Fiji today commemorated the 147th National Girmit Day, with leaders, diplomats, and international partners reflecting on the sacrifices of Girmitiyas and calling for greater unity, inclusion, and resilience in the country.

Digital lifelines such as submarine cables, terrestrial networks, and satellite systems are now essential for enabling access to education, healthcare, commerce, and governance, the University of Fiji has highlighted.

Fiji is positioning itself as a serious player in the global outsourcing market, with a strong push to attract international business through quality service, skilled talent and trusted partnerships.

Backyard farmers are being encouraged to take up yam farming as a way to strengthen food security, support local markets, and create income opportunities.

United Nations Resident Coordinator for Fiji, Dirk Wagener, is calling on Fijians to continue strengthening unity, inclusion, and social cohesion as the country marks the 147th National Girmit Commemoration at the Fiji Museum today.

Land Transport Authority Chief Executive Irimaia Rokosawa has dismissed allegations currently circulating on social media regarding the issuing of driver licences during recent outreach programmes conducted within the Nadi District.

The National Fire Authority has dismissed claims that fire trucks respond to emergencies without water.

Municipal councils across the country are owed about $71 million in unpaid rates, with Local Government Ministry officials admitting that long-standing arrears remain a major challenge despite recent reforms aimed at improving collections.

Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo says the legacy of the Girmitiyas must continue to guide Fiji as the country faces modern challenges such as climate change, economic uncertainty, and social development.

For decades, the victims of the tragic Syria shipwreck were lost to history, their names unrecorded, their identities largely unknown. Now, renewed academic efforts are working to bring those forgotten lives back into Fiji’s historical record.

Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has again rejected allegations of a cover-up in the investigation into the death of late Police Constable Peniasi Racagi, insisting that all legal and investigative procedures have been properly followed.

Despite a significant drop in overall crime rates in Fiji, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu says crimes against children remain deeply alarming, particularly offences committed within the home.