Fiji

Cyclone Yasa now a category five storm with gusts up 280km/h

Cyclone Yasa is now a category 5 storm, the highest possible level, and there is a growing likelihood it will pass directly over Fiji's two main islands late Thursday or early Friday.

The storm is packing average winds of around 200 km/h with gusts up to 280 km/h.

Stephen Meke, a lead forecaster at the Fiji Meteorological Service, said ocean conditions were perfect for it to strengthen further and people should heed warnings.

"All the ingredients for further intensification is there," Meke said. "This is massive for Fiji, it will be very destructive for Fijians.

Tonga and Fiji set for inclement weather as first cyclone of season forms

Cyclone Yasa is currently a Category One storm with at least 65 kilometre an hour winds but was expected to strengthen to a Category Four system with more than 160 kilometre winds by Wednesday.

Sakeasi Waibuta from Fiji's Met Service said the storm was gathering intensity in the waters between Fiji and Vanuatu.

He said it bore a remarkable resemblance to April's deadly Cyclone Harold.

Crew of freighter MV Island Chief cleared of Covid-19 in Fiji

Fiji's Health Ministry said the MV Island Chief arrived in the country from Tonga on 2 December to unload cargo in Lautoka and headed to Suva.

Health Minister Ifereimi Waqainabete said prior to that the vessel was in New Zealand and the crew underwent Covid-19 tests there.

"They were tested before they left Néw Zealand," he said.

"So far they have been tested in Fiji and they have been found not to have Covid-19 and they are currently at the quarantine area of the Suva bay and are undergoing the normal processes of quarantine.

Fiji prosecutor drops drugs charges against former flight attendants

Former flights attendants Justin Ho and Frederick Epeli walked out of the High Court in Lautoka after the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions filed to discontinue proceedings today.

Both Mr Epeli and Mr Ho, a former national squash champion, were charged with one count of attempted unlawful exportation of illicit drugs.

It was alleged that on 23 December 2018 both men tried to export 2015.7 grams of cocaine to Sydney.

High chief elected Fiji's new Opposition Leader

The appointment follows the resignation of former leader of the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA), Sitiveni Rabuka, from Parliament.

But despite the MP Viliame Gavoka being appointed late last month to replace Rabuka as SODELPA leader, today's vote by the party's members of parliament resulted in Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu being appointed Opposition Leader.

Two sailors who arrived in Fiji by freighter test positive for Covid-19, active cases hit 11

The Health Ministry said the vessel arrived in Lautoka on 2 December to deliver cargo and then proceeded to Suva.

Health Secretary Dr James Fong said the two sailors were under strict quarantine measures.

Twenty-five locals including the local agents of the vessel, staff from Biosecurity Authority, the Ports Authority and Customs were also all in quarantine.

The two sailors had not been classified as Covid-19 border cases yet "because officials are awaiting information on whether they had tested positive for the virus in another country", Fong said.

Fiji AG gives police statement regarding 1987 bomb claims

Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum gave a statement to police on Monday.

Police confirmed the Attorney General visited its Criminal Investigation Department in Suva to give his statement.

When approached by the media, Sayed-Khaiyum said everyone should let due process take its course.

He accused the media of interfering with the process.

Police spokesperson, Ana Naisoro, said investigators would compile a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Tana Umaga names experienced Moana Pasifika squad

The Fiji, Samoa and Tonga combined team will play the Māori All Blacks in Hamilton next month.

Moana Pasifika is one of the preferred partners to join Super Rugby in 2022.

The inaugural squad includes nine players with Test experience and another three who have played international sevens.

One-test All Black Josh Ioane will lead the backline that also includes Super Rugby players Leicester Fainga'anuku from Tasman and the Hurricanes winger Salesi Rayasi, who has been one oif the star players for Auckland this season.

Fiji has new imported Covid-19 case

Minister for Health Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete confirmed on Wednesday that the patient arrived in the country on a repatriation flight from India.

The man was among the 10 Fijians who arrived earlier this month.

Dr Waqainabete has assured the new case doesn’t pose any threat to Fijians.

The last quarantined Covid-19 patient was released last week after multiple test results came out negative, he added.

Fiji had a total number of 32 coronavirus cases since 19 March 19 when the country confirmed its first case.

New disaster messaging system for Fiji

The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) launched its 'Find my Evacuation Centre' messaging system on Tuesday, saying disasters such as cyclones demanded a quick response of accurate information from the authorities to the public.

Director Vasiti Soko said the Short Message Service or SMS would be used to deliver communication to Fijians during disasters.

Soko said with the cyclone season on the horizon, the service would help people identify their nearest evacuation centre and also locate the nearest disaster management officials.