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Youth and Mental Health: Breaking the Silence in Fiji

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  Written by Tevita Lagilagi Mental health is something we all experience in different ways, but for many young people in Fiji, talking about it still feels like a taboo. Despite growing awareness worldwide, mental health remains a sensitive topic here, wrapped up in stigma and cultural expectations that can make it hard to speak openly. Picture: Google  Young people today face lots of pressure, from school, family, friends, and even social media. Sometimes it feels overwhelming. Add the uncertainty and isolation caused by the pandemic, and it’s no surprise that many young Fijians struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. But often, these feelings get ignored or dismissed because there’s still a belief that “you should just be strong” or “things will get better if you pray more.” While faith and resilience are important, mental health needs more than that, it needs understanding, support, and real help. Picture: The Fiji Times  In many Fijian fami...
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Trust in Crisis: The Counter Narcotics Bureau Scandal and Its Implications

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Written by Tevita Lagilagi Image credit: Fiji Village   In a startling turn of events, Fiji's Counter Narcotics Bureau (CNB) is under intense scrutiny following the arrest of two officers involved in a significant methamphetamine seizure at Nadi International Airport. This development raises pressing questions about accountability, transparency, and the integrity of law enforcement agencies entrusted with combating illicit drug trade. Earlier this month, a joint operation between the Fiji Police Force and the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service led to the discovery of over 4.8 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed within coffee shipments at Nadi International Airport. The drugs, originating from a Southeast African country, were intercepted before reaching their intended destination in Fiji. However, the operation took an unexpected turn when two officers from the CNB were arrested and charged with unlawful importation of illicit drugs. This marks a significant breach of trust, as...
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From Heartbreak to Healing: Rotuman Student Turns Tragedy into Purpose

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 Written by Tevita Lagilagi At just 22 years old, Helava Gabriel has already lived through a kind of heartbreak many her age are still too young to understand. The Rotuman-born student, now studying at the University of the South Pacific, is quietly building a future shaped by pain, healing, and resilience. Helava was still in high school when she fell in love, young, hopeful, and unaware of how suddenly life can change. That relationship, which had become the core of her teenage years, came to a devastating end when her boyfriend passed away unexpectedly in their final year. What followed was a year of silence, confusion, and mourning. “I didn’t just lose him, I lost myself for a while,” she shares. It took months of counselling, support from her family, and deep personal work for Helava to begin seeing light again. Now at university, she’s redirected her energy into education, community work, and youth mental health advocacy. “Grief doesn’t disappear, but it can shape you,” sh...
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Natabua Student Drops AI Bombshell: It’s Time to Upgrade Our Classrooms

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Written by Tevita Lagilagi Image and story source: FijiVillage.com A Natabua high school student is shaking up Fiji’s education scene, urging the Ministry of Education to include Artificial Intelligence in the school curriculum. Many are calling his views bold and futuristic, while others argue our system isn’t ready for such a leap. Is this the wake-up call we needed, or are we rushing into something we don’t fully understand? With AI rapidly changing industries and the job market, can Fiji afford to stay behind? Or should we take this student seriously and prepare now?
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