🌴 #09 Fiji Flow: Power Cuts, Pizza Wars & Charity Controversy

Bula FijiFlow Fam,

This edition brings you big moments, bold moves, and a few head-scratchers. From unexpected power cuts to strategic social media wins, there’s plenty to unpack. 🍕⚡

We’re diving into a showdown on Suva’s best pizza, a Tourism Fiji ad that’s pure marketing gold, and some surprising headlines making waves. Plus, a bit of rugby banter and a story that’s got people questioning where the line is between help and overreach.

Let’s get into it. ⬇️

🛑 Fiji’s Online Safety Commissioner Faces… An Online Safety Complaint? You Can’t Make This Up.

Ah, the sweet irony. Less than a month into the job, Fiji’s newly appointed Online Safety Commissioner, Filipe Batiwale, is making headlines—but not for cracking down on cyberbullying or protecting Fijians from online harm. No, no. Instead, he’s facing a police complaint for online defamation.

You couldn’t script this better if you tried. The man tasked with ensuring digital safety is now accused of misusing digital platforms—allegedly spreading false and defamatory claims about a fellow villager via Facebook Messenger. And in case you thought this was some pre-appointment skeleton from years ago, nope—this all allegedly happened in November 2024, just two months before he officially took office.

The role of Online Safety Commissioner is a taxpayer-funded position, meant to protect citizens from the very type of behaviour that Batiwale is now being accused of. Instead, we have Messenger screenshots surfacing, a Facebook profile mysteriously vanishing, and a police report lodged at the Nausori Police Station.

And what was the alleged offense? Rumor-mongering about someone’s sexuality. In a government role designed to promote online responsibility. 🤦‍♂️

💡 Lights Out at CWM: A Blackout Beyond Just Electricity

If you ever needed a perfect metaphor for the state of public services, here it is—Fiji’s largest hospital went dark mid-surgery. That’s right. The Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWM), our main referral hospital, had its power cut mid-operation, leaving surgeons scrambling in pitch-black conditions.

The backup generator? Took over 20 minutes to kick in—because, of course, nothing in the system moves quickly. And let’s be clear: this isn’t just an inconvenience; this is life and death. The fact that Fiji’s flagship hospital—the one every other hospital relies on—doesn’t have a fail-safe power system is scandalous.

And now? The blame game begins. The government will cite funding challenges, cyclone season, and outdated infrastructure. Meanwhile, Fijians will keep hoping their next hospital visit doesn’t require a flashlight.

⚡Opinion

Tilly’s Swim Drive: Help or Western Projection? 🤔🌊

A 13-year-old from Sydney, Tilly Cooper, has taken it upon herself to collect swimwear for Fijian children in Taqage with high drowning rates and little access to proper gear. A well-meaning initiative, right? Not everyone thinks so.

Some see it as charity done right—a young girl taking action where she sees a gap. Others argue it’s another example of the Western world projecting their standards, assuming that just because Fijian kids swim in regular clothes, they’re somehow lacking. The bigger question: do they even want or need these donations?

Tilly states that she has consulted with the village leaders, who have expressed full support for her initiative.

So, what do you think? A positive act of giving, or another case of outsiders thinking they know best?

🍽 FOOD FINDS

Brunching at The Hillcrest ☕🥞

For a quiet brunch or a casual business meet-up, we stopped by The Hillcrest. The space is relaxed, parking is easy, and it’s just a short drive from Suva city.

On the table: iced mochas, French toast with golden banana slices, berry compote, and cream, plus a stack of pancakes—a little something for every craving. A simple spot to settle in for a chat, whether you’re catching up or getting some work done over coffee.

Slice Wars: Suva’s Pizza Showdown 🍕🔥

When it comes to pizza in Suva, we went all in—melty cheese, crispy crusts, and toppings that don’t mess around. All three spots delivered, but one place had us thinking… what could have been. 👀

BTW, Veggie Restaurant and their pizza? Way too underrated. With the right spotlight, they could easily be a top contender. 🌱🍕 Check out the video to see how it all went.

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📲🧠 Social Media Chess Masters

Burger King 1, McDonald’s 0.

McDonald’s hit their customers with "Sorry, no lettuce." Burger King hit them with "Imagine a burger without lettuce. Tragic." 🤭

While Maccas was busy writing apologies, BK was busy seizing the moment and flexing its fresh green superiority. Petty? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely. The lettuce may be missing, but BK’s timing wasn’t. 🥗👑

Advantage: Burger King. Checkmate, Ronald.

Neck Rolls & No Calls 🤔

Tex Ikanivere got a free chiropractic adjustment courtesy of a Waratahs forward last weekend—except this wasn’t a wellness retreat, it was Super Rugby.

A textbook neck roll, a clear foul, and yet somehow… nothing to see here, folks. The referees missed it, the TMO missed it, and apparently, rugby laws did too. Drua’s social media team, however, didn’t. The next day, they dropped a cheeky post featuring a neck brace, suggesting maybe this should be part of the kit next time.

We love a good rugby contest, but consistency from the officials wouldn’t hurt either—unlike, you know, an uncalled neck roll.

📸 Photo of the Day: Oops… Who Forgot the ‘D’?

When even the sign couldn’t fully commit to being prepared… classic.

🎥✨ Video of the Week 🌴

A Masterclass in Simplicity

In a mall packed with digital overload and retail noise, Tourism Fiji’s 3D ad at Westfield Bondi cuts through with pure, effortless escapism. No hard sell, no gimmicks—just blue oceans, real joy, and the undeniable urge to ditch the chaos and book that flight. 🌴✈️

Vinaka for tuning in, FijiFlow fam! We’ll be back in a fortnight with more hot takes, fresh finds, and the stories everyone’s talking about.

In the meantime, hit that share button and get your crew on board—because good banter (and the best pizza spots) are meant to be shared. 🍕🔥 See you in the next one!