More than 723,000 Fijians are now registered to vote as the country prepares for its next General Election.

Youth Minister Jese Saukuru is calling on his Ministry to move away from business as usual and focus on measurable outcomes for young people.

The Suva Magistrates Court has rejected FICAC’s application to vacate the trial of former Fijian Broadcasting Corporation CEO Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Chief Financial Officer Vimlesh Sagar.

Schools are being urged to strengthen Family Life Education and better equip teachers to address HIV, sexual and reproductive health and drug use among young people.

Minister for Women and Children Sashi Kiran says ageing in Fiji has been overlooked, as more than 90,000 Fijians are now aged over 60, representing at least one in ten of the
population.

The Pacific Sexual and Gender Diversity Network says it wants to build its capacity to operate as a regional grant-making and financial intermediary.

The Fiji Development Bank’s loan portfolio has grown to almost $600 million as the bank continues to expand its lending and improve the quality of its financial assets.

BSP Life Managing Director Michael Nacola says Pacific institutions need to work together and pool their capital to unlock major investment opportunities in the region.

The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association has rejected Government’s claim that the tourism industry is using delaying tactics or risking sabotage of the Tourism Services Tax.

Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Atonio Lalabalavu has directed senior health managers to immediately improve response times and clear administrative backlogs across the Ministry.

The Ministry of Immigration will streamline the processing of relevant work permit applications from next Tuesday as part of efforts to improve the efficiency and responsiveness of its services.

The Ministry of Housing is working with the Housing Authority of Fiji to formalize informal settlements and transition eligible families into secure home ownership.