ONE of the issues discussed at the Fiji Rugby Union’s SGM last weekend was that of player registration. This shouldn’t be a complex issue, but in Fiji invariably it is. Ba’s friendly neighbours Vatukoula have now been promoted to the Skipper Cup after winning their appeal over Namosi fielding a player who was registered with Suva in the promotion play-offs. In 2023, Ba had their appeal against Vatukoula denied when it became apparent that a player who had been representing Vatutavui Village in the Ba club competition had also been playing for a club in Vatukoula. The FRU is now working on a more detailed database of players so that, eventually, all club players in Fiji are properly registered, which would drastically reduce the amount of valuable time wasted sorting out protests. Ba knows this scenario well following almost weekly protests and counter-protests during the 2024 club season. “We spent...

The position of Chief Executive Officer at Energy Fiji Limited has been advertised. Mr Hasmukh Patel is the current CEO. EFL states the applicant should have a demonstrated leadership in the energy sector with a proven experience in a senior leadership role within the energy sector or related fields. The person should also have strong financial acumen, with experience in overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and capital investment strategies to ensure the financial sustainability of the organisation. EFL adds the applicants must possess excellent strategic thinking skills, with the ability to develop and implement long-term plans while adapting to evolving market trends and geopolitical challenges. “At Energy Fiji Limited, you will have the opportunity to lead a frontrunner in the renewable energy sector, driving transformative change in an industry with significant growth potential. As CEO, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy in Fiji and make a lasting...

In a case of impersonation, a 19-year-old teenager was arrested by Nausori police today, after being found wearing a Police uniform. She was found walking along a public when arrested. The alleged impersonator is believed to be a high school student in Nausori. Police spokesperson, Wame Boutolu confirmed the arrest and said Nausori police were interviewing her to ascertain where she got the uniform from. The teenager was also wearing Police issued shoes. Under Section 382 of the Crimes Act 2009, it is a crime to wear Police uniforms without authority. If found guilty, a person wearing a police uniform without authority can be jailed for one month and fined $500. RPT

About 5,000 teachers have their teacher registrations expiring at the end of this month. To facilitate the renewal of teacher registrations before teachers begin their school holidays, Fiji Teachers Registration Authority (FTRA) will be open for services on Saturday, December 21 from 8am to 3pm. FTRA chief executive officer Sangeeta Singh said it was a norm for them to open the headquarters office on one Saturday in December to allow teachers to renew their teacher registration. Mrs Singh said it was noted that in the previous years teachers forget to renew their teacher registrations when they get into the holiday mood. She urged all teachers to take advantage of this extended services to avoid being disturbed in the holidays. She said teachers failing to renew registrations on time would be required to submit a late penalty of $30 as per FTR Act 2008, new medical report and police clearance. “The...

An agreement between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management aims to improve the livelihoods and general wellbeing of Fiji’s rural and maritime people. Signed yesterday, the ‘Implementing Partner Agreement’ would address challenges faced by these communities, particularly access to healthcare, gender-based violence, family planning, economic opportunities, youth and women empowerment and disaster response. Permanent secretary for Rural and Maritime Development, Disaster Management Isoa Talemaibua said over the years, UNFPA has implemented a range of programs tailored to the needs of rural and maritime communities. He also commended the UN agency for the great assistance rendered to the Northern Division since 2020. Mr Talemaibua said rural and maritime areas in Fiji often faced significant challenges because of their geographic isolation, limited access to services, and socioeconomic difficulties. These challenges, he said, were particularly pronounced for vulnerable groups like women, youths,...

Fiji Airways has cancelled all its flights to Vanuatu. Last nights flight, one today and another one on Friday are all cancelled, said the airline in a statement. “The Vanuatu authorities have closed the airport to all scheduled international flights and Fiji Airways has consequently cancelled all flights to and from Port Vila Airport until Friday, 20 December 2024,” said Fiji Airways. “The airport has sustained significant damage to its terminal and runway, and further assessments by the authorities will determine the next steps.” Fiji Airways added the safety of its passengers and crew is top priority. “We will take action based on information and guidance from the relevant authorities.” “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide further updates as new information becomes available, including any changes to the airport’s operational status.” RPT

It has emerged that when FJ263 took off from Nadi on Tuesday afternoon, the crew and passengers onboard had no idea what the extent of the damage in Vanuatu was due to the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that had struck an hour before. Fiji Airways has confirmed that its flight FJ263 to Port Vila on Tuesday returned to Nadi after the crew couldn’t establish contact with the Bauerfield International Airport. The flights path captured by Flight radar shows it had made the journey halfway to Vanuatu before returning to Nadi. The flight had departed Nadi at 2:30pm and was scheduled to land in Port Vila around 3:15pm. Tuesdays 7.3m earthquake was recorded at 1:47pm. Vanuatu nationals have posted pictures on social media on their return to Nadi and the airline checking them into a Nadi hotel.   RPT

Family, friends, and colleagues gathered at Suva’s St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church yesterday to bid farewell to Barrie Sweetman, a distinguished figure in Fiji and the Pacific, whose profound impact on sports, law, and public service will be remembered for generations. Sweetman, who passed away on December 11 at the age of 90, embodied loyalty, perseverance, and an unwavering sense of duty. Known for his scrupulous ethics and tolerance, he held numerous influential roles throughout his life, including chairman of the Fiji Electoral Commission, Constitutional Offices Commission, and Consumer Council. He also served as president of the Fiji Law Society, where his legal expertise and leadership left an indelible mark. In sports, his contributions were unparalleled. A Trustee of the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) for over 40 years and its honorary solicitor from the 1970s to the early 2000s, he chaired Appeals Tribunals for the 1979...

Fiji Airways states it will await an assessment report on the status of the airport in Vanuatu before deciding if it will fly there tomorrow. In a statement, the airline states at this stage, it is awaiting confirmed reports and an official damage assessment from competent authorities on the ground. “Until such assessments are completed, we are unable to determine the operational status of the airport,” said Fiji Airways. Fiji Airways has a scheduled flight to Port Vila at 6:00pm on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. “However, the safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority. We will only proceed with operations once it is deemed safe and feasible to do so.” “We are closely monitoring the situation and remain in contact with relevant authorities as more information becomes available.” Fiji Airways adds passengers affected by this situation will be updated as soon as we have further clarity.  ...

THE Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has issued a firm warning about overcrowding on vessels, with its chief executive officer Joeli Cawaki stressing that such practices will not be tolerated. The warning comes as many people prepare to travel to outlying islands and marine regions to celebrate Christmas with their families. Mr Cawaki made it clear that vessel owners who continue to overload passengers and cargo would face consequences. “We often see overloading during this period of the year,” he said. “We issue a service certificate for every vessel, which specifies the number of passengers it is allowed to carry “If that number is exceeded, our MSAF staff at the jetty will stop the vessel.” To ensure compliance, he said MSAF would increase its presence at the jetties. “Given the increased movement of people and the crowded conditions at the jetties, we will be stepping up our monitoring,” he...