Fiji Times Online - Local News

Australia pledges $105.5million aid for development

By NASIK SWAMI — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Update: 2:14PM THE Australian government has announced that it will provide a record $105.5million ($A58.2m) in official development assistance to Fiji in the 2013-14 financial year.

Seaweed stakeholders discuss export options

By ROPATE VALEMEI — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Update: 2:08PM SEAWEED producers, government officers and aquaculture stakeholders in Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands are part of the International Seaweed Symposium in Bali, Indonesia.

Fiji to celebrate biodiversity day

By NASIK SWAMI — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Update: 1:04PM THE Government will spend close to $100,000 to celebrate the World Biodiversity Day.

Money man heads FRU

Emoni Narawa — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

THE appointment of a new chairman at the Fiji Rugby Union has been welcomed by some of its major affiliates.

Keep Fiji clean

Avinesh Gopal — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

PLASTIC and plastic water and soft drink bottles are said to be a big problem in ensuring a clean environment.

How to keep the environment clean

Nausori Town Council/ Sca Hygiene (Fiji) — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

* Start the education program at home — tell children not to throw rubbish everywhere.

Gates for out-of-court

Mereseini Marau In New Delhi, India — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

CHIEF Justice Anthony Gates believes that many disputes can be solved through arbitration and mediation and do not necessarily need to go through the courts.

Mediate the way, says CJ

Mereseini Marau In New Delhi, India — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

CHIEF JUSTICE Anthony Gates believes that it was the failure of the non-confrontational approach widely used in Fiji that contributed in some part to the first two coups of 1987.

Villagers buy ship to ease costs

Mere Naleba — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

VILLAGERS of the district of Nabukelevu in Kadavu can expect to save more money after the district purchased a boat to service the lower southern parts of Kadavu.

NFP works on assets list

Ana Madigibuli — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

NATIONAL Federation Party president Raman Singh said they were compiling their assets and liabilities account to submit before the June deadline.

Trader prepares to take students home

Mere Naleba — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

THE MV Lau Trader will make its second trip to the Lau Group on Thursday.

Warning for smokers

Salaseini Moceiwai — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

PEOPLE who smoke cigarettes have been told to respect the no-smoking and smoke-free areas in public places to avoid penalties.

Hunt for robbers

Salaseini Moceiwai — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

TWO youths alleged to have assaulted a taxidriver in Labasa last week are still on the run, police say.

Roads and burnt cane affect cane growers

Salaseini Moceiwai — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

CANE access roads and burnt cane were among the issues discussed at the National Farmers Union annual general meeting in Labasa over the weekend.

Plan for dump sites

Salaseini Moceiwai — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

THE Department of Environment is considering hiring consultants for the construction of two rubbish dump sites in Taveuni and Seaqaqa.

Worker training the focus

Luke Rawalai — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

ALL organisations operating in Fiji are liable to pay 1 per cent of their gross payroll to the Fiji National University.

Islanders combine to build house of worship

Salaseini Moceiwai — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

PEOPLE of Rabi and Kioa living in Labasa are in need of a church building to house them during their fellowship every week.

Plantation is a top choice

Repeka Nasiko — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

PLANTATION Island Resort has been recognised as one of the Best Family Resort in the World by Out and About with Kids magazine.

Crime fighters plead for public support

Repeka Nasiko — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

ORGANISERS of the Duavata Crime Prevention Carnival in Lautoka are pleading with the public and relevant stakeholders to support the community-oriented festival.

Resort helps rebuild school

Repeka Nasiko — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

YASAWA Island Resort and Spa has stretched its corporate hand to assist in the rebuilding of a school in the northern part of the island group that was damaged during Tropical Cyclone Evan.

LTA books 65 drivers

Repeka Nasiko — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

SIXTY-five vehicle owners in the Western Division were caught committing traffic-related offences following an operation by LTA officers over the weekend.

Dolphin Island in reality show

Repeka Nasiko — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

SITUATED off the coast of Rakiraki, five-star Dolphin Island has been featured in the popular reality show, Master Chef New Zealand.

Arrival base for Musket Cove

Repeka Nasiko — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

MUSKET Cove Island Resort of Malolo Island will close for a month later this year for renovations.

Efforts to break down barriers

Ana Madigibuli — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

THE International AIDS candlelight memorial which was co-ordinated by the Global Network of People living with HIV was held at the Salvation Army headquarters in Suva yesterday.

Unity vital in fight against stigma

Ana Madigibuli — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

SOLIDARITY in communities is essential in reducing stigma and discrimination on HIV and promotes involvement of people living with HIV to ensure a more effective HIV response.

Victim calls for more support

Ana Madigibuli — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

HIV is something that Temo Sasau has to live with for the rest of his life but he hopes to create awareness in getting communities to support people living with HIV/AIDS.

RoC Market draws crowd

Ana Madigibuli — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

SHOPPERS at yesterday's RoC Market said more people were taking time out to enjoy the day with family in Suva.

Man dies in hit-and-run

Tevita Vuibau — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

AN iTaukei man is dead after he was hit by two unidentified vehicles near Delainamasi Primary School early on Saturday morning.

Fiji smiles warm the heart of Bollywood actor

Mere Naleba — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

FIJIANS are so blessed with their peaceful surrounding.

$300 fine for drunk guard

Mere Naleba — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A PERSONAL bodyguard of the Prime Minister was ordered to pay a fine of $300 and disqualified from driving for three months.

Missing files irk court

Mere Naleba — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

THE High Court is no place that will accept lawyers reporting missing files.

Taxidrivers want code

Repeka Nasiko — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

THE Fiji Taxi Association Lautoka branch is once again calling on authorities to deal with the increasing number of illegal operators in the Sugar City.

Church remains hopeful

Nasik Swami — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

THE Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma plans to hold its annual conference in August.

350K squatter upgrade project

Repeka Nasiko — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

TWO informal settlement upgrading projects in the Western Division are being planned to address the squatter issue in the area.

Beating probe still on

Nanise Loanakadavu — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

NO one has been questioned in relation to an online video showing two men in handcuffs being brutally abused by other men, suspected of being police in plain clothes.

School refurbishment works completed

Ana Madigibuli — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

THE $25,000 refurbishment project for the John Wesley Primary School block in Raiwaqa has been completed and was handed over to the school by the RC Manubhai Community Development Committee yesterday.

Weighing the cost of cheaper sea travel

Tevita Vuibau — Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

ASK any shipping operator about the single largest expense associated with running a vessel, and you will only get one answer. Diesel.