Office of the Prime Minister, Republic of Fiji

PM RABUKA VISITS ULUIVALILI COLLEGE

Digital learning has been further boosted for students of Uluivalili College in Wailevu West, Cakaudrove after the Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka handed over computer sets to the school yesterday.

The Prime Minister handed over the computers on behalf the Fiji Ports Terminal Limited (FPTL).

The donation is part of FPTL’s corporate social responsibility, an initiative focused on promoting better learning environment for children in rural areas.

The donation is expected to strengthen digital learning opportunities for students and enhance access to technology and educational resources at the school.

Prime Minister Rabuka also participated in a talanoa session with parents and community members, where discussions focused on the importance of improving educational outcomes and creating greater opportunities for young people in Wailevu West.

The Prime Minister, in conclusion, acknowledged the dedication of teachers, parents, and school leaders in supporting student achievement and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that quality education remains accessible to all Fijian children, regardless of their location.

PM RABUKA LAUNCHES THREE MAJOR INITIATIVES FOR FRU

Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka last night launched three initiatives for the Fiji Rugby Union, describing them as significant milestones in strengthening the future of rugby and nation-building in Fiji.

Prime Minister Rabuka launched the Fiji Rakavi Foundation, the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU)–Australia Pacific Management Training (APMT) partnership, and the Fiji Rugby Management System.

Speaking at the event, he said the initiatives represented a major step forward in reinforcing the foundations of Fiji rugby while creating opportunities that extend beyond the playing field.

“The establishment of the Fiji Rakavi Foundation demonstrates a clear national commitment to the development of the sport, fostering opportunity, inclusion and excellence for future generations,” Hon. PM said.

The Prime Minister highlighted rugby’s unique place in Fiji’s history and identity, noting that the sport has become deeply woven into the nation’s social fabric since its introduction in the late 1800s.

He paid tribute to generations of Fijian rugby players who have proudly represented the country on the international stage and acknowledged the sacrifices made by athletes and their families in bringing pride and recognition to Fiji.

Reflecting on his own experiences as a former national representative, Prime Minister Rabuka recalled former teammates and rugby greats who helped shape Fiji’s rugby legacy and inspire future generations.

“Rugby is not solely a contest of skill, but a vehicle for building character, discipline and national unity,” he said.

The Prime Minister emphasised that rugby today serves as one of Fiji’s most powerful platforms for youth development, social cohesion, economic empowerment and nation-building.

“Rugby has consistently demonstrated its ability to keep young people engaged in positive activities, strengthen communities and equip them with the confidence and life skills necessary to succeed both on and off the field,” he added.

Prime Minister Rabuka said the Fiji Rakavi Foundation would address long-standing gaps in player welfare by supporting athletes through rehabilitation, medical assistance, physiotherapy, career transition and personal development programmes.

“Today is not only about launching new initiatives. It is about strengthening the values that define us as a rugby nation. It is about ensuring that those who wear the Fiji jersey are supported not only during their playing careers but throughout their lives,” he asserted.

“As we move forward together, let us remember this important truth:

"The strength of Fiji Rugby is not measured only by trophies and medals, but by how we care for the men and women who wear the jersey."


PM Rabuka also welcomed the strengthened partnership between FRU and APMT, describing it as an investment in Fiji’s future workforce.

Meanwhile, the launch of the Fiji Rugby Management System was described as a transformative step in modernising rugby administration in Fiji.

In closing, PM Rabuka commended the Board and management of the Fiji Rugby Union for their leadership in growing the sport and maintaining Fiji’s standing as a respected force in international rugby.

“Let us also honour the legacy of Fiji’s rugby pioneers and remain committed to empowering the next generation of world-class Fijian talent,” he concluded.

STATEMENT BY THE HONOURABLE PRIME MINISTER

Statement On The Decision Regarding The Proposed Vuda Energy-from-Waste Development

Today, the Department of Environment issued its decision to reject the Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the proposed Energy-from-Waste Plant and Private Port Facility at Vuda Point.

I respect the decision of the Department and the technical process that has informed it. This matter has attracted strong public interest, and rightly so. It concerns our environment, public health, communities, livelihoods, culture, and the future development of an important part of Fiji.

Our environmental laws exist for a purpose. They ensure that major developments are tested carefully, transparently and on the evidence. They protect communities, they protect responsible investors, and they protect the public interest.

This decision should not be seen as a rejection of investment, innovation or new solutions to Fiji's waste-management challenges. Those challenges remain real, and Government remains committed to addressing them in a practical and sustainable way. But every proposal, regardless of its size or investment value, must meet the standards required by law. It must demonstrate that its environmental, social, cultural, health and economic impacts are properly understood and can be properly managed.

I acknowledge the Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change, the Permanent Secretary, the Director of Environment, the Technical Review Committee, and the technical officers who carried out their responsibilities through this process.

I also thank the traditional landowners of Vuda, the residents of Vuda and Saweni, government agencies, civil society organisations, businesses, technical experts and members of the public who participated and made their views known.

The strength of good governance lies in allowing institutions to do their work, respecting the law, and making decisions in the public interest.

PM RABUKA HANDS OVER COMPUTER SETS TO SUPPORT DIGITAL LEARNING AT NAVATU SECONDARY SCHOOL

Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka has handed over computer sets to Navatu Secondary School in Cakaudrove to support students in digital learning.

The Prime Minister presented the computers on behalf of the Fiji Ports Terminal Limited (FPTL).

The donation is part of FPTL’s corporate social responsibility, an initiative focused on promoting better learning environment for children in rural areas.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Prime Minister Rabuka said access to technology is essential for modern education and will help equip students with the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly digital world.

“This is an important step in supporting our young people’s education and helping them build a successful future. These computers are powerful learning tools that will help students think creatively, solve problems, collaborate effectively, and communicate with confidence,” he said.

Hon. Rabuka shared his journey growing up in the village and the determination that enabled him to achieve success despite the challenges he faced.

He urged the students to study hard and become successful in life.

The Prime Minister concluded by reaffirming the Coalition Government’s commitment to ensuring that all students, including those in remote and rural communities, have access to technology and digital learning opportunities.

School Principal, Mr. Kiniviliame Naciqa, expressed gratitude to the Hon. Prime Minister and FPTL for the generous donation, adding that the computer sets would certainly complement the school’s teaching and learning programmes.

PM RABUKA OPENS CAKAUDROVE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL MEETING

Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka today officially opened the two-day Cakaudrove Provincial Council meeting at Korotasere Village in Vaturova where he reaffirmed Government’s commitment to inclusive development aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Fiji’s national development priorities.

Speaking in the Cakaudrove dialect, the Prime Minister emphasised that the Government’s development agenda is closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that progress at the provincial level contributes meaningfully to national growth and long-term sustainability.

He highlighted the importance of collaboration between Government, provincial councils, and local communities in addressing key challenges, including the rising concern of illicit drug use.

The head of government stated that development efforts must be inclusive and sustainable.

He said the government cannot achieve progress alone as it requires unity, cooperation, and shared responsibility at all levels of society.

On the same note, Hon. Rabuka highlighted that Cakaudrove is progressive in its development, noting that people in the province are taking greater ownership of their natural resources rather than relying solely on Government support.

“Sa yaco tio mai a veiqaravi ni matanitu, so a vanua sa tio ina a tani ni wai, so a vanua sa tio ina a awaawa, ei na gaunisala , io ena toso tioga mai a veiva’atoroca’e ta’i ni matanitu (The services of Government have reached the people, with some areas now having access to clean water, others benefiting from improved roads and infrastructure. These are ongoing developments that are progressive being undertaken for our people).”

Prime Minister Rabuka also took the opportunity to explain how the tax system operates, noting that taxes collected by Government are reinvested into national development and used to deliver essential services and infrastructure for the benefit of the people.

At the outset, he encouraged council members and stakeholders to strengthen partnerships that support economic development, improve service delivery, and uplift the livelihoods of people in the province.

The Prime Minister concluded his remarks by assuring the Provincial Council members of Government’s continued support in advancing development initiatives that respond to local needs while contributing to Fiji’s broader national goals.

ISRAEL OPENS EMBASSY IN SUVA, STRENGTHENING BILATERAL TIES

“You have blessed Fiji by deciding to open your Embassy here in Fiji.”

These were the sentiments shared by Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka at the official opening of the Embassy of the State of Israel in Suva today (02:06:2026).

“This is a proud moment for Fiji,” Prime Minister Rabuka said.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, Hon. Gideon Sa’ar, said the opening of the Embassy would be remembered as a milestone in strengthening bilateral relations and reaffirming the shared commitment between the two nations.

Located on Level 9 of the Fijian Holdings Limited (FHL) Tower, the Embassy will serve as a hub for enhancing diplomatic, economic and people-to-people ties, marking a significant step forward in the growing friendship and cooperation between Fiji and Israel.