Fiji

Fiji's National Provident Fund announced a 6% interest rate to be credited to the accounts of its members, some 392.175, today; the increase in the interest rate is the result of rising yields on their investments in government bonds

The government is addressing gender inequality through budget allocations via the Institutional Capacity Building Initiative, calling on Fijians to work together for gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls

The Domo Vou Talei original song competition, an initiative of the Australian High Commission, was launched at the Fiji Times conference room in Suva; 10 finalists will get professional coaching and the chance to perform at the Uprising Music Festival

Several families in Nabavatu, Dreketi, a village declared unsafe by the Department of Mineral Resources due to the appearance of cracks last year, are still refusing to leave the village and the government says it will respect their choice

The Yadua Centre has seen a decline in its membership over the years, as some women were often unable to repay their loans to South Pacific Business Development or find formal employment

Lautoka's $12,6 million swimming pool project has construction problems, says Lautoka Municipality chief executive Mohammed Anees Khan responding to an MP's question on the status of the pool

The Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development has recorded increases in investments in key areas such as road improvements and rural electrification with the installation of solar house systems and water and sanitation

30 youth, women and men participated in the Tel-A-Woman training program in Sigatoka last week, a program founded by veteran horticulturist Sant Kumar in 2020 as a way to build healthier lifestyles through women's participation

Lau Seascape Initiative partners are in Lomaloma, with Conservation International Fiji's marine programme manager saying the aim is to achieve sustainable protection, conservation and development for a healthy environment and increased livelihoods

Fiji's long-standing contribution to international peace and security has made the region proud, as was pointed out by Australia's Minister for International Development and the Pacific

At the World Hearing Day symposium in Suva last week, sanitaries stated that hearing loss affects 80.000 Fijians: a burden for individuals, families and communities; critical stakeholders are discussing a holistic approach for the prevention of deafness

Resolving the problem of persistent organic pollutants in Fiji requires a coordinated effort among all stakeholders; the Ministry has held consultations with moat of them and developed the National Implementation Plan