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The interim Government has slashed duty on basic food items to fight rising prices. In addition, the regime announced from June 1, the income tax threshold will rise from $9000 to $15,000. This means 20,000 more people will be exempt from paying income tax. (FT) Fiji’s Interim Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama yesterday met officials from Daewoo International of Korea and discussed business opportunities. (fijilive.com) Nadroga’s Provincial Council meeting has reportedly endorsed the report of the taskforce for the reconstituted Great Council of Chiefs. (fijilive.com) Interim Health Minister Doctor Jiko Luveni says HIV positive people who intentionally spread the virus should be prosecuted. Dr Luveni said it was her duty to ensure people who are not infected remained free from contracting the virus. (FT) Two major supermarkets have commended the interim Government for removing duty from certain basic food items, saying consumers will benefit from this. Morris Hedstrom's general manager Kuna Sabaratnam said the announcement by interim Acting Finance Minister Filipe Bole would be very good for consumers. (FT) Two political groups have welcomed measures put in place to fight rising food prices but remained sceptical about how it would affect people. Deposed Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase welcomed the decision to slash duty on basic food items and raise the income tax threshold but felt it was rushed. "I think it has been rushed through without consideration on the impact to the very poor people," he said.National Federation Party general secretary Pramod Rae said it was better late than never. (FT) The Ministry of Health is advising the public to be careful during this cold season. Curative Health Services director Dr Ami Chandra said flu was common during the cold season and people should seek further treatment if pain persists. "Flu is mostly associated with cold and we are into the cold months now so we will expect to see many cases," Dr Chandra said. (FT) The Public Rental Board will spend about $250, 000 to relocate its tenants at Raiwai and Raiwaqa by the end of the year. PRB general manager Mesake Senibulu said the board decided on the cash incentive to encourage the reluctant tenants to leave. (FT) The Lomaiviti Bose Vanua meets today before the Great Council of Chiefs taskforce team makes its presentation to the council on Friday. Roko Tui Lomaiviti Filimoni Baleimua confirmed the chiefs will meet at Nasova. "This is after the provincial council meets in the morning to elect the chairman and vice chairman for the council," he said. Mr Baleimua said representatives of the 12 districts of Lomaiviti will decide whether to participate e in the new look GCC. (FT) ...In sports... Fitness trainer Henry Elder has been dropped by the Fiji Rugby Union as a result of the poor performances of the Fiji teams in the Pacific Rugby Cup competition. Elder was part of the management team that helped shape the Flying Fijians for the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Riding high from a successful RWC campaign, the FRU had set high expectations from the Air Pacific Fiji Warriors and Air Pacific Fiji Barbarians. But the teams sit on the bottom half of the competition having notched a win and two losses each. (FT) -End- |
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