Australia has been competing with China to fund the Republic of Fiji Military Force’s (RFMF) Black Rock Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Camp situated in Nadi. RFMF’s chief of staff for coordination, Captain Eronia Duaibe, said that Australia’s bid was successful because they took a holistic approach to Black Rock’s construction, rather than Read more
Fiji’s prime minister prime Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama says it is inappropriate to mix religion with politics. He said some other political parties are engaging preachers in campaigns and also electing them as proposed candidates but this will not happen in the FijiFirst party. “To see a talatala (church minister) talking or backing a political party, Read more
A group of faith-based organisations in Fiji have come together to draft and promulgate the COP23 Multi-Faith Charter. They have committed themselves to do more to help address the effects of climate change within their own faith communities, as well as make specific calls for increased ambition and action by Parties and non-state actors. The Read more
The prime minister of Fiji, Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, has accused the Methodist Church in that country of being a mouthpiece for the opposition Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA). The church’s general secretary, Reverend Epineri Vakadewavosa, has responded by saying the church leaders would see the Prime Minister and “sort things”. Mr Vakadewavosa said the church Read more
In Fiji, where it is a public holiday (31 October), Diwali gives an opportunity for people of different faiths and communities to come together and live in a spirit of communal harmony. Diwali, a Hindu festival, which signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair, involves followers Read more
Secretary of Communications of the Methodist church in Fiji, Reverend James Bhagwan, says a thanksgiving service the leader of the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA ), Sitiveni Rabuka, was not organised by the Methodist Church. Earlier the Prime Minister of Fiji, Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, has accused Rabuka of involving the Methodist church in politics. He Read more
The Prime Minster of Fiji, Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, says he is proud of the fact that Fiji is one of very few countries in which a public holiday is set aside for Prophet Mohammed’s birthday as well as great commemorations for other major religions – Christianity and Hinduism. He says it underlines the unique nature Read more
The Prime Ministers of Samoa and Fiji have expressed pleasure at the election of Pope Francis. Speaking to Radio Australia last Thursday, The Prime Minister of Samoa, Tuilepe Sailele, who is a Catholic, said he was delighted at the election of a Pope from a developing country. The Prime Minster of Fiji, Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama,in Read more
Fiji’s military ruler sat behind an imposing wooden desk, deep in thought. This was the most attention he had given to any of the questions posed to him in the interview thus far, and he seemed to be struggling to find an answer. Finally, after a lengthy pause, he said that he could think of Read more