SUVA lawyer Jon Apted has raised concerns on some areas in the proposed Work Care Bill that lacked legal clarity. At Monday’s consultation session between the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations (MEPWR) and the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF), Mr Apted, FCEF’s legal counsel, questioned provisions for compensation claims, saying it was not clear if the ministry will be paying for claims taken to court under common law. “At the moment, a worker or the dependents of a deceased worker who’s injured at work, has the option of bringing the workmen’s compensation claim or a common law claim for damages and negligence,” Mr Apted said. “Common law damages are usually much higher than workmen’s compensation. Common law damages though require fault. The Accident Compensation Commission (ACCF) was responsible for both lump sum no-fault and common law fault damages. “The provisions of the regulations that governed ACC were...

The Fiji Law Society has said Janet Mason, the counsel assisting the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into Barbara Malimali’s appointment as Commissioner of FICAC should step aside as her continued involvement in the Commission “undermines confidence in the COI.” In a press release, the Council of the Fiji Law Society states the Society did not and does not seek Mrs. Mason’s “removal” from the COI. It is a matter of public record that there is currently a finding of misconduct by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal against her. Mrs. Mason has indicated that she has appealed that decision, and it is her right to do so,” said the FLS Council. “The Chief Registrar has raised concerns regarding Mrs. Mason’s application for a Fiji practicing certificate and she has made serious allegations of a criminal nature against the Legal Practitioners Unit in relation to that application. It is...

LAST week, unit trust provider Unit Trust of Fiji (UTOF) deposited $7million into the accounts of its 60,000-plus unit holders in its 2024 final dividend payout for the last six months ended December 31. These are unit holders’ returns on investment for UTOF’s two main funds: the Income and Growth Fund (IGF) and the Income Fund (IF); and unit holders include young investors under 18 years, members of UTOF’s Employee Investment Scheme program, many families, women’s groups, associations, landowning units and corporate organisations. While dividend figures have been released, UTOF’s financial performance was being audited at present with the full financial year results to be announced at a later date. Income and growth funds UTOF chairperson Lavinia Kaumaitotoya said a dividend rate of 3.75 cents was declared and paid out for IGF investors, which equates to approximately $6.4 million in tax-free dividends distributed to its investors. She said the IGF...

A Police Officer accused of possessing 40.07 kilograms of marijuana was reminded to adhere to the bail conditions imposed whilst on bail. William Mckay appeared before Magistrate Pulekeria Low this afternoon. Mr Mckay is charged with a count of unlawful possession of illicit drugs. According to police, he was caught with 6037 branches of dried marijuana leaves after a search was conducted at his home. Mr Mckay was released on a $1000 cash bail and will be residing in Navua with his uncle who is also one of two male sureties. His case has been adjourned to February 11 to check on filing and serving of full disclosures and for plea. RPT

MEMBER of Parliament Lynda Tabuya’s fate with The People’s Alliance party will be decided next week as the disciplinary committee has concluded its investigation. This was revealed during the PAP Namaka sub-branch meeting in Nadi yesterday. Party general secretary Sila Balawa said a report would be handed to The People’s Alliance management committee next week. “A lot of people were asking questions in regard to things that were happening within the party,” he said. “So, as party members, I think you have the right to know what is going on. Today (Saturday) is the last day for the disciplinary committee that is looking into the case regarding Lynda Tabuya. “So, we expect them to hand in their report next week.” Mr Balawa said there was a process needed to be followed with Ms Tabuya’s case. “As you know the party has The People’s Alliance management committee and above that is...

Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde has confirmed he is now facing a fresh set of allegations that is going to delay his return to work. He was scheduled to resume his duties from Monday. “Late on Friday 17th January 2025, I received a letter from the Hon. Chief Justice requesting me to respond to a further series of allegations of misbehaviour allegedly committed by me as DPP,” said Mr Pryde in a statement today. “These allegations have been made by Nancy Tikoisuva after she says she reviewed my personal file when it had been returned to the ODPP after the conclusion of the Tribunal hearing.” “She has specifically requested that the Honourable Chief Justice suspend me and set up another Tribunal to hear the fresh allegations she has made against me.” Mr Pryde adds he rejects these new allegations. “The allegations are numerous and detailed and will require time...

At 57 years old, Olivia Cavuka has taken the reins of her family’s farm Yaukawa and continues to drive its success in the face of immense personal and professional challenges. Located in Vitogo Paipai, Lautoka, Yaukawa Farm sits on a 25-acre land, of which 7 acres are actively being used for farming. The farm grows a variety of crops, including pineapple, sugar cane, lime, coconuts, cassava and mangoes, with a stall in the market where she sells the produce. Ms Cavuka has not only kept the farm running but has turned it into a vital part of her family’s livelihood. Her story is one of perseverance. When her husband, who was the primary manager of the farm, died unexpectedly from a heart attack six years ago, she was left to solely manage the farm. With three children still in school at the time, she found herself thrust into the role...

RUGBY Football Club Los Angeles arrived in Fiji yesterday ahead of their highly anticipated match against the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua next Friday at Churchill Park in Lautoka. The fixture is being hailed as a groundbreaking event, marking the first-ever clash between a U.S.-based Major League Rugby (MLR) team and a team from the elite Super Rugby Pacific competition. Speaking at Nadi International Airport upon arrival, Los Angeles captain Jason Damm expressed the team’s excitement for the historic encounter. “It’s super exciting this is the first of its kind where a U.S.-based MLR team faces off against a Super Rugby team. “Anytime you get to run against opposition like the Drua in Fiji, it’s an honor, an incredible experience, and a challenge for us to take on,” Damm said. The LA team has only recently come together but is eager to bring their best to the game. “We’ve only been...

Natakea road Mr Prime Minister sir. On Savusavu’s Natakea, Vucivuci Rd are many farmers of yaqona and root crops who bring in supplies to market daily. In particular, is a commercial iTaukei guava farmer who has spent years establishing his unique farm and building a name and a reputation for himself. This successful farmer supplies his professionally-grown guavas to resorts, businesses and residents in Savusavu and even sends stocks to the mainland. Sir, with all the talk about MSMEs and the percentage of income that they bring in, and the support going out for them, I have to say that the infrastructure as with the case of Natakea Rd does not support outstanding MSMEs such as our guava producer. Sir, the Natakea Rd condition is appalling and has been that way for far, far, too long. Could you please put its repair and maintenance at the top of your list...

RESTORING civic pride among citizens has become a key focus for the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in tackling Fiji’s growing waste management challenges. Minister for Environment and Climate Change Mosese Bulitavu said the ministry would work closely with the Ministry of Local Government to address waste issues, particularly in urban areas. Mr Bulitavu said it was important to review the Litter Act to support these efforts and announced plans to launch a nationwide litter campaign. He said the ministry recognised the need for better community engagement and innovative solutions, such as the introduction of colour-coded bins for waste separation, modelled after systems in countries like New Zealand. “Littering is becoming a major issue in our country. If you see our streets, there’s litter all around,” Mr Bulitavu said. “It’s all about trying to restore that civic practice with our citizens.” The ministry also plans to train specialised units...