Former Prime Minister of Fiji, Frank Bainimarama, is set to be sentenced at the Suva magistrates court for perverting the course of justice. He was convicted by the High Court alongside former police commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho for interfering in a police investigation in 2019.

Fiji is experiencing growing anxiety due to a surge in Covid-19 cases, with 64 new cases reported overnight following a record high of 83 cases the previous night. The current outbreak totals 681 cases. Additionally, one person with Covid-19 has passed away from another serious illness in a Suva hospital. Lice Movono, a Fiji correspondent, expressed concerns to Kate Hawkesby about the worsening situation and the public's mistrust towards the government, which has been criticized for poor communication during the crisis.

Fiji, with the highest mobile internet usage rates in the Pacific islands, is experiencing a downside to its digital revolution, marked by an increase in pornography downloads. This trend is reportedly contributing to a rise in sexual violence and is also affecting young children. The government is addressing this issue by initiating a public discussion and proposing new regulations for the upcoming year.

Fiji is preparing for the impact of category three Cyclone Mal, expected to hit the western provinces and tourism hub Nadi. Schools and workplaces are closed, with heavy rain and flooding already occurring. The Fiji Meteorological Service anticipates destructive winds, particularly if the cyclone's path changes. Evacuations are underway, with eight centers active. Tourism operators have prepared for the cyclone, with tourists advised to stay on the mainland. The Fiji Red Cross is on stand-by to support evacuations, and authorities urge the public to stay alert and aware of emergency contacts.

Former Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama may face imprisonment for alleged interference in a police investigation into corruption at the University of the South Pacific. The trial, also involving suspended police commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, has been ongoing for over two weeks and is nearing conclusion.

The Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Suva, Fiji, will see the launch of the 2050 Pacific Strategy, a 30-year plan for Pacific development and engagement. Civil society organizations express optimism and emphasize the need for community-level implementation. The strategy aims to foster greater diplomatic power and includes a focus on Pacific nations' relations with China. Additionally, Pacific leaders are urged to renew calls for a UN investigation into human rights in West Papua, and the Federated States of Micronesia joins calls for a moratorium against deep-sea mining, seeking regional support at the summit.

The Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Suva, Fiji, will see the launch of the 2050 Pacific Strategy, a 30-year plan for Pacific development and engagement. Civil society organizations express optimism and a desire for effective implementation. The strategy emphasizes diplomacy and engagement with non-state actors. Additionally, West Papuan leader Benny Wenda urges leaders to request a UN investigation into human rights in West Papua. The Federated States of Micronesia joins other countries in calling for a moratorium against deep-sea mining, seeking regional support at the summit.

Ashwin Raj, the chair of the Media Industry Development Authority (MIDA), stated that no media organizations violated the campaign blackout restrictions in Fiji, but individuals on social media did. The blackout, which began at midnight on Sunday, prohibits campaigning to allow voters to make independent decisions. MIDA received complaints about offensive remarks and threats made against candidates and journalists. Raj defended the blackout, emphasizing it was not a suppression of freedom of expression but a period for voters to reflect without campaign influence. He criticized overseas Fijians who did not adhere to the blackout, calling them 'idiots' for their disservice to Fiji. Raj's comments were made during a press conference as polling stations opened.

Fiji is experiencing a second wave of Covid-19, with 431 new cases and two deaths recently recorded. The government is opting against a full lockdown, a decision supported by medical authorities who cite international practice and humanitarian concerns. Health secretary James Fong has introduced new measures focusing on vaccination and treatment of severe cases. Assistance from Australia and New Zealand is guiding the Ministry of Health. Fong expresses doubts about the effectiveness of lockdowns, especially in hard-to-reach communities. Non-compliance with movement restrictions is an ongoing issue, and a new cluster has emerged in Lautoka city. The Ministry of Health is working to protect government teams and maintain essential services while acknowledging the challenges of social gatherings in densely populated communities. Fong emphasizes that Fiji's response is in line with international practices and is driven by scientific advice.

The article by Lice Movono reports on the low voter turnout in the Fijian general elections, which has led to an extension of polling hours and the campaign blackout period. The Supervisor of Elections, Mohammed Saneem, announced that due to the current weather system, 7,852 voters from 23 venues would be unable to vote by the original closing time of 6pm. Saneem urged voters to cast their ballots, noting the particularly low turnout in urban centers. Despite expectations of 559,038 voters, less than half had shown up in larger urban areas. The country is experiencing heavy rains due to a trough of low pressure and a tropical disturbance, which is expected to continue into the weekend. Free bus services have been provided to assist voters from Suva and Nasinu suburbs to reach polling stations.

The Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, Fiji, which serves as the main training and referral hospital, is reportedly in a dire state of disrepair. Health staff have raised concerns that the deteriorating conditions, including leaks, crumbling walls, and inadequate equipment, are compromising the quality of patient care.

Fiji's former attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum is under investigation for allegedly inciting communal antagonism following the country's national election. He is believed to be in Australia after his party, Fiji First, lost the election to a coalition led by Sitiveni Rabuka. Home affairs minister Pio Tikoduadua asked police commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho to resign, which he declined, preferring to address the issue through the Constitutional Offices Commission. Rabuka, in his first public address as prime minister, dismissed claims of racial threats post-election and announced plans for legislative and constitutional reform, as well as a forensic examination of spending within the previous administration.

Suva, Fiji, is experiencing a surge in activity due to the 51st Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting, despite the withdrawal of Kiribati. Hotels like the Tanoa Plaza Hotel are fully booked, and local businesses such as the Republic of Cappuccino are thriving. The forum's agenda includes the 2050 strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, climate change, and the Suva Agreement. Controversy arose after the Micronesian candidate for PIF secretary-general was defeated, but a compromise was reached for a Micronesian successor in 2024. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Fiji's Foreign Minister Faiyaz Koya emphasized unity. Locals, including Kesaia Lolou, hope the summit will lead to more affordable food and better support for farmers.

Pacific youth formed a flotilla in Suva, Fiji, to support Vanuatu's campaign for an International Court of Justice advisory opinion on the human rights impacts of climate change. The campaign, backed by 1500 civil society organizations and several geopolitical blocs, seeks to enforce the Paris Climate Agreement and prioritize human rights in climate responses. The Pacific Islands Forum has not yet endorsed the bid. Activists from Greenpeace Australia Pacific and other groups participated in the event, emphasizing the need for global climate policy change and legal clarity. The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting will include discussions on the issue.

Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama is currently recovering from successful cardiovascular surgery in Melbourne, Australia, and is expected to return to work by the end of February. The surgery was confirmed by Fiji's Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum during a national address. Sayed-Khaiyum, who has also returned from medical checks in Singapore, is acting as prime minister in Bainimarama's absence. The government faced criticism for not informing the public about the prime minister's health and whereabouts, especially during the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Cody, which caused significant damage and one fatality. Opposition leaders and former prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka have voiced concerns over the lack of transparency and the need for official announcements regarding the prime minister's condition and acting leadership.

Fiji's Health Ministry has announced that once a 90 percent vaccination rate is achieved, Covid-19 restrictions will be further eased, including the current curfew hours. As of now, 97 percent of the adult population has received one dose, and 89.6 percent are fully vaccinated. Challenges in vaccinating the remaining adults have delayed the easing of curfew hours. The Fijian government has already lifted restrictions on night businesses and events, allowing venues like O'Reilly's Bar and the new Opium Bar to operate. Tourism Fiji is preparing for the return of tourists in December, with expectations of 80,000 visitors and safety protocols in place through the Care Fiji Commitment programme. Fiji has reported a total of 52,429 Covid-19 cases since March 2020, with 695 currently active cases and a death toll of 694 since the April outbreak.

Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama announced an easing of curfew hours starting Monday, reflecting progress in the country's COVID-19 vaccination efforts. The new curfew will run from 7pm to 4am, a change from the previous 6pm-4am on the main island Viti Levu and 11pm-4am on other islands. The curfew will be further relaxed as vaccination rates increase, with the goal of lifting it entirely once 80% of the target population is fully vaccinated. Currently, 92% have received the first dose, and 234,905 are fully vaccinated. The Ministry of Health reported a decrease in overall cases but expressed concern over cases in the outer islands. Health Secretary James Fong emphasized the importance of continued adherence to health measures and community surveillance. Despite a drop in new infections, the trend may be due to reduced contact tracing and a change in testing policy, rather than a true decline in cases.

Fiji's National Budget for 2022, amounting to $US1.78 billion, was announced with the primary goals of addressing the Covid-19 pandemic, protecting citizens, supporting individuals and businesses, and preparing for the future. The budget, which is heavily reliant on loans, was presented by Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum amid a severe outbreak with over 11,000 people in isolation and more than 80 deaths. The budget includes incentives for vaccination, aiming to fully vaccinate 80 percent of the adult population by October 31. Opposition leader Biman Prasad criticized the budget as unrealistic and designed to appease growing anti-government sentiment ahead of next year's General Election. The Health Ministry reported that 66.7 percent of the target population has received their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, while 13.2 percent are fully vaccinated.

Fiji is experiencing a severe COVID-19 outbreak, with a record spike of 1220 new cases reported in a single day. The total number of cases in the last two weeks has reached 9468, doubling the number of cases since the pandemic began. Additionally, the death toll has also doubled in the same period. The situation in Fiji is deteriorating rapidly, making July a particularly devastating month for the country in terms of both new cases and fatalities.

Fiji is facing a severe Covid-19 outbreak, with a third death recorded and ongoing transmission on the main island Viti Levu. The government is implementing a multi-agency response, with health officials conducting widespread testing, particularly in the Raiwai and Raiwaqa areas. A mobile team has been established at a primary school for community screening. The response includes contributions from various government sectors and is supported by the United Nations and financial aid from partner countries. Dr. James Fong, Health Permanent Secretary, emphasized the 'all of government' effort and collaboration with the World Health Organisation for data collection. The WHO's Dr. Akeem Ali highlighted the international support and urged Fijians to adhere to health guidelines. Fiji's Emergency Medical Assistance Team, accredited by WHO, has been deployed to Lautoka to address medical needs after a hospital outbreak. The team has prior experience in responding to natural disasters, which has helped in solidifying their response protocols for the pandemic.

The article by Lice Movono reports on the restrictions placed on local Fijian journalists during the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, starting October 23. Independent and mainstream media in Fiji will not be part of the official press pool and will be kept at a distance from the royal engagements. In contrast, the treatment of local media in Australia, where the royals are currently visiting, has been more inclusive. The Fiji Ministry of Information has designated a 'media pool' consisting of overseas media and government information officers to cover the events. Local media will be relegated to watching a televised broadcast of a climate change event at the University of the South Pacific, where Prince Harry is expected to speak. The British High Commission in Suva has directed all media inquiries to the Fiji Ministry of Information. Over 100 overseas media representatives have sought accreditation for the Fiji leg of the royal tour.