Fred Wesley

It is reassuring to know that the United States Coast Guard Cutter Harriet Lane is expected to patrol Fiji’s waters. That is great news as the war against illicit drugs intensifies across the Pacific region. The vessel’s presence is sure to draw attention to the growing challenge posed by transnational drug syndicates and provide support […]

Mesmerising Messi Argentina’s Lionel Messi scored a World Cup record “hat-trick” of goals against Algeria. At the age of 38, he still maintains his agility and quickness. RAKESH CHAND SHARMA Nadi Our neighbours win hearts Flashback to November 26, 1988 — Fiji claimed an unforgettable 1-0 epic victory against a heavy-favourite Australian outfit in the […]

Coup convict Josefa Nata made a telling statement when he appeared before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). His testimony had all the ingredients of a gripping novel or action film. He spoke about emotionally charged groups, to some extent, probably driven by nationalist sentiments, a touch of determination in some quarters to change the […]

So despite the growing drug crisis, Minister for Women Sashi Kiran says Fiji does not yet have a dedicated residential recovery facility specifically designed for adolescents aged 13 to 17. Ms Kiran highlighted this during the Na Sala Vou Memorandum of Agreement signing with Empower Pacific in Lautoka yesterday. We say this is the way […]

The direction Dialogue Fiji has taken in welcoming the Government’s decision to introduce a temporary 5 per cent Tourism Services Tax to support Fiji Airways will no doubt attract attention. While it endorses the move, it is also calling for a safeguard, urging Government to ensure the money collected is legally protected from being diverted […]

Opposition Member of Parliament Premila Kumar made an important point on Wednesday evening about priorities when discussing the needs of the Old Capital, Levuka. Repeated cyclones, she argued, together with the COVID-19 pandemic, forced the previous government to focus on Levuka’s recovery rather than on longer-term infrastructure projects and essential services. Speaking during the Fiji […]

If there was one thing that stood out during the Fiji Media Association Town Hall forums in Levuka and Korovou last week, it was the willingness of people to speak up. It was good to see them question government representatives. They challenged decisions. They highlighted issues affecting their communities. And just as importantly, those in […]

It is encouraging to know that the Government’s newly established Sugar Industry Committee is meeting sugarcane farmers in Rakiraki and Ba today. We look forward to these consultations providing growers and industry stakeholders with an opportunity to raise concerns, exchange ideas and discuss practical solutions to improve the long-term viability and sustainability of our sugar […]

Permanent Secretary for Finance Shri Gounder has reignited a debate that we have avoided for far too long. His warning that reviving the sugar industry could require billions of taxpayer dollars presents a harsh reality. Those funds, he argues, could be directed towards hospitals, roads and other essential public services. He also raises another uncomfortable […]

What a first half that was yesterday! After the loss to Wales and embarrassing 8-73 thrashing we got from England last weekend, it was exciting to watch yesterday’s first spell against Scotland at Murrayfield in Edinburgh. We were on fire! It was great to see the backrow in action and the confidence in our attacks. […]