Nacanieli Tuilevuka

THE prolonged dry spell has had a huge impact on farmers in the North, with the dry conditions affecting crop production. While raising his concerns about food security, the principal agriculture officer Northern Surendra Prasad said farmers needed to find ways to continue producing crops despite the current weather conditions. “We are experiencing prolonged dry […]

A 14-YEAR-OLD from Bagata, Savusavu, was the youngest person to die from leptospirosis at Labasa Hospital. The child was among the 16 deaths recorded in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit over a 12-month period. The figures were highlighted by Miss Labasa Divisional Hospital Isabella Raidriwa, one of seven contestants vying for the Vodafone Miss Friendly […]

THE number of HIV cases recorded in the North may not reflect the true scale of infections, with stigma and fear of being identified potentially discouraging people from coming forward for testing. This has raised concerns over the location of the North’s HIV testing and treatment hub, which is currently based within the Nasea Health […]

More than $340,000 was raised during the eight-night Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North in Labasa, with the funds to be used to support several community projects in the Northern Division. Festival president Mohammed Saiyum said the money raised through the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North 2026 would be channelled towards initiatives that would […]

LABASA Divisional Hospital has retained the Vodafone Miss Friendly North crown for a third consecutive year, with Isabella Raidriwa claiming the 2026 title at Subrail Park in Labasa on Saturday night. Ms Raidriwa, representing Miss Labasa Divisional Hospital, follows two previous winners from the hospital, continuing its strong run in the annual pageant. She also […]

A SEAQAQA businessman believes stronger enforcement alone will not solve Fiji’s growing rubbish problem, calling for people to take greater responsibility for their actions. Jonathan Batisarisari made the comments after spending about eight hours cleaning up rubbish along the Korosomo roadside in Macuata. The cleanup, carried out with the assistance of several business houses, the […]

A TOTAL of 53 confirmed HIV cases were recorded at the Labasa Divisional Hospital medical laboratory between January to August this year. Labasa Divisional Hospital medical laboratory scientist and Miss Friendly North 2026 Isabella Raidriwa said there had been a significant increase in HIV infections in communities. “There has been a great increase in HIV […]

FAMILIES in Korovatu, Labasa, are facing prolonged water shortages, with residents who depend on boreholes sometimes left without water for days during the dry season. With boreholes drying up, families are forced to rely on water trucks for their basic needs. However, residents say they can wait up to two weeks for a water truck […]

THE prolonged dry weather has affected vegetable gardens and community activities in Vunika, Labasa, resident Samson Jet says. Mr Jet, who identified himself as a resident rather than a farmer, said the dry conditions were felt strongly within the community. He said plants were drying out because of the lack of rainfall, affecting residents who […]

A HIGH Court judge in Labasa has warned a youth that using a caneknife handle to poke a female classmate between her legs was totally unacceptable before placing him under community supervision. The warning was issued by Justice Lee James Burney to an 18-year-old who appeared for sentencing after being acquitted of rape but convicted […]