Local businesses are already grappling with rising costs from a labour and skills shortage, higher corporate taxes, and a 50 percent increase in minimum wages over the past three years, says Fiji Commerce and Employment Federation Chief Executive Edward Bernard.

The Fiji Development Bank says rising house prices and limited land supply continue to put home ownership out of reach for many Fijians, particularly in urban centres where affordability pressures are highest.

Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro has echoed concerns over school dropouts in the country.

The Methodist Church in Fiji has announced plans to strengthen its outreach programs in 2026, with a renewed focus on supporting vulnerable young people facing challenges such as alcohol abuse and social pressures.

A woman in her 50s has been charged by the Criminal Investigation Department’s Cyber Crime Task Force for allegedly dishonestly obtaining more than $4,000 from her employer.

The Fiji Roads Authority says it will investigate the cause of the overhead barricade incident at the Navua Bridge after the structure fell earlier this morning.

The Ministry of Education says it is stepping up support for teachers amid growing concerns over increasing workload pressure and burnout, as raised by the Fiji Teachers Union.

The Sugar Industry Tribunal is urging all cane growers and harvesting gangs supplying the Rarawai Mill to make every effort to harvest and deliver all remaining cane before Monday next week.

The Australian High Commission has clarified misinformation circulating online regarding upgrade works at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, confirming that critical improvement projects are already underway.

The Ministry of Education is relying on temporary measures to manage ongoing teacher shortages, with more than 600 secondary school teachers currently deployed in primary schools to fill existing vacancies.

Concerns have been raised over the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes for sexual offenders, following cases where convicted rapists reoffend after being released from prison.

Fiji is facing a growing skills shortage that is worrying investors across key sectors.