In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — Kiribati demands nuclear justice as Pacific nations recall devastating legacy of nuclear tests
2. PACIFIC — Fiji Media Association slams Australia over lack of real support for Pacific Media
3. PACIFIC — USP Journalism head says Pacific Media aid driven by geopolitics
4. UN — Review of landmark nuclear treaty breaks up without consensus, raising arms race fears
5. PACIFIC — FEMA approves US$1.3 million for disaster recovery and resilience projects in Pacific communities
6. UN— Australia disappointed as nuclear non-proliferation treaty talks fail to reach consensus
7. UN — Electrification emerges as COP31 priority
8. FIJI — Former Fiji elections chief sounds warning
9. NAURU — Navigating conflicts and compassion: Nauru launches its first movie
10. PACNEWS BIZ — Pacific nations unite to strengthen fisheries surveillance through operation Tui Moana 2026
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Costs higher due to low value of PNG Kina: ANZ Economist
12. PACNEWS BIZ — Former Angaur Governor charged with misconduct, theft over Japan grant funds
13. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — Why Australia’s cuts to news services in the Indo-Pacific are a failure of soft diplomacy
14. PACNEWS DIGEST — UN’s climate crisis vote shows political momentum is growing, say experts
PAC – NUKE TREATY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Mon 25 May 2026
Kiribati demands nuclear justice as Pacific nations recall devastating legacy of nuclear tests
NEW YORK, 25 MAY 2026 (PACNEWS) — Pacific nations have renewed calls for nuclear justice at the United Nations, with Kiribati and the Marshall Islands detailing the human cost of nuclear testing in the Pacific and urging the international community to address historic wrongs.
Speaking during discussions on nuclear issues, the representative of Kiribati said the country continues to live with the consequences of nuclear testing carried out decades ago.
“Between 1957 and 1962, 33 nuclear tests were conducted in the South Pacific nation, yet the 500 citizens living on Kiritimati Island received ‘little protection and inadequate warning’.”
The representative said the impact of the tests continues to affect communities today.
“The legacy of these tests has been devastating.”
“Many of these people suffered untreatable illnesses and health complications, most of which resulted in death,” including “cases of cancer and severe abnormalities among newborn babies”.
Kiribati said the suffering experienced by affected communities highlights the need for justice and accountability.
“This profound human suffering underscores why her country calls on all States parties to address the importance of nuclear justice and recognise the role of affected communities.”
The representative said Kiribati has continued to promote awareness through remembrance initiatives and youth engagement.
“Kiribati’s commitment to nuclear justice is also expressed through remembrance and youth engagement, reflected in its support for artworks by young people from Kiritimati envisioning a world free from nuclear weapons.”
Kiribati said it has been working closely with Kazakhstan to advance the issue internationally.
“Together with Kazakhstan, ‘we have been spearheading efforts on nuclear justice’ within this review cycle, the General Assembly and the Treaty on the Prohibition of nuclear weapons, including organising ‘the first-ever international meeting on victim assistance and environmental remediation’.”
Meanwhile, the representative of the Marshall Islands warned that global nuclear risks are increasing.
“The world is slipping into a dangerous and growing level of nuclear risk.”
He called for “building better bridges” and said Pacific countries remain committed to regional nuclear-free efforts under the Rarotonga Treaty.
The Marshall Islands endured 67 nuclear tests conducted by the United States between 1946 and 1958.
“The Marshall Islands experienced 67 large-scale nuclear tests by the United States between 1946 and 1958, many of which were conducted after his country had petitioned the UN to halt them.”
“Despite assurances of our well-being, the tests continued under the auspices of Trusteeship resolutions 1082 and 1493,” he recalled.
The representative, speaking emotionally during the session, backed Kiribati’s proposal on addressing the impacts of nuclear testing.
“Holding back tears and to a burst of applause, he supported the joint submission led by Kiribati to working group III – on the impacts of nuclear testing – and underscored the importance of progress on an outcome that recognises the responsibility and obligation to address the historic wrongs and contemporary impacts of testing.”
He also described the suffering experienced by Marshallese families following the nuclear tests.
“Describing the experiences of Marshallese mothers who gave birth to stillborn babies who ‘looked like jellyfish’, and recalling the voices of Marshallese leaders who came to the UN in 1954 and 1956, he implored:”
“‘As you walk these halls, if you take a few moments, you might hear their call to bring an end to nuclear weapons,’” the Marshall Islands representative said…. PACNEWS
PAC – MEDIA: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Mon 25 May 2026
Fiji Media Association slams Australia over lack of real support for Pacific Media
SUVA, 25 MAY 2026 (PACNEWS) — Fiji Media Association (FMA) General Secretary Stanley Simpson has accused Australia of failing to properly support Pacific media, saying funding has focused more on Australian organisations than helping local newsrooms survive and grow.
Responding to an article published in The Conversation titled Why Australia’s cuts to news services in the Indo-Pacific are a failure of soft diplomacy, Simpson said Pacific media organisations had spent years asking for practical support but were repeatedly ignored.
“Too much ‘lets help ourselves and give more money to ourselves so we can help the Pacific’ and not enough ‘let’s work with Pacific media so they can help themselves and be our partner.’”
Simpson said he had raised the issue with Australian High Commission officials in Suva and diplomats in Canberra over many years.
“Have had this discussion with successive Australian High Comm officials in Suva and diplomats in Canberra – who have asked ‘we are ready to help, we are here to listen, tell us what you need’ and after we tell them what we need ‘Sorry we cant help you with that right now.’”
He questioned why Australia could fund military and security projects in Fiji while media organisations struggled for basic equipment and infrastructure.
“Somehow Australia can find $100 million (US$71 million) to fund the Blackrock camp in Nadi, and $20 million (US$14 million) to fund a patrol boat that ends up on the reef but can’t get themselves to contribute at least $500k (US$250,000) a year for Fiji media.”
“At the most we are supported with around 100k (US$50,000) in coordinator and training support except recently when we have got some valuable content funding.”
Simpson said while he supported funding for Fiji’s military and security forces, there had been little investment in independent journalism and accountability.
“I have no problem with the funding to the military – they deserve the money they get to secure our country and protect our borders, but it must be also reminded that they have killed people in custody, committed human rights abuses and even taken over the government.”
“Where is the funding for those who try to hold them accountable?”
“We are being given crumbs and peanuts.”
He also criticised Australia’s response during years when Fiji media organisations faced censorship, intimidation and economic pressure under the Bainimarama government.
“When we were being beaten, threatened and censored, and almost closing down due to political and economic pressure – where was Australian support for the Fiji media?”
“Did they keep quiet because they wanted to be friends with the Bainimarana government and stop them from getting close to China?”
Simpson said media organisations received training programnes but little direct support for equipment or newsroom development.
“All we got was a few supporting words here and there and training programmes, support for our coordinator position, but no real equipment, funding and investment.”
He said Australian-funded programmes at times failed to consult local journalists on what they actually needed.
“Around 2018-2019 we stopped attending media training programmes the Australians were organising without consulting us.”
“They even tried to launch ‘A Parliamentary Reporting Guide for Fijian Journalists’ without consulting Fijian journalists.”
“We said ‘no more.’”
Simpson acknowledged improvements in engagement through the PACMAS programme, including support for the Fiji Media Association’s operations and targeted training.
“The response was positive, and we have worked well with PACMAS since then.”
“They helped the FMA get back on its feet with support for audits, and a coordinator post – a huge help for a group run by volunteers with already stressed-out full-time jobs.”
But he said repeated requests for equipment and infrastructure support were rejected.
“We were told, unfortunately that can’t be done by PACMAS as it is not within its scope.”
“We have to talk to Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or the High Commissioner in Fiji or to the people making the decisions in Canberra.”
Simpson revealed that about two years ago the FMA was offered AUD$700,000 in support but turned it down because the package focused mainly on training through Australian organisations.
“I was so excited until we looked properly and saw that it was $700,000 (US$499,863) in more training, done by Australian organisations and consultants and none of it for equipment or directly enhancing Fiji media.”
“The FMA rejected it.”
“If its just training and not coming with equipment, its not meeting our needs.”
“After we made the decision, we pinched ourselves and asked, ‘Did we really just reject $700,000 (US$499,863)?’”
“And the answer was Yes. Because we want funding that makes a real difference and meets our needs.”
Simpson said there had been some progress through newer content funding initiatives, particularly the ABC International Development (ABCID) Content Fund managed by PACMAS.
“The ABCID Content Fund managed by PACMAS is a great representation of something we have long asked for.”
“Funding for Pacific made content and programmes, with collaboration and advice support from Australian partners, and importantly – 40 percent of funding can go towards equipment.”
He highlighted Mai TV’s The Brunch Show as an example of how targeted investment could strengthen Pacific media.
“With equipment funded from that (cameras, software etc less than 100k(US$50,000)) we are able to cross Live to Labasa, Nadi, Dubai, Vancouver, Sydney and PNG.”
“An example of how investment in the right areas can go a long way and make real impact.”
Simpson warned that Pacific media organisations would continue to seek support elsewhere if Australia and New Zealand failed to respond properly.
“If there is no support, we will have to find ways to survive on our own.”
“Australia and NZ are always our first choice but there are also other partners we can look to for support. Including China.”
“But Australia and NZ are the media landscape and democracy we aim to emulate.”
“We can’t just keep repeating ourselves,” said Simpson…. PACNEWS
PAC – MEDIA: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Mon 25 May 2026
USP Journalism head says Pacific Media aid driven by geopolitics
SUVA, 25 MAY 2026 (PACNEWS) — The head of Journalism at the University of the South Pacific (USP) says media aid in the Pacific is shaped more by geopolitics and donor interests than long-term support for local journalism.
Dr Shailendra Bahadur Singh, Associate Professor in Pacific Journalism and head of USP Journalism, made the comments while reacting to concerns raised by Fijian Media Association (FMA) General Secretary, Stanley Simpson over Australian support for Pacific media.
“The political economy of media aid in the Pacific and the boomerang aid effect,” Dr Singh said.
“Stanley’s outburst is a reminder that aid is neither neutral, nor charitable, not for the sake of democracy alone. Even media aid comes with strings attached, regardless of who the donor is or what they claim.”
Dr Singh said donor priorities and regional politics influence where funding goes and what type of journalism is supported.
“Aid is tied to donor agendas, geopolitics, and soft power, which shape what kind of journalism is supported and whose voices are amplified.”
He highlighted regional media development programmes and questioned the lack of support for journalism schools despite high staff turnover in Pacific newsrooms.
“Take PACMAS: The Pacific has amongst the highest journalist attrition rate in the world. Young graduates are often called on to fill vacant roles. Yet there is zero support for journalism schools.”
“Much of this aid is about geopolitics (read China) rather than long-term capacity building, otherwise journalism schools wouldn’t be zero consideration.”
Dr Singh said media development organisations are working within funding and political constraints.
“Media development organisations have to prioritise their scare, funds, and geopolitics is at the top of the priority list. They want the best bang for their dollar and journalism schools do not rank highly.”
He said USP Journalism had also experienced disappointment after applying for regional media funding.
“We thought media capacity building organisations are foresighted. But if we knew geopolitics we would not have wasted our time or their time applying to the much-heralded Indo-Pacific fund.”
Dr Singh acknowledged concerns about Pacific media becoming too dependent on foreign funding but said the region’s small media markets face major financial limitations.
“Australia, quite rightly does not want Pacific media to become overdependent on funding. But that is hard in the small, micro media systems of the Pacific where there are no economies of scale and critical mass simply do not exist.”
“In the bigger scheme of things, student journalism doesn’t even enter the equation.”
Quoting veteran Pacific journalist Kalafi Moala, Dr Singh said Pacific media organisations often have little choice when seeking support.
“To paraphrase the remarks of a doyen of Pacific journalism, Kalafi Moala, at our 2024 Pacific international media conference, when you are drowning, you will grab any hand that is outstretched.”
“You don’t care whether it is China, Australia, or America,” said Dr Singh…. PACNEWS
UN – NUKE TREATY: UN NEWS CENTRE PACNEWS 2: Mon 25 May 2026
Review of landmark nuclear treaty breaks up without consensus, raising arms race fears
NEW YORK, 25 MAY 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) — After four weeks of negotiations at UN Headquarters in New York, the 11th Review Conference of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) ended on Friday without consensus on a final declaration.
It wasn’t until nine on Friday evening that Ambassador Do Hung Viet, the President of the conference, and Izumi Nakamitsu, the UN disarmament chief, finally began speaking at a press conference to give their thoughts on the latest failure of Member States to agree on measures to modernise the NPT, which, whilst seen as the cornerstone of international nuclear disarmament efforts, is over fifty years old.
Clearly weary and hungry (he had managed to grab a croissant for lunch, several hours earlier) after his ultimately fruitless attempts to get the fourth draft of the outcome document over the line, Ambassador Viet nevertheless gave lengthy answers to the journalists who stayed late to hear from him and Nakamitsu.
Ambassador Viet hailed the “sincere and meaningful engagement” of the conference delegates but admitted his disappointment at their inability to find consensus and seize the opportunity to make the world a safer place.
It has now been sixteen years since the commitments made at the 1970 Treaty adoption have been reaffirmed or strengthened at a Review Conference, and the next one won’t take place until 2031.
In the meantime, concerns about a nuclear arms race continue to grow, as arsenals are modernised and the total number of weapons increases.
“The current international environment, which is marked by deep tensions and an elevated risk posed by nuclear weapons, demands very urgent action,” warned Ambassador Viet.
“A substantive outcome would have strengthened the Treaty and advanced its objectives,” he said, “but in the absence of such an outcome, I am concerned for the future health of the Treaty.”
Nakamitsu said that the States parties to the Treaty need to take the three consecutive failures very seriously if they want to preserve the regime.
“Non-proliferation and disarmament are two sides of the same coin,” she said in an appeal to nuclear-weapon States.
“It is simply wrong for them to assume that non-proliferation obligations will be upheld without their own commitment to, and implementation of, disarmament obligations.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his disappointment at the inability of the conference to reach consensus, in a statement released on Friday.
While he welcomed the sincere and meaningful engagement by States parties, he regretted that the conference fell short, especially at a time of such pressing challenges that threaten international security.
Guterres appealed to all States to make full use of all available avenues of dialogue, diplomacy and negotiation to reduce tensions, lower nuclear risks and ultimately eliminate the nuclear threat…. PACNEWS
PAC – DISASTER RESPONSE: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Mon 25 May 2026
FEMA approves US$1.3 million for disaster recovery and resilience projects in Pacific communities
OAKLAND, 25 MAY 2026 (PACNEWS) — The United States Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved more than US$1.3 million in disaster recovery and resilience funding for projects in American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Hawaii and the Havasupai Tribe.
FEMA said the funding will support recovery efforts, repairs to public infrastructure and projects aimed at strengthening communities against future disasters.
“FEMA announced the approval of over US$1.3 million in post-disaster funding for Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program projects in American Samoa, Havasupai Tribe, Northern Mariana Islands and Hawaii,” FEMA said in a statement.
The agency said the funding is aimed at helping states, tribes and territories rebuild stronger and safer communities.
“These programnes empower states, local communities, tribes and territories to recover to rebuild more resilient, safer communities and protect infrastructure from future events.”
FEMA said the latest approvals include more than US$1.1 million under its Public Assistance program for Hawaii, the Havasupai Tribe and American Samoa.
“With this funding, President Donald J. Trump is keeping his promise to reform federal disaster support and ensure that taxpayer money is spent only on projects that deliver safety and security to the American people.”
The approved projects include repairs to damaged infrastructure, restoration of public facilities and reimbursements linked to disaster response and public health measures.
Examples of the funding include “more than US$500,000 to the Havasupai Tribe to repair tribal parks, public utilities, and other facilities damaged by flooding in October 2024.”
American Samoa will receive “nearly US$325,000 to reimburse the LBJ Tropical Medical Centre for health care facility costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Hawaii will also receive “more than US$191,000 to the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency for costs associated with preventing the spread of COVID-19.”
FEMA also approved more than US$197,000 under its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for the Northern Mariana Islands.
The funding “will fund generators and emergency power at the American Red Cross Building.”
According to FEMA, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program helps governments and territories reduce future disaster risks through projects such as improving drainage systems, protecting against floods, upgrading utilities and strengthening infrastructure.
“The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program empowers state, local and territory governments as well as Tribal Nations take proactive mitigation measures,” FEMA said.
The agency said it continues to work directly with states and territories on hazard mitigation and disaster recovery efforts.
“This aligns with FEMA’s principles of ensuring that disaster recovery and mitigation is state-led and federally supported.”
FEMA said the projects are part of wider disaster recovery assistance being provided across affected communities.
FEMA continues to renew its commitment to help communities recover from disasters like hurricanes, severe storms, tornadoes and wildfires while making them more resilient from future disasters…. PACNEWS
UN- NUKE TREATY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Mon 25 May 2026
Australia disappointed as nuclear non-proliferation treaty talks fail to reach consensus
NEW YORK/CANBERRA, 25 MAY 2026 (PACNEWS) — The Australian Government says it is disappointed that the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of nuclear weapons (NPT) failed to reach a consensus outcome after four weeks of negotiations in New York.
Australia said the inability to agree on a final outcome comes at a critical time for global security and nuclear disarmament efforts.
“The Australian Government is disappointed that the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) did not reach a consensus outcome,” the Australian government said in a statement.
Australia said the international community needs a stronger global framework to address nuclear threats.
“Now more than ever, the world needs a strong, well-functioning nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime with the NPT as its cornerstone.”
The statement said negotiations failed to secure agreement across the treaty’s three main pillars.
“After four weeks of negotiations, parties were regrettably unable to reach an agreed outcome across the treaty’s three pillars – disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.”
Despite the lack of agreement, Australia said the conference still provided an important opportunity for dialogue among member states.
“Despite the lack of consensus, the Review Conference still allowed for valuable direct dialogue at a critical time, highlighting areas of common interest and the importance of continued cooperation to advance the NPT’s objectives.”
Australia also acknowledged the efforts of Vietnam, which chaired the conference.
“We thank Vietnam for presiding over the Conference and for Ambassador Do Hung Viet’s intensive efforts to reach consensus at this critical time for international security.”
The government reaffirmed its support for the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, describing it as central to global security.
“Australia is steadfast in its support of the NPT. It continues to deliver tangible security benefits for our country and the broader international community.”
Australia said it remains committed to the goal of eliminating nuclear weapons.
“We want to see progress towards a world without nuclear weapons.”
The statement said Australia would continue working with international partners to strengthen the treaty and advance its implementation.
“Australia will continue to make constructive contributions and work with others to strengthen and implement the NPT…. PACNEWS
UN – CLIMATE CHANGE/ELECTRICITY: CLIMATE HOME PACNEWS 2: Mon 25 May 2026
Electrification emerges as COP31 priority
COPENHAGEN, 25 MAY 2026 (CLIMATE HOME) — The Turkish and Australian COP31 host governments and the International Renewable Energy Agency have called for a stronger global push to run vehicles, industry and buildings on electricity rather than fossil fuels, ahead of this year’s COP31 climate talks.
COP31 President Murat Kurum told the Copenhagen Climate Ministerial last Wednesday that governments should be “decarbonising the way we generate electricity but also expanding electrification into every sphere of life”.
“We must make the technologies of the future accessible at scale – and we must ensure that no one is left behind,” he told the gathering of climate diplomats and ministers from around 40 countries in the Danish capital.
Kurum said that the percentage of final energy consumption which is met by electricity – the key metric of electrification, which is currently around 20 percent globally – should be increased “as much as we possibly can”.
The head of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Francesco La Camera, also addressed the Copenhagen gathering. While his comments to ministers were not public, IRENA released a statement ahead of the talks calling for a goal to increase electricity’s share of final energy consumption to 35 percent by 2035.
The two officials did not reference the war with Iran and the price hikes in oil and gas as a result of related supply disruptions, but UN and other leaders have used this as an argument in favour of transitioning away from planet-heating fossil fuels towards clean, domestically produced renewables.
“The world must adapt to a new energy reality,” La Camera said in the IRENA statement.
“Beyond the goals of tripling renewables and doubling energy efficiency [by 2030] lies the wider challenge of transforming entire energy systems and reducing fossil fuel use across supply and demand. Electrification and fossil fuel phase-out are inseparable and must advance together.”
He said electrification, which can be achieved through technologies like electric heat pumps, vehicles and cookers, will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy security and bolster economic competitiveness.
A new “transitioning away from fossil fuels” roadmap released by IRENA says this 35 percent by 2035 electrification goal is vital if the world is to “remain” on a pathway to limit global warming to 1.5C. Electrification should reach at least 50 percent by 2050, it adds.
To enable this goal to be met, the amount of money invested in power grids each year should double from US$0.5 trillion in 2025 to around US$1 trillion each year until 2035. Significant investment in electricity storage and demand flexibility is also needed, the roadmap says.
Clémence Dubois, campaigns manager for green group 350.org, welcomed Kurum’s remarks but added that electrification and energy justice should be funded through large, developed countries taxing the windfall profits of fossil fuel companies.
Also on Wednesday, Australian climate minister and COP31 President of Negotiations Chris Bowen met with the EU’s energy commissioner Dan Jørgensen.
An official summary of the meeting said they discussed electrification “as one of the most powerful policies available to reduce exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets and improve energy security”.
The statement says they “agreed to work together on a new global initiative on electrification””. It is not yet clear whether the Turkish government, or the Australian government, which is tasked with leading the COP31 negotiations, will attempt to get all countries to agree to an electrification goal at November’s climate summit in Antalya.
If so, such a goal could be collectively endorsed by all nations in a COP decision, as with the COP28 targets to triple renewables capacity and double the rate of growth in energy efficiency, both by 2030. Where there is narrower support, other goals have been voluntarily launched at COPs, backed by coalitions of countries, including pledges to boost nuclear energy, biofuels and grid investment.
A source with knowledge of Türkiye’s priorities confirmed that electrification is important to the COP31 host, alongside energy storage, energy security, clean cooking and resilient and clean energy systems…. PACNEWS
FIJI – ELECTION/POLITICS: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 2: Mon 25 May 2026
Former Fiji elections chief sounds warning
SUVA, 25 MAY 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — Former Fiji Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem has questioned the Electoral Commission’s preparedness for the next General Election, warning that delays in declaring the official campaign period could undermine voter protection and electoral fairness.
In a strongly worded statement on his social media page, Saneem said the Electoral Commission should urgently focus on its constitutional responsibilities, particularly the declaration of the official campaign period.
“The Electoral Commission should urgently pay attention to its primary role under the Constitution,” Saneem said.
He noted that political actors are legally entitled to an official 30-day campaign period before the earliest date the Writ for a General Election can be issued.
“By not declaring the campaign period on the earliest possible date, is the Electoral Commission doing a disservice to the voters and the political parties?” he questioned.
“What is the rationale for a lesser period? Several campaign offences are dependent on this declaration — they must protect the voters.”
Saneem said the earliest permissible declaration date was 24 May 2026 and argued that every day of delay weakened enforcement of key electoral protections.
“Every day the Commission delays beyond that date is a day on which vote buying can occur undetected and unpunished,” he said, referring to provisions under the Electoral Act.
He also claimed that foreign-funded organisations could continue participating in political activities unchecked, while the use of State resources for political advantage would remain outside enforceable campaign restrictions until the campaign period is formally declared.
Saneem further warned that racially or religiously offensive campaign material could circulate without sanction and said financial disclosure obligations linked to campaign commitments had also not yet been triggered.
He raised concerns over the lack of publicly available updated voter demographic data, questioning the transparency of current electoral preparations.
“My research also does not show any latest data on voter population in Fiji. What are the demographics?” he asked.
Saneem also argued that delayed campaign activation disadvantaged opposition parties and challengers.
“When the challengers are not given enough preparation time, you will have such bold statements from the incumbents,” he said.
He concluded by expressing concern over overall election readiness.
“Frankly speaking, the Electoral Commission and its Elections Office do not show any positive signs of election readiness should the gavel drop on 24 June 2026,” Saneem said…. PACNEWS
NAURU – MOVIE: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 2: Mon 25 May 2026
Navigating conflicts and compassion: Nauru launches its first movie
YAREN, 25 MAY 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — Nauru’s first short feature film, “Far End of the Sea,” which premiered on 15 May, has officially launched on YouTube.
A film by Pleasant Island Productions, “Far End of the Sea” is a heartwarming drama that navigates conflicts, love and compassion. It follows the unlikely bond that develops overnight between two strangers from different backgrounds who speak different languages.
Shot across seven locations in Nauru, the film takes the viewer to an idyllic paradise with crystal-blue waters, white sand and lush green forests, forming what the British sea captain John Fearn called “Pleasant Island” in 1798.
While the movie is a work of fiction set in the 1800s, it is grounded in historical context and offers a snippet of Nauru’s culture and friendliness.
“Far End of the Sea” tells the story of Scottish sailor Hamish MacKay, who is shipwrecked on the island and held captive by Adiben, an islander who is banished from his tribe for his “strange” behaviour after losing his wife. Adiben initially sees Hamish as the key to getting back into the village, but empathy sets in. In the end, they discover they have a lot in common despite language and cultural barriers.
Melbourne-based actor Jamie Coffa plays Hamish. His previous credits include “The Legend of Ben Hall” and the TV miniseries “Gallipoli.” Nauruan actor Cramer Cain plays Adiben. Supporting roles are played by Australia’s Sophie McAsey and local acting debutants Redrose Tamakin and Brav Dowabobo.
Coffa, who produced the film alongside Cain and Nauruan Yannick Detsiogo, said he wrote the script after spending his formative years growing up in Nauru.
“Nauru is a very special place to me, and it’s been a long-time dream of mine to create a project that celebrates Nauruan language, culture and history. I wanted to do something for a place that gave me so much growing up,” Coffa said…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
PAC – FISHERIES: FFA PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 25 May 2026
Pacific nations unite to strengthen fisheries surveillance through operation Tui Moana 2026
HONIARA, 25 MAY 2026 (FFA) — Pacific Island countries have once again demonstrated the power of regional cooperation in protecting the region’s valuable fisheries resources following the successful completion of Operation Tui Moana 2026 (OPTM26), a three-week coordinated fisheries surveillance operation spanning vast areas of the Pacific Ocean.
Led by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), the operation brought together fisheries, maritime and law enforcement personnel from across the region to strengthen efforts against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and other transnational maritime crimes.
Conducted from 04 – 22 May 2026, Operation Tui Moana involved the participation of Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga and Tuvalu, with support from Pacific Quad (P-QUAD) partners Australia, New Zealand, France and the United States, alongside regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) partners.
The operation involved FFA Members and Pacific Quad (P-QUAD) partners Australia, New Zealand, France and the United States, alongside regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) partners using tools like the FFA Regional Surveillance.
The operation covered the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of 10 Pacific Island countries and adjacent high seas areas within the Western and Central Pacific Ocean, combining maritime patrols, aerial surveillance, intelligence analysis and compliance monitoring to identify and deter potential fisheries violations.
During OPTM26, authorities conducted 61 vessel inspections at sea and in port and verified more than 200 vessel detections across the area of operation.
Intelligence and surveillance activities also identified four vessels of interest and led to two apprehensions linked to suspected fisheries-related offences, including concerns involving vessel monitoring system (VMS) non-reporting, unauthorised bunkering and transhipment activities, and logsheet reporting compliance. Investigations and enforcement actions remain ongoing under national and regional processes.
FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop said the operation highlighted the strength of Pacific solidarity and the region’s shared commitment to safeguarding its ocean resources.
“As we conclude Operation Tui Moana 2026, I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to all Members, partners and everyone who contributed to the success of this multilateral operation. Over the past three weeks, we have once again demonstrated the strength of regional solidarity and collective action in protecting our fisheries resources and strengthening the Pacific’s fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing and other associated transnational crimes,” he said.
“Operation Tui Moana 2026 has been a powerful demonstration of intelligence-led, cooperative fisheries surveillance in action across a vast area spanning 10 Exclusive Economic Zones.”
Pakop said the success of OPTM26 was made possible through the strong cooperation among participating Members and partners, whose willingness to share information, assets and expertise continues to strengthen regional fisheries compliance and enforcement efforts.
A key feature of OPTM26 was the extensive use of intelligence-led surveillance and maritime domain awareness tools to monitor vessel activity across the region.
Participating countries received daily intelligence briefings, risk assessments and vessel activity analyses, supported by satellite monitoring and remote sensing technologies that enabled authorities to detect and track potentially suspicious activity in near real-time.
At the heart of OPTM26 was the FFA Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC) in Honiara, where 21 secondees from Member countries, partner agencies and MCS organisations worked side by side to coordinate intelligence gathering, operational planning and surveillance activities throughout the three-week deployment.
Operational assets included six Guardian Class Patrol Boats from participating Pacific Island countries, supported by the United States Coast Guard and French Navy. Aerial surveillance missions were conducted with assistance from the Australian Defence Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force, United States Coast Guard and regional surveillance aircraft operating under bilateral fisheries surveillance arrangements.
Operation Tui Moana is a core component of FFA’s regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) programme and is implemented under the Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Strategy. The operation also strengthened cooperation under the Niue Treaty Subsidiary Agreement (NTSA) through coordinated surveillance activities, joint boarding exercises and enhanced intelligence sharing among participating countries.
As Pacific fisheries face increasingly sophisticated compliance challenges, regional operations such as Tui Moana continue to play a critical role in ensuring that fisheries are managed sustainably and that the economic benefits derived from the region’s tuna resources remain with Pacific people.
The operation supports the vision of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, reaffirming the region’s commitment to collective action, regional security and the sustainable management of one of the world’s most valuable tuna fisheries.
The outcomes from Operation Tui Moana 2026 will now contribute to ongoing investigations, compliance processes and future regional fisheries enforcement initiatives coordinated by FFA and its Members…PACNEWS
PNG – CURRENCY: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 25 May 2026
Costs higher due to low value of PNG Kina: ANZ Economist
PORT MORESBY, 25 MAY 2026 (THE NATIONAL) — The value of the Papua New Guinea Kina against the Australia dollar and other currencies is significant low, therefore, the cost of imports is higher and are reflected in the retail prices of goods and services, says ANZ economist Kishti Sen.
Australia New Zealand Bank Pacific senior economist Sen told The National that PNG had options outside of fiscal policy (government support payments), to take the pressure off inflation and lessen the burden of costs for households and businesses.
Sen said that stabilising the Kina rested with monetary policy in the form of Kina valuation.
He said that a lower value of the Kina would increase the cost of landed goods in PNG and added to price inflation.
“The monetary policy committee could consider stabilising the Kina to ease affordability pressures,” he said.
Sen added that the Kina, depreciation against the Australian dollar (AUD), has been faster than the decline in value against the United States dollar (USD).
That is because interest rates in Australia are going up while US rates are on hold and likely to go down.
“That means investors looking for better returns are ploughing their money into Australian dollar assets which in turn is pushing the AUD higher against the USD,” he said.
“In fact, the currencies of PNG’s other trading partners such as the Euro and NZD are also gaining ground against the USD.”
Sen said that situation could be reversed by holding the Kina at the current rate.
“Better still, revalue the Kina at 24 cents (US$0.05cents) against the USD,” he said.
Sen said that commercial flows boosted by gold prices were the highest it had been in years.
“With gold prices expected to reach US$6,000 (about K25,200) per ounce, foreign direct investment picking up, agriculture export volumes higher, commercial flows will remain high for the rest of the year,” he said.
“This will keep downward pressure on the backlog.
“The market is doing its thing.
“Ultimately, the decision on the value of Kina rests with the monetary policy committee of the Bank of Papua New Guinea,” Sen said…. PACNEWS
PALAU – COURTS/THEFT: ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 25 May 2026
Former Angaur Governor charged with misconduct, theft over Japan grant funds
KOROR, 25 MAY 2026 (ISLAND TIMES) — Former Angaur Governor Steven Salii has been charged with two felony offences — misconduct in public office and first-degree theft — along with one misdemeanor count related to audit violations in connection with the handling of Japan Grassroots Grant funds intended for a Palau transportation project in Angaur State.
Court documents show the charges were filed 13 May and stem from the remaining balance of a 2023 grant agreement between Angaur State and the Government of Japan.
The grant provided US$211,500 for the exclusive purpose of purchasing a boat and trailer to transport people between Angaur and Koror.
According to charging documents, an account for the grant funds was opened at Bank of Hawaii on 16 March 2023, under Angaur State, with Salii and Administrator Collector Viviasha K. Moses listed as authorised signers.
In June 2023, Angaur State requested and received approval from the Embassy of Japan to withdraw US$124,806.40 to pay NECO Yamaha for the purchase of the boat.
Court records state that Angaur later requested an extension for completion of the project due to increased material costs delaying the work.
The extension request was also approved, leaving a remaining balance of US$86,693.60 in the account.
Prosecutors allege that between 06 September2023, and 04 December2024, Salii issued 11 cheques totaling US$85,512 from the account. The final cheque, issued 04 December, allegedly withdrew the remaining balance before the account was closed.
According to a police report included in the case, Salii admitted removing the funds from the Bank of Hawaii account but stated that he deposited the money into an Angaur State account at Bank of Guam and used it to support Angaur State operations.
The report further states that Salii admitted one check for US$2,000 was made payable to his private company, Turf Tenders.
An audit conducted by the Office of the Public Auditor found that when auditors traveled to Angaur to review the project, they found no records showing the purchase of a boat using the Japan grant funds. Auditors also reported the absence of state records documenting disbursements and expenditures for fiscal years 2023 and 2024.
The investigation began after newly elected Angaur Governor Natus Misech reported possible violations of state and national laws in February 2025, including alleged financial misconduct involving the Japan Grassroots Grant funds.
Misconduct in public office and first-degree theft are both Class B felonies under Palau law. If convicted, each offence carries a possible prison sentence of one to 10 years and an optional fine of up to US$25,000.
The misdemeanor charge of failure to make proper audit — making false audit reports or failing to produce documents or information — carries a potential penalty of up to three months imprisonment and a fine of up to US$1,000 if convicted…. 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
Why Australia’s cuts to news services in the Indo-Pacific are a failure of soft diplomacy
By Alexandra Wake, Professor, Journalism, RMIT University
CANBERRA, 25 MAY 2026 (THE CONVERSATION) — Australia seems intent on missing a vital opportunity to win the hearts and minds of our neighbours in the Indo-Pacific, particularly Southeast Asia, through its continued refusal to guarantee ongoing funding for transnational news services in the region.
Since the second world war, Australia has provided news services across this geopolitically significant region. Its first incarnation was as a propaganda service promoting the interests of Australia and the British Empire. Later it became a trusted public news service via the national broadcaster, the ABC, and its international arms, Radio Australia and Australia Television.
But over the years, successive governments, and sometimes ABC management, have cut international news services. At times the region has been left with few services.
And yet, each time our Indo-Pacific neighbours seek assistance elsewhere, we act outraged, while continuing to hold inquiries into the importance of engaging with Asia.
The situation has become particularly dire since US President Donald Trump slashed aid, including media aid, across the region. The cuts have left many of our most vulnerable neighbours without access to trusted news sources.
Radio Free Asia was among those hardest hits by Trump’s cuts, although it has since restarted a limited number of services. The other major public media voice, the BBC World Service, is also in a precarious funding position.
At the same time, other countries, including China and Russia, have filled the void: the former with its own brand of news, and the latter with online disinformation designed to destabilise the region.
China has been very active in the media space. It takes journalists on “training” trips to China, offers incentives to newsrooms, and shows off what it calls the world’s largest newsroom through its broadcasting services.
Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong should be applauded for renewing the ABC’s Indo-Pacific Broadcasting Strategy, in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) budget papers. That funding has allowed a range of initiatives, including:
*Establishing a Pacific Local Journalism Network
*Expanding regional reporting across TV, radio and digital platforms
*Growing ABC Asia and ABC Pacific digital and social content
*Increasing Pacific-focused radio programming
*Launching Asia News Week, a weekly pan-Asian current affairs program
*Providing Australian content through local media partners in Timor-Leste and Indonesia.
But the DFAT funding continues to come through her department, not communications. In other words, support for journalism across the region remains limited to a select number of countries at the whim of the foreign minister of the day.
The funding has been renewed for just two years instead of five. This creates uncertainty for program participants and adds to the costs of administration. Moreover, without indexation, the $7 million (US$5 million) a year looks like a real budget cut. That means some of the ABC’s most skilled Pacific journalists do not have the job certainty that others in the corporation can claim.
Significantly, the decision to limit funding, and to fail to shore up its ongoing viability, comes just as ABC Pacific Local Journalism Network reporters Lice Movono (Fiji), Marian Kupu (Tonga) and Chrisnrita Aumanu-Leong (Solomon Islands), working alongside Foreign Correspondent’s Steph March, have shown the importance of this work to Australia in the two-part series, Cartel Paradise: A special investigation into the Pacific’s drug superhighway.
There could be so much more of this kind of reporting if this funding were made core to the ABC, and the mandate extended beyond the Pacific to the broader Indo-Pacific.
International services from the ABC are not an added extra. They are core to the ABC’s charter and, I would argue, to Australia’s national security. It seems absurd this work is not fully funded into the future.
Sensible – and the right thing to do
There are military and strategic reasons to provide quality news and information, in partnership with our neighbours across the region.
But there are also purely altruistic reasons for working with our neighbours, who need critical public information sources in the face of authoritarianism, climate change and severe weather events.
In this new world order, Australia needs to be careful not to continue treating our neighbours as lesser. Understanding we need to be genuine partners, rather than a paternalistic presence, is key to the long-term success of providing news and information across the region.
Australia’s continued support for the ABC’s international efforts seems like a no-brainer. Its 2023 ABC survey across six Pacific nations — Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu — found trust levels approaching 80%, comparable to those in Australia.
Compared with major international broadcasters, including the BBC, CNN and national networks from France, Japan, New Zealand and China, the ABC was the most valued source of news via websites, apps or social media in every market except Fiji, where Al Jazeera was preferred.
That said, the ABC does not always get it right. The region could do with a few more supported voices rather than just the ABC, such as the excellent Benar News Service, which was shut down in the Trump cuts.
Supporting media diversity, including local news outlets, is an easy way to show the region we have shed our colonial past and are genuinely seeking to be partners…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
UN’s climate crisis vote shows political momentum is growing, say experts
Resolution backed by 141 states hailed as ‘new chapter’ that could improve climate diplomacy and litigation efforts
By Isabella Kaminski
NEW YORK, 25 MAY 2026 (THE GUARDIAN) — When the UN general assembly voted overwhelmingly in favour of a landmark climate crisis ruling on Wednesday, the Pacific island of Vanuatu’s prime minister hailed the result as the start of “a new chapter” in climate action.
“The task before all of us now is to translate legal clarity into meaningful action, stronger cooperation, and greater protection for present and future generations,” said Jotham Napat.
The recognition by states that they have a legal responsibility to address climate breakdown by cutting their greenhouse gas emissions, including tackling fossil fuels, could prove a boost for climate diplomacy and litigation, according to experts.
While the international court of justice’s (ICJ) 2025 advisory opinion was at the time hailed as a “historic win” for small island states particularly vulnerable to the effects of the climate crisis, it has so far proved weak as a diplomatic lever.
To try to help it make a difference on the ground, Vanuatu led negotiations on a new UN resolution, a lengthy process that required numerous compromises.
The final version, co-sponsored by 90 countries, urges states to transition away from fossil fuels in a “just, orderly and equitable manner” to reach net zero by 2050, and to phase out “inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that do not address energy poverty or just transitions as soon as possible”.
But the resolution explicitly does not attribute responsibility to any particular state.
Although the final resolution did not achieve the unanimity Vanuatu had sought, 141 countries voted in favour, with 28 abstentions. Eight states voted against it, including some of the world’s biggest producers of oil and gas: the U.S, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Belarus, Iran, Israel, Yemen and Liberia.
The advisory opinion has so far had more impact domestically than diplomatically. Harj Narulla, a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers in London who was counsel for Solomon Islands during the ICJ proceedings, said it had already proved transformative for domestic litigation. “This resolution won’t change that, but it does add great political weight behind the opinion which judges take notice of, even if they won’t say it publicly.”
It may also support domestic lawmakers trying to introduce new legislation and setting climate goals.
Joie Chowdhury, the climate justice and accountability manager at the Centre for International Environmental Law, said: “One of the important spaces where we have already seen uptake of the ICJ’s legal conclusions is in nationally determined contributions. The resolution can further encourage national climate plans to integrate the advisory opinion’s findings.”
But Narulla said the new resolution was likely to have the greatest influence on climate diplomacy. “The international community is showing that Cop is not the only forum that matters and, if progress stalls there, then climate action will be pursued through the general assembly and in other multilateral spaces.”
Rebecca Newsom, the global political lead at Greenpeace International, said the timing of the vote, after the inaugural fossil fuel phaseout conference in Santa Marta, Colombia, last month and the impact of the energy crisis on the fossil fuel industry, showed “political momentum is clearly growing”.
“Governments must now translate this resolution into tangible roadmaps to equitably phase out fossil fuel exploitation, production and consumption,” said Newsom.
Tuvalu is due to host a meeting of world leaders in October, before the Cop31 global climate talks in Turkey the following month. It has also agreed to co-host the second fossil fuel phaseout conference early next year.
Meanwhile the world’s biggest oil and gas producers remain opposed to any suggestion that they have legal obligations to mitigate their greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S, for example, reportedly lobbied to drop the UN resolution altogether.
Before the vote, the U.S Ambassador Tammy Bruce criticised the text for singling out “certain groups for preferential treatment” and making “alarmist political statements, such as the idea that climate change is an unprecedented challenge of civilisational proportions”.
Narulla said these votes against did not meaningfully weaken the resolution. “At this point, we expect large fossil fuel producers like the U.S and Saudi Arabia to oppose any meaningful diplomatic progress on climate change. What’s impressive is that beyond this small group, such an overwhelming majority was secured – including many states wholly dependent on fossil fuels.”
It is worth noting that few states have yet announced specific policies as a result of the advisory opinion, and even some of those voting in favour of the resolution sought to qualify their approval. Australia’s ambassador to the UN, James Larsen, said “states continue to hold differing views on the scope and content of some of those obligations”.
Some aspects of the resolution were less controversial, including a recognition that nations should maintain their statehood and maritime boundaries even if their land disappears underwater…. PACNEWS
