Nacanieli Tuilevuka

STUDENTS in rural parts of Seaqaqa, Vanua Levu, could face difficulties getting to school after a rural service licence (RSL) operator suspended its transport service because of rising fuel prices. And transport operators yesterday warned that more services could be withdrawn if fuel costs continue to increase and no assistance is provided to help sustain […]

A concerned parent from Vuniwere in Seaqaqa may stop sending his son to school if rural service licensing operators continue to suspend their operations over the next two weeks. Sheeran Khan said the absence of rural licensing operator services within their area had forced his son, a student at Seaqaqa Central College, to walk at […]

Smoking causes financial strain on a household, says Aseri Tagicakiverata who used to spend money on cigarettes, often leaving very little for family needs. “I used to smoke before. A lot of money was spent on cigarettes,” he said. Mr Tagicakiverata said tobacco use created unnecessary pressure on daily living expenses. “When I used to […]

The belief that suki is a safer alternative to cigarettes has been dismissed by the Tobacco Community Enforcement Unit manager Maleli Baleiwera, who says tests showed it may contain higher nicotine levels. Mr Baleiwera said public perception that suki was less harmful was incorrect and misleading. “We conducted tests to analyse nicotine levels in both […]

Tracking down individuals involved in the illegal importation and online sale of vape products has become a key focus for authorities in Fiji as enforcement efforts intensify. This was raised by the Tobacco Community Enforcement Unit manager Maleli Baleiwera during the World No Tobacco Day event last week. “One of the major challenges facing regulators […]

Civil servants could face salary cuts if rising fuel costs place further pressure on Government finances, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says. Speaking to journalists after opening the Cakaudrove Provincial Council meeting at Korotasere Village yesterday, Mr Rabuka confirmed that the issue had been discussed but stressed that no decision had been made. “There can be […]

A LARGE number of sugarcane farmers refusing to harvest their crops would have serious consequences for sugar production, rural communities and the wider economy, Sugar Minister Tomasi Tunabuna says. Mr Tunabuna said any disruption to harvesting during the crushing season would reduce the volume of cane delivered to mills and affect the industry’s overall output. […]

LANDS Minister Filimoni Vosarogo has firmly dismissed speculation about his political future, declaring his loyalty to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and the People’s Alliance as political activity begins to build ahead of the next General Election. When asked whether he intended to leave the People’s Alliance, Mr Vosarogo responded emphatically. “What do you mean? I […]

A NEW magistrate’s court facility is being planned for Korotasere in Cakaudrove to improve access to judicial services in the province and reduce transportation costs for residents. The Judicial Department said the proposed court was part of its five-year plan and would serve the northern population centres in Cakaudrove. “Within a five-year planning horizon, the […]

MORE than 47,000 marijuana plants, with an estimated street value of $47.3million, have been uprooted during police operations targeting drug cultivation in Cakaudrove, Vanua Levu. This was revealed by the Fiji Police Force in its report while updating district representatives of Cakaudrove of its drug operation in the Northern Division. In the report, the Fiji […]