In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — Think tank report says U.S military treats Guam as a ‘disposable asset’
2. PACIFIC — Pasifika Communities University flags funding challenge, pushes community model to sustain growth
3. PNG — Elias Wohengu reappointed PNG Foreign affairs secretary
4. SAMOA — “I feel for Toelupe:” Samoa PM
5. FIJI — Fiji Environment Minister assures public on access to Vuda Waste-to-Energy EIA
6. PNG — PNG parents criticise U.S visa bond
7. UN — Fiji among 52 nations that abstained on UN slavery reparations vote
8. AUST — ‘Fight will continue’ without change, say ABC workers amid 24-hour strike
9. PACNEWS BIZ — Pacific flags trade risks ahead of WTO meet in Yaoundé
10. PACNEWS BIZ — Government backs Fiji Airways with over $520m in guarantees
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji strengthens regional maritime security at Pacific fisheries meeting
12. PACNEWS BIZ — Samoa Airport Authority blames “human error” for airport tax issue, says arrivals charges fixed
13. PACNEWS BIZ — PNG, Aust to align livestock standards
14. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — Pasifika Communities University targets bold reset of Pacific higher education, puts culture and community first
15. PACNEWS DIGEST — Decline of populations of migratory species alarms Pacific delegates at CMS COP15
PAC – DEFENCE: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 2: Thu 26 Mar 2026
Think tank report says U.S military treats Guam as a ‘disposable asset’
HAGATNA, 26 MARCH 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES)—The Pacific Centre for Island Security has a sobering reality check for Guam and its role as the United States’ tip of the spear: when push comes to shove, Guam is a disposable asset and the island community remains vulnerable in case a shooting war breaks out in the region.
According to its Micronesia Security Outlook 2025, the United States’ insistence that Guam is a part of the U.S homeland rings hollow when looking at the increasing threats the island faces, new national strategies that barely reference Guam, and constant changes in plans that the report says are a “master class in whiplash decision-making.”
“In the current environment, these plans assume a great risk for Guam and underscore our disposability,” states the report.
The Guam section of the report was written by Kenneth Gofigan Kuper, associate professor at the University of Guam’s Micronesian Area Research Centre, who said that “Guam is an important place to be used, but how our lives are impacted and protected is a lesser consideration.”
Kuper examined Guam’s role in the geopolitical environment of 2025, highlighting potential conflict with China over Taiwan and a brief reference to North Korean hostilities, as well as what it calls “alliance uncertainty,” when the United States is unable to count on its allies to join it in a war with China and is forced to fall back to Guam.
“It is a well-studied assumption that without South Korea and Japan, the U.S would struggle—and possibly lose—in a military conflict with China,” states the report.
Against this backdrop, the Trump administration is asking its allies in the region to do more to advance U.S strategy, increase their military spending and take a greater role in their own defence, instead of relying on the United States to keep the peace.
“In the U.S president’s words, the U.S has treaty commitments to defend these frontline countries, but they are not committed to defending the U.S,” the report said, quoting a social media post that quotes Trump.
That the Trump administration is pressuring regional allies to support U.S warfighting planning is telling, the PCIS report said, noting that the U.S is pushing for greater commitment and clarity because it currently lacks them.
This is where Guam comes into the picture. As a U.S territory, it is a guaranteed asset for the U.S military. The immediate availability of military bases and assets in Guam gives the United States’ warfighting capabilities a secure footing.
Still, the U.S military is spending billions to build ports and airfields in Yap in the Federated States of Micronesia and on Tinian and Rota in the Northern Mariana Islands, calling it a “distributed and dispersed” operating model.
These developments revealed expectations of insecurity in Guam, the report said.
“Nothing in 2025’s collision of strategy, threats and budgets says ‘Guam is disposable’ like the simultaneous funding of ‘missile defence’ in Guam and ‘divert airfields’ in the region,” it said.
The report says several war-gaming scenarios have suggested that in high-intensity conflict, Guam’s facilities could be heavily degraded within the opening days of hostilities, forcing a rapid dispersal to alternate locations throughout the region.
“The development of alternative airfields all along the Marianas-Palau arc betrays the military’s expectation about the availability of key facilities in conflict. How the civilian population in Guam fares in this environment is not a part of the military plans,” it adds.
The dispersal of assets is also about survivability during conflicts, creates more targets for the enemy and adds sites where the military could continue to operate, PCIS said.
“It is also a tacit admission that much of Guam may be destroyed in the case of a real conflict,” it adds.
The strategy is not without its flaws and the report details many of them, including China’s enhanced firepower and unmatched manpower. “The U.S Air Force would only be able to generate less than one-fourth of the daily sorties of an adversary like China,” the report says.
Even the much-vaunted 360-degree anti-missile shield now being built in Guam is not a reliable tool for protecting the island, the report states, noting that the system’s viability remains in question. It will only be tested in an actual conflict.
The change in threats facing Guam also calls into question the system’s capabilities, the report said. At first, it was promoted as a means to deter small-scale, coercive attacks. Later, the focus shifted to a system that responds to “massive threats”’ and “fighting in a contested environment.”
“The missile defence project is arguably an example of a system that does not reflect real-world conditions,” the report says.
The report also discussed the lack of transparency.
In 2023 and 2024, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Lincoln Laboratory conducted a law-mandated assessment of the missile defence system. The report has not been made public.
“Not all technical questions about the system should be classified. The community deserves information and transparency on systems that may fundamentally restructure the island,” the PCIS report says.
The report also cited the lack of civilian defence planning: no bomb shelters and the air raid warning system is limited. The military considers the civilian defence aspect of combat preparation to be the local government’s responsibility.
“This is evidence of another Department of War planning failure in Guam. It also underscores the blind spot of the military in prioritising Guam’s community in a potential conflict it is preparing for,” the report says…..PACNEWS
PAC – UNIVERSITY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Thu 26 Mar 2026
Pasifika Communities University flags funding challenge, pushes community model to sustain growth
By Pita Ligaiula
SUVA, 26 MARCH 2026 (PACNEWS)— Pasifika Communities University (PCU) is focusing on mentorship and community partnerships to sustain growth while staying true to its core values, says Dean of Strategic Visioning Aisake Casimira.
In an interview with PACNEWS, Casimira said maintaining the university’s long-term vision remains a priority.
“Sustaining our vision is critical, even in the passing of time. In that regard, establishing, as part of the PCU’s sustainability programme is mentoring. This is aimed at sustaining PCU vision of ‘Whole of Life’ and its strategic focus on ‘whole of life’ leadership in the next 10-years.”
He acknowledged that funding remains a key challenge.
“The challenge, which is not peculiar to PCU, is financing our innovative educational and policy influencing programmes.”
Casimira said PCU is responding with practical initiatives at the community level.
“One of PCU’s creative programmes is establishing with village communities in Fiji, community learning centres. In the long term, it is hoped that it will contribute to increasing and sustaining student numbers.”
“But most importantly, collaboration with the village communities on education at where they are will ensure the rejuvenation of interest in indigenous knowledge and wisdom, and their relevancy in their development.”
He said the long-term goal is to strengthen identity and sustain Pacific knowledge systems.
“The survival of a people and their uniqueness will depend on their willingness to embrace and nurture their identity, and the uniqueness of their traditions,” said Casimira…..PACNEWS
PNG – DIPLOMACY: NBC PNG NEWS PACNEWS 2: Thu 26 Mar 2026
Elias Wohengu reappointed PNG Foreign affairs secretary
PORT MORESBY, 26 MARCH 2026 (NBC PNG)—Elias Wohengu has been reappointed as Papua new Guinea Secretary for the Department of Foreign Affairs for a second term.
Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko announced that the National Executive Council approved Wohengu’s reappointment to serve another four years, starting 17 May 2026.
Minister Tkatchenko said the reappointment shows the government’s confidence in Wohengu’s leadership and experience.
Since taking office in 2022, Wohengu has helped strengthen Papua New Guinea’s relations with key partners and supported important bilateral agreements.
The Minister said his leadership has also helped improve the work of PNG’s overseas missions.
“Wohengu’s experience has been instrumental in our recent diplomatic successes. His reappointment reflects the Government’s trust in his leadership,” Tkatchenko said.
The Minister said the next four years will be important for PNG’s foreign policy, and continuity in leadership will help maintain progress.
Tkatchenko also extended his best wishes to Wohengu as he prepares to begin his new term in May….PACNEWS
SAMOA – POLITICS: SAMOA OBSERVER PACNEWS 2: Thu 26 Mar 2026
“I feel for Toelupe:” Samoa PM
APIA, 26 MARCH 2026 (SAMOA OBSERVER)—Samoa Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt says he is sad and hurt after Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo lost his seat.
He said he accepted the decision of the Electoral Court.
He also hinted at taking over the Ministry of Work, Transport and Infrastructure portfolio.
On Tuesday, the court declared Toelupe’s election void after ruling that he had been involved in bribery during the general election.
“I feel for Toelupe,” he said on Wednesday.
“This is not easy and light to me as the Prime Minister because Toelupe was my right-hand man and also a senior minister in the cabinet.”
“It hurts me to see the decision from the court but I respect the decision.”
La’aulialemalietoa said he will await the arrival of Toelupe from overseas and the caucus will discuss further plans.
“It’s not easy because Toelupe was overseeing one of the biggest ministries, which means the workload he used to carry will be on my shoulders,” the Prime Minister said.
“I send my sympathy not only to the constituency, the families and especially to Toelupe, his wife and children.”
La’aulialemalietoa said the caucus will discuss further plans, including whether Toelupe can run again in future elections.
“The cabinet and the political party will discuss this matter. I tell you, I can feel for Toelupe that losing his seat is painful.”
Falealili No.1 is now ready to go back to the polls…..PACNEWS
FIJI – ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Thu 26 Mar 2026
Fiji Environment Minister assures public on access to Vuda Waste-to-Energy EIA
SUVA, 25 MARCH 2026 (PACNEWS) – Fiji’s Minister for Environment & Climate Change, Lynda Tabuya, has responded to public concerns over access to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for the proposed Vuda Waste to Energy Facility and Private Port.
“I acknowledge the concerns raised by members of the public regarding access to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for the proposed Waste to Energy Facility and Private Port at Vuda Point,” Tabuya said in a statement.
“As Minister, I take responsibility for ensuring that our processes are transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of our people,” she said in a statement
Tabuya acknowledged that access during standard government hours had been challenging. To address this, the Department of Environment has extended viewing hours.
“In response, the Department of Environment has extended viewing access by making the EIA Report available at First Landing Beach Resort and Villas, with access now available daily until 11.00pm. Additional access remains available at our offices in Suva, Lautoka and the Ba Provincial Office during normal working hours.”
The public review period runs from 23 March to 22 April 2026. Tabuya urged Fijians, especially those near the proposed development, to participate.
“The 21-day public review period, from 23 March to 22 April 2026, is an important first step in the EIA process. I strongly encourage all Fijians, particularly those located in close proximity to the proposed development, to take this opportunity to review the report and provide their written submissions.”
She also clarified the legal requirements governing EIA access.
“I also wish to clarify that the Environment Management (EIA Process) Regulations 2007 prescribes current requirements for physical access to EIA reports, including the 21-day period, as well as the fee of $5(US$2.50) per page. These are legal provisions that the Department is required to follow.”
Acknowledging the public’s constitutional right to information, Tabuya said amendments to improve accessibility are under review.
“However, I acknowledge that access to information is a constitutional right, and that our systems must reflect this. That is why our ministry has proposed amendments of the current regulations to make EIA reports more accessible, including more practical and modern ways for the public to access information. These proposed amendments are currently under review with the Solicitor General’s office.”
She emphasised that public participation is central to environmental decision-making.
“Let me be clear. Transparency and public participation are at the heart of environmental decision making. This is only the first stage of consultation. A second stage of public consultations will follow, ensuring that communities have a stronger voice in shaping outcomes.”
Tabuya also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to a fair and lawful process.
“We remain committed to a fair, transparent, and lawful process, and I encourage all stakeholders to participate constructively,” she said….PACNEWS
PNG – DIPLOMACY/VISA: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS 2: Thu 26 Mar 2026
PNG parents criticise U.S visa bond
PORT MORESBY, 26 MARCH 2026 (THENATIONAL)—Parents of Papua New Guinean students studying in the United States have criticised the new visa bond requirement which would prevent them from visiting their children or attending events such as graduations.
The United States has included Papua New Guinea in its expanded visa bond programme, requiring some visitor visa applicants to pay between US$5,000 and US$15,000 (about K21,000 to K62,000).
The bond applies to short-term visas used for travel, tourism and family visits.
While the money is refundable if visa conditions are followed, many say the cost is too high.
Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko agreed that the bond would affect ordinary Papua New Guineans the most, calling it a “huge barrier” to travel.
“The policy can affect many Papua New Guineans with family ties in the U.S – students, workers and those on sports programmes,” Tkatchencko said.
“The bond could weaken people-to-people connections between the two countries.”
U.S officials explained the bond was introduced to reduce visa overstays and ensure travelers follow visa rules.
Parents of students under the Government Stem (Science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and Fulbright programme scholarships say the policy is creating stress and uncertainty.
Parent Lorna Kila said she might not be able to visit her child during the holidays.
“Even though my child is on a full scholarship, we as parents still want to be there,” Kila said.
Parent Peter Dademo said the policy could force families to miss special moments.
“These are moments every parent dreams of, seeing your child graduate,” Dademo said.
“But with this kind of money required upfront, many of us will now miss out.”
Another parent, who asked not to be named, said the bond added emotional pressure.
“It’s not just about money, it’s about being there,” the parent said.
More than 100 PNG students are currently studying in the US on fully-funded programmes…..PACNEWS
UN – DIPLOMACY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 2: Thu 26 Mar 2026
Fiji among 52 nations that abstained on UN slavery reparations vote
NEW YORK, 26 MARCH 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—Fiji was among 52 countries that abstained from voting on a United Nations General Assembly resolution recognising transatlantic slavery as the “gravest crime against humanity” and calling for reparations.
The resolution, proposed by Ghana, was adopted on Wednesday with 123 countries voting in favour.
Three countries — the United States, Israel and Argentina — voted against, while 52, including Fiji, the United Kingdom and several European Union member states, abstained.
Although not legally binding, the resolution carries significant political weight and reflects growing international calls to address the legacy of slavery.
The motion recognises the transatlantic slave trade as one of the darkest chapters in human history and urges consideration of reparatory justice for affected communities.
For more than four centuries, millions of Africans were forcibly taken and trafficked across the Atlantic by European powers. Historians estimate that more than 15 million people were enslaved during this period.
The scale and brutality of the system led 18th and 19th century abolitionists to describe it as a “crime against humanity” — a term now widely used in international law.
Scholars have also linked wealth generated through slavery to the industrial development of Western economies….PACNEWS
AUST – NATIONAL BROADCASTER STRIKE: ABC PACIFIC PACNEWS 2: Thu 26 Mar 2026
‘Fight will continue’ without change, say ABC workers amid 24-hour strike
SYDNEY/MELBOURNE, 26 MARCH 2026 (ABC PACIFIC)—Unions representing ABC staff have signalled the possibility of further strike action if a dispute over pay and conditions at the broadcaster isn’t resolved.
For the first time in two decades, workers at the national broadcaster went on strike for 24 hours from 11am AEDT on Wednesday.
It prompted ABC managing director Hugh Marks to apologise to audiences on Wednesday as more than 1,000 journalists and staff walked off the job.
A majority of staff who voted rejected the broadcaster’s latest pay offer on the three-year enterprise bargaining agreement earlier this week, which paved the way for the strike action.
The ABC broadcast BBC content, reruns, and members’ statements in federal parliament to fill the void. Youth broadcaster triple j switched to a pre-prepared music playlist as staff walked out.
Nightly news bulletins and flagship current affairs program 7.30 did not go to air on Wednesday evening, and ABC News Breakfast isn’t being broadcast on Thursday morning. Radio programmes AM, PM, The World Today and Radio National Breakfast were also affected.
Emergency broadcasting services were to remain on air throughout the strike.
The latest pay offer included a 3.5 percent pay rise in the first year and 3.25 per cent in the subsequent two years.
The offer also included a $1,000 (US$694) bonus for all ongoing and fixed-term staff covered by the EBA.
Striking journalists, camera operators, technicians and other staff rallied outside more than 60 ABC offices, including in Melbourne and Sydney, on Wednesday.
Public service union organiser Sam McCrone said staff across the nation had shown up and were willing to fight after management applied for a hearing in the Fair Work Commission.
“f that change of venue doesn’t come with a change of attitude from management, this fight will continue,” he said.
The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA), which represents many of the staff striking, has argued that the offer is below inflation, and their requests for a solution to short-term, rolling contracts have been ignored.
ABC managing director Hugh Marks defended the last rejected pay offer — 10 percent over three years — as financially responsible and competitive with industry standards.
Marks said the offer, inclusive of the $1,000 (US$694) one-off bonus, would amount to a pay rise above inflation for some workers.
He said he sympathised with some staff on uncertain short-term contracts or whose pay was capped at rates tied to their job description, an issue he said he felt “needs to be addressed” ……PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
PACIFIC – TRADE: PACNEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 26 Mar 2026
Pacific flags trade risks ahead of WTO meet in Yaoundé
YAOUNDÉ, 26 MARCH 2026 (PACNEWS)—Pacific countries are heading into the World Trade Organisation(WTO) Ministerial Conference under growing global uncertainty, with calls for unity to protect the region’s interests.
Speaking at the Pacific WTO Trade Ministers Meeting in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Forum deputy Secretary General, Desna Solofa, said the meeting is part of preparations for the WTO Fourteenth Ministerial Conference (MC14) from 26–29 March.
Solofa warned Ministers that the global trade environment remains fragile.
“MC14 is taking place at a time of rising global uncertainty. The world economy is still reeling from the effects of the trade turbulence triggered by unilateral tariffs imposed in 2025.”
“The geopolitical tensions from the continuing war in Ukraine and more recently in the Middle East, are causing disruptions to global trade and value chains. This will see fuel and food price inflation across the world. This will soon be felt in our region which is highly dependent on imported food and fuel,” said Solofa.
She said the rules-based system remains critical for small economies like those in the Pacific.
“The rules-based multilateral trading system of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) therefore plays an important role in keeping international markets open and in providing stability and predictability for world trade. This is especially important for small Members like us in the Pacific that rely heavily on international trade.”
Solofa said Ministers at MC14 will review negotiations and set the direction for future WTO work.
“At MC14, Ministers of the 166 Members of the WTO will take stock of the negotiations in Geneva, make decisions on new trade rules, set direction for WTO work or launch new negotiations.”
She noted that while no major new rules are expected, key decisions will shape the WTO’s future.
“While no substantive outcomes in the form of new trade rules will be adopted at MC14, some key decisions will be made to shape the future work of the WTO. A Draft Yaoundé Package has been transmitted to Ministers on 17 March 2026.”
Reform of the WTO will be a central issue at the meeting.
“The priority focus of MC14 is the WTO reform – to launch work on reform and agree to a post-MC14 work plan that will enable recommendations to be made to MC15.”
“Pressure for reform come from within and from outside the WTO. In recent years there is increasing recognition that WTO has not been able to deliver on negotiating mandates. This is due to systemic issues relating to decision-making by consensus, the principle of special and differential treatment for developing countries and least developed countries or (LDCs) as well as the issues of fairness or level playing field in the conduct of global trade,” she said.
“In addition, the weakening commitment to multilateralism and rise in unilateral measures which could lead to fragmentation.”
She said global trade has evolved significantly since the WTO was established.
“From outside, the global trade environment has evolved significantly since 1995 when the WTO was established. Advances in technology has enabled new forms of trade such as digital trade and frontier technology like artificial intelligence will significantly influence global production and trade.”
“The impact of environment and climate change on global production and trade, and vice versa, is increasingly being felt. We therefore need to reposition the WTO to be more effective and more responsive to these evolving trade challenges and opportunities.”
Solofa outlined several key areas where decisions are expected.
“Apart from WTO reform, specific decisions are expected in a few other areas. These include decisions to move forward negotiations on agriculture reform, fisheries subsidies, the extension on ecommerce work programme and moratorium on customs duties, Investment Facilitation for Development (IFDA) and development issues including the Small Economies Work Programme.”
Fisheries subsidies remain a priority for the Pacific.
“Fisheries subsidies remain a priority for the Pacific Members. At MC14 Ministers will consider a draft decision that welcomes the entry into force in September 2025, the Agreement on Fisheries subsidies or Fish 1 which was adopted in 2022.”
“The decision will also renew the mandate to continue negotiations on subsidies to Overcapacity and Overfishing, or Fish 2, with the view to making recommendations to MC15. The conclusion of this negotiation will fully deliver SDG 14.6 and support the sustainable management of the region’s fish stocks.”
She also highlighted ongoing debates on ecommerce.
“A decision on the extension of the Ecommerce Work programme and moratorium will need to be made as the current extension ends on 31 March 2026. Many developing countries including the ACP group support a temporary extension of the Work Programme and moratorium not to impose customs duties on electronic transmissions.”
“The developed countries are pushing for a permanent moratorium.”
On agriculture, Solofa said food security remains a concern for the region.
“On agriculture, a draft Ministerial Declaration focussing on food security and the net food importing countries is being proposed to Ministers. This is important for the Pacific given the impact of climate change and natural disasters and that many Pacific countries are net food importing developing countries.”
She also called for support on development issues affecting vulnerable economies.
“On development issues, the LDC proposal for a transition period on smooth transition after graduation should be supported. Similarly, the Small Economies Work Programme to continue work on addressing the trade challenges small vulnerable economies like the Pacific should be supported.”
Solofa urged Pacific Ministers to work together and build alliances.
“A few divergences still exist across these issues, especially on WTO reform and Ecommerce. Pacific Ministers will therefore need to work together, and with other strategic alliances such as the ACP and the Pacific Islands Forum family with Australia and New Zealand to secure the region’s interests and build consensus.”
She said the Forum Secretariat stands ready to support Pacific delegations…..PACNEWS
FIJI – AIRLINE: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 26 Mar 2026
Government backs Fiji Airways with over $520m in guarantees
SUVA, 26 MARCH 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—The Government of Fiji has provided more than $520 million in guarantees to support Fiji Airways’ financial stability following the impacts of COVID-19.
According to the airline’s 2024 annual report tabled in Parliament recently, Government guarantees totalling $561.4 million(US$280.7 million) were approved to help the national carrier secure additional loans and defer aircraft lease payments. Of this, $521.9 million(US$260.95) had been issued as at the reporting date.
The guarantees underpin a wide range of financing facilities with both local and international institutions.
These include loans from the Fiji Development Bank worth $95 million(US$47.5 million), the Fiji National Provident Fund at $53.6 million(US$26.8 million), and the Home Finance Company at $30 million(US$15 million).
Additional facilities are held with BRED Bank, including $25.5 million and multiple US dollar loans, as well as a US$15 million loan from the Bank of South Pacific and a US$10 million facility from Home Finance Company.
The support package also includes standby letters of credit from ANZ Bank and BRED Bank, as well as deferred loan repayments and aircraft lease payments from international lenders and lessors, including KfW IPEX Bank, Avolon and GE Capital Aviation Services.
The guarantees were introduced to help Fiji Airways conserve cash and maintain operations during the global aviation downturn, and continue to play a key role in supporting the airline’s financial commitments as it recovers and expands…..PACNEWS
PAC – FISHERIES: FIJI FISHERIES MINISTRY PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 26 Mar 2026
Fiji strengthens regional maritime security at Pacific fisheries meeting
HONIARA, 26 MARCH 2026 (FIJI FISHERIES MINISTRY)—The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) has officially convened the 29th Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) Working Group Meeting at its headquarters in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
Running from 23 – 27 March 2026, this high-level gathering represents the Pacific region’s most significant assembly of fisheries, maritime, and security officials.
The primary objective of the week-long summit is to synchronise regional efforts and fortify surveillance frameworks to effectively combat the persistent threat of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing across the vast Pacific Ocean.
Representing the Republic of Fiji’s interests at this critical forum is a specialised delegation from the Ministry of Fisheries’ Offshore Fisheries Division and the Fiji Navy.
The team includes Manasa Babitu, Fisheries Officer for Enforcement Surveillance; Josaia Maiwai, Fisheries Officer for Investigation; Vivina Baukari, Fisheries Officer for Licensing and Permitting; and Fisheries Technical Officer Nasoni Tora.
They are joined by Waisea Aka from the Fiji Navy, ensuring a comprehensive approach that bridges civil fisheries management with maritime security expertise.
The week’s formal proceedings were preceded by a dedicated workshop focused on the Niue Treaty Subsidiary Agreement (NTSA). This preliminary session marked a significant milestone, as it has been more than a decade since the NTSA came into force in 2014.
Members utilised this reflection period to evaluate the successes and lessons learned over the last twelve years of cooperative monitoring. The NTSA remains a cornerstone of regional security, providing the legal framework that allows member nations to share sensitive data and participate in cross-jurisdictional surveillance operations.
The core discussions of the 29th Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) Working Group Meeting revolve around strengthening regional cooperation to address increasingly sophisticated transnational maritime risks.
As IUU fishing tactics evolve, the FFA is prioritizing the implementation of advanced monitoring technologies and the identification of gaps where member states require additional technical or logistical support. By reviewing past challenges and success stories, the working group aims to refine a unified Pacific strategy that ensures the long-term sustainability of the region’s tuna stocks and the security of its sovereign waters….PACNEWS
SAMOA – AIRPORT: SAMOA OBSERVER PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 26 Mar 2026
Samoa Airport Authority blames “human error” for airport tax issue, says arrivals charges fixed
APIA, 26 MARCH 2026 (SAMOA OBSERVER) —The Samoa Airport Authority (SAA) says extra airport charges wrongly applied to arriving passengers have now been corrected, attributing the issue to a “human error” by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
SAA General Manager Tumanuvao Evile Falefatu made the comments during a special government programme posted on the official Facebook page, following concerns raised over the Z3 Aerodrome Facility Charge being added to both arrivals and departures.
“There’s a thing called human error by IATA, but thankfully it’s been fixed,” he said, adding that “even a palagi makes mistakes.”
The clarification comes after earlier reporting revealed that travellers were being charged more than $180(US$65) on return tickets, with the $100 (US$36) levy applied across multiple legs, including arrivals, transfers and transit passengers, despite being approved as a departure charge.
Air New Zealand had flagged the issue in correspondence, raising concerns that booking systems were applying the tax beyond its intended scope. The airline has since indicated that affected passengers will be refunded.
Tumanuvao said the charge no longer applies to arriving passengers, but confirmed it still applies to transit and transfer passengers as they ultimately depart from Samoa.
He also thanked Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt for his leadership in implementing the charge.
“Every time you see Z3 on your ticket, you’ll remember Tumanuvao,” he said.
Turning to the leak of internal emails that exposed the issue, Tumanuvao said he was disappointed the correspondence had been made public, suggesting it was intended to damage him and the authority.
“It’s sad that people are leaking internal exchanges,” he said. “There’s a Judas among us. If it was you who leaked it, don’t do it again.”
The SAA had previously rejected the Samoa Observer’s reporting on the issue as “incorrect and misleading,” maintaining the levy applied only to departing passengers.
In February, the cabinet approved a $15(US$5.50) increment on departure tax, making it $80 (US$29) and added the additional Aerodrome Facility Charge of $100(US$36), which came into effect from 01 March……PACNEWS
PNG – LIVESTOCK STANDARDS: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 26 Mar 2026
PNG, Aust to align livestock standards
PORT MORESBY, 26 MARCH 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape says the Government will work with the Australian government to see the National Agriculture Quarantine Authority standard’s compatibility to ensure livestock’s import and export are synchronised between the two countries.
Marape said PNG currently imports about a million livestock product every year when it ought not to be importing poultry, pork, beef and sea products anymore.
Unfortunately, despite local abilities and capacity, the country has been importing these products since 1975.
Marape made these remarks while responding to a supplementary question from Sinasina-Yonggomugl MP Kerenga Kua in Parliament.
Kua was concerned about strict protocols in securing livestock from Australia.
“Marape’s intention to promote livestock through the creation of a ministry is good,” he said.
“We need to bring a breeding stock as at the moment it’s difficult to import livestock from Australia.
“They (Australia) has a protocol where if you import cattle, you have to slaughter within 90 days before your next slot.
“It makes it impossible to import for breeding purposes under their export terms and conditions.
“That does not allow for livestock industry to develop in PNG.”
Kua added that the former agriculture and livestock minister John Simon tried to sort that out but could not.
The protocols or conditions remain an impediment and someone from within government must negotiate and free this restriction so livestock can be imported to breed and be kept longer.
Marape agreed that there was “stiff protocol in livestock’s importation”.
“Each nation has their quarantine requirements and on our side, we have to step-up the quarantine sector and will work with nations who want to send their stock to us,” he said.
“For Australia, livestock is a major industry and they are very strict on partner nations which import and export. Strict border surveillance are in place.
“We will work with Australia and our electorates to have checks and quarantine facility as well as other key areas the stock may contact with us.
“Indonesia remains a very big beef market in the world with about 280 million people consuming beef.
“This is an industry that must be prioritised to replace imports, produce locally and prepare for production to export outside.”
Deputy Speaker and Markham MP Koni Iguan said in the past, Markham was the main livestock producer and since the appointment of Livestock Minister Sekie Agisa, he had not seen a policy tabled in parliament to tell how livestock will be prioritised.
Iguan urged Marape to tell Agisa to present a policy in the next session on government’s decision in developing livestock…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS In Focus
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Pasifika Communities University targets bold reset of Pacific higher education, puts culture and community first
SUVA, 26 MARCH 2026 (PACNEWS)—- Pasifika Communities University (PCU) is setting out an ambitious plan to reshape higher education in the Pacific by placing culture, identity and community at the centre of learning.
In this PACNEWS interview with senior journalist Pita Ligaiula, Dean of Strategic Visioning Aisake Casimira outlines how the university aims to position itself over the next decade, blending Pacific knowledge systems with global academic frameworks while staying grounded in its “whole-of-life” philosophy.
He speaks on strengthening access and student success, deepening partnerships with communities and institutions, and advancing research and leadership that serve Pacific needs. He also highlights the challenges of sustaining growth, including funding pressures, while maintaining the university’s core values and long-term vision.
PL: How do you envision Pasifika Communities University positioning itself over the next 5–10 years within the regional and global higher education landscape?
AC: Intellectual growth at PCU is always inseparable from cultural grounding, spiritual awareness, and community responsibility. Traditional education often isolates knowledge from the people, land, and traditions they belong. That balance is essential. Intellectual growth without identity can create disconnection. But when learning is rooted in who we are, it becomes transformative. We deliberately embed Pacific philosophies, faith, histories, languages, arts, and worldviews into our academic programmes. At the same time, we teach critical thinking, Pasifika research methodology, and global research frameworks. But here’s the difference — we don’t position Western knowledge as superior. We place it in conversation with Pacific knowledge. Spirituality is not treated as separate from education either. Students are encouraged to see their studies as connected to purpose and service. When students graduate, we want them to be intellectually sharp, yes — but also culturally grounded, spiritually aware, and deeply conscious of their responsibility to their communities, the environment and land and Oceans. That is the focus of PCU in the next 10 years.
PL: How will PCU’s mission continue to reflect and serve the unique cultural, social, and economic needs of Pasifika communities?
AC: Intergenerational knowledge is central to how we teach and lead. The wisdom of elders, ancestral stories, traditional practices, and language is irreplaceable. These are not simply cultural add-ons—they are the foundation of resilient identity and ethical leadership. Because our ancestors were scholars long before universities were built in this region. Their knowledge systems sustained navigation, governance, agriculture, medicine, and social harmony for centuries. It’s important to include this in our students’ space of learning because this is part of reclaiming the custodianship over our knowledge systems. It tells our students: your heritage is not secondary. It is sophisticated. It is valid. It is powerful. Intergenerational knowledge strengthens identity and resilience. And in a decolonising framework, that reclamation of identity is transformative. It allows students to walk confidently in modern spaces without abandoning who they are. In a decolonial approach to education, learning from intergenerational knowledge is a way of reclaiming stewardship over our own stories and knowledge systems, thus empowering students to navigate the modern world while remaining deeply connected to their heritage.”
PL: In what ways will indigenous Pasifika knowledge systems, languages, and traditions be further integrated into the academic framework and institutional identity?
AC: When we speak about a whole-of-life philosophy, we’re saying that education is not just about the mind — it’s about the whole person. And for us, that’s deeply connected to our faith, land, Ocean and culture. For too long, education systems have separated knowledge from culture, from spirituality, from community. They’ve treated learning as something abstract, often detached from who we are as Pasifika peoples. At PCU, we are intentional about restoring that connection. Our programmes integrate academic rigor with community engagement, cultural practice, and intergenerational mentorship. Students don’t just sit in lecture halls — they learn from elders, from their communities, from lived experience. Our student support systems reflect this too. We don’t just ask, “How are your grades?” We ask, “How are you? How is your spirit?
How is your family?” This intimate connection is factored into the redesign of PCU courses and academic pursuits.
PL: What strategic priorities are being developed to expand access, improve retention, and ensure long-term success for Pasifika students?
AC: Balancing these frameworks is deliberate and thoughtful. Western academic systems provide critical thinking, research skills, and global perspectives—but they are not sufficient on their own. Pasifika ways of knowing bring context, relational understanding, and cultural relevance. We approach it as enrichment rather than opposition. Western systems offer useful tools — research methods, analytical structures, global networks. But Pasifika knowledge offers relational depth, unique philosophies and traditions of ethics, and contextual, ancestral wisdom. At PCU, students might conduct formal research — but they will also consult community leaders. They might learn theory — but they’ll test it within village contexts. Group collaboration is valued over competition, because that reflects our cultural values. We prepare our students to navigate both worlds. They should be able to sit confidently in international academic forums while remaining firmly rooted in Pacific identity traditions. That dual fluency is powerful.
PL: How does PCU plan to strengthen partnerships with local communities, governments, and international institutions to advance its mission?
AC: Education is a tool for community empowerment, not just employment. At PCU, we prepare graduates to be leaders, mentors, and changemakers. Through programmes focused on service, cultural preservation, and leadership, students develop the skills and values needed to contribute meaningfully to family, village, and society. Decolonial education focus emphasises responsibility to others, not just self-advancement. Our graduates often emerge as community advocates, cultural custodians, and agents of positive change. Success isn’t measured by salaries alone—it’s about creating stronger, healthier, and more self-determined Pasifika communities. Employment matters — of course it does. But if education only produces workers and not leaders who can navigate the future with wisdom, then we have limited its purpose. Our graduates are prepared to be cultural custodians, ethical leaders, advocates, and servants of their communities. Education should strengthen families, villages, churches, and civic spaces. It should cultivate responsibility and collective wellbeing. A decolonial education approach shifts the question from “How far can I go?” to “How far can we can go together? That shift is transformative for communities.
PL: What role will research, innovation, and thought leadership play in shaping PCU’s contribution to regional development?
AC: Success at PCU is holistic. It’s about personal growth, cultural competence and confidence, spiritual awareness, and the ability to make a positive difference in one’s community. While grades are part of the picture, they are not the ultimate measure. Grades are indicators — but they are not destiny. True success is when a graduate leaves here confident in their identity, proud of their heritage, spiritually anchored, and committed to service. If our students walk away knowing who they are, understanding their responsibility to others, and equipped with the skills to contribute meaningfully — then we have succeeded. That is the essence of our whole-of-life vision. Education is not preparation for a job alone. It is preparation for a meaningful life — lived in service, grounded in culture, and guided by purpose, and uplift Pacific communities for generations to come.
PL: What are the key challenges and opportunities you foresee in sustaining institutional growth while remaining true to PCU’s core values?
AC: Sustaining our vision is critical, even in the passing of time. In that regard, establishing, as part of the PCU’s sustainability programme is mentoring. This is aimed at sustaining PCU vision of ‘Whole of Life’ and its strategic focus on ‘whole of life’ leadership in the next 10-years. The challenge, which is not peculiar to PCU, is financing our innovative educational and policy influencing programmes. One of PCU’s creative programmes is establishing with village communities in Fiji, community learning centres. In the long term, it is hoped that it will contribute to increasing and sustaining student numbers. But most importantly, collaboration with the village communities on education at where they are will ensure the rejuvenation of interest in indigenous knowledge and wisdom, and their relevancy in their development. The survival of a people and their uniqueness will depend on their willingness to embrace and nurture their identity, and the uniqueness of their traditions……PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Decline of populations of migratory species alarms Pacific delegates at CMS COP15
CAMPO GRANDE, 26 MARCH 2026 (SPREP)—As global attention turns to the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP15) in Brazil, a new report has warned that 49 percent of migratory species populations conserved by the global UN treaty are declining, and 24 percent of species face extinction.
The statistics are revealed in the review of the State of the World’s Migratory Species Report to be presented to COP15 this week. It has drawn the attention of Pacific delegates, who are in Campo Grande, Brazil, for one of the most important global meetings for wildlife conservation.
The Director of Cook Islands National Environment Service (NES), Halatoa Fua, noted the report’s findings.
“The findings of the State of the World’s Migratory Species: Interim Report, including 49 percent of CMS‑listed migratory species populations are in decline and 24 percent of species are at risk of extinction, calls on states to accelerate implementation, including through adequate, and effective means of implementation for Small Islands Developing States,” he said.
“As stewards of Marae Moana, our ocean sanctuary spanning our entire Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), we stand ready to work with partners to safeguard migratory pathways, grounded in best available science and strengthened by community stewardship and traditional knowledge systems.”
Developed for CMS by the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) and other contributors, the interim report tracks significant changes in the conservation status of migratory species and highlights emerging trends.
The latest assessment found that 70 CMS-listed species had become more endangered over the previous three decades, compared to just 14 that improved in status. It also found that migratory fish populations had declined by 90 percent on average since the 1970s and 97 percent of CMS-listed migratory fish species face extinction. Even more alarming, the report found that more than half of Key Biodiversity Areas important for CMS-listed species lacked protected status.
Fiji’s Director of Environment, Department of Environment, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Senimili Nakora – Baleicakau said: “Fiji has taken a significant step in protecting migratory seabirds by co-sponsoring a proposal at CMS COP15 to list 22 gadfly petrel species, including the rarest, most endangered and poorly understood Fiji Petrel (Kacau ni Gau) under CMS Appendices I and II.
“This move would strengthen legal protections and boost international cooperation for their conservation. Fiji’s involvement highlights its commitment to safeguarding these vulnerable species and Fiji underscores the importance of global collaboration, adequate financing, and resourcing, research and strengthened partnership with NGOs and local communities to protect migratory wildlife and their habitats.”
The CMS COP is a major UN treaty meeting, occurring every three years, that brings together international governments to manage and protect migratory animals and their habitats. Cook Islands, Fiji and Samoa are the Pacific countries represented. Other Oceania parties include New Zealand and Australia. The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) is providing support to Pacific delegations at CMS COP 15.
Karen Baird, SPREP Threatened and Migratory Species Adviser, said the survival of migratory species depends on coordinated action across the full length of their migratory routes.
“In Oceania for example this affects our iconic marine migratory species such as turtles, whales, sharks and rays and seabirds,” she said.
“In Oceania, SPREP prepared a regional assessment of risk to marine turtles, which was referenced in the CMS interim global report which found 4/5 out our Pacific marine turtles are at threat of extinction this century due to a range of threats including overharvesting, bycatch, climate change and pollution.”
Another report to be presented in Brazil is the review of impacts of Deep Sea Mining on Migratory Species, following the adoption of resolution 14.6 at COP14 ‘Deep-sea mineral exploitation activities and migratory species’. The report notes that sediment plumes and wastewater discharges can disrupt animal navigation, feeding, and prey availability, and may introduce metal-contaminated particles into food webs.
The review indicates that almost half of marine mammals covered by the Convention could be impacted as well as other species groups.
CMS is a United Nations environmental treaty, in force since 1979, that promotes the conservation of migratory species, their habitats and migration routes on a global scale.
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the main decision-making body of CMS, where 132 countries and the European Union meet to update the lists of species protected under the Convention, the CMS Secretariat budget and the resolutions that guide public policies and conservation initiatives worldwide.
The meeting takes place every three years. CMS brings together governments, scientists, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, civil society and wildlife experts to address challenges related to the conservation of migratory fauna at the global level. In total, approximately 1,189 species are listed in the CMS Appendices, including 962 birds, 94 terrestrial mammals, 64 aquatic mammals, 58 fish species, 10 reptiles and 1 insect…..PACNEWS