In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — Former Samoa PM Fiame warns Pacific future at risk if people can’t ‘stay and have a stake’
2. AUST — Australia heads to UN nuclear talks as Thistlethwaite flags security push
3. PNG — PNG intensifies final push to stop polio with targeted third vaccination campaign
4. FIJI — Registrar rejects FijiansFirst application
5. SAMOA — Samoa draws a safer line around children and adolescents in the fight against drugs
6. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji moves to cash in on “Blue Gold” as Minister Bainivalu unveils fisheries shake-up
7. PACNEWS BIZ — Solomon Islands Opposition accuses government of secret “Political favour” in fuel tax scandal
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji Health Ministry reveals $1.7m unpaid overtime burden
9. PACNEWS BIZ — Samoa import prices fall 5.2 percent in March quarter
10. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — Pacific needs disaster displacement included in treaty
11. PACNEWS DIGEST — Korea-Tonga Technical Exchange on Strengthening Whistleblower Systems
12. PACNEWS DIGEST — Keeping Samoa protected through routine immunisation for every generation
13. PACNEWS DIGEST — Rangers Assemble to Battle Invasive Species Threats
PAC – DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Tue 28 Apr 2026
Former Samoa PM Fiame warns Pacific future at risk if people can’t ‘stay and have a stake’
CANBERRA, 28 APRIL 2026 (PACNEWS)— Former Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has challenged Pacific leaders and institutions to rethink development, warning that the region’s future depends on whether people can build meaningful lives at home.
Addressing the 2026 State of the Pacific conference at Australian National University (ANU), Mata’afa said the core issue is not migration, but whether staying remains a real option.
“When I first became Prime Minister, I was asked a question many leaders are asked: What is your vision? My answer was deliberately simple: “I want a Samoa where people want to stay — and where they have a stake.”
She made it clear that mobility has always been part of Pacific identity, but should not come at the cost of belonging.
“That statement was not a rejection of mobility. Movement and free mobility have always been part of Pacific life.”
“The true measure of nationhood is not whether people can leave, but whether they can imagine a future at home without feeling left behind,” Mataiafa said in her address in Canberra.
Drawing on her own experience, Mata’afa said migration has long been used to strengthen families, not abandon them.
“Before I entered politics, I was myself a product of this movement — a young Samoan who moved to Aotearoa New Zealand for education.”
She said today’s pressures are different, with global forces reshaping Pacific societies.
“But the context in which our nations operate has changed profoundly. Globalisation has compressed distance and time, geopolitics has intensified competition for influence, and digital connectivity has reshaped aspiration,” she said.
Mata’afa warned that development is too often reduced to economic indicators, ignoring the lived reality of families.
“Viability is too often discussed as a technical issue, measured in economic indicators and fiscal ratios. But viability is personal. It is shaped inside families and households, not in ministries.”
She said migration reflects deeper structural gaps, not a failure of Pacific nations.
“Migration is not a failure of nationhood; it is a signal, revealing where systems are unequal and where structural gaps remain.”
The former prime minister called for a rethink of economic models to ensure communities are not left behind.
“How do we build economies that generate meaningful livelihoods locally? How do we strengthen rural and outer-island communities so staying is a choice rather than a compromise?”
She said nation-building in the Pacific is an ongoing balance.
“Nation-building is ongoing — a negotiation between growth and belonging, mobility and rootedness, global opportunity and local responsibility.”
Mata’afa highlighted the importance of the Blue Pacific narrative in shaping regional identity.
“As Pacific scholar and ANU alumnus Epeli Hau’ofa reminded us, our ocean connects us rather than divides us.”
But she warned that small island states face real constraints that must be acknowledged.
“Pacific states are small. Our populations, economies and institutions are limited, carrying immense responsibility with constrained capacity.”
“Smallness is not our weakness; denying it is.”
She said rising geopolitical competition and climate threats are narrowing policy space.
“Geopolitical competition narrows policy space. Climate change challenges the physical foundations of sovereignty — security, livelihoods, wellbeing and identity.”
In response, Mata’afa called for stronger regional cooperation and strategic partnerships.
“The response cannot be isolation. It must be agency exercised collectively and intelligently — through regional solidarity, strategic partnerships and values-based engagement.”
She also challenged universities to rethink their role in the Pacific.
“Research agendas should be co-designed with Pacific communities, institutions and scholars, grounded in ethical partnership rather than extraction.”
“Education systems must prepare students for global engagement while grounding them in Pacific histories, languages, values and Indigenous knowledge systems.”.
Mata’afa said decolonisation in research must go beyond rhetoric.
“Decolonisation is not a historical exercise; it is a living process that requires shifting power in knowledge production.”
“Pacific peoples must define research priorities, control narratives and benefit directly from academic work,” she emphasised.
She said the future of the Pacific will depend on whether people feel connected to home.
“The future of the Pacific will not be secured by borders, balance sheets or policy frameworks alone, but by whether our people can imagine a meaningful life at home, connected to place, culture and community.”
Mata’afa also emphasised unity and shared responsibility.
“One of my favourite Samoan proverbs — which has guided my leadership in the village, in government and in international settings — is O le mativa fa’afesaga’i.”
“When I say that I want a Samoa where people want to stay — and where they have a stake — I mean a Samoa where people feel there is something precious worth holding on to: their land, their language, their culture, their families and their future.”
“A stake is more than economics; it is belonging — the quiet but powerful commitment to protect what we love and to stand for one another, because our future is not built by those who turn away, but by those who face each other and stay,” said Mata’afa…. PACNEWS
AUST – DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Tue 28 Apr 2026
Australia heads to UN nuclear talks as Thistlethwaite flags security push
CANBERRA, 28 APRIL 2206 (PACNEWS)—Australia will take its case for stronger nuclear non-proliferation to the United Nations this week, with Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Matt Thistlethwaite leading a delegation to a key global review conference.
“This week, I will travel to New York to lead Australia’s delegation to the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) at the United Nations.”
Thistlethwaite said the meeting comes at a time of rising global tensions and security concerns, with the treaty remaining central to international stability.
“As the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime, the NPT delivers vital security benefits for Australia and the world.”
He stressed the urgency of the discussions, noting the current global climate.
“This Review Conference occurs at a critical time for international security. We are proud to support Vietnam in its role as President and work with NPT States Parties to reinforce the Treaty’s essential role.”
On the sidelines of the conference, Australia will also push regional cooperation through a series of bilateral meetings.
“In New York, I will also conduct bilateral meetings with ministerial counterparts from Japan, Republic of Korea and Vietnam as part of the Government’s efforts to work with regional partners to maintain the two-way flow of energy supplies, fertiliser and other critical goods.”
Pacific engagement will also be a priority, with meetings planned with regional representatives.
“I will also meet with the Permanent Representatives of Pacific Missions to the United Nations including Solomon Islands, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Palau, Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Marshall Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu and Tuvalu.”
Thistlethwaite said Australia will continue to back practical disarmament and safety measures through global institutions.
“We will continue Australia’s history of championing practical non-proliferation and disarmament efforts, supporting the International Atomic Energy Agency’s important role in promoting nuclear safeguards, security and safety; and working with our partners to share the benefits of nuclear science and technology.”
The 11th Review Conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is expected to draw global attention as countries assess progress and push for renewed commitments on nuclear security and disarmament….PACNEWS
PNG – HEALTH: WHO PACNEWS 2: Tue 28 Apr 2026
PNG intensifies final push to stop polio with targeted third vaccination campaign
PORT MORESBY, 28 APRIL 2026 (WHO)—– The Government of Papua New Guinea, together with UNICEF, the World Health Organisation and key partners, Monday launched the third round of the polio vaccination campaign.
The campaign launch coincides with World Immunisation Day and marks a critical step toward stopping the transmission of polio and protecting children.
Building on strong progress from previous nationwide polio rounds, the campaign will focus on Morobe, Enga, the National Capital District, and Central Province, where immunisation coverage remains low, and the risk of polio virus transmission is high, to ensure that children who may have been missed, receive the lifesaving vaccine.
The campaign will target all children aged 0 to 59 months, irrespective of their vaccination status in the previous two rounds, delivering two drops of the oral polio vaccine through health facilities and outreach teams over a 16-day campaign period. The goal is to reach more than 95 percent of eligible children to break the polio transmission cycle.
Papua New Guinea has made significant progress in responding to the outbreak. Following two nationwide vaccination rounds, each reaching approximately two million children, no new polio cases have been reported since October 2025, either from environmental samples or from acute flaccid paralysis cases. However, recent environmental samples have detected signals of the virus, indicating that it may still be circulating silently and that continued vigilance is essential.
Recent monitoring also highlights significant missed opportunities to deliver routine vaccines during campaigns, pointing to critical gaps in service delivery that must be addressed to fully protect children.
“Polio is a serious and highly infectious disease that can cause lifelong paralysis, but it is entirely preventable through vaccination,” said Pascoe Kase, Secretary for Health.
“We have made strong progress, but we cannot afford to be complacent. This campaign is about reaching every child and closing the remaining gaps.”
Health teams will be deployed through fixed sites, mobile and outreach services, with a strong focus on hard-to-reach communities and children who may have missed earlier rounds. This round will be accompanied by strengthened real-time monitoring, including weekly performance reviews at provincial and district levels to rapidly identify gaps and ensure corrective action.
“Papua New Guinea is at a decisive moment – progress is real, but the system gaps are equally clear”, said Dr Veera Mendonca, UNICEF Representative to Papua New Guinea.
“This round must do more than deliver vaccines; it must correct the missed opportunities we are seeing in routine immunisation. Every child reached is a chance to fully protect them – and we cannot afford to miss that chance again. Ending polio now depends on disciplined execution, real-time accountability, and ensuring that no child is left unreached or under-immunised.”
“This campaign reflects strong national leadership and partnership,” said Dr Josaia Tiko, Acting WHO Representative in Papua New Guinea.
“We have the tools, the experience and the evidence to stop polio. Continued detection of the virus in environmental samples is a clear reminder that transmission can persist silently. What is needed now is sustained effort, high-quality campaigns and strong surveillance to reach every missed child and fully interrupt transmission.”
The polio response is supported by a broad coalition of partners, including the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and donor partners such as the Governments of Australia, New Zealand and Japan, among others. Their support has enabled rapid mobilisation of vaccines, logistics and community engagement efforts across the country.
Since the outbreak was confirmed in 2025, Papua New Guinea has mounted one of its largest public health responses, targeting nearly three million children across all provinces despite significant geographic and access challenges.
This coordinated effort has helped prevent further cases and protect millions of children from paralysis.
Parents and caregivers are strongly encouraged to ensure that all eligible children are vaccinated during this round, even if they have received previous doses. Vaccination teams will be available at health facilities and through mobile and outreach services across communities.
Sustaining progress will also depend on strengthening routine immunisation, including catch-up vaccinations for children who may have missed essential doses. Every contact with a child during this campaign must be used to provide full immunisation, ensuring no child leaves without receiving all eligible vaccines and building lasting protection against polio and other preventable diseases…..PACNEWS
FIJI – POLITICS: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 2: Tue 28 Apr 2026
Registrar rejects FijiansFirst application
SUVA, 28 APRIL 2026 (FIJI SUN) —Fiji’s Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa, has rejected the application to register the proposed party FijiansFirst.
Mataiciwa confirmed that objections were received from two political parties — the National Federation Party (NFP) and The People’s Alliance (TPA).
The objections centred on the unauthorised use of the coat of arms in the proposed party’s symbol, similarities between its symbol and that used by FijiFirst, the name FijiansFirst closely resembling the deregistered FijiFirst, and the likelihood that the party’s acronym could be FFP, which is associated with FijiFirst.
“Based on NFP and TPA’s objections on similarity between the proposed name FijiansFirst and FijiFirst, I find that the proposed name so nearly resembles that of the deregistered party “FijiFirst” as to be likely to be confused with or mistaken for that party within the meaning of section 8(h)(iii) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013 (PPA). Therefore, the application for registration of Proposed FijiansFirst is hereby refused,” said Mataiciwa.
Section 8(h)(iii) of the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Act 2013 states the Registrar shall refuse an application to register a proposed political party if the name, abbreviation, acronym or symbol is the same as, or closely resembles, that of a political party which has been deregistered or wound up under the Act or any repealed law governing political party registrations.
Mataiciwa said other objections raised by the NFP and TPA — including those relating to the symbol, the use of national imagery and the likely use of the abbreviation “FFP” — were considered but did not meet the statutory threshold under section 8(b) or section 8(h)(iii) of the Act and were rejected.
The proposed FijiansFirst may appeal to the Electoral Commission within 14 days of the decision, in accordance with section 30(1) of the Act….PACNEWS
SAMOA – DRUGS FIGHT: UNICEF PACNEWS 2: Tue 28 Apr 2026
Samoa draws a safer line around children and adolescents in the fight against drugs
APIA, 28 APRIL 2206 (UNICEF)— The Governments of Samoa and Japan, together with UNICEF, have announced a new partnership to strengthen prevention and response to drug abuse among children and adolescents in Samoa.
The initiative comes amid growing concern about the harmful impact of illicit drugs on young people’s health, safety, and overall wellbeing.
“Children and adolescents are the foundation of Samoa’s future. When they are protected, supported, and given the right knowledge and values, they are empowered to make positive choices that benefit not only themselves, but their families, communities, and the nation as a whole,” said the deputy Prime Minister of Samoa, Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo.
“However, we are all aware that substance use – particularly among young people – poses growing risks to health, education, safety, and social stability.”
With US$900,000 in support from the Government of Japan, the four‑year project will focus on strengthening awareness amongst children and families on risks associated with drug use. It will improve counselling and recovery support, making key services – including hospitals, police stations, courts, and schools – safer for children. Communities will also play a key role in supporting young people without blame or stigma.
“The Government of Japan places importance on building a society in which children and young people in Samoa can grow up safe, healthy, and free from the harms of drugs, in line with the People-Centred Development approach reaffirmed at PALM10,” said the Ambassador of Japan to Samoa, Ryotaro Suzuki.
“This initiative also reflects Japan’s commitment to cooperate toward the Healthy Islands Vision by supporting the wellbeing and resilience of children, adolescents, families, and communities. Through this project, Japan hopes to strengthen a coordinated system in which relevant institutions and communities work together to provide seamless support for prevention, early intervention, and recovery.”
Samoa has seen a concerning rise in drug use and related mental health challenges among young people. According to studies by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 15 percent of teenagers and 12 percent of young people aged 15–24 have experimented with drugs.
In addition, frontline services report an increase in the number of adolescents coming into contact with the law for drug related cases, with some experiencing drug-induced mental health issues.
Samoan communities and service providers have repeatedly flagged gaps in prevention, early support, and recovery services, especially for young people who are at risk.
“Too many children and adolescents in Samoa are being affected by drugs and the mental health challenges that come with it,” said UNICEF Pacific Representative, Hamish Young.
“This partnership with the Governments of Japan and Samoa comes at a critical time. When families, communities, and services work together, young people are more likely to get help early, stay connected to school and family, as well as build a future free from harm.”
Through this project, parents and village leaders will gain practical skills to create safe, caring homes where children and adolescents can recover, feel accepted, as well as re‑enter community life without stigma.
Young people will receive guidance, mentoring, and opportunities to build skills, confidence, and resilience so they can make healthier choices.
The project will also help doctors, counsellors, police, and social workers support young people earlier by recognising warning signs and responding in a caring, child‑friendly way.
A baseline study on child and adolescent drug use will be carried out to ensure future policies and services are guided by real evidence.
Safe, child‑ and adolescent‑friendly spaces will be upgraded so young people can seek help when they need it. This includes a day recovery room in the mental health unit, as well as child‑sensitive interview and counselling rooms within relevant government ministries, giving young people a safe place to talk without fear or shame.
The collaboration is expected to reach 12,300 children and adolescents directly. A further 50,000 people will be reached through nationwide outreach and media campaigns against one of the country’s most pressing social challenges.
The project will be delivered in close partnership with the Government of Samoa, through the lead coordination of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration.
Support will be provided from the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Police, Prisons and Corrections Services, Ministry of Education and Culture, and Ministry of Sports and Recreation. In addition, faith-based and civil society organisations, village representatives, community leaders, as well as children and young people will be closely involved…..PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
FIJI – FISHERIES: PACNEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 28 Apr 2026
Fiji moves to cash in on “Blue Gold” as Minister Bainivalu unveils fisheries shake-up
SUVA, 28 APRIL 206 (PACNEWS)—Fiji is overhauling its offshore fisheries sector with new digital systems, tougher monitoring and a push into high-value products, with Fisheries Minister Alitia Bainivalu declaring the country is moving from rhetoric to results.
Bainivalu told Parliament the ocean remains central to Fiji’s economy and survival.
“Our ocean is not merely a body of water; it is the life force of our economy, the heart of our culture, and the guarantee of our future food security.”
The Minister highlighted a major regional win on tuna management through the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).
“ I am pleased to report a monumental achievement from the 22nd Regular Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), held in Manila in December 2025.”
“I can confirm that the Commission has formally adopted a Management Procedure (MP) for South Pacific Albacore.”
She said the move will transform how the key tuna stock is managed.
“This is not just a technical bureaucratic win; it is a lifeline for our domestic longline fleet.”
“It automates catch limits that respond to the health of the stock, ensuring that South Pacific Albacore—the “blue gold” of our domestic industry—is managed to enhance the biological status of stocks and economic viability for Fijian fishers,” she told Parliament.
Bainivalu said Fiji will push for a fair share as new allocation rules are developed.
“Fiji will strongly advocate for a fair and equitable share that recognises the rights of coastal States whose waters support the resource, and the need for developing Pacific Island countries to secure greater benefits from our fisheries resources,” she emphasised.
She reaffirmed the importance of tuna to jobs and growth.
“Fiji will continue to emphasise the importance of the tuna fishery for employment, economic growth, food security and national revenue.”
Bainivalu said the sector is undergoing a major digital shift.
“We are aggressively retiring the archaic, paper-based systems of the past.”
“The era of filling out logbooks by hand, with data taking months to process, is ending.”
She confirmed rollout of a new system to track fish from catch to export.
“The Ministry of Fisheries have successfully rolled out the Catch Accountancy System (CAS). This web-based platform digitises the entire supply chain—from the moment a fish is caught to when it is exported.”
“It streamlines the issuance of landing and export permits, reducing processing time from days to hours, and ensures that every dollar of value is accounted for,” Bainivalu explained.
Further upgrades are planned with support from the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency.
“These developments…will ensure that we continue to progress and utilise advanced technologies in our collective efforts towards better service delivery.”
On monitoring, she said Fiji is scaling up electronic surveillance at sea.
“We are transitioning our Electronic Monitoring systems from donor-funded trials to a fully sustainable, state-led program.”
“Additionally…we are equipping our longline fleet with onboard cameras and sensors that provide the ‘eyes’ we need at sea, where human observers cannot always go.”
The system feeds into a national surveillance hub to crack down on illegal fishing.
“Equipped with real-time satellite tracking and integrated data feeds, this Centre is our shield against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing—ensuring that those who steal from our waters are caught and penalised.”
Bainivalu said Fiji is shifting focus from volume to value.
“For too long, we have focused only on the volume of fish we catch. It is time we focus on the value we create.”
The government is backing new products from fish waste.
“We are currently supporting trials that utilise fish skin, bones, and offal.”
“We are seeing promising results in converting fish skin into high-grade medical collagen for skin grafts and wound healing, a market with immense global potential,” Bainivalu said.
She said by-products are also being used for agriculture.
“We are scaling up the production of organic liquid fertilizers and animal feed from fish processing by-products.”
“This not only creates a circular economy… but also provides cheaper, organic inputs for our agricultural sector.”
“By turning ‘trash into cash,’ we are diversifying the income of our fishing companies and buffering them against the volatility of global tuna prices.”
Bainivalu acknowledged the role of regional partners in driving reforms.
“I must also acknowledge the instrumental role of the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) in advancing our economic aspirations.”
She said new partnerships are helping unlock investment and expertise.
“This collaboration is directly supporting our ‘100 percent Fish’ strategy by providing the technical expertise needed to turn fish waste into commercial products.”
The Minister said Fiji remains committed to protecting 30 percent of its ocean by 2030.
“Our commitment to the ‘30×30’ target…is unwavering, but it must be done right. It must be based on science, not just sentiment.”
She said new governance structures are ensuring balanced decisions.
“This body brings together government, industry, and civil society to provide balanced advice to the Minister.”
“It ensures that our Marine Spatial Planning integrates seamlessly with our fisheries management plans…rather than creating conflict,” Bainivalu said.
Bainivalu said Fiji is taking control of its fisheries future.
“Fiji is no longer a passive observer in the management of its ocean.”
“Through the adoption of the Albacore Management Procedure, the digitization of our monitoring systems, and our bold steps into value-added processing, we are building a fisheries sector that is resilient, profitable, and sustainable.”
She said the reforms aim to secure long-term national benefits.
“We remain committed to using these innovative, tangible, and robust approaches to address our challenges, ensuring that Fiji’s fisheries remain a pillar of our national prosperity for generations to come,” said Bainivalu….PACNEWS
FIJI – POLITICS/FUEL TAX: FIJI SUN PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 28 Apr 2026
Solomon Islands Opposition accuses Government of secret “Political favour” in fuel Tax scandal
HONIARA, 28 APRIL 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Solomon Islands Opposition leader Matthew Wale has launched a blistering attack on the Government saying the fuel tax exemption exposes a system of favouritism, incompetence and backroom dealing.
“Let’s be clear, you don’t ‘accidentally’ sign away millions in tax revenue.
“This was not a mistake. This was a political decision,” Wale said, in a statement on Monday.
He said the Finance Minister Rex Ramofafia’s claim in the Island Sun newspaper that the exemption was “revoked the next day” only proves one thing.
“They acted first and reversed the decision after being exposed. It will not be a surprise a revocation letter will be back dated to cover their tracks,” the Aoke-Langalanga MP said.
The Opposition Leader said the fact that this was done in secrecy to a lone fuel retailer who is a financier of GNUT as reported in the media is no surprise.
“There is no transparency, no justification and no benefit to the public. While Solomon Islanders are struggling to afford fuel, this Government was busy cutting deals for the well politically connected,” he said.
“When a politically connected player is handed massive concessions in the middle of a fuel crisis, the public is not stupid, they know exactly what this looks like.”
Wale also slammed the fact that the exemption was granted to a business name, not even a proper company structure describing it as outrageous and indefensible.
“Millions in public money handed to a business name? That is either gross negligence or deliberate manipulation. There is no middle ground,” he said.
The Opposition Leader said the Government’s actions have distorted the market, unfairly disadvantaging other legitimate fuel suppliers.
Wale said all fuel importers should be fully exempted from excise and GST, given the current fuel price shock due to the Iran war.
“Do away with the favouritism towards political cronies. Honest businesses are paying full taxes while one ‘preferred’ player is given a free ride. That is not policy that is patronage,” he said.
The Opposition Leader warned that the biggest issue is not the cancellation but the intent.
“If this was not exposed, it would have gone through. That is the truth,” he said.
Wale said GNUT has shown it is willing to sacrifice fairness, transparency, and public revenue to benefit the few.
The Opposition Leader said the exemptions are not new traits by the current GNUT….PACNEWS
The last time the exemptions by the former finance minister Manasseh Sogavare were leaked by the current finance minister, it was a ploy to get him the top job.
“The public also deserves to know what other questionable exemptions was issued by the Finance Minister, Ramofafia in secrecy,” Wale said.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Rex Ramofafia has dismissed the claims of favoritism, explaining that the government is currently implementing a broad plan to protect all citizens from rising costs.
Responding to the allegations, Minister Ramofafia clarified that the specific deal for BH Pacific was canceled almost immediately as the government moved toward a nationwide policy.
“With regards to fuel exemption to BH Pacific, it was revoked the next day,” Minister Ramofafia told In-depth Solomons.
“I decided to revoke it after further consideration.”
The Minister explained that the government has now decided to remove taxes on fuel for everyone, making special deals unnecessary.
“Currently, imported fuel is 100 percent exempted. This is part of the Government’s broader strategy to address the current fuel price increases. All imported fuel is exempted. So there is no need to grant an exemption to any one company,” he added. …. PACNEWS
FIJI – HEALTH/OVERTIME: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 28 Apr 2026
Fiji Health Ministry reveals $1.7m unpaid overtime burden
SUVA, 28 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—Fiji’s Ministry of Health & Medical Services has revealed that unpaid overtime owed to health workers from January to March 2026 stands at approximately $1.7 million(US$850,000), raising concerns over mounting financial pressures within the sector.
The figures were disclosed in Parliament in response to a written question by opposition MP Premila Kumar, which highlighted how long the liability has been accumulating and the extent of unpaid dues .
In its response, the Ministry for Health, Dr Atonio Lalabalavu said budget allocations had been decentralised across 14 cost centres, with heads of these centres responsible for managing salaries, wages and overtime payments.
“When Heads of Cost Centres exhaust their overtime budget allocation, they are advised to implement Time Off-In Lieu (TOIL),” he stated.
However, the data shows significant strain, with eight of the 14 cost centres already exhausting their overtime budgets, including major facilities such as the Colonial War Memorial Hospital and Labasa Hospital, along with divisional health services.
The Ministry confirmed that while all overtime up to December 2025 had been fully paid, approved overtime has continued to accumulate in 2026 due to insufficient budget provisions.
“The current expenditure until last pay is approximately $9.9 million(US$4.95 million), overspent by $2.4 million(US$1.2 million),” he said.
Officials added that the unpaid overtime is expected to rise further, as data from several major cost centres is yet to be included.
The unpaid amounts largely affect officers on Band E and below, as well as registered nurses, medical imaging technologists and senior pharmacy technicians who have carried out overtime duties but could not be compensated due to budget constraints.
The disclosures have renewed scrutiny on health sector funding and the sustainability of overtime practices within Fiji’s public health system…..PACNEWS
SAMOA – IMPORTS: SAMOA OBSERVER PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 28 Apr 2026
Samoa import prices fall 5.2 percent in March quarter
APIA, 28 APRIL 2206 (SAMOA OBSERVER)—Import prices declined in the March 2026 quarter, driven largely by falling food costs, according to the latest data from the Samoa Bureau of Statistics (SBS)
The Import Price Index (MPI) dropped by 5.2 percent from the December 2025 quarter, indicating a significant decrease in the cost of imported goods.
The Bureau said the decline was mainly due to a sharp 10.2 percent drop in food and beverage prices, the largest decrease among all categories. Lower prices for canned meat and sugar were key contributors to the fall.
Prices for animal products also decreased by 7.6 percent, reflecting reduced costs for meat and dairy imports. Mineral products, including fuel, fell by 3.2 percent during the quarter.
However, not everything became cheaper. Prices for some vegetables, including potatoes and onions, increased during the quarter, while cooking oils recorded a sharp rise, the report said. Vegetable products rose by 1.7 percent, while fats and oils saw a notable surge of 20.8 percent.
Compared to the same time last year, import prices were also lower, showing a gradual easing in the cost of goods coming into the country, the report said. The overall import price index declined by 3.1 percent. Over the four quarters ending March 2026, the index was down 1.9 percent compared to the previous year.
The report tracks the cost of imported goods, including food, fuel and other everyday items brought into Samoa
The latest figures suggest some relief in import costs, particularly for food items, which may help ease pressure on local prices. However, rising costs in other areas, such as oil, highlight ongoing volatility in international markets.
The Import Price Index measures changes in the cost of imported goods, including freight and insurance, and represents about half of Samoa’s total imports…..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
Pacific needs disaster displacement included in treaty
By Thomas Mulder, Jane McAdam
SYDNEY, 28 APRIL 2026 (DEVPOLICY.ORG)—When disasters strike, so does displacement. Each year across the Pacific, cyclones, flooding, coastal erosion and storm surges prompt people to leave their homes. Often this movement is temporary, as people seek shelter in evacuation centres or on higher ground, returning home after the immediate danger has passed. But sometimes it becomes prolonged or even permanent. For many Pacific communities, displacement is not an exceptional outcome of disasters; it is a recurring and defining feature of how they are experienced.
Although Pacific countries are on the frontline of the climate crisis, they are also at the forefront of solutions. The Pacific Regional Framework on Climate Mobility, endorsed by Pacific Leaders in 2023, is a world-leading document that seeks to ensure that the region is resilient and “future-ready” by anticipating, preparing for and responding to the adverse impacts of climate change and disasters, including through mobility.
The region has a new opportunity to show global leadership in this area. Between now and early 2027, states are negotiating what is likely to become the first-ever global treaty on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters (PPED treaty). This presents a significant opening for Pacific states to ensure that displacement is reflected in the treaty text. Despite how central displacement is to the lived reality of disasters, it remains only marginally reflected in the current draft treaty text.
The proposed treaty aims to fill a longstanding gap in international law by establishing a comprehensive legal framework to strengthen the protection of people affected by disasters, including through greater international cooperation and disaster risk reduction (DRR).
The negotiation process is now entering a critical stage. States were invited to submit written proposals for amendments to the draft text by the end of 2025. These proposals were discussed during a session of a dedicated UN Working Group in early April 2026. These discussions will inform a consolidated draft expected by September 2026, with a view to adoption at a diplomatic conference scheduled for early 2027 in the Philippines.
And yet, within this process, one issue stands out for its relative absence: disaster-related displacement.
This omission of displacement is striking given its scale and significance globally. Disasters displace two people every second. In 2024 alone, an estimated 65.8 million internal displacements were recorded, with almost 70% triggered by disasters rather than conflict.
Although the current definition of “disaster” (in draft article 3) mentions “mass displacement” as a possible defining characteristic of a disaster, it is otherwise missing from the treaty — and some proposals would remove even this reference.
The silence on displacement in the PPED treaty is not merely a technical oversight. It risks sidelining one of the most common and significant consequences of disasters at precisely the moment when states are crafting the legal framework intended to address them. If left unaddressed, the treaty may fall short of capturing how disasters are actually experienced by millions of people worldwide.
For the Pacific, this gap is particularly consequential.
Disaster-related displacement is a defining feature of the region’s security. Pacific Island countries are among the most exposed in the world to cyclones, flooding, droughts and sea-level rise. In some cases, entire communities face the prospect of displacement, which is why a number of Pacific states have developed national policies addressing internal displacement, as well as planned relocation guidelines and operating procedures. Meanwhile, the Falepili Union between Tuvalu and Australia creates a special human mobility pathway which enables up to 280 Tuvaluans annually to migrate to Australia.
This leadership would be welcome in the PPED negotiations. Pacific states have not yet made any formal proposals on the treaty text, and representation from the region in the Working Group discussions has also been limited. This is not unusual given the capacity constraints many Pacific delegations face, but it does raise important questions about whose experiences and priorities are shaping the treaty.
There is still time to change this. The negotiations are ongoing and further amendments can still be proposed by 15 May 2026, moving toward the consolidated draft. The window for shaping the treaty is open — but narrowing.
In a 2025 policy brief, we set out a series of targeted amendments that would better recognise displacement within the existing structure of the PPED treaty. These proposals are not about expanding the treaty’s scope. Rather, they aim to clarify and strengthen its provisions in line with established state practice.
They include incorporating references to displacement in the preamble, recognising evacuations and planned relocations as forms of disaster risk reduction, and clarifying that international cooperation may encompass human mobility, such as evacuation assistance and access to humanitarian visas. These measures reflect what states are already doing, from organising evacuations in anticipation of hazards to relocating communities exposed to recurrent risks.
Taken together, these relatively modest adjustments could have meaningful impacts.
Explicitly recognising displacement in the PPED treaty could support more coherent legal and policy frameworks at the regional and national level, including in areas such as evacuation planning, shelter management and long-term recovery. It could also enhance coordination in international responses and help direct funding toward more inclusive DRR strategies that take mobility into account.
More fundamentally, recognising displacement would reinforce the treaty’s central objective: the protection of persons in the event of disasters. Displacement is not a peripheral or secondary effect. For many, it is one of the primary ways in which disasters are experienced. A treaty that seeks to protect people from the impacts of disasters cannot afford to overlook this reality.
For the Pacific, the stakes are clear. The region has both the experience and the policy frameworks to contribute meaningfully to the development of the PPED treaty.
As negotiations progress, there is a critical opportunity for Pacific states to help shape the outcome. This could take many forms: submitting written proposals of amendments, participating in Working Group discussions, coordinating positions with stakeholders, or engaging in diplomatic outreach to build support among other states.
The PPED treaty is not just another international instrument. It has the potential to define how the international community understands and responds to disasters for decades to come, affecting us, our children and future generations.
Ensuring that displacement is recognised within it is therefore not simply a matter of drafting legal texts. It is about aligning the treaty with the realities on the ground — and with the lived experiences of communities across the Pacific….PACNEWS
Thomas Mulder is a Laureate Postdoctoral Fellow at the Evacuations Research Hub, Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, UNSW Sydney.
Jane McAdam
Jane McAdam AO is an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow and Scientia Professor of Law at the Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, UNSW Sydney, where she leads the Evacuations Research Hub.
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The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Korea-Tonga Technical Exchange on Strengthening Whistleblower Systems
NUKU’ALOFA, 28 APRIL 2026 (UNDP)–The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC) of the Republic of Korea and the Anti-Corruption Commissioner of Tonga convened a technical exchange last Friday to support the implementation of Tonga’s newly enacted Whistleblower Protection Act.
The exchange was facilitated by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) under the European Union-funded Vaka Pasifika Project, with targeted support for whistleblower protection provided by the Republic of Korea in collaboration with the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre through its SDG Partnership Programme.
As Tonga moves from implementing it newly enacted legislation the session provided a platform to share practical insights on designing systems that ensure safe reporting, confidentiality, and effective case management.
Whistleblower protection remains one of the most critical—yet complex—pillars of effective anti-corruption systems. It requires not only strong legal frameworks, but also trusted systems, institutional coordination, and cultural shifts to ensure individuals can report wrongdoing safely.
Director International Relations for the ACRC, Mina Hwang said:“Corruption erodes public trust and hinders sustainable development, making whistleblowing a critical pillar for a transparent and accountable society.”
“We hope this exchange will serve as an important milestone in Tonga’s journey toward justice, integrity, and good governance.”
During the exchange, ACRC shared its experience in operationalising whistleblower protection systems in the Republic of Korea, widely recognised for its comprehensive and innovative approach. This includes legal and institutional frameworks, as well as the Clean Portal – an integrated digital platform that supports confidential reporting, protection measures, and incentive mechanisms for whistleblowers.
Executive Director for ACC Tonga, Mele Mangisi stated:“It was impressive to see how advanced the Clean Portal system design is—it was much more than what we expected. It really pushed us to think beyond our current approach, particularly in terms of protective measures and tools such as incentives and rewards, which we had not previously considered.”
The exchange also provided space for dialogue between participants, enabling discussion on implementation challenges, institutional priorities, and practical considerations for adapting international experience to Tonga’s context.
Further insights are available in a recent policy brief by the UNDP Seoul Policy Centre, “Whistleblower Protection Model of the Republic of Korea: Key Features and Insights” (March 2026), which highlights key elements of Korea’s approach and lessons for countries seeking to strengthen their own systems.
Through the Vaka Pasifika Project, UNDP supports Pacific Island countries to strengthen accountability systems by working across government, oversight institutions, and civil society, with a focus on translating policy commitments into practical systems that strengthen transparency and accountability.
This collaboration reflects a growing partnership between Pacific countries and the Republic of Korea in advancing governance and anti-corruption efforts through peer learning and applied exchange. …PACNEWS
For more information please contact: Maraia Vavaitamana I Vaka Project MEL and Communications Manager I UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji I maraia.vavaitamana@undp.org
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The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Keeping Samoa protected through routine immunisation for every generation
APIA, 28 APRIL 2026 (WHO)—Situated at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Moto’otua, the national immunisation clinic is already open and buzzing with activity by 9:00am.
Parents arrive with their child’s health book, with babies swaddled in blankets, as they wait for their turn. For many, this clinic marks a familiar rhythm in family life, one that begins just days after a child is born.
Samoa’s routine immunisation programme is built around protecting children during their earliest and most vulnerable stages of life. From birth, infants receive vaccines that shield them from serious, preventable diseases, forming the foundation of long‑term health.
According to Teuila Pati, Immunisation Coordinator at the Ministry of Health, the national programme provides protection against vaccine-preventable diseases and follows people throughout every stage of life.
“It’s very important that people bring in their children to have their immunisations when they’re infants and also during school and as well as when they’re older for booster doses,” Teuila explained.
Vaccination begins at birth, with infants receiving protection against hepatitis B and tuberculosis. In the first months of life, babies are brought back at six and ten weeks to receive routine vaccines, including oral rotavirus vaccines to prevent severe diarrhoeal disease, combination vaccines that protect against multiple infections such as tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, hepatitis B and polio, and pneumococcal vaccines that help prevent pneumonia and serious bacterial infections. At fourteen weeks, children receive follow‑up doses to strengthen this early protection. Additional vaccines are given at one year and fifteen months, including protection against measles, mumps and rubella, typhoid, and further booster doses to support immunity as children grow.
“These are very important vaccines to give to children on time,” Teuila explains. “They’re very vulnerable, their immunity has not developed, and vaccines help boost their immunity at this time of their lives.”
For Elena Inoke, a mother of three from Fale’ula, bringing her six‑week‑old baby boy Ioane to the clinic was a natural step. Elena shared that she brought baby Ioane to the clinic because of her previous experience with her two other children during the measles outbreak. She indicated that vaccines “protect them from those diseases and plus to keep the baby healthy.”
Elena describes the visit as simple and manageable. “I don’t find it difficult or complicated. It was really easy,” she noted, explaining how she was able to fit the appointment into her morning routine. A primary school teacher, Elena is currently on leave after giving birth, which made it easier for her to attend her baby’s scheduled vaccination.
Recognising that not all parents can attend appointments during the work week, the national immunisation clinic also operates a Saturday schedule from 9:00am to 1:00pm, allowing families and working adults to access services on the weekend. The flexibility helps ensure that routine immunisation remains accessible across different life circumstances.
While childhood vaccines remain the core of the programme, immunisation in Samoa extends well beyond the early years. At age ten, girls are offered the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which protects against cervical cancer later in life. Seasonal influenza vaccines are available annually, targeted for health workers but also available to the public. Additionally, booster doses of some vaccines are offered to adults, including those travelling overseas or needing renewed protection.
“So we try and cover the whole lifespan,” Teuila shared. “It’s not just focusing on the children.”
From the clinic floor, health workers see firsthand the impact of vaccination at both individual and community levels. Carrie Tamalelagi, a Nurse in Charge at the clinic, describes immunisation as one of the most effective tools in public health.
“Vaccination remains one of the most powerful and effective ways to protect our health,” Carrie explained. “When we choose to get vaccinated, we’re not only trying to protect ourselves, our own health, but to protect the people around you, your family, your friends, your children, the elderly, and the entire community, especially the most vulnerable ones, people and children with weaker immune systems.”
As we observe this year’s World Immunisation Week, with the theme “For every generation, vaccines work,” the steady flow of babies, parents, and adults through the national immunisation clinic reflects that message in practice. From a child’s first vaccines to protection later in life, routine immunisation continues to support healthier futures across generations in Samoa….PACNEWS
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The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Rangers Assemble to Battle Invasive Species Threats
HONIARA, 28 APRIL 2026 (SPREP)– Community conservation rangers from provinces across Solomon Islands gathered at the Barana Community Nature & Heritage Park, Honiara, from April 20-23 for a knowledge exchange and learning programme designed as a platform for collaboration, practical learning and implementation of coordinated and meaningful action to better manage invasive species in a sustainable way across the Solomon Islands.
Led by the Government of the Solomon Islands through the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology and its Environment and Conservation Division, the exchange programme brought together government agencies, the Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock Biosecurity, NGOs, and community rangers to strengthen environmental management efforts.
The Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS), Resilient Ecosystems, Resilient Communities (RERC) programme, Rangers Network Exchange enables the community conservation rangers to better understand safe and effective weed management practices, application of appropriate control methods and strengthening of site-based restoration efforts.
The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) led PRISMSS RERC programme in an identified Barana community conservation area has already shown how community rangers can lead the fight against invasive species.
A community capacity building programme was undertaken at the Barana conservation site by the PRISMSS RERC programme in 2025, where the community were provided with tools, resources and trained on how to properly use them to manage invasive weeds within identified management zones.
The PRISMSS RERC rangers exchange programme has been designed to showcase the impact of invasive species management and engage rangers from across various provinces in knowledge sharing sessions and enable hands on weed and predator management training while learning and using safe herbicide use and application methods within identified management zones.
The exchange programme sessions will also include predator control and management, with BirdLife International, co-technical lead of the PRISMSS RERC programme, contributing expertise on rat, ferral pig and cat control.
Josef Hurutarau, Director ECD, while delivering the opening remarks for the knowledge exchange and learning programme commented, “we acknowledge with gratitude the funding from the New Zealand Government through New Zealand Foreign Affairs & Trade (MFAT), the United Kingdom International Development, the Solomon Islands Government for coordination and supporting the implementation of the PRISMSS RERC programme here in Barana.”
“Our rangers are at the frontline of conservation in our country and their work in managing invasive species, restoring ecosystems and protecting biodiversity is vital, not only for the environment but for our people.”
The ECD Director reminded the rangers from the various provinces that their participation reaffirms the importance of capacity building and integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern science to make conservation efforts more sustainable and effective.
“Solomon Islands is blessed with rich biodiversity and high level of endemism, species found nowhere else in the world and these ecosystems are vital to our identity, our livelihoods and our future.”
“The knowledge shared and lessons learned here in Barana will not remain here but extend to other provinces and communities across Solomon Islands.”
The Director encouraged the rangers to develop meaningful actions and strengthen partnerships to combat invasive species across the Solomon Islands.
“I encourage all rangers to use this opportunity to share your field experiences and expertise with each other, strengthen networks and partnerships and build technical skills from the hands-on experience through activities designed for you all as these efforts will support our national mandates and build community resilience.”
As part of the session’s rangers will develop community conservation area site specific action plans and also identify ways to further strengthen the national rangers’ network.
These activities are designed to build both individual capacity and collective strength in addressing invasive species in a sustainable and affordable manner while making both the ecosystem and communities resilient.
SPREP Invasive Species Adviser, David Moverley commented that, “our RERC programme is one of PRISMSS’s strategic programmes focused on ecological restoration, weed and predator management, and community‑based conservation in priority sites.”
“It enables practical, low‑cost interventions that combine traditional knowledge with simple technical tools to restore ecosystem function and community resilience, and we are glad to see that the programme is showing positive signs here at the Barana community conservation site.”
By combining traditional knowledge with modern conservation science, inclusivity and the right resources and tools, rangers will learn to identify invasive species early, apply practical management techniques and integrate cultural practices that ensure solutions are accepted and sustainable.
The PRISMSS RERC programme has recently completed a similar rangers’ network and learning exchange programme in Vanuatu with a scheduled programme upcoming for the Federated States of Micronesia and within the region in later 2026…..PACNEWS
