Provides the latest RSS feeds for Fiji News. For more headlines on Breaking, National, Business, Finance, Sports and World News, visit our home page Asia Pacific Star.com http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/cat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082/ en-us Wed, 22 May 2013 00:33:06 -0400 Wed, 22 May 2013 00:33:06 -0400 30 Fiji's National Federation Party (NFP), comprising mostly of Indian-origin members, says it is ready for the elections scheduled for 2014 in that south pacific island nation. Party president Raman Pratap said that there was no need for a change in the party's executive line-up and a meeting will be held in June to discuss the party's election strategy. "All we have to do now is start with our ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214658355/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 06:10:01 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214658355/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Suva, May 22 (Prensa Latina) The Prime Minister of Fiji, Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, will make a working visit to China from May 27 to 30 in order to discuss issues of common interest, announced the national radio and television. According to the official note Bainimarama will talk with Prime Minister Li Keqiang, on matters of bilateral commercial benefits. During his visit, specify the text, Fiji ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214679873/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Wed, 22 May 2013 00:08:31 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214679873/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 + Enlarge this image Taukei Namara, Ratu Peni Sogia prays over the new Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere. Picture: Serafina ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214679976/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Wed, 22 May 2013 00:01:52 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214679976/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 FIJICARE Insurance (FIL) launched its state-of-the-art information technology system today in Suva. FIL board chairman Phillip Thomas says the new software will identify patients via their FNPF number. Mr Thomas said all treatment and medical findings would be recorded where they would receive automatically generated reports and be freed from the need to keep manual records. The system was ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214679975/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Wed, 22 May 2013 00:01:52 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214679975/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Fiji Olympic House today received a third of their $142,000 total budget for preparation and participation at the Wallis and Futuna Pacific Mini Games in ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214679977/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 23:31:38 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214679977/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Fiji Olympic House today launched a major fundraiser, the FASANOC Lottery, in conjunction with the PARTNER FOR GOLD sponsorship Program to raise funds for Team Fiji ahead of the 2013 Pacific Mini ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214679978/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 23:31:01 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214679978/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 THE Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee received the government's contribution towards Team Fiji's preparation costs for the Wallis and Futuna Pacific Mini Games this morning. National Sports Commission chairman Peter Mazey handed a $49,000 cheque to Team Fiji Chef de Mission Alini Sovu and FASANOC CEO Lorraine Mar at the commission's office. In receiving ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214678935/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 22:52:14 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214678935/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Flying Fijians utility back Vereniki Goneva and league convert Alipate Ratini have been included in Fiji 7s coach Alifereti ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214678936/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 22:21:23 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214678936/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Flying Fijians utility back Vereniki Goneva and league convert Alipate Ratini have been included in Fiji 7s coach Alifereti ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214677997/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 21:12:01 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214677997/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Flying Fijians utility back Vereniki Goneva and league convert Alipate Ratini have been included in Fiji 7s coach Alifereti ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214677998/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 21:12:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214677998/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 APPLICATIONS for new developments on iTaukei land this year has been slow, says iTaukei Land Trust Board general manager Alipate Qetaki. He said their focus was on addressing applications that were pending from 2012. However, he said their strategy was to ensure landowners were aware of the need to assist the development goals of the ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214676936/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 20:32:59 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214676936/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Flying Fijians utility back Vereniki Goneva and league convert Alipate Ratini have been included in Fiji 7s coach Alifereti ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214676937/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 20:04:13 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214676937/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 A man has been sentenced to 11 years imprisonment by the High Court in Lautoka for raping his seven year-old niece in 2010. The court heard that on the day of the incident on March 21, the young girl and the accused were watching television alone in the evening when the man took her to the village hall, removed her clothes before raping her despite her cries. The incident was witnessed by ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214675760/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 18:55:55 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214675760/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 NATIONAL Fire Authority officers will now be assessed according to their performance. In a bid to ensure the success of the performance-based assessment process, fire officers in the North were part of a middle level management workshop to boost capacity building for those in managerial positions within the region.NFA CEO John O'Connor said the two-day workshop was aimed at sharpening ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214674436/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 18:13:04 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214674436/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 The Suva versus Macuata clash has been shifted in the only change made to Round Seven of the Digicel Cup this weekend. The match will now be played at Albert Park as per the directive of the hosts, Fiji Rugby Union senior operations officer Aporosa Tuqovu said. The match was initially scheduled for ANZ Stadium. All other matches remain as scheduled, Nadi host Namosi at Prince Charles ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214674437/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 17:42:23 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214674437/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 + Enlarge this image Citizens Constitutional Forum staff member Sina Mario, left, was part of the discussion on Law of Armed Conflict at Vatuwaqa yesterday. Picture: JONE ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671590/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:59:54 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671590/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 + Enlarge this image A member of the Fiji Police team that will defend the Police Rugby League World Cup title in July train at the Nasova grounds yesterday. Picture: JONE ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671577/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:59:54 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671577/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 PEOPLE need to be aware of the changes and effects of development in their daily lives. This is the word from divisional police commander north Senior Superintendent of Police Fulori Rainibogi as police officers in the division work to educate people on the effects of development in rural settings.SSP Rainibogi said people were often shocked with the effects of development and forgot how to ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671580/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:59:54 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671580/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 LONDON - New Zealand spinner Daniel Vettori could return to action in the second Test against England this week after Bruce Martin was ruled out of the rest of the tour with a calf injury. Vettori has not played for the Black Caps for almost a year because of a hamstring injury and was left out of the squad for the two-Test series in England.But with Martin sidelined by the injury that prevented ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671575/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:59:54 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671575/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 THE WAF is still investigating eight of its employees who were suspended last March following allegations of malpractice. Authority team leader corporate communications Fulori Turaga said the eight employees remained suspended."The case is still under investigation. The eight workers are still on suspension," Mrs Turaga said.She said the matter was before a tribunal within the ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671587/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:59:54 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671587/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 PLANS are in the pipeline to improve kava pounding centres in the country. The Fiji Kava Council said kava pounding machines would be made of stainless steel now."There will be no more steel machines now to pound kava," said council chairman Rupeni Koroi."Apart from changing the pounding machines, those in the kava business also need to have new and proper tiles, and new ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671583/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:59:54 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671583/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 PACIFIC Island Countries representatives visiting the country hope to maintain and strengthen their dialogue with Fiji particularly in purchasing pharmaceutical medical items. And one has applauded the pace of development in the country.High Commissioner for Nauru Jarden Kephas said they were confident that Fiji was developing itself at a very fast rate."Fiji has high quality in health ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671574/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:59:54 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671574/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 SOME top players are set to feature for the Yamacia side in the Fiji Bitter Marist Sevens tournament next weekend. Team manager David Dakuitoga said they had received interest from Fijian players plying their trade overseas to play in the tournament and compete for a place in the national side for the Rugby World Cup 7s tournament which will be held at the end of next month."There are some ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671586/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:59:54 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671586/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 THE family of 24-year-old Ronil Prasad Sharma is pleading to the general public for information on the whereabouts of the Tuvu, Ba resident. Mr Prasad has been missing for more than a week.His brother Rajeshwar Prasad of Tomuka, Lautoka said the carpenter had left for work at an aluminium joinery company around 7am but did not return home."We've tried everything," said Mr ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671579/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:59:54 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671579/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 RESPONSE from the public on working with police in dealing with sexual-related offences in the North has been positive. Divisional police commander north Senior Superintendent Fulori Rainibogi said police officers had been visiting villages in the three provinces of Cakaudrove, Bua and Macuata."With the recent high cases of sexual-related crime, community outreach is imperative for our team ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671582/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:59:54 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671582/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 ROTUMA Export and Marketing Company Limited (REMCOL) is entering into an agreement with the Fiji Agro Marketing Authority to supply frozen dalo, cassava and fruits to the Suva market. This was highlighted by the REMCOL executive chairman Hiagi Foraete during the Rotuma Development board meeting in Suva yesterday.REMCOL is a subsidiary of Rotuma Investment Limited which is the business arm of the ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671573/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:59:54 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671573/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 SUGAR industry stakeholders need to draw up a strategic action plan and implement it to rejuvenate the sugar industry. This was the statement made by the European Union's Accompanying Measures for the Sugar Protocol Programme Coordination Unit Team leader Andrew Winter-Taylor, while opening a workshop on extension services in Lautoka this week.He said agricultural extension officers played ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671576/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:59:54 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671576/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 + Enlarge this image Jasper Williams High School athletes celebrate winning the Coca-Cola Games girls title last week. Picture: JONACANI ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671588/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:59:54 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671588/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 MORE than 20 people were rushed to the Nadi Hospital after the bus they were travelling veered off the road in Mulomulo yesterday morning. According to police, the accident happened around 6.15am with the bus carrying more than 30 people including schoolchildren.Officer in charge at the Nadi Police Station, ASP Simione Bale said the brakes on the bus had allegedly failed."One of our ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671578/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:59:54 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671578/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 SAN ANTONIO, Texas - The San Antonio Spurs drained 14 three-pointers in a convincing 105-83 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies yesterday's opening game of the NBA's Western Conference finals. Tony Parker scored 20 points and handed out nine assists for the Spurs, whose stifling defence held Grizzlies' top scorer Zach Randolph to only two points.Randolph came in averaging 19.7 ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671585/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:59:54 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671585/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 THE Ministry of Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation has received 7723 applications from people aged 70 years and above seeking to join the social pension scheme. Out of the 7723 applications, 5563 have been approved.Ministry permanent secretary Dr Josefa Koroivueta said the 7723 applications were received between January and April this year.Dr Koroivueta said the applications received ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671581/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:59:54 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671581/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 THE country's economy will be boosted if kava exports are opened up for pharmaceutical or medical purposes. And the benefits of such exports will flow down not only to the kava or yaqona farmers but to many communities.Fiji Kava Council chairman Rupeni Koroi made the comments while welcoming the findings of a clinical trial on kava carried out by the University of Melbourne."If the ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671584/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:59:54 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671584/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 SAMUELA Vula, Fiji Football Association's Player of the Year 2012, will be back to strengthen the Suva defence against Labasa this Sunday. The soldier missed the clash against Nadi, a game Suva lost 0-1."You could see in that encounter that it is important to have someone with Vula's experience to guide our young and upcoming youth players," Suva Football Association ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671593/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:59:53 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671593/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 NADI Football is seeking a change to their jersey colour. Association president Navneenda Goundar said they had written to the Fiji Football Association regarding the matter."We hope to get a positive reply," said Goundar.Instead of the full green, the Jack's-sponsored side wants to have it green and gold.Nadi remains winless in the league and tournaments since the 2002 IDC, which ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671594/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:59:53 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671594/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 PACIFIC islanders should learn to respect each other's culture and live together in unity. This is the call from USP head of performing arts Igelese Ete who said he realised that the Pacific islands was one body when he went to Hollywood to work on a movie."It's not about being Samoan or Fijian or that you come from Tonga or from Solomon Islands. All Pacific island countries are ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671592/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:59:53 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671592/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Shipping livestock to Rotuma is a concern for the Ministry of Agriculture, particularly when there are no proper shipping vessels available to ship livestock such as cattle to remote islands. This issue was highlighted after the ministry had shipped 48 head of cattle to Rotuma last month.Director Animal Health and Production Tomasi Tunabuna said they encountered problems when trying to ship the ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671596/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:59:53 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671596/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 STELLA Maris Primary School will launch its Diamond Jubilee celebrations on Saturday. The school, which is managed by the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary (SMSM), was established back in 1954 and will celebrate its 60 years of existence in May next year.School administrator Sister Judith Moore said there would be a double theme for the jubilee celebrations."The theme of the jubilee ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671595/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:59:53 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671595/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 BIAUSEVU lass Alesi Finau's aim during the two-day Coca-Cola Games last week was to give her best. Not in her wildest dreams did she ever thought of winning a medal.But the Form Three student of Jasper Williams High School scooped two gold medals in the 200m and 4x100m relay and a silver medal in the 100m junior grade event."Since it was my first year in high school, my aim was just to ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671589/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:59:53 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671589/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 POLICE have identified the 40-year-old man who was killed in an early morning hit-and-run accident on Sunday by two unknown vehicles. Police chief of operations ACP Rusiate Tudravu said the hit-and-run accident occurred at the Kinoya traffic lights along the Kings Rd on Sunday.However, he said the particulars of the deceased would not be released.He said the eyewitness could only identify the ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671591/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:59:53 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671591/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 + Enlarge this image FexCo Pacific general manager Steven Narayan, left, and Damodar City Centre manager Carmelita Price seal the tenancy deal with a handshake at the incomplete Damodar City Centre in Laucala Bay yesterday. Picture: ROPATE ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671599/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:30:10 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671599/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 BANK of South Pacific customers in Muanikoso will now have to use the automatic teller service at Hansons Supermarket. Several customers in the area had arrived to use the ATM only to find it had been cornered off at the shop near the junction of Muanikoso and Kings roads in Nasinu recently.BSP country manager Kevin McCarthy said their tenancy at the shop had ended and they were relocating the ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671598/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:30:10 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671598/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 FIJI needs productive workplaces that can grow the economy, says Minister for Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Jone Usamate. Addressing the importance of occupational health and safety (OHS) in the workplaces, Mr Usamate said the ministry had been responsible for OHS reforms in Fiji including the enactment of the Health and Safety At Work Act (HASAWA) in 1996."The enactment of ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671597/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:30:10 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671597/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 THE live rock trade will soon be phased out as efforts continue to sustain healthy reef systems in Fiji and the Pacific. Department of Fisheries principal research officer Aisake Batibasaga said operators should plan accordingly and look for alternative commodities now that the quota for live rock harvest may decrease.Aquarium industry players actively participating in the non-detrimental ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671600/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 16:30:10 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214671600/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Multitalented actor Boman Irani who is busy shooting in Fiji for his forthcoming film 'Santa Banta' has hurt his knee and tore a ligament we ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214662518/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 09:39:13 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214662518/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 New Zealand have put a damper on Fiji's 100th anniversary celebrations, by claiming they are too busy to play the islanders in a commemorative Test. The Fijian Rugby Union wrote to the New Zealand Rugby Union last August requesting a June Test against the All Blacks in Suva, Fiji's capital, to mark the occasion.But the NZRU rejected their offer citing the World Cup winners' ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214661007/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 08:46:34 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214661007/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Fiji, who have also been rebuffed by other major Test-playing countries, will play a Classic All Blacks side featuring recent Test players ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214659879/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 07:18:44 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214659879/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Flying Fijians utility back Vereniki Goneva and league convert Alipate Ratini have been included in Fiji 7s coach Alifereti ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214659880/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 06:59:29 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214659880/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Fiji Fiji's acting prime minister, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, has urged Melanesian countries to consider forming a common economic union.He has told at a meeting of trade ministers from the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) in Nadi that free trade between Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea is the future.Mr Sayed-Khaiyum says Fiji's trade with Pacific Island nations has seen ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214655876/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 02:58:30 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214655876/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 New Fiji Rugby Union chairman Filimone Waqabaca said Tuesday he was determined to clean up the organisation's finances after it posted a FJ$600,000 (US$325,000) loss last year. Waqabaca, a permanent finance secretary in the South Pacific nation's military-led government, was elected FRU chairman last weekend after being nominated by the regime's leader Voreqe Bainimarama. He said ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214655088/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 01:50:19 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214655088/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 New Zealand is preparing to increase its military presence in the South Pacific, in close collaboration with the Australian government. The moves further align the two regional imperialist powers with the US Obama administration's "pivot" to the Asia-Pacific and its aggressive confrontation of China.The New Zealand government announced its plans following an inaugural meeting of ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214654138/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 01:07:54 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214654138/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Flying Fijians utility back Vereniki Goneva and league convert Alipate Ratini have been included in Fiji 7s coach Alifereti ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214654244/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 00:28:11 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214654244/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Flying Fijians utility back Vereniki Goneva and league convert Alipate Ratini have been included in Fiji 7s coach Alifereti ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214654245/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Tue, 21 May 2013 00:28:03 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214654245/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 CONSTRUCTION works at the $30m Damodar City Centre are more than 80 per cent complete. Centre manager Carmelita Price said they had expanded the complex from its initial plan which took more time. She said the centre had something unique which would be revealed at the opening. At this stage, Ms Price said the opening would depend on the preparation of their ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214653316/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Mon, 20 May 2013 23:53:04 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214653316/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 INTERNATIONAL technical and consultancy services company, OPS Atlas, will soon open a Pacific division in Fiji to be called OPS Pacific. Headed by vice president Simione Tugi, the company was expected to provide world class technical and occupational health and safety training for participants in Fiji and around the region. Mr Tugi said the company would officially launch on June 19 at the ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214653317/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Mon, 20 May 2013 23:53:04 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214653317/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 ISSUES highlighted in today's International Committee of Red Cross Law of Armed Conflict training program in Vatuwaqa included personal application of Law of Armed Conflict or who the law applies to. The workshop which started on Monday provides senior military officers a chance to better understand the Law of Armed Conflict and to prepare them on overseas peace-keeping missions. ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214653319/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Mon, 20 May 2013 23:53:04 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214653319/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 THE Fiji Bus Operators Association will discuss major issues at its annual convention this Saturday. With the theme Transportation and the Economy, association president Richard Lal says issues like the importance of public transportation to the nations economy and its development will be discussed through a series of presentations and guest speakers. This was possible after Asco Motors ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214653318/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Mon, 20 May 2013 23:53:04 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214653318/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 MORE than 40 participants were part of the Developing People's Critical and Creative Abilities Through Media Education workshop in Suva today. The workshop, organised by Fiji Media Watch, aims to create awareness on how participants can conduct media education within the various communities. Former Ba Provincial Council chairman Ratu Meli Saukuru said mass media played a vital role in ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214652430/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Mon, 20 May 2013 22:49:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214652430/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 FEXCO Pacific signed an agreement this morning to become a tenant at the soon-to-be-complete Damodar City Centre in Laucala Bay, Suva. The company's general manager, Steven Narayan, says the shop will be an additional office to more than 100 centres around Fiji. He said they were proud to be part of the multi-million dollar complex. Damodar City Centre manager Carmelita Price says the ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214652429/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Mon, 20 May 2013 22:49:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214652429/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 FIJI is doing well in its efforts in eliminating stigma and discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS. This was revealed by Dr Tamara Kwarteng, an independent consultant working with the UNAIDS office in the country. Speaking during the Fiji Mid-term Review of the United Nations General Assembly 2011 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS at Lamis Novotel Hotel, Dr Kwarteng said she has been ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214652428/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Mon, 20 May 2013 22:49:00 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214652428/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 A 22-year-old woman of Savusavu convicted of killing her four-month-old baby last year has been ordered to undergo counseling by the Ministry of Social Welfare for as long as the department sees ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214652431/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Mon, 20 May 2013 22:18:34 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214652431/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Filimoni Waqabaca, a permanent secretary at Fiji's Finance Ministry, has been elected chairman of the Fiji Rugby Union. Waqabaca was elected by members of the union's board to replace outgoing chairman Colonel Mosese Tikoitoga. He was the nominee to the board of Fiji's interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama. Four new board members were elected at the union's annual ... http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214651478/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082 Mon, 20 May 2013 21:32:17 -0400 http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/214651478/scat/7b9fd5fd3be1c082