NZ assistance
THE Fiji government has yet to receive written confirmation from the New Zealand government of any financial assistance for the 2014 General Elections. Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum confirmed this while responding to media reports that New Zealand will provide $NZ2million ($F2.85million). Mr Sayed-Khaiyum told The Fiji Times that if media reports were true, it meant New Zealand wanted to contribute to the Elections Office.
Mining Act
THE Mineral Resources Department is hoping to finalise a new Mining Act by 2014. Assistant director Minerals Venasio Nasara confirmed this saying his team is reviewing the Mining Act. He said the Mineral Exploration and Exploitation Bill would be the reviewing format of the Mining Act. He said the progress review of the current document would come out with a law called Mining Act in 2014 or until his team had finalised all areas.
Minibus fare
THE Land Transport Authority has completed the stakeholder consultations for the new fare structure for minibuses. Authority spokesman Alfred Wiliame said submissions received from stakeholders were compiled and would be submitted to the LTA board for approval at the end of this month. Mr Wiliame confirmed that following the board's approval, the fare structure would be forwarded to the Ministry of Transport for Cabinet's endorsement.
FHEC warning
HIGHER education institutes are being warned to receive institute recognition from the Fiji Higher Education Commission (FHEC) or face a fine of up to $250,000. Government has given until December 31 for higher education institutions to attain institutional accreditation under the Higher 2010 Educational Promulgation. According to FHEC, there are 74 known higher education institutes in Fiji. Only 66 have already been given institute accreditation.
Sea search
POLICE and the Fiji Navy are continuing the search for 29-year-old Abdul Imraz who went missing at sea last Thursday. Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro said they had to cancel a day of search over the weekend because of unfavourable weather conditions. But she said they would continue the search until Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Ioane Naivalurua directed otherwise.