Fiji

Fiji can expect three tropical cyclones before May

Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management Sakiasi Ditoka said they are therefore closely monitoring the current weather system together with the weather forecast.

Ditoka also said they will be working with relevant ministries should there be any weather alerts in place.

“But we are still looking at the future to see the weather ahead of us. Looks like we might have potentially two or three cyclones.”

Ditoka stated they have just completed the damage assessments of the recent floods.

     

Fiji PM Rabuka discusses bilateral relations with Cook Islands counterpart

The two leaders during their first meeting, discussed key areas of cooperation to further advance Fiji and Cook Island’s bilateral relations.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Rabuka emphasized that Fiji places great importance on its relations with the Cook Islands as Pacific Island Developing States and stewards of large maritime spaces.

He adds that the bilateral relations have grown over the years, through collective participation and advocacy in regional and at international forums.

American rapper Snoop Dogg holidays in Fiji

The ‘Drop it like it’s Hot’ singer posted a short video of his arrival at Nadi International Airport on his Instagram yesterday.

His video has already racked up more than 65,000 likes and over 1,000 comments in the 15 hours it has been up.

Snoop Dogg is holidaying at the exclusive Kokomo Private Island Resort located on the Yauvuke Levu island, located in the Kadavu island group, south of Fiji’s capital Suva.

     

Fiji to re-open High Commission office in PNG

Fiji Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed this following a bilateral meetings with PNG Prime Minister James Marape in Suva yesterday.

Rabuka said part of the reason why they had to close the high commission was economic considerations brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

He also said now that they are recovering from that, Fiji is looking at immediately appointing a non-resident High Commissioner to begin negotiations which can only be done after they have a new budget cycle in the middle of the year.

PNG Prime Minister James Marape on official visit to Fiji

Marape arrived in the country last night for his first official visit.

He paid a courtesy call on the President Ratu WIliame Katonivere this morning.

Marape will have a bilateral meeting with  Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka as well as meet the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Henry Puna today.

Marape will also attend the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Special Leaders retreat in Nadi on Friday.

     

High tides to elevate floods in Fiji

The next high tide is at 3.42pm (Fiji Time) in Lautoka and 3.45pm (Fiji Time) in Suva.

National Disaster Management Director Vasiti Soko said the periods of heavy rain are expected to persist throughout the country until Sunday.

She said as of this morning, most river levels have already reached or are above their warning level.

Continuous heavy rain is expected to cause the rivers to burst their banks.

Soko said rivers that have already burst their banks are Rakiraki, (Nasivi) Tavua, Ba and Vitogo located on the main island of Viti Levu.

Fiji to host the Pacific Islands Forum Special Leaders’ Retreat

Continuing the theme of “Reflection, Renewal, Celebration”, the Special Leaders Retreat will be held from 23-24 February 2023 in Denarau, Nadi and will focus on Forum solidarity.

The meeting will also see the transition of the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum from Fiji to the Cook Islands. Mark Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands will look to host the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in the fourth quarter of 2023.

“It has been an honour and a privilege for the Government of Fiji to have carried the role of Forum Chair,” said PM Rabuka.

Fiji PM eager to host Pacific leaders

Fiji Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka said he remains committed to working closely with Pacific Islands Forum leaders as he looks forward to welcoming them to the country to celebrate the dawn of a new era.

Rabuka highlighted this in a statement on Pacific solidarity.

He stressed that as the Chair of the Forum, he returns to this leadership role as the oldest leader-in-office regionally, which means he does not have the luxury nor the flexibility to make mistakes.

Fiji appoints new Solicitor General

Attorney General, Siromi Turaga said he needed Lomavatu for the huge task ahead.

He added the new SG comes with massive experience and has moved up the ranks through natural progression.

Turaga said the country will be grateful for the new Solicitor General’s input.

The appointment was made following a meeting of the Judicial Services Commission.

Fiji school students involved in drug-related crimes

The youngest student is a 13-year-old.

This has been highlighted by the Fiji Police Narcotics Bureau.

The Bureau is hoping that parents will spend more time discussing issues regarding drugs with their children.

“We have a shared responsibility as parents, guardians, community leaders, religious denomination leaders, village elders to nurture our children.”

“It says this includes the monitoring of their activities, behavior and who they associate themselves with.”