Two arrests have been made in relation to the Tikaram Place carjacking as officers continue to hunt for the third suspect.

In custody is Samuela Tuibeqa Vuniwawa as well as another 26 year old suspect both of whom were arrested during two separate raids conducted by officers who have been working around the clock to apprehend those involved.

Vuniwawa was arrested in Tailevu while the second suspect was arrested in Nadera this morning.

The identity of the third suspect is known and officers are zeroing in on his whereabouts.

Meanwhile a sixth suspect alleged to be involved in the Lautoka carjacking case has been arrested.

The suspect was arrested in Suva and will be escorted to Lautoka.

Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho is again reassuring members of the public that his officers are working tirelessly to ensure all suspects are arrested and brought before the courts.

The woman involved in a rape case has been refused bail today by the Nasinu Magistrates court.

The 60 year old woman and her husband believed to be in their 60s are both charged with the rape of a 14 year old student.

The 60 year old woman is charged with aiding the offence of rape.

Appearing at the Nasinu court today, Magistrate Charles Ratakele refused to grant her bail.

The Magistrate said it was not in the public interest, there is tension in the community and the victim is a minor.

He also said there is likely to be interference.

The Defense lawyer had applied for bail stating that she is old and sickly and would need medical attention.

However the Magistrate said that the remand centers have the facility to take of her.

The matter was reported at the Nasinu Police Station by the victim alleging the offence took place sometime in August this year when she was requested to clean the suspects home.

The accused couple and the victim are neighbors.

The 60 year old woman can appeal the bail ruling in the Suva High Court when she reappears with her co -accused, her husband next Friday.

Two arrests have been made in relation to the Tikaram Place carjacking as officers continue to hunt for the third suspect.

In custody is Samuela Tuibeqa Vuniwawa as well as another 26 year old suspect both of whom were arrested during two separate raids conducted by officers who have been working around the clock to apprehend those involved.

Vuniwawa was arrested in Tailevu while the second suspect was arrested in Nadera this morning.

The identity of the third suspect is known and officers are zeroing in on his whereabouts.

Meanwhile a sixth suspect alleged to be involved in the Lautoka carjacking case has been arrested.

The suspect was arrested in Suva and will be escorted to Lautoka.

Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho is again reassuring members of the public that his officers are working tirelessly to ensure all suspects are arrested and brought before the courts.

A tentative appeal hearing date has been set for Keni Dakuidreketi from the 6th to the 10th of February next year.

Dakuidreketi appeared this morning at the Suva High Court where the matter was called to check on the records for appeal.

Dakuidreketi was informed that the court transcripts are ready and can be received through the Court Registry.

He is appealing against both conviction and sentencing.

Dakuidreketi was convicted of five counts of abuse of office for the purpose of gain and was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment in 2014.

The case in which the Fiji Times Limited is charged with inciting communal antagonism has been transferred to the Suva High Court.

The matter was called today at the Suva Magistrates Court before Magistrate Shageeth Somaratne.

The publisher of The Fiji Times, Hank Arts, made a bail variation application in Court to
allow him to travel overseas which was opposed by the State.

Magistrate Somaratne will deliver the bail variation ruling next Thursday.

It is alleged that Josaia Waqabaca, Anare Ravula, Fred Wesley, Hank Arts, and the Fiji Times Ltd made, or caused to be published, a statement in the iTaukei language in Nai Lalakai newspaper that is likely to incite dislike, hatred, or antagonism of the Muslim community.

Bail has been extended to all accused persons.

Queen Elizabeth the second has sent her well wishes as Fiji celebrates Independence Day.

In a message to the President Joiji Konrote, Her Majestry the Queen offered her congratulations as Fiji celebrates 46 years of Independence.

She wished the country good fortune and happiness for the coming year.

The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation hopes to attract more youth to be part of Young Entrepreneurs Council.

Since its establishment few months ago, more than 50 young entrepreneurs are already part of the council.

It goes without saying that young entrepreneurs have a huge role to play in enhancing our economy.

However without proper guidance, the young business minds will not be able to make the most of their ventures.

This is where the Young Entrepreneurs Council hopes to play a major role.

“In business, there are lot of areas which young entrepreneurs not sure about. One such area is taxes. We are running training programs for them. Other one is marketing.” said Nesbitt Hazelman- CEO- FCEF.

Industrial relations is another area which Hazelman says young entrepreneurs need to familiarize themselves with.

“Its important that they understand the laws of the land that could derail them. Its important we give them that advise.” He said.

With more than 100 young entrepreneurs already part of the Council, drive is to get more on board next year.

“There are a number of young people out there who are trying to make it in business. We are trying to help them and provide them that voice and the government is listening to them.”

The Council is also urging young entrepreneurs to approach them for advises and guidance.

The late former Vice President Ratu Joni Madraiwaiwai was laid to rest today.

Ratu Joni was accorded his final rites before he was entombed in his chiefly resting place or Sau Tabu in Bau.

It was a sad day for the country as the late Vice President, the Roko Tui Bau Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi was finally laid to rest today.

People from all walks of life gathered on the Island of Bau to pay their final respects earlier today before Ratu Joni was laid to rest this afternoon.

A Government delegation led by President Jioji Konrote had presented their reguregu for the late former Vice President and Roko Tui Bau.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, members of the government, high ranking officers from the Fiji Police and the RFMF were also part of the delegation yesterday.

The Tovata confederacy led by Tui Cakau Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu as well as the Burebasaga confederacy led by Marama Na Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa had also presented their reguregu.

Ratu Tuakitau Cokanauto shared what kind of man Ratu Joni was.

‘Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi lived an exemplary life. He was a man of wisdom and full of knowledge.He was a man of vision as well.’ said Ratu Tu’uakitau Cokanauto.

Traditional warriors from Namara could been seen all over the island even before Ratu Joni’s body arrived.

At least 2,000 people attended Ratu Joni’s funeral today.

The church service today was led by Methodist Church of Fiji General Secretary Epineri Vakadewavosa.

Ratu Joni was a Fijian lawyer, politician and was the Vice-President of Fiji from 2004 to 2006.

He was sworn in on 10th January 2005, following his nomination by President, Ratu Josefa Iloilo and his subsequent approval by the Great Council of Chiefs on 15th December 2004.

Reminiscing on his colourful career, long time friend and renowned lawyer Graham Leung delivered an emotional eulogy.

“His kindness thoughtfulness and generosity and knew no bounds I remember well on one occasion when he told me he and Lucy had allowed a former inmate temporary accommodation with them when they lived at a house of service street Suva when I suggested that I didnt think this was a particular bright idea in fact I thought it was ridiculous he dismissed my concerns but this was Ratu Joni the Ratu Joni we knew living his faith loving his neighbors sometimes to the point of annoying both kin and friend a man who was non judgemental was he was compassionate an he would say on occasions like this but for the grace of God there goes I as it turned out a few weeks later after they took in their unusual border they discovered that the pile of expensive mat Lucy had in storage had disappeared with their house guest I wonder if any of us would extend our love to a stranger in the way that he did but that was not who he was he was warm and generous.” said Graham Leung – Lawyer.

Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi was married to Adi Lusi Tuivanuavou, he attended Suva Grammar School where was the Head Boy and Dux of the school.

Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority has appointed Visvanath Das as its Chief Executive Officer.

FRCA Chairman Ajith Kodagoda says Das brings considerable strategic and operational leadership experience to the role.

Das has held various positions in the organization for the last 20 years.

He was the acting Chief Executive for the last 8 months following Jitoko Tikolevu’s departure.

Das will have the responsibility of achieving the Authority’s and government’s vision of transforming FRCA into a world class organization and helping Fiji grow.

Preparations to mark the 46th Independence Day has been completed.

There will be celebrations at 12 different centers around the country compared to just 4 in previous years.

Rehearsals of the celebrations have already been conducted earlier this week.

“As far as the theme goes, Moving all Fijians in Unity this is the core value of what we want people to be engaged. We respect the difference between all Fijians in terms of their identity, ethnicity or religious group.” said Vanavasa Tabaka-  Member of Organizing Committee.

With hundreds of people expected to flock to the venues, the organizing committee has also kept people’s security in mind.

“For security, we have Fiji Police Force working with us. They have been part of the design of programs”.

The local media industry is tonight mourning the passing of one of its pioneering journalists.

Veteran writer Robert Matau passed away at his Samabula home late last night after a long illness.

Originally from Kadavu, the 47 year old’s long media career included stints with the former Daily Post, The Fiji Times, The Review Magazine, and Islands Business.

With a media career spanning three decades, Matau went on to become a renowned sports, political as well as business writer.

In recent years Matau became a leading freelance writer in the region specializing in what is now widely termed as “Tuna-nomics”, or the story surrounding the depletion of tuna stocks in the Pacific.

He also worked extensively in communications for major regional organisations, and most recently for the South Pacific Tourism Organisation

The Ministry of Education has directed that all school canteens should have a proper license as per laws of Fiji.

In a memo sent to all schools, the Ministry says any school which doesn’t adhere to this will see the closure of their canteen.

The Education Ministry says if the owner or operator of the school canteen is selling food, then a license to operate a food establishment is required the Food and Safety Regulations of 2009.

The Ministry is asking all school heads to ensure canteen operators are compliant with this law.

All school heads are also being directed to ensure that anything sold from the canteens are within the Fiji School Health Policy 2016 where only healthy snacks that provide vitamins, minerals, protein and calories are sold.

The Ministry says adherence to all these laws and policies are important measures that ensures the health of students isn’t compromised.

Several roads will be closed tomorrow to allow for the Fiji Day procession.

Fiji Roads Authority is advising motorists in the Capital that Rodwell Road through to Victoria Parade will be closed to traffic from 8am through to 11am.

The procession will make its way through from the Flea Market to Albert Park.

Additionally,  Ratu Cakobau Road, Constitution Avenue and Victoria Parade , in front of GPH, will be completely closed from 8am – 4pm.

Motorists are advised to expect some waiting time if travelling to these areas and clearance will be given as soon as the procession clears.

The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji is now allowing the importation of all brands of infant formula currently retailed in Australia and New Zealand to Fiji.

BAF says this is after a review of the import of infant formulas into Fiji.

In a notice issued earlier this week, BAF says they are allowing importation due to limited number of infant formulas available locally, and to ensure Fijians have access to a variety of Patented Infant Formulas.

BAF says importation of all infant formulas with the labels that serve the purpose of discouraging breast feeding will remain prohibited.

Under new importation plans, BAF will allow up to 10k-g of these infant formulas to be imported into Fiji for personal consumption per individual person.

Any import above 10k-g will be regarded as a commercial import requiring an import permit from Biosecurity Authority of Fiji.

Vegetables prices across markets in the country is expected to fully normalize by the year end.

Rehabilitation of affected farms began right after Cyclone Winston.

Most farms in the Sigatoka Valley as well as those in Lautoka to Ra have returned to the planting cycle.

” We had distributed vegetable seeds and we’re still doing it, as part of our rehabilitation program and we hope farmers will benefit from what has been distributed as of now,” said Uraia Waibuta, the Deputy Permanent Secretary for the Agriculture Ministry.

The current drought has had adverse impacts on farms in the Sigatoka Valley.

To combat this, the Agriculture Ministry has assisted with Irrigation.

” We all know that agriculture involves risks, right now we are facing a short dry spell and farmers in the Sigatoka Valley and also in the Highlands are feeling the burnt of this in areas like Tavua and Ba area but the Agriculture Ministry is assisting with maintaining the existing structures in order to allow farmers to access irrigation,” added Waibuta

Twenty government officers are ready to battle illegal logging, unlawful pollution, and other environmental hazards, following an intensive course from leading Australian experts.

The course at the Colo-i-Suva Forestry Training Centre covered areas such as evidence collection, brief writing, interviews, and effective warning notices.

The course also focused on compliance of all Fiji laws, such as the Environmental Management Act and the Forest Bill.

It was led by the Australian Centre for Environmental Compliance Chief Executive Officer, Roger Ilitch.

To increase government capacity moving forward, the participants are now expected to help train other officers in their agencies.

The Training was supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization, the Global Environment Facility

Construction works on the new Stinson Parade Bridge is scheduled to commence on the 24th of this month.

FRA Contractor to the project, China Railway 14 Group will carry out the works that will involve the use of heavy machinery and trucks.

As a result, approaches on both ends of the bridge will be closed off for public safety.

A closed walkway will be erected for pedestrians to use on the Fiji Ports entrance side.

The public are advised to stay away from the construction area as assembly of the bridge parts like steel rods, plates and steel bars will take place on land at the existing Western Mini Bus parking area.

The Suva City Council have allocated a new operating space for the Mini Bus Operators to operate from.

The project cost of these two bridges is 30 million funded by China Government Grant Aid.

The Government has contributed 4.5 million dollars.

The construction of both the Stinson Parade Bridge and Vatuwaqa Bridge is programmed to take 29 months.

Insurance companies will have to develop a sound capital management  plans and ensure that they remain well capitalized in 2016.

That’s the caution the industry has been given in the 2015 Insurance Report that was released by the Reserve Bank of Fiji, and tabled in Parliament last week.

The report says at the outset the Fijian insurance industry is likely to experience subdued performance in 2016, in line with the downward revision to the forecast economic growth in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone  Winston.

And related to Winston is this assessment in the report…

General insurers’ loss ratios are expected to increase in 2016, particularly for the fire and motor vehicle classes, as a result of the losses arising from TC Winston.

However, reinsurance recoveries will, to some extent, cushion the impact of the catastrophic event on the solvency position of the industry.

The report says the domestic insurance market is likely to experience hardening conditions in 2016  as premium prices increase..

Reflecting the adjustments for anticipated increase in reinsurance costs and TC Winston claim payments, ADDING insurers will need to continue to place importance on quality underwriting and sound risk management practices to maintain favorable earnings and solvency positions in 2016.

The report notes that in 2015, after 5 years of consecutive growth, the Fijian insurance industry premium growth reduced by 2 point 9 percent to 2 hundred 90 million dollars..

Attorney-General and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, has assumed the role of chair at the 49th Joint Governors meeting of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank South East constituency meeting in Washington, DC.

In his opening remarks, the AG highlighted that the IMF’s latest forecast indicates that growth in the global economy remains below expectation.

However, the economies of the World Bank South East Asia group have been resilient.

He adds growth in the region is robust.

Economic outturns of the two member states in the Pacific Islands, Tonga and Fiji, remain favorable.

This is in spite of difficulties confronted, such as the effects of Cyclone Winston and the general slowdown in the global economy.

The role of chair is for one year and will rotate to Indonesia in 2017.

Runway for the Nausori International Airport is unsuitable for Fiji Airways’ B737 aircraft operations.

In a statement, the national airline says recent expert inspections by consultants engaged by Fiji Airways recommend further remedial works to the runway surface.

These recommendations have been passed on to Airports Fiji Limited.

Fiji Airways says until the recommended remedial works are carried and the runway meets the safety requirements, the airline will continue to transfer ticketed customers to and from Suva via Nadi to Sydney and Auckland.

Travelers will either take a domestic connection to and from Suva on Fiji Link, that’s if there are seats available, or take a road transfer.

The airline says the disruption is beyond their control.

Fiji Airways will resume B737 flights into Suva as soon as the runway surface meets its safety requirements.

Meanwhile the Airports Fiji Limited says it has received the independent report from Fiji Airways’ consultant; and has passed the same on Friday to its consultant for their review and remedial action.

In a statement, AFL says it is doing all it can to push its Australian specialist contractor through its consultant, to remedy the issues to meet the safety standards required for safe operations of the B737s.

AFL will comment further next week.”