Fiji

Fiji's political parties registrar says FijiFirst - the country's largest political party in Parliament - has been officially deregistered.

While delivering the coalition's second Budget, Finance Minister Biman Prasad said the government must act faster to address its serious skills shortage and drug crisis.

A significant shift in Fiji's political landscape is expected Friday as the largest political party in parliament is set to be deregistered. Audio

Inflation, unemployment, high cost of living, labour shortage and government debt are among a host of challenges plaguing Fiji's economy.

The dance company director Sachiko Soro says the performers have been training for more than a year with the help of coaches from Cuba. Audio

The union is not backing down from its demand for a 30 percent pay rise and have threatened strike action, as the education ministry struggles from teacher shortage.

The wave located off the island of Tavarua is also returning this year as the last regular championship tour stop in August - the last event was held in 2017.

"It is imperative for us to demonstrate our commitment to transparency and accountability by thoroughly examining the mishap," Commander Jone Kalouniwai says.

Rainbow Pride Foundation board director Lady Rhonda Dina says Pride Month is a "powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for acceptance and inequality".

Ratu Wiliame Katonivere Katonivere said his presence at the summit signifies Fiji's high-level support to Ukraine.

A governance professor in Fiji and a former Electoral Commission member says the resignation of the founding members of the country's largest political party in parliament is a "shocker". Audio

RFNS Puamau, which was gifted from the Australian government, was commissioned last month. The Fiji Navy says "at present, it is premature to determine the details of the events that unfolded".

The founding members of the FijiFirst party, including former prime minister Frank Bainimarama and ex-attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, have resigned.