ---- National observers will now have a clear guideline on the monitoring, control and surveillance of licensed long line fishing boats in Fiji.

UNFPA boosts decentralized obstetric care

SUVA, Fiji --- The provision of effective care for women in need of maternal health services was boosted this week with the handing over of emergency obstetric care (EmOC) equipment on Thursday to the Ministry of Health (MOH) from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Fiji Electoral Commission will be set up after Constitution is adopted

SUVA, Fiji -- Fiji’s Electoral Commission will be set up once the new Constitution is in place.

All Fijians protected in draft Constitution, Decree challenge provision excluded: PM

SUVA, Fiji ---- Fiji's Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama refutes claims that the draft Constitution gives too much power to the next Prime Minister.

Bainimarama defends his government

SUVA, Fiji--- Fiji's Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama has defended his government’s position on the transfer of land in Momi.

Selling safe sex

SUVA, Fiji ---At church, at the dinner table, at work or at school, we are surrounded by HIV prevention messages, and many of us have heard the common refrain: Abstain, Be Faithful, Use a Condom, otherwise known as ‘ABC’.

Report calls for improved inter-ethnic relations in Fiji

SUVA, Fiji ---A new report on Fiji's inter-ethnic relations says decrees and constitutional clauses for equality are not enough to force change in the country.

Tourism Fiji to boycott Bula Fiji Tourism Exchange

SUVA, Fiji --- Fiji's official tourism body is boycotting an event aimed at luring Australians to the Pacific, claiming it may instead encourage holidaymakers away from Fiji.

Bring back Ghai draft – United Front

SUVA, Fiji ----Representatives of the group known as the United Front for a Democratic Fiji has proposed for the reinstatement of the Yash Ghai Commission’s draft constitution.

Fiji government extends constitution consultation deadline

SUVA, Fiji ---- The deadline for submissions on Fiji's draft constitution has been extended by four days.

Pacific ministers concerned at Fiji developments

SUVA, Fiji ---Ministers from the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) expressed concern about the Fiji government’s recent actions Friday and stressed elections scheduled to be held next year must be free and fair.

Fiji govt says Ghai draft had multiple flaws

SUVA, Fiji --- The Fiji government says the draft constitution, written by the Yash Ghai led Constitution Commission, did not capture the views of the majority of people in Fiji.

Fiji still needs to do a lot to attract film makers

SUVA, Fiji --- A professor from University of Hawaii believes Fijians have an opportunity to recognize the potential contributions that movie-making can make to the economy.

Fiji President opens Pacific aid consultations

NADI, Fiji ---Fiji's President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau opened a regional consultation on HIV and AIDS in Nadi today.

PNG pledges $40 million to help run Fiji elections

SUVA, Fiji ---- Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Peter O’ Neill has Tuesday announced that PNG will provide K50million (FJD$40.36million) to assist Fiji prepare for elections in 2014.

Former Fiji PM suggests referendum on draft

SUVA, Fiji --- A former prime minister of Fiji, Mahendra Chaudhry, says the regime’s draft constitution should be to put to a referendum.

Pacific region faces seabed mining challenge

Cristelle Maurin*

Minerals, such as rare earth metals, are increasingly becoming an important commodity in a resource-constrained world economy. As a result new frontiers both onshore and offshore, to the depths of the ocean, are emerging around the world.

Pacific region faces seabed mining challenge

Cristelle Maurin*

Minerals, such as rare earth metals, are increasingly becoming an important commodity in a resource-constrained world economy. As a result new frontiers both onshore and offshore, to the depths of the ocean, are emerging around the world.

Proposed political parties in Fiji given more time

SUVA, Fiji --- The proposed Fiji Labour Party has been given more time to respond to impersonation allegations by some of their field officers.

Regional workshop to combat Human Trafficking

NADI, Fiji --- U.S Ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu Frankie Reed opened a three-day regional workshop today on combating human trafficking and child sex tourism.

Fiji’s albacore gets into European markets

MSC certification has landed Fiji Albacore Tuna on the European stage: In a world-first, international seafood supplier Anova Seafood brings the first MSC labeled tuna from Fiji to Europe.

Fiji's Fashion Week in doubt

SUVA, Fiji ---- The prospects for Fiji Fashion Week in 2013 are in serious doubt because of a lack of support from sponsors even after financial contribution from naming rights sponsor MHCC.

NFP, FLP AND SODELPA registered as political parties in Fiji

SUVA, Fiji --- Fiji's Registrar for Political Parties, Mohammed Saneem, announced today that the National Federation Party (NFP), the Fiji Labour Party (FLP) and the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) have been registered under the Political Parties Decree.

MSG EPG commends PRNGOS for successful discussions

SUVA, Fiji --- Pacific Regional Non-Governmental Organisations (PRNGOS) came away delighted from initial contact and discussions with the visiting Melanesian Spearhead Group Eminent Persons Group in Suva Wednesday.

MSG must enhance Pacific well-being - Eafeare

SUVA, Fiji --- The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) vision should be geared towards securing a healthy, wealthy and prosperous region, says Papua New Guinea High Commissioner to Fiji, Peter Eafeare.

New Fiji constitution out soon

SUVA, Fiji --- Fiji’s Attorney General and Minister for Election Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the focus is now on the compilation of the country’s new constitution.

Fiji's new constitution by June: Bainimarama

SUVA, Fiji --- Fiji’s Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama hopes to have a new constitution by June.

Fiji's democracy efforts praised

SUVA, Fiji --- Former Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands Manasseh Sogavare says the Solomon Islands is satisfied that Fiji is on the right track to democracy.

G77 to discuss South-South cooperation

SUVA, Fiji --- The G77 high-level panel meeting which commences in Fiji on Tuesday will discuss creative ways in which the 132 developing countries can engage and cooperate.

Task force onto Chinese immigrants in Fiji

SUVA, Fiji --- The Fiji Transnational Crime Unit will start monitoring the movement of Chinese immigrants in the country, its leader, Savenaca Tuivaga said.

Fiji Government on track for 2014 elections: AG

SUVA, Fiji --- No dates have been finalised on when Fiji will go to the polls next year.

Vanuatu PM pays courtesy call to Fiji PM, G77 delegates arriving in Fiji

SUVA, Fiji -- Fiji's Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama Monday received his Vanuatu counterpart, Prime Minister Moana Kalosil Carcasses.

Capacity training to boost Foreign Development Investment in the Pacific

NADI, Fiji --- The South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) hopes a two day capacity building workshop in Nadi, Fiji will help investment promotion agencies and investment units contribute to boosting Foreign Direct Investment and economic growth in Pacific Island Countries.

Fiji moots UN system restructure

Samisoni Pareti

NATADOLA, Fiji -- Fiji's Prime Minister and current chair of the Group of 77 Frank Bainimarama has spoken about the need to change the development system of the United Nations.

UNFPA Chief positive about Fiji’s elections outcome

SUVA, Fiji -- The Under-Secretary of the United Nations Dr Babatunde Osotimehin says the UN is positive about Fiji’s elections in 2014

G77 Chair calls on member states to work together

NATADOLA, Fiji --- Fiji’s Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama urged representatives from 15 countries gathered at the Group of 77 meeting currently underway in Natadola to work together to address issues facing member states.

Kiribati President express interest in joining G77

NATADOLA, Fiji --- Kiribati has expressed its desire to take up membership of the G77 to strengthen its position on the global stage.

G77 talks on climate change

NATADOLA, Fiji --- The effects of climate change, poverty, resource depletion and gender equality dominated the first session of talks at the Group of 77 countries High Level Panel of Eminent Personalities of the South meeting, held at Natadola Tuesday.

Solomon Islands commends Fiji's chairmanship of G77

NATADOLA, Fiji --- Fiji’s chairmanship of the largest voting bloc within the United Nations, the G77, was commended today by the Solomon Islands.

PNG Finance Minister urges G77s to unite

NATADOLA, Fiji --- Papua New Guinea's Minister for Finance James Marape Tuesday urged members of the G77 and China to work together to achieve their development goals.

Rotuma poised to help Tuvalu over food security

AHAU, Rotuma--- Fiji’s furthest flung island Rotuma is poised to start exporting food and water to Tuvalu and other countries in the northern Pacific.

Ageing population not a worry :

SUVA, Fiji --- Fiji and other Pacific islands should not worry about its population ageing facing advanced economies, says Australia’s Griffith University Professor Ross Guest.

Elections registration re-commences

SUVA, Fiji --- Fiji's Elections Ministry will start a campaign from today to encourage people to register in the third round of Electronic Voter Registrations.

May 2013

Cover of May 2013 edition of Islands Business magazine

Climate Refugees?

Samisoni Pareti

More coastal villages may have to relocate due to eroding shorelines and coastal flooding

Climate science must listen to indigenous voices

One of my most cherishable memories at the University of the South Pacific is that of a visit to the journalism students’ newsroom by a small group of quaintly dressed people, some of them wearing heavy furs and thick skintight leather jackets, rugged blankets and heavy boots. And it was ...

The business of sandalwood

Kameli Rakoko

The revitalisation of the country’s oldest overseas trade is an ambitious project that could shake the very root of the Fijian economy and catapult the earning power of Fijian landowners to a level never experienced before. This could earn the country millions and even billions of dollars in the next ...

Pension funds eye regional markets

Dionisia Tabureguci

An offshore investment made by pension funds in the Pacific does not only have to mean diversifying to the more developed Western or Asian economies.

FISHERIES COUP

Rewritten by Dionisia Tabureguci

After years of effort to get Fiji tuna caught using longline fishing method to carry MSC certification, the first taste for European consumers carrying the coveted label will hit their stores in June. This follows the launch of the Fiji albacore tuna range by global seafood supplier Anova Seafood at ...

April 2013

Cover of April 2013 edition of Islands Business magazine

Mobiles to help Fiji farmers Could be operational by the mid-2013

Robert Matau

Joji Nava is a 21-year old from Namarai Village in Nakorotubu, Ra on the western side of Fiji’s main island Viti Levu. Dropping out of school in 2010, he decided to return to his village to start subsistence farming to help feed his family. People on that side of the ...

Financial education in Fiji schools

‘The inability to grasp simple concepts like calculating interest, planning a budget, computing tax payments, investing wisely, discerning between competing financial offerings such as mortgages besides other financial concepts can put individuals at a distinct disadvantage and set them on a path to financial ruin despite being educated’

March 2013

Cover of March 2013 edition of Islands Business magazine

USP needs $242m to implement Strategic Plan

Robert Matau

The University of the South Pacific will require $242 million to finance its Strategic Plan which aims to focus on meeting the needs of the region.

The road to 2014 elections

Rowan Callick

Is Fiji now finally in transition towards a new government, after more than six years of military rule? Frustratingly for many, it’s still too soon to tell. Much controversy has been stirred up this year so far, within the country and overseas, about the drafting of a new constitution and ...

State-Owned Enterprises a drag

Davendra Sharma

Low productivity in state-owned enterprises is inhibiting growth in the poor islands countries, a leading regional development assistance advocate has cautioned.

Fiji traders can trade directly in Chinese Yuan

Robert Matau

Fiji companies trading with China stand to benefit immensely from the ANZ Bank’s Renminbi Trading Platform. Launched recently in Suva, the platform now means Fiji traders won’t have to convert their cash into US dollars and then convert it again into Chinese currency—termed as double conversion.

New rules of play

Dionisia Tabureguci

Over the next few weeks, political groupings formed under the new Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Decree 2013 will be applying to register as hopeful new political parties aspiring to contest the next national election, scheduled for September next year.

February 2013

Cover of February 2013 edition of Islands Business magazine

What pensioners can expect under the new scheme

Dionisia Tabureguci

A mere $5 a month from the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) as pension annuity payout for some of its members is almost a joke. But this has long been the harsh reality for the nation’s only superannuation fund that caters for the country’s working population.

Raising the Pacific’s profile

Fiji will take on its role as chair of G77—a significant group of developing nations from across the world—this year. It was elected to the post on September 28 last year at the United Nations in New York.

January 2013

Cover of January 2013 edition of Islands Business magazine

EU warns Fiji, Vanuatu for illegal fishing

Dionisia Tabureguci

As the European Union (EU) takes Fiji and Vanuatu to task for having weak laws to tackle illegal fishing, international environmental campaigner Greenpeace has urged the EU to also set a good example and support local fish conservation efforts while fishing in the Pacific.

Preparedness is key in natural disasters: World Bank

Dionisia Tabureguci & Davendra Sharma

As more and more weather systems develop over the next few months with potential to become full-blown cyclones that can ravage vulnerable islands countries in the Pacific and do untold damage to properties and lives, the importance of disaster preparedness is as critical as ever.

Schoolie’s death a concern

Davendra Sharma

Deaths of young school-leavers partying after their exams in Australia has been alarming everyone in recent years but an incident in Fiji last month has sparked furore among parents.

ATH to fully own FINTEL

Dionisia Tabureguci

Finally official in Fiji is the proposed sale by the Fiji government of its shares in FINTEL (Fiji International Telecommunications Ltd) to Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (ATH).

3Cs in PTC ‘13

Dionisia Tabureguci

Capacity, Capability and Collaboration will prominently feature in this month’s Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC) conference in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Coca-Cola PNG profit up, Fiji down

Davendra Sharma

Fiji and New Zealand handed Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) a severe blow in their 2012 profit results with both countries noticeably losing sales and demand for alcohol and beverages due to economic slowdown.

New Players, Challenges Vision

Nic Maclellan

Last month, Sir Mekere Morauta launched a new website, calling for public submissions into his review of the Pacific Plan. Over the next eight months, the former Papua New Guinea Prime Minister will lead a team around the region to look at the plan, which is supposed to set priorities ...

Canberra unleashes new moves to Fiji, PNG

Davendra Sharma

Canberra began 2013 by restoring full diplomatic ties with Suva and urging Australian businesses to capitalise on impending boom in Papua New Guinea. Several senior Australian government ministers landed in PNG last month on separate occasions seeking closer ties.

December 2012

Cover of December 2012 edition of Islands Business magazine

Competition rears ugly head

Robert Matau

Friendly competition between two Melanesian airlines has turned sour after one government closed its door on cooperation.

Red alert on Fiji's Fish, Sugar

Dionisia Tabureguci & Robert Matau

A red alert is on for two of Fiji’s major export commodities—fish, which earns around $200 million in foreign exchange annually—and sugar, which rakes in around $100 million a year.

Iliesa Delana: Our 2012 Person of the Year

Peter Rees

The London Olympics had just finished. Our medal hopes were dashed yet again, or so we thought. The Paralympics that followed barely rated a mention with little television coverage.

What actually happened at the PNG PACP meeting

Laisa Taga, Editor-in-Chief

So the PACP (Pacific group of the African, Caribbean, Pacific group of states) leaders have spoken. They have made their point loud and clear: They’ve had enough of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS). They want Fiji back into the PACP fold. Plus, they want to handle all EPA (a ...

Fiji’s IAMS a trendsetter

Robert Matau

Aviation agencies around the world have been talking about how the Integrated Aviation Management System or IAMS has made their work more efficient.

November 2012

Cover of November 2012 edition of Islands Business magazine

Light at the end of the tunnel for St John?

Kameli Rakoko

Tucked among the trees in a little corner of Toorak in Suva, the headquarters of St John Association of Fiji (used to be known as St John Ambulance), may at first glance seem insignificant to a visitor from outside Suva or Viti Levu.

Easing strict labour conditions

‘Fiji’s poor citizens have missed out on a huge opportunity to better their living standards because of these illogically unreasonable restrictions that ostensibly are aimed at hurting the interim administration. While it has made little difference to the administration, it has hurt people badly by keeping them out of the ...

October 2012

Cover of October 2012 edition of Islands Business magazine

The Fourth Estate stoush

The media's role is said to be to hold a mirror to the government and to society without fear or favour. But Pacific media practitioners and academics are doing a disservice to their professions and to media consumers at large as they continue blackening one other's faces putting their narrow ...

Now it's coming out…

Laisa Taga, Editor-in-chief

It is now a month since the Leaders Summit in Rarotonga and things that were hushed up during the meeting are now beginning to come out.

Expand Fairtrade in Fiji sugar industry

Fairtrade certification of sugar cane in Vanua Levu, Fiji, is producing significant economic benefits, according to a new study by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC).

Australia's Flight Centre eyes Fiji

Davendra Sharma

Leading Australian travel operator, Flight Centre, has listed Fiji as one of its target business expansions over the next five years as it foresees phenomenal growth in both leisure and corporate travels.

September 2012

Cover of September 2012 edition of Islands Business magazine

Island Brewing's 'Green Turtle' travels globally

Island Brewing Company has added three new export markets—Japan, Hawaii and California—taking the number of export markets to a total of six. These partnerships are pivotal for the company and will increase export production ten-fold over the next five years.

Stand on their Own2Feet

Hilary Billings

It was a typical Monday on the Coral Coast. Waves rose and crashed out on the reef. A bleach blonde Californian fiddled with a camera, his surfboards stacked a few hundred feet away in the sand. His brother and their friend chatted with a local villager, discussing plans for the ...

August 2012

Cover of August 2012 edition of Islands Business magazine

Drugs danger in Oceania

Davendra Sharma

A resurgence of use of cannabis in Fiji and three American Pacific islands territories has the United Nations alarmed and looking for solutions.

Cricket: A pathway for Pacific youth

Adam Cassidy

Not many tourists associate the sport of cricket with Fiji. To most ‘outsiders,’ sport in the Pacific usually refers to rugby or to a lesser extent football.

Visible signs of changing positions

‘These announcements reflect the rising confidence of New Zealand and Australia that the Fiji leadership is on the right track, although they couldn’t be caught dead saying it in so many words in the media. In their pronouncements, both countries have been cautious. Despite their financial commitments, they still continue ...

July 2012

Cover of July 2012 edition of Islands Business magazine

Air Vanuatu’s new service

Robert Matau

Air Vanuatu has scored a major victory. From July 1, it will be flying its 68-seater ATR72-500 aircraft once a week from Port Vila to Nausori Airport, Fiji’s second international airport, and back to Port Vila.

AFL: A goldmine?

Dionisia Tabureguci

One of the first things that struck Tony Gollin when he joined Airports Fiji Ltd (AFL) last October as its chief executive officer was what he called “its enormous potential”.

Niu Health giving hope to women Savusavu

Susan Eames

In October 2010, Peace Corps volunteer Michelle Ferreira showed three women in Wailevu village on Vanua Levu how to make virgin coconut oil.

More land to cater for rural-urban drift

www.xinhuanet.com

Fiji’s Central Division, where the capital Suva is located, will be allocated more housing lots in the coming years to accommodate the growing number of people moving from the rural to the urban areas.

June 2012

Cover of June 2012 edition of Islands Business magazine

The ‘Shares’ Battle

Samisoni Pareti

Expect a ‘tit for tat’ battle between Australia’s mega-carrier Qantas and Fiji’s Air Pacific to get messy, observers have warned.

Move to democracy picks up pace

Ricardo Morris

The Pacific Islands Forum Ministerial Contact Group (MCG) on Fiji has acknowledged the country is “in transition” towards democracy following its third visit in early May—its first in three years.

Diplomatic expectations raised and dashed

Dr Michael O’Keefe

Last month’s Ministerial Contact Group (MCG) meeting was a potential game changer that ended up simply reaffirming the sanctions status quo.

Reviving Kava

Dionisia Tabureguci

If the mana in kava still packs a punch, it is sorely needed. The Pacific’s kava producing nations are engaged in yet another rescue mission to save once and for all the reputation of this commodity.

French BRED Bank eyes the Pacific

Robert Matau

Expect new money (new credit) into Fiji’s financial system when the new commercial French owned Bred Bank begins operation in Fiji in September. Also expect the lowering of interest rates.

Miss World Fiji event mired in controversy

One man’s attempt to propel Fiji onto the international beauty pageant scene through the Miss World franchise in April turned into a curious and messy spectacle. It thrusted the country back into the global news agenda for all the wrong reasons and had the government annoyed at the damage to ...

May 2012

Cover of May 2012 edition of Islands Business magazine

Tapping the PNG market

Dionisia Tabureguci & Robert Matau

Forget China. The next best thing, if you want a new market brimming with more opportunities than you can swallow, is much closer to home than you think.

Cricket: A pathway for Pacific Youth

Adam Cassidy

Not many tourists associate the sport of cricket with Fiji. To most ‘outsiders,’ sport in the Pacific usually refers to rugby, or to a lesser extent football.

Boost private investment for economic resilience

Dr Satish Chand

Economic conditions in Europe and North America remain volatile. It is uncertain economic times and there is little hope of conditions improving soon. The only certainty is that the volatile conditions are likely to remain for the rest of 2012 at least.

April 2012

Cover of April 2012 edition of Islands Business magazine

Fiji eyes ban on shark fishing

Samisoni Pareti

Fiji is the latest Pacific Islands nation eyeing a fishing ban on sharks after Palau and Marshall declared their waters a shark sanctuary.

March 2012

Cover of March 2012 edition of Islands Business magazine

Newcrest hits a snag in proposed Fiji mine

Samisoni Pareti

Plans by Australia’s top miner Newcrest to mine copper and gold in Fiji has hit a snag due to agitation by landowners.

January 2012

Cover of January 2012 edition of Islands Business magazine

CCA within reach of Foster's Pacific business

Dionisia Tabureguci

Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (CCA) expects to complete by the middle of this year any acquisition of businesses relating to the sale of its stake in the Australian-based Pacific Beverages Ltd.

Qantas unlikely to return to islands as a major airline

Davendra Sharma

It seems every corporate big player wants a slice of the big spending cake of Asia. The airlines are no exception.

More than a footnote

Dionisia Tabureguci

Mahendra Dahia, a director in Fiji-based Dahia Shoes, is unmistakably excited.

National Unity Government way forward for Fiji?

Jioji Kotobalavu

The commitment by Fiji’s interim government for a list proportional representation method in the new parliament is welcome news for everyone.

July 2011

Cover of July 2011 edition of Islands Business magazine

Walking the talk

David Sheppard

That message is ringing loud and clear on many different levels.

University aplenty

Samisoni Pareti

For a small islands nation, Fiji has too many universities that are creating waste and un-necessary duplication of roles and courses, a Fiji-born lawyer and former diplomat has said.

World Cup host rolls out red carpet

Peter Rees

Ignore the political sideshows and pre-World Cup scaremongering. The possibility of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga ever hosting a Rugby World Cup maybe slim, but New Zealand hasn’t forgotten its Pacific islands neighbours as the country counts down to hosting this year’s biggest international sporting event in September.