Day: July 29, 2021
We need art now more than ever
By Ariela Zibiah The cultural and creative sectors are among the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. For many artists in Fiji, this means many are relying on one meal a day and doing what they can to plant and grow
Independence leader takes top job in New Caledonia
By Nic Maclellan After months of delay, New Caledonia finally has a new leader. Louis Mapou was elected as President of New Caledonia on 8 July, the first time in nearly 40 years that a Kanak independence leader will
Science in a different dialect
By Ariela Zibiah The Pacific region has relied on traditional knowledge from time immemorial to predict bad weather. Across our ocean of islands, sightings of low-flying frigates, or an abundance of breadfruit in a
Debt traps and doing business
By Samantha Magick Tourism may be the poster child of the Pacific’s post-COVID economic crisis, but it’s not the only sector that has suffered. A stark example of the challenges that border closures are causing came
USP’s regional students struggle to study
By Leila Parina Regional students studying at the University of the South Pacific’s Laucala campus in Fiji have had another difficult semester. The COVID-19 outbreak which began in April this year and has claimed over
Nauru determined to back Deep Sea Mining
By Netani Rika With the COVID-19 Pandemic maintaining its crippling grip on the Pacific, legislators have struggled to find alternative sources of income to buoy national economies. On the rocky outcrop of Nauru in the
Fiame prevails: “It’s a new day”
By Samantha Magick “Can I offer my deepest gratitude to you, the people of Samoa, and in particular acknowledge the dignity with which you have waited with patience and forbearance, peacefully and respectfully, for
‘Tiny’ but tasty: Aelan’s global success
By Samantha Magick Vanuatu chocolate maker, Aelan hopes to launch a regional chocolate and cacao competition this year as a way of promoting high-quality chocolate from across the Pacific Islands region. “We're
A note from the editor
After more than two months and infinite patience on the part of voters, Samoa finally has a new Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa. We’re yet to see what Fiame’s ascendancy will mean for regional
Virtual leadership- a new norm?
By Dennis Rounds During times of national crisis, people look to their government for political leadership, meaningful financial and welfare assistance, and general reassurance. The COVID-19 pandemic might not be a war