The Fiji Times

Week highlights independence of people visually impaired

WHEN Government signs up to international conventions, it ensures the conventions become a reality on the ground by putting in place all the relevant mechanisms, says Employment, Industrial Relations and Productivity Minister Jone Usamate. He made the comment while launching White Cane Awareness Week at the Lautoka Girmit Centre last Saturday. “When we sign up...

‘Development is all about partnership’

DEVELOPMENT is all about partnership and the Government has a role in that. Minister for Agriculture and Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management and Meteorological Services Inia Seruiratu said this while closing the two-week Artificial Insemination training at Tailevu Hotel, Korovou last Friday. Mr Seruiratu said Government is creating policies and providing the...

Pacific weather forecasters turn to social media

WEATHER information must be made simple because every member of the community has to understand it and yet it must also contain official jargon which retains credibility. Representatives from 15 meteorologic authorities in the Pacific islands are grappling with this and other communications dilemma at a training event currently taking place in Nadi. Organised by...

Youth resource centre opened in Labasa

THE Labasa District Youth Council opened a new resource centre in Labasa Town today aimed at empowering youths with information. In opening the centre, Minister for Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitubou pleaded with the group to create a pleasant environment for learning in the centre. “Your resource centre should also contain relevant and accessible collection...

Blues to field strong line-up for CVC

COURTS Inter District Championship champion Lautoka Blues is expected to field a strong line-up against arch rival Ba in the much anticipated Pillay Garments Champions versus Champions. These players include former Ba striker Samuela Nabenia, prolific goal scorers Benjamin Totori and Samuela Drudru, Dave Radregai, Kavaia Rawaqa, Jone Vesikula, Zibraz Sahib and Beniamino Mateinaqara. Lautoka...

Nine election nominees rejected

ANY candidate who has not been approved by the Fijian Elections Office to contest the 2018 General Election can appeal the decision with the Electoral Commission tomorrow. Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem mentioned this while revealing that 234 candidates have been approved by the FEO to contest the upcoming polls. He said 243 candidates were...

US crew members clean-up at nursing home

MORE than 10 crew members from the visiting US Navy Ship USS Shoup (DDG 86) took part in a clean up activity organised at the Chanel Home of Compassion in Tamavua earlier today. Registered Nurse at the Home, Sister Asinate Melania said the crew visited the place to also spend time with the residents. “It...

Facelift for the children’s cancer ward

CHILDREN receiving treatment for cancer at the Colonial War Memorial(CWM) Hospital have now a reason to be more optimistic after the refurbishment works carried out at the children’s cancer ward. The works was made possible through the Smart family and their team and the management and staff of Holiday Inn. Walk On, Walk Strong (WOWS)...

Meghan and Harry arrive in Australia for first overseas tour

SYDNEY (Reuters) – Prince Harry and Meghan Markle landed in Australia on Monday a day before the official start of their first overseas tour as a married couple. It is the second tour of Australia by the younger generation of royals, after Prince William, Kate and their eldest son, George, visited in 2014. The Duke...

‘Venom,’ ‘A Star Is Born’ Repeat Box Office Wins, ‘First Man’ Launches to $16.6 Million

LOS ANGELES (Variety.com) – Tom Hardy’s “Venom” grabbed $35.7 million to repeat as the winner of the North American box office, followed by Lady Gaga’s “A Star Is Born” with $28 million. Ryan Gosling’s “First Man” launched in third place at the low end of expectations with $16.6 million at 3,640 sites, edging the opening...

North Korea seeks ‘substantive outcome’ in economic cooperation talks with South

SEOUL (Reuters) – North and South Korea met on Monday to discuss the next steps in their pact to renew economic cooperation, with the North saying it wanted a “substantive outcome” from the talks, against the backdrop of U.S. concerns over their haste to warm ties. The talks in the border village of Panmunjom were...

Jordan and Syria say border to reopen on Monday

AMMAN/BEIRUT (Reuters) – The border crossing between Jordan and Syria will officially reopen on Monday after being closed for three years, the two countries said on Sunday, though it will not be open to normal traffic immediately. Meanwhile, the Syrian and Iraqi foreign ministers discussed accelerating efforts to reopen the border between their countries, Syrian...

Honduran migrant group grows, heading for United States

TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) – A growing group of more than 1,500 Honduran migrants headed for the United States moved toward the Guatemalan border on Sunday, witnesses and organizers said. The migrants, who included families of adults and children, and women carrying babies, began a march on Saturday from the violent northern city of San Pedro Sula,...

Seven roads closed in the Central Division

MEMBERS of the public are being advised take extra precaution while travelling in the Central Division as some roads are closed to all traffic. Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) in a statement issued today is advising motorists to take care and do not drive into water of unknown depth and current. Seven roads are closed in...

Couple charged for unlawful importation of meth

A COUPLE have been jointly charged with one count of unlawful importation of illicit drugs while the woman faces an additional count of unlawful possession of illicit drugs. This is after they were found with more than 400 grams of methamphetamine. Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said the two are alleged to have imported the illicit...

Weather watch: Strong wind warning, heavy rain alert

A STRONG wind warning is now in force for land areas of the Lau Group, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands, southern Viti Levu and the Lomaiviti Group. According to the latest weather report from the Fiji Meteorological Services, a heavy rain alert is also in force for the Yasawa and Mamanuca Group and the eastern...

Lauwaki landowners receive lease payments

LAUWAKI landowners in Lautoka were given more than $2million in lease payments for the development of native land for the State funded Wairabetia Economic Zone. While handing over the check today, Minister for Lands, Trade and Industry Faiyaz Koya said the WEZ would be a prime model of efficient and sustainable use of itaukei land...

Missing person: Information appeal to locate Fatifa

POLICE are requesting information that can help locate 12-year-old Fatifa Aesake who was reported missing at the Valelevu Police station. Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said Fatifa went missing from her Nadera home on October 4. “Search conducted at all likely places has to date proved negative,” Ms Naisoro said. “Please call Crime Stoppers on 919...

Woman dies in Queens road accident

AN accident which occurred at Navola along the Queens Road yesterday afternoon claimed the life of a woman. Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro said the victim who is in her 50s was a passenger in a car driven by a man in his 30s heading towards Suva. She said the driver allegedly lost control of the...

Ex-civil servant pleads not guilty to corruption-related offences