Hello,
The main story in The Fiji Times edition of Tuesday, March 02, 2021 is the answer to Fiji’s economic recovery which according to University of Fiji acting vice-chancellor Shaista Shameem could lie in the untapped markets of medical marijuana and hemp.
Speaking at a roundtable discussion last week at the Lautoka university’s Saweni Campus, she said viable local industries like medical marijuana and hemp production could be the answer to the economic woes brought on by COVID-19.
Ms Shameem also said boosting local production of spices was another market worth developing.
In other news, here’s your briefing of what to expect in The Fiji Times today:
Special polling venue
A special polling venue will be set up in Suva for voters who are not registered to vote in the country and are not postal voters, says Supervisor of Elections (SOE) Mohanned Saneem.
Medical marijuana
The production of medical marijuana and hemp could be the shot in the arm that Fiji needs to boost economic recovery.
No plans to legalise marijuana – AG
The Government has no immediate plans to legalise the production of marijuana for medical purposes, says Attorney-General and Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
COVID-19: Addressing misinformation and hate speech
The International Republican Institute (IRI) and the Fiji Council of Social Services yesterday launched its first activity aimed at addressing the increasing misinformation and hate speech surrounding COVID-19 in Fiji.
COVID-19 positive patients stigmatised
People testing positive with COVID-19 are stigmatised because of misinformation and lack of education about the virus, says Diabetes Fiji Inc. Project manager Viliame Qio.
FNPF borrowing
All Governments have borrowed from the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), not just the FijiFirst administration, says Attorney-General and Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
Duty imposed on fuel
The 20 cents per litre extra duty imposed on fuel is severely hurting the peoples pocket and needs to be removed says National Federation Party Leader Professor Biman Prasad.
Rental investment property owners
Rental investment property owners who are facing issues due to COVID-19, need to make arrangements with their own banks.
First time for Govt
Economy Minister and Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said this year would be the first time for the Government to borrow money to pay for operating expenditure.
Application to use Skype
The State has filed an application to use Skype for a witnesses from New Zealand in the matter involving Canadian national Joshua Aziz Rahman.
First Early Childcare Policy
International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has collaborated with the Fijian government in the designing of the country’s first Early Childcare Policy which will benefit working families and businesses in Fiji.