Fiji

Fiji Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed this following a bilateral meetings with PNG Prime Minister James Marape in Suva yesterday.

Rabuka said part of the reason why they had to close the high commission was economic considerations brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

He also said now that they are recovering from that, Fiji is looking at immediately appointing a non-resident High Commissioner to begin negotiations which can only be done after they have a new budget cycle in the middle of the year.

Marape arrived in the country last night for his first official visit.

He paid a courtesy call on the President Ratu WIliame Katonivere this morning.

Marape will have a bilateral meeting with  Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka as well as meet the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Henry Puna today.

Marape will also attend the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Special Leaders retreat in Nadi on Friday.

The next high tide is at 3.42pm (Fiji Time) in Lautoka and 3.45pm (Fiji Time) in Suva.

National Disaster Management Director Vasiti Soko said the periods of heavy rain are expected to persist throughout the country until Sunday.

She said as of this morning, most river levels have already reached or are above their warning level.

Continuous heavy rain is expected to cause the rivers to burst their banks.

Soko said rivers that have already burst their banks are Rakiraki, (Nasivi) Tavua, Ba and Vitogo located on the main island of Viti Levu.

Continuing the theme of “Reflection, Renewal, Celebration”, the Special Leaders Retreat will be held from 23-24 February 2023 in Denarau, Nadi and will focus on Forum solidarity.

The meeting will also see the transition of the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum from Fiji to the Cook Islands. Mark Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands will look to host the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in the fourth quarter of 2023.

“It has been an honour and a privilege for the Government of Fiji to have carried the role of Forum Chair,” said PM Rabuka.

Fiji Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka said he remains committed to working closely with Pacific Islands Forum leaders as he looks forward to welcoming them to the country to celebrate the dawn of a new era.

Rabuka highlighted this in a statement on Pacific solidarity.

He stressed that as the Chair of the Forum, he returns to this leadership role as the oldest leader-in-office regionally, which means he does not have the luxury nor the flexibility to make mistakes.

Attorney General, Siromi Turaga said he needed Lomavatu for the huge task ahead.

He added the new SG comes with massive experience and has moved up the ranks through natural progression.

Turaga said the country will be grateful for the new Solicitor General’s input.

The appointment was made following a meeting of the Judicial Services Commission.

A USAID spokesperson says the grants will help 49 vulnerable communities in Fiji and Samoa.

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency Samoa will receive about $US500,000 from the grant, and Live and Learn Environmental Education Fiji will be given close to a million dollars.

USAID deputy development advisor, Patrick Bowers, said the US government is committed to helping the Pacific's most vulnerable communities.

Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo said it recommends instead the security breaches at the international airport be fixed.

RNZ Pacific reports the commissioner said they only investigate criminal matters and in his view it's a civil matter for failing security at the airport.

The Samoan woman managed to pass through immigration and airport security, got on the Fiji airways aircraft, and hid in the lavatory.

Photo file 

The youngest student is a 13-year-old.

This has been highlighted by the Fiji Police Narcotics Bureau.

The Bureau is hoping that parents will spend more time discussing issues regarding drugs with their children.

“We have a shared responsibility as parents, guardians, community leaders, religious denomination leaders, village elders to nurture our children.”

“It says this includes the monitoring of their activities, behavior and who they associate themselves with.”

The Samoa International Cricket Association has named its Men’s and Women’s team for the tournament in Fiji.

Cricket Fiji will co-host the inaugural Pacific Island Cricket Challenge 2023 with the Australian Defence Force Cricket from 6 to 18 March 2023.

Five men and five women’s teams will participate in the one-week tournament.

The other countries that have confirmed their participation for the competition are Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Fiji and a combined ANZAC team [Australian and New Zealand Defence Force].

Samoa Men’s Team