Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts-Fiji, 318, Toorak Road, Suva (2026)

06/09/2026

ONLY 5 DAYS LEFT TO APPLY!

Multi-Ethnic Community Development Grant 2026

Community organisations, don’t miss this opportunity! The EOI closes on 11 September 2026.

-Strengthen your community
- Promote social cohesion
- Preserve cultural heritage
-Support community development projects

Get your application in before the deadline!

04/09/2026

Shri Krishna Janmashtami – Message

As we conclude the seventh night that marks the sacred occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami and celebrate the divine birth of Lord Krishna tonight, I extend my warmest greetings and best wishes to all Hindus in Fiji and around the world.

May the timeless teachings of Lord Krishna inspire us to uphold righteousness, compassion, courage, love and devotion in our daily lives.

Let us carry the spirit of Janmashtami beyond the celebrations by promoting peace, respect, unity and harmony within our families and communities, while guiding our young people towards positive, healthy and responsible choices.

May Lord Krishna bless all families with peace, prosperity, strength and happiness.

Wishing everyone a blessed and meaningful Shri Krishna Janmashtami.

31/08/2026

𝗖𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝘂𝗽 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗛𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗮 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗶 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆

The task of carting drums of water up a steep hill using bullocks is now a thing of the past for families in the Momi and Wairiki communities in Nadi, following the completion of new borehole water projects supported by the Coalition Government.

Community representative Mr. Ajay Maharaj said many families in the communities had previously depended on wells for their daily water needs. Due to the steep terrain, residents had to use bullocks to pull heavy drums of water uphill from the wells.

“The journey was not always successful. At times, the bullocks struggled to pull the drums up the steep hill, while on other occasions, the drums would fall midway, forcing families to return to the well and refill them,” Mr. Maharaj said.

He said the situation became even more difficult when the wells dried up.

“When the wells dried up, families had to collect water from nearby creeks for household use and purchase drinking water. This added further hardship and expense to their daily lives,” he said.

That long-standing struggle has now been eased through Government assistance, with the installation of boreholes providing families with a more reliable source of water.

Under the Multi-Ethnic Grant Programme, the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts provided $9,400 towards the Momi Borehole Water Project, directly benefiting nine households. A similar intervention has been delivered in the nearby Gunsite (Wairiki) community, where the Ministry provided $9,400 towards the Wairiki Borehole Water Project, benefiting five households. The project provides a more reliable water supply for essential household needs, including drinking, cooking, washing and sanitation.

The Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, commissioned the borehole water projects, describing them as practical interventions that directly address the everyday challenges faced by communities.

Minister Singh said the projects demonstrate how targeted Government assistance can make a meaningful difference in the lives of families.

“These two borehole projects are practical examples of the community development initiatives supported under the Multi-Ethnic Grant Programme. Access to water directly affects the health, wellbeing and daily lives of families,” Minister Singh said.

He said reliable access to clean and safe water is fundamental to the health, wellbeing and dignity of communities.

Mr. Maharaj also expressed appreciation to the Coalition Government for the re-establishment of the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, saying the Ministry’s community development assistance has enabled communities to address long-standing challenges through practical projects.

30/08/2026

𝐒𝐡𝐫𝐢 𝐊𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐧𝐚 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐢 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞

As Hindus in Fiji and around the world come together to celebrate Shri Krishna Janmashtami from 29 August to 4 September, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all devotees observing this sacred occasion.

Janmashtami is a time of devotion, reflection and celebration, marked by prayer, kirtan, bhajan, cultural performances and gatherings within our communities. More importantly, it provides an opportunity to reflect on the timeless teachings and values of Lord Krishna, including righteousness, compassion, courage, self-discipline, love and devotion.

I encourage all Mandalis, religious leaders and community leaders to use this auspicious occasion to share these values with our children and young people and to promote greater understanding, respect and harmony among Fiji's diverse communities. Let us also remind our communities of the importance of respecting all religions, faiths and places of worship.

I also urge religious and community leaders to use this period as an opportunity to educate and enlighten our young people about the importance of making positive, healthy and responsible choices. By incorporating these messages into our community activities and discussions, we can help inspire our youth to lead productive, healthy and drug-free lives.

Wishing all Hindus in Fiji and around the world a blessed, peaceful and meaningful Shri Krishna Janmashtami.

Hon. Charan Jeath Singh

Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts

28/08/2026

𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗮 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁

Five households in Marasa, Nadi, will now have access to a more reliable and readily available source of water following the commissioning of the Usuf Borehole Water Project.

The borehole project was supported by the Ministry through the Multi-Ethnic Grant Programme for the 2025–2026 financial year, with an allocation of $9,400 for the borehole.

The project addresses a long-standing challenge faced by families in the community, who previously had to fetch water from the creek, or travel approximately three kilometres to access water for their everyday household needs.

For the five beneficiary households, comprising approximately 25 individuals, access to water was a daily challenge. Families often had to rely on or borrow water from other households, placing an additional burden on residents and making it difficult to meet their basic water requirements.

The challenge was particularly significant for the families, who are also sugarcane farmers and depend on a reliable water supply for their households and daily activities.

The new Borehole Project will significantly reduce this burden by bringing a more accessible water source closer to the beneficiary families.

While commissioning the project today in Nadi, Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts Hon. Charan Jeath Singh highlighted that the Government's assistance was aimed at responding to the practical needs of communities and improving the quality of life of families facing challenges accessing essential services.

"Through the Multi-Ethnic Grant Programme, the Government continues to support community-based projects that address pressing needs and provide tangible benefits to families across Fiji," He said

"For the residents of Marasa, the borehole represents more than just infrastructure. It provides relief from the daily burden of travelling long distances for water, reduces dependence on neighbouring households, and gives families greater security and convenience in meeting their everyday water needs," said Minister Singh

Minister Singh said the project demonstrates the Government's commitment to working with communities to address long-standing challenges and ensure that assistance reaches families where it can make a meaningful difference to their lives.

Mr Nizam Ali of Marasa, Nadi, said the community had faced difficulties accessing clean and safe water for more than 40 years. He said residents had traditionally relied on a nearby creek for their household water needs, while during periods of drought, families were forced to purchase drinking water and travel more than three kilometres to collect water.

Mr Ali said this was the first time a government had provided the community with access to safe and clean drinking water. He expressed his appreciation to the Coalition Government and the Ministry for addressing the community’s long-standing water issues, saying the assistance would greatly improve the daily lives and livelihoods of residents

27/08/2026

𝗖𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗡 & 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘 𝗪𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗡𝗔𝗗𝗜

The Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, is in Nadi today to commission three borehole water projects that will benefit three different communities and around 19 households.

The beneficiaries include:

📍 Marasa – 5 households
📍 Gunsite Wairiki and Momi – 14 families

The projects will now provide clean and safe drinking water for these communities.

Minister Singh said the project demonstrates the Government’s commitment to working with communities to address long-standing challenges and ensure that assistance reaches families where it can make a meaningful difference to their lives.

Access to clean and safe water means healthier communities and a better quality of life.

27/08/2026

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗶 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆

The Coalition Government is continuing to support community-based development initiatives that address essential needs, with the commissioning of the Raviravi Borehole Water Project in Ba today.

Through the Ministry’s Multi-Ethnic Grant Programme, the Raviravi community received $7,800 in assistance towards the development of the borehole project. The support was provided to address long-standing water challenges and improve access to a safer and more reliable source of water for families in the area.

The project will directly benefit five households, or approximately 25 people, by improving access to water for drinking, cooking, washing and other daily household needs.

For many years, families in Raviravi relied on a borehole that had been in use since 1984. However, over time, the quality of the water deteriorated and became increasingly salty, making it unsuitable for drinking and raising concerns for the health and wellbeing of residents.

The saline water also affected household belongings, plumbing fixtures and other items used by families. With limited access to alternative sources, residents continued to face difficulties in accessing water suitable for their everyday needs.

The new project provides a practical response to these challenges by reducing the community’s dependence on the ageing borehole and improving the availability of water for household use.

While commissioning the borehole project, the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, commended the Raviravi community for its contribution and ownership of the project. Through their community-based organisation, residents provided and installed the necessary piping from the borehole.

“This project demonstrates what can be achieved when Government support is combined with strong community participation. The community has not only benefited from the grant assistance but has also contributed directly to the implementation of the project,” Minister Singh said.

The Raviravi Borehole Water Project reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting community-led development and improving access to essential services, particularly for communities facing longstanding infrastructure challenges.

Through the Multi-Ethnic Grant Programme, the Ministry continues to work with Community-Based Organisations across Fiji to deliver projects that respond to local priorities and improve the wellbeing of communities.

27/08/2026

𝗩𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗸𝗼 𝗖𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗚𝗮𝘀-𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁

The Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs is continuing its investment in dignified, culturally appropriate and environmentally friendly facilities, with the commencement of construction of a gas-fired crematorium at the Varoko Hindu Shamshan Bhumi in Ba.

The Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, today officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new gas-fired crematorium, marking another milestone in Government’s efforts to support communities with modern cremation facilities that respect religious and cultural practices.

Through the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Government has provided the gas-fired cremator machine for the Varoko facility. The equipment has already been delivered and is currently being safely kept by the Committee pending installation.

Minister Singh said the Government’s support goes beyond the provision of equipment and represents an investment in facilities that respond to genuine community needs.

“It represents an investment in a facility that responds to a genuine community need while respecting the religious and cultural practices of the people it will serve,” Minister Singh said.

The Government’s investment in gas-fired crematoriums reflects its commitment to community wellbeing, cultural respect, environmental responsibility and sustainable use of land resources, while ensuring that infrastructure development responds directly to the needs of Fiji’s diverse communities.

Once completed, the Varoko crematorium will provide families with a more appropriate and dignified facility for conducting final rites, while also supporting the more efficient use of land. Over the longer term, cremation can help reduce pressure on burial land, allowing valuable land resources to remain available for agriculture, housing, infrastructure and other productive purposes.

The use of gas-fired cremation will also reduce reliance on traditional fuels and large quantities of firewood, providing a cleaner and more environmentally responsible alternative while helping to reduce pressure on vegetation and forest resources.

The Varoko project forms part of a broader Government initiative to expand access to appropriate cremation facilities across Fiji. The Tuatua Crematorium in Labasa has been completed, while the Navua Crematorium is expected to be commissioned next month. Construction is now commencing at Varoko, Ba, while the Ministry is also working closely with the community in Lovu, Lautoka, where work is expected to commence shortly.

27/08/2026

The Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, is in Ba today to commission two new borehole projects in Korovuto and Raviravi.

Funded through the Multi-Ethnic Community Development Grant Program, these projects will provide clean, safe and more reliable drinking water to families in both communities.

The initiative responds to long-standing water challenges and is a significant step towards improving the health, wellbeing and quality of life of residents.

27/08/2026

Government support continues to strengthen access to modern, dignified and environmentally responsible cremation facilities, with the commencement of construction of a new gas-fired crematorium at Varoko Hindu Shamshan Bhumi in Ba.

The Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, today officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony for a new gas-fired crematorium supported by the Ministry, marking another step towards providing dignified and environmentally responsible cremation facilities for communities.

The Varoko project is part of a broader Government initiative to expand cremation facilities across Fiji, ensuring communities can carry out final rites with dignity and in accordance with their religious and cultural traditions.

Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts-Fiji

06/09/2026

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