Latest Fijian people Stories

SUVA, Fiji, May 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Fiji's national air carrier, Air Pacific, has announced a return to its 1958 name - Fiji Airways - to better reflect its dedication to transporting travelers to and from Fiji. The official name change, complete with branding and the introduction of new aircraft, is expected to take place by June 2013. Since 2009, Air Pacific, its Chairman, CEO, and numerous staff, have worked to stabilize, rebuild and improve the...

SUVA, Fiji, March 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama announced Fiji's plan to formulate a new constitution, laying out the basic principles and timetable for the Constitutional Consultation process. The twelve-month process includes a civic education programme for Fijians in urban, rural and maritime areas, and will consist of meetings throughout the nation in which all Fijians are urged to actively contribute their ideas. A five-member...

SUVA, Fiji, Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, who is currently touring Fiji's flood-affected areas, will provide details regarding the timeframe and methodology of the constitutional consultation process, as well as the composition of a Constitutional Commission, in the fourth week of February. Recent flooding and the continuous weather situation have created obvious logistical complications, which will amongst other things prevent...

SUVA, Fiji, Jan. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Republic of Fiji today announced its selection of the Canada-based firm CODE Incorporated to conduct electronic voter registration (EVR) in preparation for Fiji's upcoming Parliamentary elections. CODE was chosen based on its experience, accuracy and transparency in assisting developing nations with logistically challenging terrains--a factor important for Fiji, given that its population is spread over roughly 110 islands....

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- According to a report released by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), Australia's political policies toward Fiji have negatively impacted Australia's reputation in the region and stunted development opportunities among the Pacific Islands. The report also states that international confidence in Australia's regional leadership is strained as the Bainimarama Government continues to progress economically through...

SUVA (Reuters) - Fiji's ethnic Indian-dominated opposition on Friday accepted an offer of cabinet posts in the new indigenous-led government but tension with the military continued to simmer. Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase was sworn in on Thursday after a racially charged election and, under a 1997 constitution designed to smooth over Fiji's racial divide, offered cabinet posts to Mahendra Chaudhry's beaten Fiji Labour Party (FLP). "I've given the prime minister a letter of acceptance...

SUVA (Reuters) - Fiji's indigenous prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, claimed victory on Wednesday in the South Pacific nation's general elections after a racially-charged campaign aimed at stopping ethnic Indians gaining power. "We will have a working majority and that's good enough," Qarase told local radio as votes were counted for the final parliament seats. "I would like to acknowledge the hand of God for the victory. I believe God has a plan for Fiji and the SDL is part of that...

By Paul Tait SUVA, Fiji (Reuters) - Sitiveni Rabuka, the coup leader who became Fijian prime minister, appeared in court on Friday charged with inciting a bloody army mutiny in 2000, adding a dramatic twist to a week-long racially charged election. The former military strongman was not required to enter a plea but said after a brief appearance that he would defend himself against the charges. Police Commissioner Andrew Hughes said Rabuka presented himself at a police station on the...

By Paul Tait SABETO, Fiji (Reuters) - Fiji's racially charged election got off to a chaotic and embarrassing start on Saturday when the late arrival of ballot papers forced thousands to queue for hours, with some being turned away and told to return later. The elections office kept voting stations open up to two hours longer after some voters were kept waiting for four hours in the capital Suva and the rural west of the main island of Viti Levu. The delays added to a tense build-up to...

SUVA (Reuters) - Racial tensions bubbled to the surface in Fiji on Monday when the indigenous prime minister clashed with the army after suggesting political unrest was possible if his ethnic Indian opponent wins this week's election. Fiji has suffered three racially based coups and a bloody army mutiny since 1987 and race will again be a central issue at the South Pacific island nation's May 6-13 poll. Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase is under investigation after suggesting the nation...