The Fiji Airways Fiji 7s team survived a strong effort from USA to beat them 33-12 in their second pool match at the Vancouver 7s today. Fiji scored five tries in the match compared to USA’s two. Joseva Talacolo grabbed a brace while Ilikimi Vunaki, Viwa Naduvalo and Joji Nasova scored a try each. This is the team’s second win after recording a 38-12 win over Uruguay earlier. The side takes on Spain in their last pool match at 6.52am tomorrow. Meanwhile, the Fijiana side suffered a disappointing 19-14 defeat against Japan in their opener, having led 14-nil at the break. They take on France in their next match at 3.52pm. RPT

THE Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) strongly supports the views expressed by Ba’s leading sugarcane farmer and former Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) board member Arvind Singh who has called on the industry’s movers and shakers to implement cost-cutting measures to revive the ailing industry. NCCI president Dr Ram Raju said the sugar industry was in a deplorable state today because of years of neglect and mismanagement. “We fully agree with what Arvind Singh has highlighted in the media and the time to take action is now,” Dr Raju said. He said while many well-established businesses and property landlords had emerged out of the sugar industry during its heydays, it was sad how things had turned out for the past 20 years. “There is no doubt that sugar prices keep dwindling and are very unstable in the world market due to oversupply and declining demand but this does not...

A Fijian teenager wo was medically evacuated from Vanuatu two weeks ago has passed away. Shivanshi Prasad was the subject of an announcement on Fiji Airways flight that brought her to Fiji, where a flight attendant offered prayers for her via the planes announcement system when the flight landed in Nadi. Her uncle, Vishaal Kumar has posted on social media that Shivanshi died today at the Lautoka Aspen hospital. “These moments have been unimaginable and so heart wrenching,” said Mr Kumar. “Thank You for the tremendous support and interfaith prayers for our precious daughter.” “Finally, our baby is liberated and descended to heaven – our beautiful fairy.” RPT

The year 2025 will mark the 30th year in which I have been scribbling about governance. In this time, I have been privileged to think and write about governance for the United Kingdom’s former Department for International Development (DFID), the World Bank, AusAID/DFAT, and now for Abt Global. Over the Christmas break I got to thinking about the ideas in governance that have kept me interested, and why these ideas matter. Back in 1995 governance was barely a thing in development. At the time I had just finished three years in the UK’s Pacific Office in Suva as the economist and head of office. Before leaving for London, I was told that there were no economist positions vacant, but would I join a new department called the Governance and Institutions Department (GID)? Its remit was to consider issues of organisational performance and broader political economy. I said yes. I joined...

THE Radisson Blu Resort Fiji is undergoing a multi-million-dollar renovation, with $5million earmarked for work this year, according to general manager Charles Homsy. The resort invested more than $10m last year. While February is usually a calm month in terms of bookings, Mr Homsy said the current rate of growth is a significant improvement post Covid-19. He said the resort recently underwent major renovations last year, despite operating with high guest occupancy. “We managed to upgrade two of the main restaurants, especially the main pool bar, breakfast areas, all brand new. “So, we upgraded our Italian, we upgraded our all-day dining and pool bar.” Mr Homsy said upgrade works in the lobby are ongoing and earmarked for completion by March. “Then we will continue the other outlets, which are the Orchid Lounge, plus the Chantara Thai restaurant and the Spa and in March also, our kids club is going to...

Daily commuters can expect a comfortable experience following improvement works carried out at the Suva bus stand area. A release from the Fiji Roads Authority said in collaboration with the Suva City Council, the upgrading works included crucial pavement works, critical jetting works to clear existing blockages and ensuring effective water runoff were part of improvement works. It also stated that works were aimed at preventing the build-up of stagnant water that could cause damage to the pavement and create an unpleasant experience for commuters. “The project aims to significantly improve the functionality and accessibility of the bustling transportation hub, benefiting both bus services and the thousands of commuters who rely on it daily,” FRA said. “Following the resolution of the drainage problems, the project will transition into extensive pavement works and will involve a comprehensive refurbishment of the existing surfaces with the goal of restoring the Suva Bus Stand...

AN article published by The Fiji Times on February 8, 1958 titled “Qantas to Buy Fiji Airways”, stated Mrs A F Gatty had agreed to sell to Qantas Empire Airways her late husband’s shares in Katafaga Estates Ltd. A spokesman for Mrs Gatty announced this in Suva. Fiji Airways was owned by Katafaga Estates Ltd. The spokesman did not disclose details of the purchase price or the date on which Qantas would take over. But he said the sale would take place after Mrs Gatty had obtained probate of the late Mr Gatty’s will. The spokesman added: “The agreement will give Qantas a controlling interest in the company which owns and operates Fiji Airways. “Qantas will provide management and Fiji Airways Services will continue without interruption.” The announcement confirmed persistent rumours which had been circulating in Suva and Fiji for some time. Mrs Gatty returned that week from a visit...

A day after assuring Fijians that police officers will face disciplinary measures if found breaching the laws, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has reiterated the same after a report has surfaced regarding allegations of assault involving his men. This follows an incident where police officers are believed to have assaulted a 32-year-old man in Navua and Mr Tudravu said he would not condone such unruly behaviour. “The Criminal Investigations Department is investigating the matter and the victim has been provided regular feedback on the investigation,” he said. “The claims against Police are unfortunate at a time when efforts are being directed towards rebuilding trust. Any act that brings disrepute to the organisation casts a dark shadow on other positive achievements. “Just as I will not condone unruly behaviour externally the same applies within, and officers have been warned to strictly enforce the law in accordance with best practices, and anything beyond...

THE Swire Shipping Fijian Drua are currently sitting at 8th place after round one of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific. They got one point after their 32-36 bonus-point loss to the ACT Brumbies last Saturday. Defending champions Blues are at the foot of the table following their 14-25 loss to the Chiefs in a repeat of last year’s final. Chiefs are first on the ladder with four points along with the Crusaders, Brumbies, Western Force and Waratahs. The Moana Pasifika side is at 6th place and Highlanders at 7th, both with a point each. The Reds and Hurricanes sit at 9th and 10th respectively. Chiefs and Crusaders will kick-off round two on Friday with their clash set for 6.05pm at FMG Stadium Waikato. This is followed by the Reds and Moana Pasifika clash at 8.35pm at Suncorp Stadium. Three matches will be held on Saturday — the Drua...

Fiji Airways has been rated number 12 on the World’s Best Airlines award released by AirlineRatings.com. The award are centred on passenger comfort, feedback, and product consistency across an airline’s route network. AirlineRatings.com adds these awards are not a popularity contest, but rather, each airline is thoroughly evaluated based on what it offers passengers throughout its fleet and network. Korean Air won the Airline of the Year 2025. The top 15 airlines according to AirlineRatings.com are Korean Air Qatar Air New Zealand Cathay Pacific Singapore Airlines Emirates Japan Airlines Qantas Etihad Turkish Airlines EVA Air Fiji Airways Virgin Atlantic ANA Aero Mexico   RPT