In this bulletin:
1. NEW|CALE — New Caledonia’s constitutional reform rejected by French National Assembly
2. UN — Guterres warns of ‘wider war’ as Middle East conflict enters second month
3. MARSH — Marshall Islands defends disability rights record at UN review
4. SAMOA — UN recommends changes in Samoa’s constitution
5. SAMOA — Samoa PM challenges Opposition MPs to drug test after clearing his name
6. VAN — Former Vanuatu MP, two others face jail over citizenship fund misappropriation
7. VAN — Decline in whooping cough outbreak in Vanuatu as cases reach 811
8. PAC — Vaccination gains at risk as WHO warns of funding cuts
9. PACNEWS BIZ — Fisheries and Agriculture separate: Samoa PM
10. PACNEWS BIZ — IMF forecasts 4 percent PNG growth
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji Development Bank considers new loan for restaurant chain Grace Road
12. PACNEWS DIGEST — “Fragmented responses are no longer sufficient”: IMO Secretary-General
NEW|CALE – POLITICS: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS 3: Fri 03 Apr 2026
New Caledonia’s constitutional reform rejected by French National Assembly
PARIS, 03 APRIL 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC)–A Constitutional Reform Bill dedicated to New Caledonia was rejected on Thursday by the French National Assembly (Lower House) without debate, by a gathering of opposition parties by a score of 190 to 107.
The rejection came in the form of the endorsement of a preliminary Bill filed by a left wing opposition, Emmanuel Tjibaou, on behalf of the GDR group (Gauche démocrate et républicaine).
The “prior rejection motion” means that if the rejection motion is adopted, then it closes the current sitting on the matter and the Bill would then have to come back to the other House of Parliament, the Senate, following the “shuttle” rule.
Tjibaou, who is an indigenous Kanak pro-independence leader, is one of the two MPs representing New Caledonia at the Assembly.
The text was originally tabled to be held on 01 April 2026, but it was later delayed by one day, following an announcement by Speaker Yaël Braun-Pivet.
However, on Thursday, during a sitting that only debated motives from the government and its Minister for Overseas Naïma Moutchou, the rapporteur Philippe Gosselin and representatives from all parties present, it quickly became clear that most of the opposition parties were going to support the rejection motion, and vote against the text without further debate.
The sitting only lasted 01 hour 40 minutes.
Tjibaou, speaking in support of his rejection motion, stressed that the Constitutional Bill, in his view, was “not consensual”, because his party, the FLNKS (Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front) was opposed to the text and that the Bill “did not seek to reach a compromise” between all stakeholders.
Tjibaou said this was in contradiction to the previous Matignon-Oudinot (1988) and Nouméa Accord (1998), which initiated a decolonisation process for New Caledonia.
The present Constitutional Bill derives from talks held in July 2025 and January 2026 between New Caledonia political stakeholders and the French government. This was on two occasions: in the small city of Bougival in July 2025 and later in January 2026 in Paris, at the French Presidential palace of Élysée, and the French ministry of Overseas territories in Rue Oudinot.
Hence the name of Bougival-Élysée-Oudinot (BEO) for a text and an expanded project.
The project also envisions the creation of a “State of New Caledonia”, with a correlated “New Caledonia Nationality” available to people who are already French citizens.
Other participating parties pro-France and pro-independence (two pro-independence members of FLNKS have since split to create their own “UNI’ [Union Nationale pour l’Indépendance]).
They have since maintained their commitment to the BEO process, including their legislative adaptation (in the form of a Constitutional Amendment and an “organic Law”, which would de facto become New Caledonia’s constitution).
But the BEO text, in August 2025, was unequivocally opposed by the FLNKS, one of the main components of the pro-independence movement.
The FLNKS later explained it saw these, as well as a planned process of transfer of more powers from Paris to Nouméa, was, in their view, just a “lure” of independence.
Tjibaou said on Thursday the text was at best “symbolic”.
“”To us, this amounts to a perennial status within France… It’s a logic of assimilation… It cannot be compared to a decolonisation in accordance with the UN resolutions and the international law”, he told MPs.
He called on local elections to be held sooner than later, currently no later than 28 June 2026.
Tjibaou said it was ironic that “a pro-independence” should tell the Minister that “when our Kanak country is damaged, it is also France that is damaged” … Because “when you make decisions that are leading us to chaos, you are also jeopardising France’s place in the Pacific”, he said at the tribune.
Moutchou, in her reply, said the rejection of the Bill would have repercussions on New Caledonians’ everyday life.
She stressed what New Caledonians needed, after the riots of May 2024 and a severe economic downfall since, was “visibility”, especially on the part of economic stakeholders who needed stability in order to restore confidence and investment.
“There is no other agreement. The Bougival process was approved by 5 of the 6 political parties of New Caledonia.
Some are mentioning the absence of FLNKS. I’ve always maintained the principles of transparency, dialogue information for all. And the door was never closed”, she said. And the politics of the empty chair cannot dictate the future of a territory”.
“So what do we do? How much longer do we have to wait… To be responsible, we move on with those who are here… Consensus does not mean unanimity, consensus is not perfection, it’s a point of equilibrium”, she replied to the New Caledonian MP.
“And while we have this text that is not perfect, but opens a way, those who say ‘we will wait and see later’ risk bringing us back to a confrontational situation”.
The other MP for New Caledonia, pro-France Nicolas Metzdorf, also took to the tribune to express disappointment.
“I don’t know what more we should do. After the 2024 riots, you asked us to find a political agreement. We did this and we made big concessions, we, the non-independentists. We did this for the good of New Caledonia. Then you said we had to meet again to further clarify… On Kanak identity and the self-determination process. So now we are back with two political agreements.”
“And now you are sending us back home without a debate… You know, New Caledonia may be far from Paris, but tonight, many are watching this debate on TV and they’re thinking ‘What will happen to us?”
“Many have lost their home, their work, but even worse, they have lost hope to live in peace in New Caledonia”.
“What I am asking (MPs) today is just to have the common decency to debate on this (Bill)… These agreements are being supported by the majority of New Caledonia’s political class (including the moderate pro-independence parties within the Union Nationale pour l’Indépendance), but also by the economic and business sector.”
“I’m asking for a vote on these accords and I’m asking to organise a consultation of New Caledonia’s people, because at the end of the day, we are the only legitimate ones to decide on our future.”
What now?
Following the rejection vote on Thursday, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said all parties that have signed the Bougival-Elysée-Oudinot Accord will meet ‘next week”, because this is what was agreed in case of a deadlock.”
Commenting on future options, Metzdorf told French media in Paris that “all options are now on the table”.
After the National Assembly’s rejection, another possibility was to bring the text back to the Upper House (the Senate).
Another option (that was almost implemented a few months ago, but later abandoned) would be to bring back a process of “consultation”, directly in New Caledonia in the form of a de facto referendum for or against the Bougival process.
But the sensitive issue of who is eligible to vote at local elections remains for the looming provincial elections (which would now have to be held no later than 28 June 2026).
Pro-France parties are still determined to have those restrictions changed to allow the “frozen” electoral roll to be more open, if not fully “unfrozen”.
This could be the subject of separate negotiations between New Caledonia’s opposing parties in the coming days….PACNEWS
UN- IRAN CRISIS: UN NEWS CENTRE PACNEWS 3: Fri 03 Apr 2026
SG Guterres warns of ‘wider war’ as Middle East conflict enters second month
NEW YORK, 03 APRIL 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) —The Middle East crisis has lurched into its second month, prompting UN Secretary-General António Guterres to issue a stark warning on Thursday that the world is “on the edge of a wider war” with catastrophic global implications.
Speaking to the press outside the Security Council in New York, the UN chief painted a grim picture of the rapidly deteriorating situation, as Israel and the US continue to bomb Iran while Tehran carries out attacks on neighbouring Gulf States and threatens ships it deems hostile against using the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
“Every day this war continues, human suffering grows. The scale of devastation grows. Indiscriminate attacks grow,” Guterres stated, noting that the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as general perils to the world economy – especially the most vulnerable societies which depend on energy imports – are mounting daily.
He emphasised that the impacts of the crisis are no longer contained within the region, pointing specifically to the severe disruptions surrounding freedom of navigation.
“When the Strait of Hormuz is strangled, the world’s poorest and most vulnerable cannot breathe,” he warned.
He noted that the consequences are already visible “in the daily lives of people struggling with rising food and energy costs from the Philippines…to Sri Lanka…to Mozambique.”
To curb this escalating trajectory, the Secretary-General announced he is dispatching his Personal Envoy, Jean Arnault, to the region to assist in ongoing peace initiatives.
“The spiral of death and destruction must stop,” he implored, urging that diplomatic efforts be given the space and support to succeed.
Guterres stressed that any resolution must be anchored firmly in international law and the UN Charter.
He called for disputes to be settled peacefully, for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all Member States to be respected, and for the protection of civilians and nuclear installations under threat in Iran and elsewhere as the war metastasises.
Directly addressing the combatants, the Secretary-General declared: “To the United States and Israel, it is high time to stop the war that is inflicting immense human suffering and already triggering devastating economic consequences.”
Iran, he continued, must stop attacking its neighbours.
Reiterating that the Security Council has already condemned these attacks and reaffirmed the need to respect navigational rights in critical maritime routes, the UN chief reminded world leaders that the power to end the crisis lies in their hands.
“Conflicts do not end on their own,” Guterres concluded. “They end when leaders choose dialogue over destruction. That choice still exists. And it must be made – now.”
The Middle East stands “at a dangerous precipice,” Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari told the Security Council, which met on Thursday morning to discuss boosting cooperation between the UN and Arab States in the Gulf.
He condemned the attacks by the U.S and Israel on Iran and cited the demand – outlined in last month’s Council resolution 2817 (2026) – for an immediate end to all attacks by Tehran against Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassim Albudaiwi, told ambassadors Iran had targeted vital civilian infrastructure, including airports, oil facilities, residential and commercial areas, fuel depots, service facilities and diplomatic missions.
“The GCC strongly condemns these blatant Iranian attacks, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of GCC States”, as well as the principle of good-neighbourly relations, international law and the UN Charter, he stressed.
“GCC States do not seek war,” he insisted. “They seek the peace, security and stability that all peoples deserve.”
Needs meanwhile in Syria, remain immense, particularly after the return of some 180,000 nationals since the Middle East war erupted, along with 25,000 Lebanese.
Highlighting needs in Damascus and beyond, the UN’s top aid official, Tom Fletcher, said that both Lebanese and Syrian families have been fleeing “with virtually nothing”.
He also insisted that Syrians “are rebuilding…reopening markets, restoring services”.
Fletcher said that the UN’s humanitarian teams were on hand and constantly adapting to help the many people whose lives had been uprooted by the violence.
Ahead of Syria, Fletcher spent two days witnessing the devastating impacts of the conflict in Lebanon, where more than one million people have been displaced in a matter of weeks, amid ongoing Israeli and Hezbollah clashes, leaving “lives upended” and critical infrastructure “shattered”…PACNEWS
MARSH – HUMAN RIGHTS: MARSHALLS GOVT PACNEWS 3: Fri 03 Apr 2026
Marshall Islands defends disability rights record at UN review
GENEVA, 03 APRIL 2026 (MARSHALLS GOVT) —The Marshall Islands has defended its progress on disability rights at the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, telling experts it remains committed to building a fair and inclusive society despite major challenges.
The government presented its initial report on 16 – 17 March, outlining efforts to implement the Convention and responding to questions from UN experts on gaps and progress.
Leading the delegation, Jess Gasper Jr said the country is pushing ahead despite constraints.
He reaffirmed the Marshall Islands’ commitment to advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, highlighting efforts to build a more inclusive and accessible society despite challenges such as geographic isolation, climate vulnerability, limited resources, and the lasting impacts of the nuclear legacy.
He highlighted concrete steps already taken since ratifying the Convention.
Gaper Jnr stressed that, since ratifying the Convention in 2015, meaningful progress has been achieved, including accessible voting initiatives, improved transportation services, strengthened capacity of disabled persons’ organisations and awareness campaigns.
Further efforts to promote inclusive education, healthcare access, disaster risk reduction, and new legislation – such as the National Building Code Act, 2025 and social protection programs – demonstrate commitment to accessibility and equality.
During the review, officials faced detailed questioning on how policies are being implemented across sectors.
“The delegation shared that the government continues to provide support services across multiple sectors including the public school system and health and human services among many others.”
It also acknowledged ongoing gaps, especially in data.
“In doing so, data collection remains critical to inform policy-making and foster the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society most crucially in areas such as disaster and climate change adaptation governance.”
Minister Gasper said the government is aware of the challenges but remains focused.
He emphasised that, for the Marshall Islands, disability rights are central to building a fair and inclusive society where every individual can reach their full potential….PACNEWS
SAMOA – CONSTITUTION: SAMOA OBSERVER PACNEWS 3: Fri 03 Apr 2026
UN recommends changes in Samoa’s constitution
APIA, 03 APRIL 2026 (SAMOA OBSERVER)—The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has issued findings from its latest reviews and recommended changing terminology in its Constitution that is derogatory.
Regarding Samoa, the Committee noted with concern the terminology in Samoa’s constitution and other laws that equate disability with disadvantage or restriction.
The Committee recommended amending the Constitution and other relevant laws to remove derogatory and stigmatising terminology.
Samoa is also urged to form a comprehensive legal and policy framework on disability and pass the Disability Bill.
Furthermore, the Committee asked Samoa to systematically involve people with disabilities in disaster risk reduction, climate change and emergency governance frameworks.
The committee has urged the Marshall Islands to address the long-term effects of nuclear testing on people with disabilities.
The committee noted the continuing effects from the United States nuclear testing programme conducted from 1946 to 1958.
It said the testing had disproportionate intergenerational health impacts on the Marshall Islands’ population
The government has been urged to “act beyond research” and address the long-term effects of testing on people with disabilities.
The committee also noted how legislation that would harmonise the Marshalls’ laws with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities remains stalled….PACNEWS
SAMOA – DRUGS FIGHT: SAVALI NEWSPAPER PACNEWS 3: Fri 03 Apr 2026
Samoa PM challenges Opposition MPs to drug test after clearing his name
APIA, 03 APRIL 2026 (SAVALI NEWSPAPER)—Samoa Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt is challenging Opposition Leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, and Member of Parliament Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi to get drug tested.
La’aulialemalietoa set an example for the public service by being the first to take the drug test when the initiative was launched last week.
He was cleared after being tested, and now he is calling on Tuilaepa and Lealailepule to follow suit.
The Prime Minister candidly said the two MP’s has always connected him to drugs and have accused him of being a drug lord.
“Come and do your tests – if not, Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa(SROS) will be sent to do your tests.”
He reiterated he has already been tested and has been cleared, even cleared of any alcohol in his system.
According to La’aulialemalietoa the drug tests will be rolled out to Parliament next – sitting is scheduled to convene again in May….PACNEWS
VAN – COURTS: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS 3: Fri 03 Apr 2026
Former Vanuatu MP, two others face jail over citizenship fund misappropriation
PORT VILA, 03 APRIL 206 (VANUATU DAILY POST)—The Supreme Court has sentenced three men known in the Vanuatu political arena to 12 months’ imprisonment after they admitted to misappropriating funds connected to the country’s citizenship program.
In Public Prosecutor v Sakias (Criminal Case No. 3822 of 2024), decided on 31 March 2026, Justice Oliver Saksak handed down custodial sentences to Lulu Sakias, a former Member of Parliament (MP) for Santo, Amos Warsal, and George Anderson Toa following their guilty pleas to eight counts of misappropriation.
The court heard that the three defendants were directors of Vanuatu Immigration Solution (VIS), an authorised agent operating under the government’s Development Support Program (DSP), which processes applications for Vanuatu citizenship.
Under the DSP framework, funds paid by foreign nationals are required to be deposited into designated accounts, including a government-controlled Development Support Account held at the National Bank of Vanuatu.
However, evidence presented to the court revealed that between 2020 and 2021, a foreign national transferred more than USD$ 114,000 into VIS accounts as part of the citizenship process. Bank records showed that portions of these funds were later diverted into the personal accounts of the three defendants.
Justice Saksak found that the defendants had unlawfully converted money that was held in trust for a specific purpose. The court rejected their claim that the transfers were commissions owed to them, stressing that such justification does not excuse misappropriation.
“The monies were held on trust and were not for loan or consumption,” the judge stated, emphasising that the funds were either to secure citizenship or be refunded if the process was not completed.
In determining the sentence, the court identified several aggravating factors, including a clear breach of trust, financial loss to both the State and the client, repeated offending over a period of months, and damage to the reputation of Vanuatu’s citizenship program.
The court also noted that the funds were used for personal benefit, further compounding the seriousness of the offending.
Each defendant received a starting sentence of 18 months’ imprisonment, with sentences to run concurrently. The court then applied a reduction of four months for their guilty pleas and an additional two months for personal mitigating circumstances.
This resulted in a final sentence of 12 months’ imprisonment for each defendant. The court ordered that the sentences are to be served immediately and are not suspended.
The imprisonment terms will take effect 14 days from 31 March 2026, allowing time for the defendants to file any appeals.
Justice Saksak stressed that custodial sentences were necessary to deter similar offending and to protect public funds, particularly those held in trust under national programs.
The ruling reinforces the seriousness of misappropriation offences in Vanuatu, which carry a maximum penalty of up to 12 years’ imprisonment, and the court’s firm stance on safeguarding the integrity of the country’s citizenship scheme….PACNEWS
VAN – HEALTH: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS 3: Fri 03 Apr 2026
Decline in whooping cough outbreak in Vanuatu as cases reach 811
PORT VILA, 03 APRIL 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST)—-Vanuatu Ministry of Health (MOH) has confirmed three new cases of pertussis (whooping cough), bringing the total number of reported cases to 811 since the outbreak began in mid-2025.
These new cases are from Efate (one case) and Tanna (two cases).
“Although overall transmission has continued to decline compared with the peak in late 2025, the outbreak remains active, with case numbers still above the alert threshold,” said the ministry.
“Of the total 811 cases, 31 have been laboratory-confirmed, while 780 were clinically diagnosed based on symptoms, including a prolonged cough lasting more than two weeks, coughing fits, a ‘whooping’ sound when breathing, or vomiting after coughing.”
The outbreak has resulted in seven deaths, with six recorded in Tanna and one in SHEFA Province. A total of 67 people have been hospitalised during the outbreak. Of these, 60 have recovered and been discharged, and no patients are currently hospitalised.
Children aged 1–9 years have been the most affected group, with additional cases reported among infants under one year of age. Geographically, Efate accounts for 54 percent of cases, followed by Tanna with 38 percent, while smaller clusters have been identified in Futuna (about 8 percent) and Erromango.
Vaccination data shows that 47 percent of cases occurred in unvaccinated individuals. Only 11 percent of cases had received the full three-dose pertussis vaccine series, while 36 percent had received one dose and 6 percent had received two doses.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to ensure that children receive their routine vaccinations and to seek medical care if a child has persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, or symptoms of whooping cough.
The MOH assured the public that it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.
Meanwhile, data showed that Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cases were reported during the period under review. Influenza (flu) cases remain low, with only a few cases recorded.
Meningitis cases also remain at low levels, with one case reported. COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) activity remains very low, with no new cases since the single case reported earlier in the year. Influenza-like illness (ILI) cases have decreased after peaking earlier and are now at 720, which is below the alert level. Severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) increased during the reporting period and remain higher than normal levels.
Children under the age of 5 continue to be the most affected group, especially with RSV infections. Most cases have been reported on Efate. Almost all confirmed cases of influenza, RSV, COVID-19, and meningitis have been recorded there, while one meningitis case was reported in Pentecost and Tanna.
There are currently no hospitalised cases, and all patients have been discharged….PACNEWS
UN – HEALTH: PACNEWS/WHO PACNEWS 3: Fri 03 Apr 2026
Vaccination gains at risk as WHO warns of funding cuts
MANILA/GENEVA, 03 APRIL 2026 (PACNEWS/WHO)–Global immunisation progress is under pressure, with the World Health Organisation warning that millions of children are still missing life-saving vaccines and gains could slip without urgent action.
In a March 2026 update, WHO immunisation director Kate O’Brien said recent talks at the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) highlighted both progress and rising risks.
“Recent discussions at the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) meeting (9-12 March) highlighted both the extraordinary progress achieved by immunization programmes and the growing challenges that lie ahead.”
She highlighted a tough global environment, including funding cuts, conflicts and increasing humanitarian crises, stressing the need for strong policies.
“In a global context marked by sudden reductions and changes in financial resources, rapidly escalating conflicts, increasing numbers of humanitarian and fragile settings, evolving disease threats, and increasing programmatic complexity, SAGE stressed the critical importance of strong, evidence-based policies to support countries in making informed vaccine and immunisation decisions,” she said.
SAGE discussions focused on vaccine use in low-resource settings, updated COVID-19 guidance for high-risk groups, stronger typhoid strategies and keeping polio eradication on track.
Looking ahead, O’Brien said future gains will depend on trust, better surveillance and ensuring new vaccines reach everyone.
“Above all, SAGE reaffirmed that strong policy guidance, trusted national immunization and primary health care programmes, and sustained global collaboration remain essential to ensure that vaccines continue to reach everyone throughout their lives,” she said.
The warning comes ahead of World Immunisation Week 2026 from 24–30A pril.
“Vaccines remain one of the most powerful and most cost-effective tools in public health. Yet, behind every vaccination is a decision — by families, communities, and health workers — to protect the next generation.”
Over the past 50 years, immunization has saved more than 150 million lives. But gaps remain.
“Yet, with immunization forming the bedrock of primary healthcare in countries around the world, nearly 20 million children missed at least one vaccine dose in 2024, and of these, over 14 million receiving no doses at all.”
O’Brien warned that progress is fragile and depends heavily on political leadership.
“This reminds us that progress cannot be taken for granted, back-sliding is an ever-present risk, and national political leadership is at the heart of immunization programme strength.”
She said trust and community engagement remain central to improving uptake.
“By sharing accurate information, listening to communities, and strengthening confidence in vaccination, programmes can ensure that families everywhere are enabled to make informed decisions, based on facts not fear, that protect themselves, their children, and their communities.”
With the midpoint of Immunisation Agenda 2030 reached, she outlined a clear priority.
“Our collective responsibility is clear: prevent backsliding, close immunity gaps, and ensure that the benefits of scientific progress reach everyone, everywhere.”
The issue will be taken up again at the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly in May, as countries review global health cooperation and financing.
“In a changing world, immunization remains a shared global good — one that saves lives, stops outbreaks, strengthens health systems, prepares and responds to emergencies when they hit, and protects generations past, present, and future,” O’Brien said….PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
SAMOA – FISHERIES/AGRICULTURE: SAMOA OBSERVER PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 03 Apr 2026
Fisheries and Agriculture separate: Samoa PM
APIA, 03 APRIL 2026 (SAMOA OBSERVER)—Samoa cabinet has agreed to separate the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries into two ministries, said Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt.
He said opportunities for fisheries have been dominated by agriculture, and it’s time to separate the two.
euatea Schmidt. said the government is planning to develop the area of fisheries by renovating wharves to create more fishing vessels.
The new changes will be effective next Wednesday….PACNEWS
PNG – ECONOMY: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 03 Apr 2026
IMF forecasts 4 percent PNG growth
PORT MORESBY, 03 APRIL 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts growth in 2026 to moderate to 3.8 per cent, while inflation will increase to five per cent due in part to the conflict in the Middle East.
PNG authorities and the IMF staff team, according to a statement, had agreed on policies needed to complete the sixth reviews under the extended credit facility (ECF), the extended fund facility (EFF), and the resilience and sustainability facility (RSF).
IMF PNG mission chief Nir Klein said that economic activity would remain resilient, although real growth was projected to ease to 3.8 per cent this year from an estimated five percent last year.
Klein said that the easing reflected the levelling off of the LNG production capacity, and – amid unfolding events in the Middle East – weaker external demand for non-resource exports and higher import costs, including of oil.
Once approved by the IMF executive board, Papua New Guinea will have about US$216 million (about K948 million) made available to it.
Headline inflation was projected to increase to five per cent in 2026 as the impact of the extension of goods and service tax (GST) relief until the end of the year should more than offset by higher import costs.
The completion of these reviews would allow for the immediate disbursement of US$82 million (about K341 million) under the ECF/EFF arrangements, and up to US$134 million (about K558 million) in financing under the RSF arrangement, bringing the total IMF financial support disbursed to US$1.06 billion (about K4.4 billion).
“Performance under the fund-supported programme remains on track,” Klein said.
“The authorities have made steady progress in implementing their structural reform agenda and have demonstrated strong commitment to programme objectives, focused on advancing budget repair, easing FX shortages, modernising central banking policies and operations, strengthening governance frameworks, and enhancing resilience to climate change.”….PACNEWS
FIJI – BANK LOAN: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 03 Apr 2026
Fiji Development Bank considers new loan for restaurant chain Grace Road
SUVA, 03 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—The Fiji Development Bank (FDB) is assessing a new loan application from restaurant chain Grace Road.
This was revealed by FDB’s chief executive officer Filimone Waqabaca at a sitting of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs last week.
When questioned by committee member and Opposition MP Rinesh Sharma on why Grace Road’s name was absent from a list of entities scheduled for site inspections, despite claims that the bank finances major businesses, Mr Waqabaca confirmed the company was an early loan recipient but had fully repaid its debt.
“Grace Road was a recipient of loans from FDB at a very initial stage, I think when they entered the Fiji market, FDB was a financier at that point, and they paid off their debt in 2021,” he said.
“So, they were in our books, and they paid off in 2021.”
He added the company recently submitted a new loan application, which was now under assessment.
“And they have also made of recent, they’ve made applications to the Fiji Development Bank, which was assessed and has been taken up to our board risk committee.”
Waqabaca said loan decisions were guided by fairness and national interest.
“For me as a CEO and also wearing the development hat, I use the constitution as the guide in extending our loans or assessing loan proposals.”
“I tell our team that as much as possible, we should not be discriminatory in our approach, especially if it’s a business and it comes to FDB.
“So, Grace Road, we currently have an application which we are assessing, but I look at the business more as what is the country getting from this business? Are we having an impact? And those are the set of questions that we will be contemplating as we assess the application from Grace Road.
“Otherwise, at this point, they have repaid and they are not in our books,” he said…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
“Fragmented responses are no longer sufficient”: IMO Secretary-General
LONDON, 03 APRIL 2026 (IMO)—Since 28 February 2026, IMO has confirmed 21 attacks on commercial ships, with 10 seafarer fatalities and several injured. Around 20,000 civilian seafarers remain aboard vessels in the Persian Gulf.
The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Arsenio Dominguez has urged States to support diplomatic efforts to secure the evacuation of around 20,000 seafarers still stranded in the Persian Gulf, and enable humanitarian corridors for urgent assistance.
During a virtual meeting for Foreign Ministers from more than 40 countries hosted by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to discuss the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Secretary-General Dominguez called on all Parties to respect the rights and freedoms of navigation and stressed the paramount importance of the safety and wellbeing of seafarers.
He emphasised the need for de-escalation and operational maritime solutions rather than purely military approaches.
“Fragmented responses are no longer sufficient to resolve this crisis. What is urgently required is diplomatic engagement, practical and neutral solutions, and coordinated international action,” he said following the meeting.
“IMO is advancing a maritime evacuation framework built on coastal State cooperation, security guarantees and operational coordination, with the clear objective of releasing stranded vessels, enabling safe crew rotations and preventing an environmental disaster.”
IMO actions
Since the beginning of the conflict on 28 February 2026, IMO has confirmed 21 attacks on commercial shipping, resulting in the deaths of 10 seafarers with several more severely injured. Around 20,000 civilian seafarers remain aboard vessels in the Persian Gulf, facing dwindling supplies, fatigue and severe psychological stress.
Following an extraordinary session of the IMO Council on 18-19 March 2026, IMO has undertaken key actions:
Safe passage for seafarers
Ongoing discussions are being held by the IMO Secretary-General and representatives from the relevant States on the development of a safe passage framework to evacuate seafarers currently stranded in the Persian Gulf.
Support from coastal States
IMO is engaging States in the region that have stepped forward to secure supply lines to ships and facilitate humanitarian access for seafarers. Focal point information is available on IMO’s dedicated webpage.
Data collection and verification
The IMO website features an online hub that includes verified information on ship attacks, guidance from key industry bodies and international partners, contacts for stranded seafarers, as well as resources related to the global economic impact.
Supporting industry coordination
IMO maintains close communication with industry bodies (BIMCO, ICS, ITF, INTERTANKO, WSC and others) to share information and coordinate action where necessary.
UN Task Force on Strait of Hormuz
IMO is a member of a new dedicated Task Force established by the UN Secretary-General to work on technical mechanisms specifically designed to meet humanitarian needs in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Task Force is led by Under-Secretary-General Jorge Moreira da Silva, Executive Director of United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), and includes representatives from the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and others, alongside IMO. …PACNEWS
