Minister warns illegal traders

Expatriate patient billed $46,690 – Dr Bhagat

An expatriate who fell ill and was admitted at the Lautoka Hospital for two weeks was billed more than $46,000 by Aspen Medical. While speaking at a national budget consultation in Lautoka this week, general practitioner Dr Mukesh Bhagat said he was shocked that the expatriate patient was billed $46,690. “I was astonished that one...

Changes introduced in upcoming budget ‘will not be too drastic’

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Prof Biman Prasad says changes that will be introduced in the upcoming 2023-2024 National Budget “will not be too drastic”. Speaking at a national budget consultation in Lautoka this week, he also said the three different rates of VAT (value added tax) would not exist once the new...

Get out of jail bid | Vosarogo: Presidential pardon a recourse available to all convicts

A petition for mercy is a recourse available to all persons convicted, not just a few. Acting Home Affairs Minister Filimoni Vosarogo said this as he stressed the initiation of a petition by a prisoner “did not automatically mean a release”. In a statement, Mr Vosarogo said Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commander Major General...

Fiji Government appoints 11 new permanent secretaries

Fiji’s Public Service Commission has announced the appointment of 11 permanent secretaries. It said the appointments followed an extensive recruitment process, and was also in agreement with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. The appointments: Dr Andrew Tukana Dr Tukana is the new PS for Agriculture and Waterways. He served in the agricultural sector for more than...

What $756m upgrade? | Ditoka: Bainimarama’s claim not reflected on the ground

Where has all the money gone? Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Minister Sakiasi Ditoka said this of former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s boast that his government invested more than $756 million to develop eight provinces in the country. In an interview in June last year, the former PM said the FijiFirst government spent...

Quality childcare access expected post-Cabinet endorsement

Following Cabinet’s endorsement of the Guidance Note for the National Early Childhood Care Services Policy and Regulatory Framework, working parents in Fiji can now expect access to good quality childcare options. The Guidance Note will form the basis for public consultations with focused collaboration with stakeholders for the development of the country’s first early childhood...

Community honours sons

The tears that our forefathers shed and the hurt and pain we have been carrying all these years will now be heard in Parliament, thanks to you. Descendants of Solomon Islanders in Tamavua-i-wai settlement expressed this sentiment at an emotional ceremony yesterday where they celebrated the achievements of two of their sons — Assistant Minister...

Bid for return of non-citizens

In a bid to facilitate the return of non-citizens who are descendants of communities in Fiji, the Coalition Government has approved the tabling of the Immigration (Amendment) Bill 2023 during next month’s Parliament sitting. This amendment seeks to reinstate Section 8 (1) (g) of the Immigration Act, which was repealed in 2010. The repealed section...

Reduction in travel allowances approved for PM and ministerial Cabinet

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, his ministerial Cabinet, and all members of Parliament will be subject to a reduction in travel allowances. The decision was finalised in Cabinet this week after the scale of allowances provided to Parliamentarians was brought under heavy scrutiny. In a post-Cabinet statement, Mr Rabuka confirmed the reduction would be implemented in...

‘iTaukei legislations need review’

A number of legislation focusing on the welfare of the iTaukei are outdated and in serious need of a review. Justice Alipate Qetaki highlighted this while speaking as a panelist during a public lecture on the life and legacy of Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna at the University of Fiji’s Samabula campus on Thursday. He said...

Political parties submit source of funds

The People’s Alliance, Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) and suspended FijiFirst have submitted its sources of funds to the Fijian Elections Office (FEO). The other suspended parties; We Unite, All People’s, and New Generation have yet to submit the same. FEO also confirmed that the parties suspended for breaching Sections 23 and 26 of the...

Call for true representation in Parliament

Parliament should be made up of politicians who receive the highest votes and not by those who ride on the coattails of their party leader. This was the consensus of speakers during a public lecture on the life and legacy of the late statesman, Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna, organised at the University of Fiji’s Samabula...

Beyond the Scope | Welfare recipient numbers skyrocket

Social welfare assistance is provided by governments to individuals and families in need. This assistance aims to help individuals meet their basic needs, overcome financial difficulties, and improve their overall wellbeing. Governments design these programs to provide a safety net and help individuals and families overcome temporary or long-term challenges they may face. These safety...

Win your way in | Academics voice concern on present voting system

Minority communities will have no voice in Cabinet or Parliament if the present voting system is maintained. Renowned academic and former permanent secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office Joji Kotobalavu said if the status quo continued, the iTaukei dominance in the House and Government would be further entrenched. He said this while reiterating the views...

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