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This page is for posting information about Rotuman communities anywhere in the world. If you have news about past or upcoming events, or happenings of special interest to members of the Rotuman community, please send the information via email to <ahoward@hawaii.edu> for posting. Postings can be either in Rotuman or English. We also invite commentaries about news stories. Sports news can be found at http://www.rotuma.net/sports/ Announcements of births, marriages, graduations and other life events can be found at http://www.rotuma.net/life_events |
The News |
From Fiji Broadcasting Co. (13 July 2026) New financial pathways for Rotuma By Litia Cava
More than 160 new financial accounts have been opened in Rotuma following the island’s first Financial Inclusion Maritime Expo. The two-day event brought banking, insurance, investment and business support services closer to residents of the remote maritime community. The expo was organised by the Reserve Bank of Fiji, together with public and private sector partners. Around 600 residents attended the event, representing nearly 40 per cent of Rotuma’s population. Residents were able to meet service providers, receive financial advice and learn about available support programs. The initiative also supported local businesses, with about 80 micro, small and medium entrepreneurs receiving business advice. Many of the entrepreneurs also established links with agencies for continued support and guidance. Financial literacy was another key focus of the expo. Forty-six participants completed ANZ’s MoneyMinded program, which focused on improving money management skills. The event also featured Rotuma’s first-ever Hackathon, delivered through the Fiji Innovation Hub. Six teams, involving 24 participants, developed technology-based solutions to address challenges faced by the island. Rotuma Council Chairman Gagaj Manav said the expo gave residents an opportunity to access financial services, business support and new ideas. Reserve Bank of Fiji Chief Manager Financial System Development Caroline Waqabaca said community involvement was important in making financial inclusion initiatives effective. The Reserve Bank says the initiative supports Fiji’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2022–2030, which aims to improve access to affordable and suitable financial services across the country. From RNZ News (8 July 2026) Rotuman leaders seek Fiji constitutional status as young people fight By Christine Ravoi
As Fiji's Constitutional Review Commission wraps up its nationwide consultations, one of its smallest and most remote islands has left behind a clear vision for its future. On Rotuma, about 640 kilometres north of Suva, traditional leaders are asking for the island's unique constitutional position to be recognised while young people are calling for stronger protection of their language and culture and tougher action on drugs. Although their priorities differ, both submissions share the same message: Rotumans want the Constitution to better reflect who they are and what matters to their community. The Review Commission is gathering public views from across the country before making recommendations on possible changes to Fiji's Constitution. The seven-member commission comprises chairperson Sevuloni Valenitabua, Ami Kohli, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, Dr Neelesh Gounder, Merewalesi Nailatikau, Dr John Fatiaki, and Conway Beg. Rotuma is a Polynesian island that is part of Fiji but has its own language, culture and chiefly system. About 2000 people live on the island while thousands more Rotumans live elsewhere, including in mainland Fiji, Australia and New Zealand.
According to the 2023 New Zealand Census, about 1300 people of Rotuman ethnicity live in Aotearoa. The Rotuma Island Council told the commission the island's relationship with Fiji is best described as a "de facto" one , "a marriage without a marriage certificate". In its submission last week, the council said Rotuma's unique constitutional position has not been fully recognised since Fiji adopted its 2013 Constitution. The council is not seeking independence. Instead, it wants the Constitution to formally recognise Rotuma's sovereignty, acknowledge its separate colonial history, strengthen internal self-governance through the Rotuma Island Council, and protect customary land rights. The submission points to the island's annexation by Queen Victoria in 1881 and says the 1997 Constitution recognised Rotuma's distinct system of governance in a way the current Constitution no longer does. It also says any future discussion about independence would follow traditional protocols and international law. Concerns raised in Rotuma's submission are also reflected in wider national discussions about how Fiji's electoral system represents small and remote communities. The Fiji Women's Crisis Centre, through the Fiji NGO Coalition on Human Rights, told the commission that the current nationwide voting system makes it difficult for geographically isolated communities to have strong, direct representation.
The coalition says the system weakens the link between voters and their representatives and leaves smaller communities at a disadvantage in national politics. The NGO is among groups calling for changes to improve representation for marginalised and remote populations across Fiji. While the island's leaders focused on constitutional history and governance, Rotuma's younger generation highlighted the issues they believe will shape the island's future. Speaking during the consultations, Year 13 student Austin Jone of Rotuma High School called for stronger constitutional support for indigenous language and culture in schools. "Our culture, our identity, our language needs to be placed on the same level of importance as English and maths," Jone said.
He said students were losing interest in Western-style education while traditional knowledge continued to fade. Another student, Charlene Sina Tomasi, warned that drugs were becoming an increasing threat to young people on the island. "Drugs have destroyed cities, towns, and whole countries. Now they affect us in Fiji and Rotuma," Tomasi said. She called for stronger border security and enforcement of laws to protect young people. Together, the submissions offer a rare insight into how Rotumans are thinking about their future. The elders are focused on preserving the island's constitutional identity while the younger people are determined to protect their language, culture and the next generation. Submissions to Fiji's Constitutional Review Commission officially closed on 30 June. From Fiji Broadcasting Co. (7 July 2026) Student calls for Rotuman language recognition A fifteen-year-old student from Rotuma High school, Austin Jone, is calling for the recognition of Rotuman language and culture in Fiji’s education system. Jone says while conducting research for his English project, he focused on modernization and its impact on the Rotuman Language. He found not many students find the culture important, and most lose interest in western-style education. He says under the Bill of Rights, section 31 (3) it states that conversational and contemporary iTaukei and Fiji Hindi languages shall be taught as compulsory subjects in all primary schools. He adds Rotuman should also be given the same recognition. The Rotuma High School student has proposed the provision be amended to state that the vernacular of the local school community be made compulsory, ensuring the Rotuman language and culture are prioritized as a subject in schools. “We need experts at the national level looking after Rotumans in schools from primary to tertiary levels. Our culture, our identity, our language needs to be placed on the same level of importance as English and Math.” Jone says this amendment will reflect social inclusivity and remove the division of social communities when referring to the vernacular of a group of people. 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 From Fiji Broadcasting Co. (22 June 2026) 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. |
