Rice development program to boost revitalisation

Golden Bell capsicum to boost production and reduce imports

IN a bid to reduce capsicum imports and boost production in the country, the Agriculture Ministry released a new open-pollinated capsicum Golden Bell variety during the World Food Day celebrations in Sigatoka on Wednesday. Agriculture Minister Inia Seruiratu said Fiji imported $1.6 million worth of capsicums last year, a significant increase from $0.5m imports in...

Fiji TV reappoints two directors

THE re-appointment of two directors of the company was confirmed during the Fiji Television Annual General Meeting yesterday. The meeting confirmed the reappointment of Ajay Punja and Nouzab Fareed as directors of the company. Fiji Television Limited also confirmed a dividend of $412,000 that was paid in September 2017 and a dividend of $309,000 that...

Convention discusses human resources and the digital age

MORE than 430 members of the Fiji Human Resources Institute are attending the 2018 BSP Life FHRI Annual Convention at the Sheraton Resort and Spa in Denarau. This year’s convention will focus on the theme ‘Human Resources in the Digital Age’. FHRI president Kameli Batiweti said the convention was a great opportunity to exchange breakthrough...

Pearl industry future

IN a time when the world’s seas are being threatened by pollution and continuous exploitation, the pearl industry may hold hope for our waters being a perfect example of blue economies and industries. According to the World Bank, the blue economy is the, “sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs,...

Company experiences increase in exports

FOR a company to continue operating for 45 years is no small landmark in a world where organisations rise and fall within a span of decades, says FMF Foods Ltd managing director Ram Bajekal. Mr Bajekal said it was a milestone for any organisation to last this long in the industry, especially in this day...

45 years in business

A FACTORY that started out with only 80 employees in 1991 and one biscuit product now has 420 employees, manufacturing more than 80 varieties of biscuits for our local and export consumer taste. FMF Foods Ltd celebrates its 45th birthday this year and to show their appreciation for their loyal customers who helped make the...

Initiative an innovative way forward

THE health of oceans is being challenged by environmental degradation and through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 14 on Life Below Water commits the international community to halt and reverse this trend. Head of United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Pacific Regional Policy and Program and country director for UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Bakhodir Burkhanov...

Real estate body notes complaints on commissions

THE Real Estate Agents Licensing Board (REALB) has to date received several complaints with regards to the percentage of commission charged by real estate companies that operate in Fiji. REALB acting chief executive Virisila Tuimanu said the industry needed relevant practice guidelines with the main objective to protect customer interests. “Real estate commissions charged by...

Key focus

COMMUNITY engagement will remain a key focus for staff and management of Radisson Blu Resort Fiji. Resort general manager Charles Homsy said they were particularly focused on the health and wellbeing of staff, guests as well as members of the local community. During the month of Pinktober, the resort has also undertaken a range of...

Positive trend for family holiday destination

ONE of Fiji’s premier family holiday destinations is on track to ending the year on a high. Radisson Blu Resort Fiji general manager Charles Homsy said the family getaway was one of the most well-known properties in the country. “Radisson is a very beautiful property and it is very well-known,” he said. “It is the...

Restaurant gives students chance to practise

IF you want to experience true fine dining at a fraction of the cost then check out the University of the South Pacific’s newly minted Pacific Fusion Restaurant in Namaka, Nadi. The training restaurant — run and managed by the university — boasts menus put together by students themselves that could easily grace the table...

Strong pull from hospitality industry

MARIANA Nabutu’s interest in the hospitality business began during her tenure as a sales assistant at Motibhai’s duty-free outlet in Nadi. After some time in the retail industry, the Natabua resident decided it was time to venture deeper. With the support and encouragement of family members, she enrolled at the University of the South Pacific’s...

Kini’s tourism dream

FOR Kini Jamata, hospitality and caring are not just words. After providing palliative care for her aging mother until she passed 15 years ago, Ms Jamata entered the workforce but became disenchanted after a number of years. “I finally sat down one day and had a hard look at my life and decided that I...

Potential for increase in local prawn production

THE Ministry of Fisheries is hosting the Prawn/Shrimp Conference at King Prawns Fiji Ltd at Lomaiwai, Nadroga today. This is the second time the ministry is hosting the conference with the minister Semi Koroilavesau opening it. Prawn or shrimps is one of the most commonly farmed species in the world and it is also of...

Deadline looms

THE 2019 deadline is approaching and any Pacific World Trade Organization member such as Fiji, Solomon Islands and Samoa that are looking to export fish to the European Union will need to examine these negotiations carefully to ensure that there is no winding back of benefits, says Adam Wolfenden. Mr Wolfenden is the trade justice...

APTC graduates urged to use skills and knowledge

FIFTY-one Fijians graduated with Australian qualifications in 12 technical courses, during the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) graduation ceremony in Nadi today. The graduates join more than 3800 locals that have graduated from APTC. Chief guest Fiji Higher Education director Linda Aumua congratulated the graduates urging them to use their new-found skills and knowledge to...

Quick, dramatic actions needed to safeguard Pacific fisheries: Koroilavesau

THE impacts of climate change will continue to be felt in our communities, thus the need for decisions to tackle the problem while considering the local context and people’s needs. Fiji’s Fisheries Minister Semi Koroilavesau made this comment while officiating at the opening of the Pacific Fisheries and Green Climate Fund workshop in Nadi today....

Koya notes need for investment in disruptive digital technologies

FIJI’S Industry, Trade and Tourism Minister Faiyaz Koya opened World Tourism Day celebrations by addressing a tourism and digital transformation seminar for the sector in Rakiraki today. “This year’s World Tourism Day theme ‘Tourism and the Digital Transformation’ highlights the need for investment in disruptive digital technologies,” Mr Koya said. “You may ask what is...

Labasa women vendors share experiences

LABASA Market was literally a sea of purple as 120 women dressed in their bright purple bula wear and sari converged on the market area today to celebrate International Rural Women’s Day. The day is set aside to celebrate and recognise the contribution of rural women in their communities and the nation as a whole....

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