Latest news with #Vanua
Scoop
11-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Pacific News In Brief For 11 July
Fiji - donation China's Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian has handed over a FJ$100,000 (approximately US$44,600) donation to the newly installed chief of the Lau group. Ratu Tevita Mara received the chiefly title of Tui Nayau on Tuesday, and on Thursday the Sau ni Vanua o Lau, Na Tui Lau titles. Solar street lights, household solar facilities, and a mini bus for the people of Lau have also been donated by China. Zhou said with the strong relationship that Fiji has with China, China will continue to provide support and assistance to the best of its ability for Fiji's rural development. He said China will continue to assist Fiji in responding to climate change through both bilateral and multilateral channels. Tonga - court A 37-year-old man has been sentenced to three years in prison for reckless driving that caused the deaths of his two children. Matangi Tonga reported the court heard that on 22 January of this year, in an attempt to overtake a vehicle at excessive speed, he lost control of the vehicle which had defective tyres and veered off the road. The crash caused the deaths of his two children who were in the car - the youngest was nine years old. Justice Tupou sentenced him on 8 July at the Supreme Court in Nuku'alofa, after he pleaded guilty to the charge in May. Samoa - death A prominent Samoan businessman and former Samoa National Provident Fund chairman has died. Local media reported Papali'i Panoa Moala died on Wednesday night. He was a long-serving board member of the Fund, and also served as its chair from 2021 until earlier this year. Papali'i was previously the Fund's chief executive and remained on the board following his resignation as chair. Family, friends, and community leaders have been sharing tributes online. Cook Islands - tourism Cook Islands is projected to achieve record visitor arrivals in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The latest ANZ Research Pacific Insight report forecasts 180,000 tourists. Cook Islands News reported this being due to increased air connectivity. However there are still challenges ahead in the balance of growth with environmental and workforce sustainability. Cook Islands - pearls The Cook Islands marine resources ministry is exploring solutions to revive a shrinking pearl farming industry. Local media reported that discussions around new cultivation methods and international partnerships are still underway. Marine resources minister Tingika Elikana said there are just a few farmers on the island of Manihiki. Opposition leader Tina Browne added that the Manihiki lagoon can no longer support the growth of pearl shells. Because of this, she proposes a hatchery be set up to cultivate the shells before transferring them to Manihiki.
Scoop
13-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Investigation Ordered After Boat Capsize In Suva Harbour
Article – RNZ Fiji's Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport has visited the wreck of the Lomaiviti Princess II and other derelict vessels within Suva Harbour. RNZ Pacific Fiji's Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport has visited the wreck of the Lomaiviti Princess II and other derelict vessels within Suva Harbour. Ro Filipe Tuisawau said he had expressed his disappointment over the incident and ordered a full investigation. In a statement earlier this week, the Government said it was actively undertaking all necessary measures to contain the oil spill and mitigate any environmental damage. 'Oil containment booms have been deployed around the vessel to prevent the spread of oil. Oil dispersants are also applied to minimise damage and reduce harm to the surrounding marine ecosystem,' it said. 'The next steps in the response operation include plans to refloat and reposition the LP II to clear the navigation channel, followed by the removal of the wreck.' The CEO of Maritime Safety Authority Fiji told RNZ Pacific the vessel 'went down' after being towed out of Narain Jetty in Suva by Fiji Ports. Goundar Shipping managing director George Goundar referred RNZ Pacific's request for comment to Fiji Ports. RNZ Pacific has reached out to Fiji Ports for comment. Minister Tuisawau emphasised the importance of protecting Suva's marine and cultural heritage. 'We must ensure that we safeguard the Suva Harbour and peninsula at all times. This land and maritime area was entrusted by the Vanua of Navukavu, Na Turaga Rokobaleni, and the Vanua of Nadonumai and Tui Suva of Rewa Province for the benefit of the nation.' He said Cabinet had approved a legislative review on the matter. The government statement said the Joint Maritime Environment Protection Committee has been working to address the growing concern of derelict and abandoned vessels in Fiji's ports and harbours. 'Derelict ships continue to be removed and disposed off. The process of coordination of stakeholder collaboration, JMEC identification of priority wrecks and initiation of legal and operational processes to support removal continues.'
Scoop
13-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Investigation Ordered After Boat Capsize In Suva Harbour
Article – RNZ Fiji's Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport has visited the wreck of the Lomaiviti Princess II and other derelict vessels within Suva Harbour. Fiji's Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport has visited the wreck of the Lomaiviti Princess II and other derelict vessels within Suva Harbour. Ro Filipe Tuisawau said he had expressed his disappointment over the incident and ordered a full investigation. In a statement earlier this week, the Government said it was actively undertaking all necessary measures to contain the oil spill and mitigate any environmental damage. 'Oil containment booms have been deployed around the vessel to prevent the spread of oil. Oil dispersants are also applied to minimise damage and reduce harm to the surrounding marine ecosystem,' it said. 'The next steps in the response operation include plans to refloat and reposition the LP II to clear the navigation channel, followed by the removal of the wreck.' The CEO of Maritime Safety Authority Fiji told RNZ Pacific the vessel 'went down' after being towed out of Narain Jetty in Suva by Fiji Ports. Goundar Shipping managing director George Goundar referred RNZ Pacific's request for comment to Fiji Ports. RNZ Pacific has reached out to Fiji Ports for comment. Minister Tuisawau emphasised the importance of protecting Suva's marine and cultural heritage. 'We must ensure that we safeguard the Suva Harbour and peninsula at all times. This land and maritime area was entrusted by the Vanua of Navukavu, Na Turaga Rokobaleni, and the Vanua of Nadonumai and Tui Suva of Rewa Province for the benefit of the nation.' He said Cabinet had approved a legislative review on the matter. The government statement said the Joint Maritime Environment Protection Committee has been working to address the growing concern of derelict and abandoned vessels in Fiji's ports and harbours. 'Derelict ships continue to be removed and disposed off. The process of coordination of stakeholder collaboration, JMEC identification of priority wrecks and initiation of legal and operational processes to support removal continues.'
Scoop
13-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Investigation Ordered After Boat Capsize In Suva Harbour
Fiji's Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport has visited the wreck of the Lomaiviti Princess II and other derelict vessels within Suva Harbour. Ro Filipe Tuisawau said he had expressed his disappointment over the incident and ordered a full investigation. In a statement earlier this week, the Government said it was actively undertaking all necessary measures to contain the oil spill and mitigate any environmental damage. "Oil containment booms have been deployed around the vessel to prevent the spread of oil. Oil dispersants are also applied to minimise damage and reduce harm to the surrounding marine ecosystem," it said. "The next steps in the response operation include plans to refloat and reposition the LP II to clear the navigation channel, followed by the removal of the wreck." The CEO of Maritime Safety Authority Fiji told RNZ Pacific the vessel "went down" after being towed out of Narain Jetty in Suva by Fiji Ports. Goundar Shipping managing director George Goundar referred RNZ Pacific's request for comment to Fiji Ports. Minister Tuisawau emphasised the importance of protecting Suva's marine and cultural heritage. "We must ensure that we safeguard the Suva Harbour and peninsula at all times. This land and maritime area was entrusted by the Vanua of Navukavu, Na Turaga Rokobaleni, and the Vanua of Nadonumai and Tui Suva of Rewa Province for the benefit of the nation." He said Cabinet had approved a legislative review on the matter. The government statement said the Joint Maritime Environment Protection Committee has been working to address the growing concern of derelict and abandoned vessels in Fiji's ports and harbours. "Derelict ships continue to be removed and disposed off. The process of coordination of stakeholder collaboration, JMEC identification of priority wrecks and initiation of legal and operational processes to support removal continues."
