Lifestyle

Legal hurdles stall village by-laws implementation

Sainimili Magimagi Multimedia Journalist

February 28, 2026 1:25 pm

The implementation of village by-laws remains on hold over legal concerns about the banishment provision.

This, according to the Great Council of Chiefs.

GCC Chair Ratu Viliame Seruvakula said the Solicitor-General’s Office has completed most of the draft but flagged clauses allowing banishment for rule breaches.

Article continues after advertisement

A team of lawyers will meet on March 10 to finalize the Council’s response. Once resolved, the by-laws are expected to move forward.

Ratu Seruvakula said the by-laws was key to tackling social issues, including drugs, HIV, sexual offences and rising crime.

Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.

Woman found floating in Wainibuku River

Petrol prices drop but LPG jumps

Chiefs push for ban on Tabua sales

Nasavanivonu celebrates land handover

Legal hurdles stall village by-laws implementation

Minister calls on youths to tackle religious division

State reviews Vatia drug evidence

Flood alerts issued for low-lying areas

New FRCS report targets costly clearance delays

Council denies damage claims at new bus stand

Japan commits more support to development

Southern billiard and snooker holds first competition

Hospital staff get long-awaited wellbeing hub

Drua braces for strong Hurricane

Another Champions League blow for Aston Villa

EPL triple header in Nausori

Messi tackled by pitch invader in Inter Miami game

Village of Gunu beams with pride as Dranivotua earns call-up

Barrett rates Droasese

Kulas beat New Caledonia

Prem relegation scrapped from 2026-27 season

Real Madrid and Man City to meet again in Champions League last 16

Usyk to defend title against kickboxer in Egypt Oleksandr Usyk flexing his biceps

Burnout forces shift to staff care at St Giles

Licence breach blamed for serious Lakeba crash

Juvenile charged for alleged rape

EU renews major ocean partnership with Pacific

Charters seeks court approval to travel abroad for work

Tropical Cyclone Urmil forms in south Pacific

Security detail blocks questions as media seek answers from Head of State

State reviews charges in Vatia drug case

Over 13,000 Fijian youths out of school, says Education Minister

Hurricanes skipper expecting another Fiji thriller

Fijiana 7s squad named for Vancouver leg

Indigenous issues come first before Royal Visit: Seruvakula

Vanua Levu airborne survey findings to be released in March

Limited benza supply as government awaits new consignment

Minister warns Council CEOs about their performance

Crackdown on illegal fish waste dumping

BRED Bank clarifies role in High Court “unexplained wealth” case

Dermatology equipment donation strengthens patient care and training

Fiji and Japan reaffirm ties at Emperor’s 66th birthday celebration

Dranivotua earns call-up to Fiji 7s Vancouver squad

Lautoka pistols identified as spray gas guns

Ministry warns: Keep children out of drain clean-ups

Fiji launches programs to modernise agriculture

Strong wind warnings for West, Yasawa and Mamanuca

GCC questions human rights arguments in village removal debate

Sextortion threats force victims to pay thousands

Homecoming heat for Walker-Leawere

Nausori Town Council sees progress in arrears collection

Auvray pleased but demands more consistency

Farmers face growing market pressures

Fiji to host U.S. Deputy Secretary of State

Philippines establishes resident mission in Fiji

From village dreams to inspiring the next generation

Fiji 7s standards unchanged ahead of Vancouver

Fiji FA president calls on fans for support

JSC adjourns for further deliberations

JSC meets as calls made for President to act on recommendation

Leung, Naidu urge President to act on JSC recommendation

Misinformation and scams threaten national stability: Nadakuitavuki

Regional cooperation needed to tackle drug trafficking, says ODPP

FFA strengthens tuna management in Pacific

TD09F to become cyclone: heavy rain and strong wind alert issued

USP responds to student accommodation concerns at Laucala Campus

Fiji reaffirms gender-responsive social protection

Fiji and Bhutan reaffirm ties

Funding gaps undermining Fiji’s fight against drugs says Rabuku

Digital media literacy crucial in tackling misinformation

Ministry to begin nationwide review of Mining Laws, says PM Rabuka

Auvray proud of team effort after crucial win

Maritime borders identified as major entry point for drugs

LTA and Police sign operation order to strengthen road enforcement

Determined Drua banking on home crowd

Drug crisis is a turning point for Fiji: Kuruleca

We will prove critics wrong in drug fight: Tudravu

Vacant Lautoka home destroyed in Fire, NFA urges early reporting

Nawaka 7s to air live on FBC Sports and Viti Plus

Fijian prop Billy Sela signs with Bath until 2028

Drug offences among top crimes as plans progress for rehab centre

Minister urges Naua residents to protect groundwater

TISA Insurance Backs 2026 WIN Convention

Losing quality players isn’t ideal: Jackson

FIFA Qualifiers to start tomorrow

Mazey assures independent inquiry and confirms budget under $50,000

Police pledge full probe into constable’s death

Minister declares drug situation a national emergency

Rising multifaceted cybercrime a growing concern

New push to develop agriculture in maritime and outer islands

Nalumisa issues stern warning to municipal CEOs

FCOSS pushes for landowners’ recognition in housing decisions

Fiji Airports urged to lead in innovation and growth

Mazey assures independent inquiry and confirms budget under $50,000

Aging infrastructure at Lautoka Hospital set for upgrade

Naivalurua assures justice for fallen officer

Prefabricated homes to boost affordable housing

AMA insurance promises new innovation in Fiji insurance market

Ba Town Council workers secure three-year deal

Grassroots tournaments key to building depth, says Kolinisau

Nasova set to debut against Hurricanes

Court allows amended information in Health Ministry tender case

PSGDN calls out harmful speech by religious leaders in Fiji

FRA dismisses fake news, says Semo bypass road fully open

PM urges public to abide by law following officer’s death

USP accommodation failures a “Student Welfare Crisis”: Council

Police probes over social media posts targeting Ba Fc and Fiji FA

Leweniqila clarifies name issue in draft Kava Bill

Fourty percent mums exclusively breastfeed, workplaces a key barrier

Six-week blow for Drua co-captain

Navosa highlands powered up at last

Lewaqai to act as Northern Division Commissioner

Tourism body urges liquor law reform

$200,000 investment to boost maritime healthcare access

Japan boosts disaster awareness in Fiji schools

LTA urges strict school bus safety amid rainy season risks

Humbled yet hungry Rabitu grateful for first start at 12

Fiji Rugby chair welcomes NFL

Rabuka signals Saukuru should stand down

No evidence linking drugs to Lami officer’s death

Corporal punishment concerns for children of drug-addicted parents

GCC to hold biannual meeting today

Talks on EFL tariff underway

Pacific leaders call for urgent action to safeguard tuna industry

Robertson to coach Barbarians in upcoming Northern tour

Sigatoka flooding sparks outcry from business community

Police not rushing probe into Gokals’ warehouse blaze

Psychiatric evaluation ordered for grandson charged with murder

Commissioner vows justice for fallen officer

Second fire in two months alarms residents

Temporary pharmacy closes service gap at Lautoka Hospital

SME development knowledge exchange launched

FRU to unveil travel packages for fans ahead of Nation Championships

Maharaj pleads not guilty to all her charges

Suva City season 2 premieres tonight

Tagivetaua honoured and blessed after Drua debut

Qaqa salutes grit and growth at interhouse

Foul play suspected in officers death

Duo to front court for alleged robbery

Nestlé Fiji reaffirms PRF partnership for Global Recycling Day

Mother claims teacher assaulted her son at school

PM questions verification of whistleblowers amid policy debate

Nations Championship to boost Flying Fijians brand

Pacific leaders shift strategy to protect and profit from tuna stocks

Farmers told kava registration is for records, not licensing

Church and government unite against drugs and HIV

President receives courtesy call from Wallis and Futuna

Naisilisili youths receive gym equipment and skills training boost

Bail granted to murder accused with Nakasi ban

Canakaivata to join Sale Sharks on two-year deal

Charters to seek stay of proceedings in High Court

Leaders urged to prioritise self-reflection

North farmers call for disability support in proposed Kava policy

TLTB awards first scholarships to 15 iTaukei students

Government plans terminal four to ease bus congestion

Sharks confirm Loganimasi’s signing

Validation workshop advances review of key land laws

Minister urges FCML to boost profitability and growth

FCEF, TSLS launch 2026 graduate start-up grant

Decades of rivalry reaches its peak with launch of Nations Championship

Lami police officer’s post mortem completed

Drua take notes from Waratahs’ smart tactics

Charters granted bail

WAF follows global standards for plastic drinking water pipes

Commerce ministry pushes for wider global reach for Fijian products

Review of National Ageing Policy launched after 10 Year Gap

Nabenu vows sharp response after setback

The guns that once guarded Fiji’s shores

Schools futsal to kick off this weekend

Charters charged by FICAC

ANZ appoints new Country Head for Fiji

Review of National Ageing Policy launched after 10 year gap

Nabenu calls for sharper finish after costly defeat

American football team visits Nasinu Secondary School

JSC Chair meets President

New nutrition survey to address rising child health concerns

Leptospirosis risk forces closure of Colo-i-Suva forest park pools

Leaders LEAD Symposium to sharpen leadership skills

Naucukidi challenges secret recording

Suva lawyer gets three years eight months for drug charge

JSC to make recommendation to President today

Fiji research shapes global disease control

Only 11% of Fijians eat enough fruits and vegetables

Fiji, China mark Year of the Horse with renewed unity

Auvray rues missed chances after Bula FC defeat

Jackson backs young Armstrong-Ravula after tough outing

FNPF rules out medical withdrawals from preserved accounts

Calls grow for drug rehabilitation centres as cases surge

Brumbies end 26-year Christchurch drought

TRC hears stories that make Fiji question its own past

Alarm raised over overloaded bus carrying students

Fiji, India strengthen digital and AI ties

Public urged to avoid speculation over officer's death 

FBC disputes FSC CEO's claim over reporter being turned away

Lawyers allege abuse of power in Charlie Charters detention

JSC to make recommendations to President following emergency meeting

Lautoka and Suva share spoils at Churchill Park

Fire destroys building in Namoli industrial area

Two arrested over aggravated robbery in Suva

Legge to build on proven formula while strengthening Fijiana identity