From Fiji Times (1 July 2026)

New farm roads on island

By Andrew Naidu

Three new farm roads have officially been commissioned across Rotuma, fundamentally changing how local communities interact with their land and markets.

Spanning the districts of Itumuta, Itu'tiu, and Juju, the infrastructural upgrades were made possible through a government investment of more than $85,000 under the Community Access Roads, Footpaths and Footbridges (CARFF) Program.

While commissioning the projects, Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mosese Bulitavu reaffirmed the Government's commitment to strengthening rural livelihoods through targeted infrastructure that supports food security, market access, and economic participation.

"The works include a 60-metre two-strip concrete farm road in Itumuta, an 80-metre two-strip concrete farm road in Tuakoi Village, Itu'tiu, and a 1.5-kilometre two-strip concrete farm road in Juju District," a ministry statement read.

Community leaders immediately felt the practical impact of these concrete tracks.

In Itu'tiu District, representative Jione Epasio noted that around 20 farmers in his area "will now have easier access to transport crops to the main road for export," a vital link he said would play a direct role in "helping support their families and children's education."

Meanwhile, in Juju District, the new 1.5-kilometre stretch has completely altered daily operations for roughly 26 farmers. Representative Sa'au Injimo explained that the days of manually hauling heavy loads over dirt paths were now behind them.

Mr Injimo said trucks and motorbikes could now reach farms with ease, creating opportunities to increase copra and root crop production for the market.

From Fiji Times (1 July 2026)

Symbolism to survival: Rotumans fight for real political voice in Fiji

By Viliame Qomate

The Fiji Rotuman Association has ramped up pressure on the Constitution Review Committee, tabling two sweeping submissions.

Rotumans want a radical overhaul of the 2013 Constitution, saying the framework offers toothless representation.

Association spokesperson Agatha Ferei said the push was driven by a desire for structural survival, not division.

"This submission is made in a spirit of national unity, constructive dialogue and respect for the Republic of Fiji," Ms Ferei said.

"It does not seek separation or special privilege. Rather, it seeks to strengthen Fiji's constitution by ensuring that it fully recognises and protects the unique identity, rights and participation of the Rotuman people."

The association's blueprint targets four critical constitutional amendments:

n Birthright Recognition — codifying indigenous Rotuman birthright independently of legal citizenship;

n Diaspora Inclusion — recognising the sprawling global Rotuman diaspora;

n Citizenship Restoration — creating clear pathways to restore citizenship for overseas-born Rotumans; and

n Political Voice — guaranteeing dedicated seats for Rotumans in parliament.

Ms Ferei said a massive gap remained between paper-thin constitutional recognition and meaningful participation in Fiji's democracy.

There is no constitutional requirement for Government to consult Rotuman institutions on matters affecting Rotuman land, culture or governance, Ms Ferei said, adding that the Council of Rotuma lacks basic constitutional safety.

"There is no binding duty to preserve the Rotuman language."

The association points to global neighbours to prove that tailored indigenous protections safeguard democracy rather than weakening it.

New Zealand's reserved Māori seats, Samoa's customary governance protections, and Vanuatu's traditional leadership models were cited as successful blueprints.

To cement this, the submission pitched a modern "treaty of self-governance" between the Rotuma Island Council and the State. The treaty would govern maritime resources, land administration, and local community development.

"The treaty would affirm Rotuma's unique constitutional and historical status," Ms Ferei said. "It would strengthen local self-governance while affirming that Rotuma remains an integral part of the Republic of Fiji."

The group is urging the Government to move past superficial gestures.

"This submission asks that the Fiji constitution move from recognition to representation, from symbolic inclusion to structural inclusion, from acknowledging identity to protecting identity," Ms Ferei said.

The group stated the changes would ensure Fiji's smallest indigenous voice is never silenced.

From Island Business (26 June 2026)

Homestay expansion gives Rotuma Tourism a lift

By Viliame Tawanakoro

The Tamania Homestay in Lopta, a district on the eastern (mua) end of Rotuma, was officially expanded, adding more room for visitors and strengthening one of the island's few community-run accommodation options.

The upgraded homestay, commissioned by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Mosese Bulitavu, includes a newly extended dining area and improved facilities, supported through the Ministry's Self-Help Programme.

The project was backed by $FJD20,000 in government funding and lifts the property's capacity to about 20 guests.

For owners Vilsoni Garisau Epeli and wife Navatonu Tonu, who opened Tamania Homestay in 2021, the expansion is more than a physical upgrade.

It is a practical investment in a business that sits at the centre of Rotuma's tourism reality: small, local and highly dependent on direct hospitality rather than large-scale hotel infrastructure.

"We never imagined our small homestay would grow to this level. This assistance has lifted a heavy burden off our shoulders," Epeli said.

He said the expansion would bring in more income for his family while also creating spillover benefits for the wider community.

"This expansion means more income for our family, but more importantly, it allows us to support our community through small jobs, local services, and by welcoming more visitors to experience Rotuma. We are thankful that the government believed in what we are building here in Lopta," he said.

Bulitavu praised the couple's efforts and said Tamania Homestay is an example of how community-based enterprise can drive development in maritime areas.

He said the Self-Help Programme continues to create opportunities for families, strengthen local businesses, generate employment, and encourage visitors to spend longer in Rotuma, where their spending supports local producers, transport providers, and other small enterprises.

Accommodation on Rotuma remains limited, with options mainly confined to community-run homestays, private eco-lodges and government quarters.

The island is not a commercialised tourist destination, and online booking platforms often mislabel properties on the mainland of Fiji as Rotuma stays. Visitors usually need to arrange accommodation directly with local owners or through personal contacts.

That makes upgrades like Tamania Homestay especially important. On an island where tourism grows one guest at a time, expansion does not just add beds but also helps build the infrastructure of a still-emerging visitor economy.

From Fiji Broadcasting Co. (24 June 2026)

Ministry provides update on Rotuma hospital

By Yvonne Ravula

Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services Penioni Ravunawa has clarified concerns regarding healthcare services at Rotuma Hospital, stating that no formal concerns have been submitted by the Rotuma Council to the Ministry.

Ravunawa says the only issue previously raised relates to diagnostic imaging services, with the hospital’s X-ray equipment currently awaiting replacement parts while electrical and power supply upgrades are being addressed.

He adds that the Ministry is recruiting the technical personnel required for X-ray machines and is also working to resolve accommodation and staff housing issues to support specialist service delivery.

On patient referrals, Ravunawa stresses that referrals are based on clinical need and established medical protocols.

He says high-risk pregnancies are routinely referred to tertiary hospitals to ensure access to specialist care, while other complex cases are referred when advanced treatment or specialist interventions are required.

Ravunawa says the Ministry remains committed to strengthening healthcare services in Rotuma through ongoing infrastructure improvements, equipment upgrades, workforce development and service enhancements.

From You Tube (23 June 2026)

Video of Rotuma Day Celebration in U.K.

Courtesy of Bruce Tizard-Varcoeß

Concerns over costly medical evacuations in Rotuma

By Yvonne Ravula

Rotuma's ability to handle medical emergencies locally is under scrutiny. Concerns remain over frequent and costly medical evacuations to the mainland.

Medical doctor and Council of Rotuma member Dr John Fatiaki says the island's remote location requires a stronger health system.

He says Rotuma needs experienced medical staff and better diagnostic services to support patient care.

"I think the main reason is we find that there's a lot of medevac of emergency cases, and that's an expensive exercise for the government, and the reason I think for that is because of the lack of qualified, experienced doctors."

Dr Fatiaki states there are gaps in the health sector that must be addressed. He says the island hospital also lacks essential medical equipment needed for effective treatment.

Health Minister, Dr Atonio Lalabalavu, says the Ministry was working to improve services in all hospitals.

He says the aim is to ensure facilities are properly equipped to meet community needs.

"It's always a priority, because it's a public service. We can't be delivering full public service without those essential medicines, equipment and consumables. Those are part and parcel of service delivery within the ministry. So yes, it's always important, and we always prioritise them. But we are mindful of the fact that we are in the Pacific, and all of these things we order from overseas. None are developed in Fiji."

For Rotuma, stronger local healthcare could reduce emergency evacuations. It could also improve confidence in the services available on the island.

From You Tube (21 June 2026)

Classic Rotuman Songs Reimagined | Kunau Vibes

From Fiji Sun (18 June 2026)

Fiji on El Niño watch

An El Niño Watch has been issued for Fiji, with climate experts warning of an increased likelihood of below-normal rainfall and possible drought conditions during the June to August period.

"An El Niño Watch is currently in place with an increasing chance of El Niño developing during the June to August 2026 period."

Temperature forecasts indicate above-normal daytime and night-time temperatures for Rotuma, while most of the Fiji group is expected to experience near-normal temperatures.

At this stage, the key message is to stay informed and be prepared."

From Fiji Broadcasting Co. (13 June 2026)

New fishing licences handed out

By Yvonne Ravula

Fishers in Rotuma's Itumuta District are set to better support their families following the issuance of eight new fishing licences.

It was given by the Ministry of Fisheries over the weekend.

The initiative is part of the Ministry's ongoing commitment to bringing services closer to communities, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and ensuring marine resources are managed responsibly for future generations.

Rotuma-based Fisheries Officer Liliana Rabuku travelled to Itumuta District to personally deliver the licences, reducing administrative barriers and improving access to government services.

The licences provide formal recognition for fishers to engage in commercial fishing activities while helping to regulate fishing effort and protect Rotuma's marine resources from overexploitation.

The Ministry continues to balance support for rural livelihoods with the conservation of marine biodiversity, ensuring that communities can benefit from the ocean while safeguarding it for future generations.

Through initiatives like this, the Ministry of Fisheries is strengthening sustainable management of Fiji's fisheries resources.