Overseas Work Scam: Police are investigating two people after they allegedly collected about $50,000 from 500 Fijians with promises of jobs in Australia, charging $100 each via a fake labour-hire setup under the PALM scheme—Employment PS Maritino Nemani urged people to verify offers and remember Government PALM placements have no fees. Public Payroll Integrity: Fiji’s Education Ministry says it found 13 “ghost employees” and stopped salaries for 134 officers after payroll checks tied to Auditor-General concerns, with issues linked to appointment documentation not being updated in FEMIS. FNPF Enforcement: FNPF warns employers owing about $9.8m across 2,446 cases could face legal action after an amnesty period ends, including possible airport travel blocks. Labour Rights Clash: Ram Sami & Sons workers’ strike enters a second day as the National Union of Workers accuses the company of undermining the right to strike and recruiting replacements. Business & Finance Access: South Pacific Stock Exchange CEO Sheraj Obeyesekere says ordinary Fijians can invest in shares without being wealthy, with 21 listed companies and daily trading. Tourism Funding Move: Fiji’s temporary Tourism Services Tax (from Sept 1) targets hotels, tour operators and cruise firms to help Fiji Airways amid rising fuel costs. Local Cocoa Market: Vanua Coffee opens in Nadi to sell Fiji-grown cacao and chocolate, creating jobs and expanding farmer market access. Health Costs & Impact: Fiji’s rheumatic heart disease programme reports 4,984 people living with RHD and rising deaths, pushing for earlier detection and better follow-up care.