Loading the latest headlines…
Tuesday, 11 August · updated just now
AI summaryThe Fijian Elections Office apologised after a mock press release about the 2026 General Election was mistakenly circulated by media organisations and shared on social media. The FEO clarified that the announcement was part of an internal dress rehearsal using fictitious information and confirmed no Writ has been issued.
AI summaryThe Lautoka City Council cleared religious and ritual debris, plastic items, and prayer materials that were blocking the flow of a river beneath a bridge at Qaliwalu Settlement. Resident Sant Lal reported the dumping to the council after discovering the waste, along with scattered identification cards, along the riverbank. Acting chief executive officer Taitusi Rasoki urged the public to dispose of waste responsibly to protect waterways and prevent flooding risks.
AI summaryThe Fiji Medical Association is calling for stronger protection, support, and compensation for medical teams travelling to remote and maritime communities following a recent rescue in the Lau Group. The Ministry of Health is considering compensation for the six medical professionals who survived after spending hours stranded at sea during an outreach mission.
AI summaryDialogue Fiji has launched two free publications in Suva allowing citizens to compare the 1997 Constitution, the Ghai Draft, and the 2013 Constitution side by side. Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica officially launched the books, which aim to help Fijians understand constitutional provisions without endorsing a specific framework.
AI summaryA fictitious general election date was mistakenly published on the Fijian Elections Office website following a technical blunder during an internal training session. The Fijian Elections Office has removed the statement and is yet to comment on the matter. No Writ of Elections has been issued by the President, with the final date for the writ set for December 24, 2026.
AI summary · 2 outletsFiji’s local stock market has reported strong growth across key indicators this year, driven by higher trading activity, increased investor participation, and the Shreedhar Motors Ltd initial public offering. Year-to-date trading value reached $77.7 million—a 166 percent increase and the highest market turnover since 2015—while trading volume rose 191 percent to over 42.6 million shares. Market capitalisation increased to $4.05 billion, and total dividends declared by listed companies reached $55 million by July. The South Pacific Stock Exchange also recorded historic milestones, including both equity and debt new listings in the same year and the licensing of a new stockbroking firm for the first time in 25 years.
AI summaryAnimals Fiji is calling for a police investigation after a viral video allegedly showed a man throwing a free-roaming dog into a ditch in Nabouwalu, Bua. The welfare organisation states the conduct may violate the Protection of Animals Act 1954 and has urged authorities to identify the individual and assess the dog's condition.
AI summaryThe Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, has called on Australia to remove visa requirements for Fijian citizens and bring forward lower university tuition fees. Following a five-day visit to Australia, Ratu Tevita stated that true reciprocity in the Vuvale relationship requires Fijians to be able to enter Australia without a visa, similar to how Australians enter Fiji.
AI summaryVimal Nand, 38, died after being allegedly assaulted while trying to protect his 16-year-old son during a confrontation in Sigatoka over a horse. The teenager and his friend remain in critical condition in the hospital following the incident. A father and his son are currently in police custody as investigations continue.
AI summaryThe Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection stated that a recent $70 reduction in elderly welfare payments is due to the end of a temporary 50 per cent top-up introduced for May, June, and July, rather than a permanent cut. Permanent secretary Selina Kuruleca explained the additional funding was intended as temporary relief for rising fuel costs and payments have now returned to normal levels. While the ministry advised recipients to contact them with any concerns, a resident expressed worry that the reduction will place pressure on struggling elderly individuals.
AI summaryMembers of the Yavusa o Tububere gathered to rehearse traditional burial protocols and prepare the chiefly burial grounds for the late Tui Vuda, Ratu Eparama Kitione Tavaiqia. The burial service is scheduled for Wednesday, with RFMF officials and the Yavusa participating in carrying the body to the final resting place. Meanwhile, the Sauturaga clan is expected to meet to elect and formally announce the next Tui Vuda.
AI summarySuva Resident Magistrate Yogesh Prasad has warned that anyone caught smuggling contraband into prisons should face the toughest penalties. The warning was issued during the case of 35-year-old Adi Vuniasi Waqanitoga, who pleaded guilty to attempting to smuggle 2.5 grams of marijuana and suki hidden in a Colgate tube into the Naboro Maximum Security Prison on May 30. Waqanitoga's lawyer has until September 1 to submit mitigation, pending sentencing.
AI summary · 3 outletsBank South Pacific Fiji has launched the BSP eDollar, becoming the country's first commercial bank to introduce an interoperable, bank-backed electronic wallet built on Fiji’s national QR standard. The platform allows customers to manage up to five separate e-wallets via their mobile phones, featuring domestic or international access, virtual Visa card details for online purchases, and no consumer fees for moving money within the ecosystem. Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor Ariff Ali stated that the launch aligns with the central bank's payment modernisation agenda, noting significant recent growth in digital banking, internet usage, and QR transactions. BSP officials highlighted that the app incorporates security measures such as one-time passwords, changeable card verification values, and a 24-hour cooling-off period for new devices.
AI summaryUniversity of the South Pacific academic Sandra Tarte says Section 131 of Fiji’s 2013 Constitution could grant the military supra-constitutional authority over elected governments. Speaking at a Dialogue Fiji publication launch in Suva, she highlighted Fiji's history of political instability and constitutional change.