Fiji News & Sports

25/12/2025

TOKATOKA IN BA SECURES COMPENSATION PAYOUT AFTER FIVE-YEAR WAIT

The Tokatoka Nacokovakarua Trust in Ba has reached a landmark achievement after five years of negotiations — successfully receiving and distributing compensation related to mining activities on its land.

VITI Indigenous Tourism Alliance (VITA) president Sitiveni Leseitoga Nawaqa said the trust had completed a compensation payment process valued at $62,000, describing it as “an important milestone in a long journey.”

“We sincerely thank Lion One Metals Limited for honouring the damages incurred during the period 2019–2025. As the leading consultant, I am truly grateful and excited about this progress,” he said.

Nawaqa said the Tokatoka Nacokovakarua, from the District of Nalotawa in Ba Province, also received a dedicated $42,000 Top Soil Compensation payout, which covers the same period.

The payment is being shared among 130 members listed in the Vola ni Kawa Bula (VKB), benefiting everyone from children to elders.

“This compensation supports the Cola Vina Community Plan, helping ensure financial security for all members,” he said.

The trust is believed to be the first Land Owning Unit (LOU) in its area to secure a Top Soil Compensation settlement following lengthy consultations with Lion One Mining Company.

Nawaqa said the trust now plans to build on the achievement with broader community development goals.

25/12/2025

TLTB CEO had NO ROLE IN PROCESSING GRACE ROAD LEASES – TLTB

The ITaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) has rejected allegations surrounding the issuance of leases linked to the Grace Road group of companies — emphasising that CEO Solomone Nata was not involved in the processing of the leases.

Ratu Aca Rayawa, Chairman of the TLTB Board Governance, Audit, and Risk Committee, said all Grace Road leases were handled through standard procedures and strict legal requirements.

“As a foreign investor, the Grace Road group of companies is required to operate in Fiji in strict compliance with Fiji’s laws,” he said.

“In the same way, leases to the Grace Road companies must be processed and issued in accordance with TLTB’s policies and procedures.”

He stressed that TLTB, as statutory trustee, must consult iTaukei landowners before any lease is approved, as required under the iTaukei Land Trust Act 1940.

“These statutory checks and balances safeguard the interests of iTaukei landowners,” Ratu Aca said.

He added that leases are granted only after applicants meet eligibility criteria including valid documentation, proof of income, development plans and the capacity to meet financial obligations.

Responding to claims that Mr Nata facilitated a lease for Grace Road in Yadua, Ratu Aca dismissed the accusations.

“The allegation that the CEO facilitated the issuance of the lease is unfounded and libellous,” he said.

He explained that the site where Grace Road True Mart operates was originally part of a development lease owned by the landowner trust. That portion was later sold to Grace Road Trading Limited, which continued development after the original lease expired.

Ratu Aca also clarified concerns over the Grace Road lease in Wainadova.

TLTB confirmed that a breach of agricultural lease conditions in Navua had occurred. A formal breach notice was issued, the penalty paid, and a new industrial lease was granted for the five-acre portion being used for industrial purposes — bringing the site into compliance.

He added that matters relating to the Wainadova lease are now before the High Court.

“It would be inappropriate for TLTB to comment further. We will allow the judicial process to take its proper course,” he said, assuring that the Board remains committed to protecting landowners’ interests and enforcing lease obligations.

25/12/2025

TAVUA HOSPITAL STAFF PREPARE LOVO LUNCH FOR PATIENTS

Patients at Tavua Hospital celebrated Christmas with a taste of home and culture, thanks to a special lovo feast prepared by the hospital’s Nutrition team.

Supervisor Dietitian at the hospital, Amir Begum said the initiative was about nourishing both body and spirit during the festive season.

“This Christmas, our Nutrition Team had the privilege of preparing meals that brought both comfort and celebration to our patients,” she said in a social media post.

“In Fiji, there is no better way to honor the season than with a lovo — a traditional earth-oven feast that embodies togetherness, culture, and the joy of sharing.”

“The lovo is a symbol of community, care, and tradition. By bringing this practice into our hospital, we ensured patients could experience the warmth of Christmas in a way that feels truly Fijian — guided by women’s leadership and teamwork.”

Begum thanked staff across the hospital who worked throughout the holiday period.

25/12/2025

23 drivers arrested for drunk driving over the weekend

25/12/2025

WE HAVE FINALLY FOUND WHO INVENTED MOBILE PHONE 📲

Martin Cooper made the world’s first handheld mobile phone call in 1973, changing global communication forever.

25/12/2025

Christmas morning brought a special gift for Taina Tutabua, whose first child — Eparama Naulu — was born at 1:04am at Lautoka Hospital. Taina, from Toge Village in Ba, said she feels blessed to welcome her baby boy on such a meaningful day.

“It’s a true Christmas blessing,” she said with a smile.

25/12/2025

24/12/2025

As we celebrate Christmas, I extend my warmest wishes to all Fijians.

May this season bring peace, joy and renewed hope to your homes. Let us continue to look out for one another, strengthen our communities, and work together for a more inclusive and prosperous Fiji.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and blessed Christmas.