In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — Japan, Palau align on PALM11 and Pacific priorities
2. PNG — PNG PM calls for unity, respect and constitutional process as Parliament begins historic Bougainville discussions
3. TUVALU — Australia reaffirms commitment to Tuvalu during Governor-General’s visit
4. PACIFIC — Pacific Media leaders urge real action on regional collaboration
5. PACIFIC — Pacific broadcasters urged to take ownership of their stories
6. PACIFIC — United States softens China stance but warns allies: no single power will control the Pacific
7. VAN — Vanuatu Police release suspicious yacht
8. SOL — Solomon Islands Opposition leader Sogavare warns against donor dependence in fee- free education policy
9. PALAU — Palau Senate rejects elite Visa Bill after House adds more than $8 million in budget riders
10. FIJI — Fiji Council of Churches raises alarm over missing children reports
11. FIJI — Fiji citizenship was too easy to obtain – Justice Minister Turaga
12. PNG — PNG’s malaria fight uneven
13.C NMI — Attorney general seeks to reopen settled case against former CNMI governor
14. PACNEWS BIZ — Amata pushes for Deep Seabed Mining moratorium near American Samoa
15. PACNEWS BIZ — Vanuatu to recruit 100 more Solomon Islands nurses
16. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji Airways pioneers BRAVE virtual reality leadership training
17. PACNEWS BIZ — Pacific Banking access in focus as World Bank Mission begins in Suva
18. PACNEWS BIZ — FFA opens nominations for Diploma in Fisheries Investigation and Prosecution
19. PACNEWS BIZ — Experts gather in Rome to discuss climate change impacts, adaptation and solutions for agriculture and food systems
20. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — The Pacific Was Always Home – Now Meli is Protecting It
21. PACNEWS DIGEST — CNMI Government can’t spend money the economy doesn’t have
PACIFIC – DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Wed 03 Jun 2026
Japan, Palau align on PALM11 and Pacific priorities
TOKYO, 03 JUNE 2026 (PACNEWS)—Japan has pledged continued support for Palau and closer cooperation ahead of key Pacific regional meetings, following talks between Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu and Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr in Tokyo.
The meeting took place on Tuesday on the sidelines of the Island States Ocean Summit, which is being organised by the Nippon Foundation in Tokyo from 03 – 04 June.
During the meeting, Foreign Minister Motegi reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Palau across a range of sectors.
Minister MotegiI expressed his intention to continue supporting Palau’s efforts across a wide range of fields, while taking into account Palau’s needs, under the vision of the updated FOIP.
The Japanese Foreign Minister also highlighted the importance of working closely with Palau as it prepares to assume the chairmanship of the Pacific Islands Forum.
In addition, Minister Motegi stated that he would like to work closely with Palau, the next chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), toward the success of the 11th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM11), scheduled to be held in Japan next year, and the PALM Ministerial Interim Meeting scheduled to be held prior to that.
President Whipps thanked Japan for its longstanding support and development assistance to Palau.
President Whipps expressed his appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for their contribution to Palau and stated that he is committed to working closely with Japan for further development of “tokubetsu” relations between the two countries.
The meeting highlighted the close relationship between Japan and Palau as both countries prepare for major regional engagements, including PALM11 and discussions on Pacific development and ocean governance….PACNEWS
PNG – POLITICS/INDEPENDENCE STUGGLE: PNG SUN PACNEWS 3: Wed 03 Jun 2026
PNG PM calls for unity, respect and constitutional process as Parliament begins historic Bougainville discussions
PORT MORESBY, 03 JUNE 2026 (PNG SUN)—PNG Prime Minister, James Marape has called on Papua New Guinea to approach the Bougainville question with wisdom, respect, and unity as Parliament begins what he described as one of the most important discussions in the nation’s history.
Speaking in Parliament today during debate on the Bipartisan Committee report on Bougainville, Prime Minister Marape said the country had reached a defining moment in completing a peace process that began more than two decades ago.
“This year marks 25 years since the signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement in 2001 and almost 51 years since our nation’s independence,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“As we celebrate Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary, Parliament now carries the historic responsibility of helping bring this chapter of our shared journey to an important point of conclusion before we move into the next phase together.”
In a statement, Prime Minister Marape thanked members of the Bipartisan Committee for their nationwide consultations and acknowledged both current and past leaders who contributed to the peace process.
He paid tribute to leaders including former Prime Minister late Sir Mekere Morauta, late former Bougainville President Joseph Kabui, current Bougainville President Ismael Toroama, former President John Momis, and many others who contributed to maintaining peace.
Prime Minister Marape said Bougainville’s story and Papua New Guinea’s story were deeply intertwined.
“For better or for worse, Bougainville has always been part of Papua New Guinea’s story,” he said.
“The story of Bougainville and Papua New Guinea cannot be defined by outside powers, colonial boundaries, or international institutions alone. Ultimately, our future will be decided by ourselves.”
Prime Minister Marape reminded Parliament that the Bougainville Peace Agreement had successfully delivered peace for 25 years.
“Since 2001, no guns have been fired in conflict between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea,” he said.
“That achievement alone tells us that peace works and dialogue works.”
He acknowledged the sacrifices made during the Bougainville conflict by civilians, police, defence personnel, resistance fighters, and Bougainvilleans who suffered during the crisis.
“We must reflect honestly on the pain of the past while shaping a future that respects Bougainville aspirations while also preserving peace and stability for everyone.”
Prime Minister Marape stressed that Parliament must approach the issue carefully, particularly regarding security, governance, economic sustainability, and future relationships between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea.
“I speak with both my heart and my mind,” he said.
“My heart understands the aspirations of Bougainville people. My mind tells me we must also carefully consider safety mechanisms, economic sustainability, governance structures, and long-term relationships.”
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed that any future pathway would continue to follow constitutional processes.
“The Constitution is clear,” he said.
“The referendum result matters and must always be respected, but Parliament must also make decisions in accordance with constitutional provisions and through consultation.”
He reminded Parliament that Section 342 of the Constitution requires continued consultation and dialogue before, during, and after parliamentary decisions.
Prime Minister Marape also reassured Bougainville leaders that peaceful solutions would continue to guide the process.
“We sent police and defence forces into Bougainville during the crisis years and we know where that led us,” he said.
“We must never return to conflict.”
Prime Minister Marape said no matter what outcome Parliament eventually reaches, relationships between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea must remain strong.
“If Parliament says no, it cannot simply be a no without solutions.”
“If Parliament says yes, it cannot simply be yes without addressing practical realities.”
“We must find solutions that allow our people to continue walking together.”
Prime Minister Marape revealed that discussions between the National Government and Autonomous Bougainville Government had already explored multiple future governance arrangements and relationship models.
“There are many models around the world where nations and territories maintain unique relationships while preserving stability and prosperity,” he said.
“The objective is not division for division’s sake. The objective is lasting peace, prosperity, and dignity.”
Prime Minister Marape also made a personal reflection on his connection to Bougainville.
“If it were not for Bougainville missionaries helping my father as an orphan many years ago, I may not even be standing here today,” he said.
“So when I speak to Bougainville people, I speak not only as Prime Minister, but as family.”
Prime Minister Marape concluded by calling on all Papua New Guineans to approach the coming parliamentary discussions without fear.
“The greatest fear is fear itself,” he said.
“We should not fear this conversation.”
“We must trust our Constitution, trust our leaders, trust our people, and find solutions together.”
The government is expected to formally introduce the government processes relating to Bougainville in Parliament next week.
Prime Minister Marape proposed that parliamentary processes relating to Bougainville be concluded around August 30, 2026, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Bougainville Peace Agreement……PACNEWS
TUVALU – DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS/TUVALU GOVT PACNEWS 3: Wed 03 Jun 2026
Australia reaffirms commitment to Tuvalu during Governor-General’s visit
FUNAFUTI, 03 JUNE 2026 (PACNEWS/TUVALU GOVT)—Tuvalu’s Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Economic Development, Panapasi Nelesone, has highlighted climate change and support for Tuvaluans relocating to Australia as key issues during talks with Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn in Funafuti.
The meeting on Tuesday reaffirmed the close partnership between Tuvalu and Australia, with discussions centred on cooperation under the Falepili Union, climate resilience, development assistance, national security, and support for Tuvaluans settling in Australia.
Nelesone acknowledged Australia’s ongoing support through major initiatives, including the Tuvalu Coastal Adaptation Project (TCAP), the National Security and Coordination Centre, and budget support.
Speaking on the challenges facing the country, Nelesone noted, “Climate change remains the single greatest threat facing our nation. Sea-level rise is not a distant possibility for Tuvalu; it is our lived reality.”
The Acting Prime Minister also shared the experiences of Tuvaluans relocating to Australia under the Falepili mobility pathway, particularly challenges relating to housing and transportation, and welcomed continued cooperation as the programme develops.
In response, Australian Governor-General Mostyn reiterated Australia’s commitment to Tuvalu and reaffirmed the importance of the special partnership between the two countries under the spirit of Falepili….PACNEWS
PAC – ABU MEET: VBTC PACNEWS 3: Wed 03 Jun 2026
Pacific Media leaders urge real action on regional collaboration
PORT MORESBY, 03 JUNE 2026 (VBTC)— Media leaders from across the Pacific are calling for less talk and more action when it comes to regional cooperation, warning that competition for funding, content, and broadcast rights continues to hold the industry back.
At the Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation (VBTC) CEO Francis Herman delivered a frank message, saying Pacific media organisations often make strong commitments at regional meetings but fail to follow through once they return home.
‘Everyone is competing for the same space in the region,” he said, reflecting on nearly five decades in the industry.
“We come to these meetings, we say all the right things, but then nothing really happens after that.”
“Our bigger brothers and sisters… are they actually helping the smaller ones?” he asked, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by smaller national broadcasters trying to stay afloat.
He pointed out that many broadcasters, especially smaller island stations, struggle to afford costly international sports rights, leaving them dependent on limited regional arrangements for events such as rugby and rugby league.
But football rights, he noted, remain out of reach for most Pacific broadcasters due to high costs.
He also referenced examples such as Super Rugby, where regional coordination has successfully delivered access to major sporting content, arguing that similar models should be expanded.
The call by Herman was supported by the CEO of SIBC, Johnson Honimai, General Manager TV, FBC, Sitiveni Halofaki, Managing Director of NBC Papua New Guinea, Kora Nou and CEO of Fiji TV Sunjeewa Perera.
In response, the Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Cooperation of Broadcasters Limited, Natasha Malaisea acknowledged that while cooperation already exists in parts of the region, financial and commercial pressures remain a major challenge.
She said organisations must balance supporting regional access with protecting local market sustainability.
“If the region shows real demand, then we can step in and help make it happen,’ she said.
In a positive development, she announced that Pacific partners are working together to deliver free-to-air coverage of the Commonwealth Games across the region, including a dedicated Pacific-focused feed.
The two days Pacific Media Partnership Conference 2026 is jointly organised by the Asia Broadcasting Union and the National Broadcasting Commission of Papua New Guinea as the host.
This years conference from the 2nd – 3rd of June carries the Theme: Resilient Voices: Empowering Blue Pacific Media…..PACNEWS
PAC – ABU MEET: NBC PNG NEWS PACNEWS 3: Wed 03 Jun 2026
Pacific broadcasters urged to take ownership of their stories
PORT MORESBY, 03 JUNE 2026 (NBC PNG NEWS)—Pacific media leaders have called on broadcasters across the region to take ownership of Pacific stories and share them with the world from a Pacific perspective.
The message was delivered during the Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, where speakers highlighted the importance of ensuring Pacific voices shape the region’s narrative.
NBC Deputy Board Chairman Inau Iduhu, representing ICT Minister Peter Tsiamalili Junior, said Pacific nations must control their own narratives to avoid misrepresentation by others.
“The Blue Pacific identity reflects the region’s shared culture, values and responsibility for the ocean.”
“As media organisations we must strengthen partnerships, increase content sharing and embrace digital transformation while protecting Pacific cultures, languages and traditions,” Iduhu said.
NBC Deputy Managing Director Michael Samuga said one of the key outcomes expected from the conference is greater collaboration among Pacific broadcasters to tell more stories from the region.
‘One key outcome we want to see in this conference is to see pacific journalists and broadcasters take ownership of our own stories and tell the Pacific and to the world.”
Meanwhile, ABU Head of News Indra Singh, representing the ABU Secretary-General, acknowledged the challenges facing Pacific media, including scattered populations, limited infrastructure, climate impacts, digital pressures and declining revenues.
Despite these challenges, Singh commended Pacific media professionals for preserving culture and strengthening communities through their work.
He said building resilience in the media sector will require practical training, sustainable business models and the effective use of technology to maintain public trust.
The conference in Port Moresby and will conclude today….PACNEWS
PAC – DEFENCE: PMN PACNEWS 3: Wed 03 Jun 2026
United States softens China stance but warns allies: no single power will control the Pacific
BANGKOK, 03 JUNE 2026 (PMN)—The United States has signalled a softer tone towards China while still warning Pacific allies that Washington will not accept any single power dominating the region.
Washington’s message comes as strategic tensions and defence pressures continue to shape the Indo-Pacific.
U.S Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth used a major speech at the IISS Asia Security Summit: Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore last week to reassure Pacific island nations of America’s continued commitment to regional stability while stepping back from earlier more forceful language on Beijing.
He told leaders and defence officials that the Pacific remains central to U.S security and economic interests, and said Washington’s priority is maintaining a balanced and stable power structure across the region.
The comments follow a recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where both sides reportedly agreed to pursue a more constructive relationship focused on strategic stability.
Hegseth, who attended that meeting, said both countries would continue to defend their interests but could still reach practical agreements where possible.
Despite the softer tone, he warned that the United States would not accept a regional order dominated by any single power.
“We share a clear-eyed assessment of that security environment and a mutual understanding that a Pacific dominated by any hegemon would unravel the regional balance of power and undermine the equilibrium we all seek to preserve,” Hegseth said.
He also stressed defence spending among allies, saying long-term partnerships must be backed by capability, not rhetoric.
“We need partners, not protectorates,” he said.
Hegseth added that U.S allies understood the need for pragmatic cooperation.
“When our interests diverge, we adjust pragmatically, without the drama or the moralising,” he said.
The shifting US-China dynamic is being closely watched across the Pacific, where smaller nations continue to balance economic ties with Beijing and security partnerships with Washington and its allies.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles, speaking at the same conference, warned that regional stability depends on rules that protect smaller states.
“When the rules apply, smaller states have agency,” Marles said.
“When the rules yield to power, sovereignty becomes, as others have put it, the purview of the powerful, and no state in this room today, whatever its size, is well served by that outcome.”
Official summit records confirm New Zealand Defence Minister Chris Penk attended the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, where he spoke on a major panel examining shifting security pressures in the Indo-Pacific.
Penk, fresh from a NZ$1.5 billion(US$880 million) boost for maritime security in New Zealand’s recent Budget, used the forum to highlight how traditional assumptions about distance and isolation are no longer enough to shield the country from global instability, particularly across sea lanes and trade routes.
He said New Zealand is responding by significantly lifting long-term defence investment, with plans to more than double spending to build a more combat-ready force able to operate closely with international partners.
Penk said the goal is a military that can work in “lockstep” with allies as regional security challenges continue to evolve.
Pacific academics and commentators say the latest U.S-China security signals have renewed a long-running concern in the region: how smaller nations can retain control over their own future amid growing external influence.
They also warn that despite the diplomatic language at global security summits, key decisions are still being shaped behind closed doors by major powers.
While Pacific Island nations have previously been invited to attend the Shangri-La Dialogue in various capacities, there was no formal Pacific Island state voice on the main stage panels this year.
Instead, discussions about the region were largely led by bigger powers including on maritime security and regional balance.
Dr Transform Aqorau, Vice-Chancellor of the Solomon Islands National University, says development decisions across the Pacific are too often shaped away from local communities, even when they directly affect them.
“Too often, those who are closest to the lived realities of our people are pushed to the margins, while external consultants and global companies are placed at the centre of decisions that shape our national future,” Aqorau said.
While his comments were made in the context of education policy, he said the issue reflects a wider regional challenge about sovereignty and influence.
“No country can outsource the formation of its next generation without losing something of itself.”
Tensions over Taiwan also loomed over the discussions. While questions remain about future US policy, Hegseth said there was no change in Washington’s current position on the island.
He said the US remained committed to existing arrangements even as political debate continues over long-term strategy and military support.
Fijian-British political commentator Charlie Charters has compared modern geopolitical engagement in the Pacific with colonial-era decision-making.
Charters referred to the 1889 Berlin Conference and its impact on Sāmoa where global powers divided influence without Pacific representation.
“The Berlin meeting produced the 1889 Tripartite Declaration, cleaving the Sāmoan islands into a German colony [now Sāmoa] and an American one [American Sāmoa]. A disfiguring that continues to this day. No actual Sāmoans were recorded as being present at either meeting,” Charters said.
He said this history remains relevant as Pacific states navigate renewed global interest and strategic competition in the region.
The geopolitical contest for influence in the Pacific continues to play out beyond the Shangri-La Dialogue.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale is this week holding talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Canberra where security, development and regional stability are expected to feature prominently.
The visit underscores Australia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with Pacific partners amid heightened strategic competition in the region.
Wale will also travel to New Zealand for meetings with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, with security, development and regional stability expected to feature prominently.
As Washington and Beijing reshape their relationship, Pacific leaders are watching closely and balancing the need for security cooperation with the economic realities of managing ties with both major powers…..PACNEWS
VAN – YATCH: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS 3: Wed 03 Jun 2026
Vanuatu Police release suspicious yacht
PORT VILA, 03 JUNE 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST)—The foreign yacht that was intercepted by Vanuatu border control authorities last Wednesday night on suspicion of drug possession and trafficking was released during the weekend.
A close source to the police told the Daily Post that the Police Maritime Unit released the vessel after no drugs were found on board following two days of searching.
The yacht was tracked by Australian police, who alerted the Vanuatu Police Force to intercept it about nine miles outside Banana Bay on Efate. The vessel had left Fiji when it was detected in Vanuatu waters and later intercepted.
It is suspected that any drugs may have already been offloaded to another vessel before the yacht was boarded by Vanuatu maritime border control personnel.
The source said police allegedly identified an empty compartment on board, which is suspected to have been used for storing drugs.
The source also said that if RVS Takuare had been deployed, the yacht may have been intercepted before any alleged transfer took place.
RVS Takuare is currently under repair in Australia after running aground on Epi.
In the March 2026 case, police intercepted the yacht Inner Smile, where 1.6 tonnes of cocaine were seized at Havannah Harbour. The drugs were allegedly offloaded at sea between Fiji and Vanuatu before being collected by Inner Smile, which later ran ashore due to waves caused by a low-pressure system at the time….PACNEWS
SOL – POLITICS: SOLOMONS OPPOSITION PACNEWS 3: Wed 03 Jun 2026
Solomon Islands Opposition leader Sogavare warns against donor dependence in fee- free education policy
HONIARA, 03 JUNE 2026 (SOLOMONS OPPOSITION)—Solomon Islands leader of Opposition, Manasseh Sogavare, has warned that any fee-free education policy built on heavy external financing must be approached with great caution, stressing that Solomon Islands must not create a major long-term national obligation that it may later struggle to fund or control on its own.
Sogavare said accessible and affordable education remains an important national objective, but the country must distinguish clearly between short-term donor support and long-term domestic sustainability.
“A responsible government must never confuse start-up assistance with permanent national capacity,” Sogavare said.
“If the proposed fee-free education policy depends heavily on outside support in its early years, then the public has a right to know what happens when that support is reduced, delayed, redirected or withdrawn.”
He said any broad and recurring commitment in education must be assessed not only in terms of public appeal, but also in terms of sovereignty, fiscal independence and long-term national resilience.
“Education is too important to be built on uncertain foundations,” he said.
“If Solomon Islands adopts a large and expensive recurrent policy without a credible long-term domestic funding plan, then future governments may be forced either to borrow heavily, cut other essential services, or retreat from commitments already made to families.”
Sogavare cautioned that heavy reliance on donor-backed programmes can, over time, expose countries to external policy influence, shifting priorities, and strategic vulnerability.
“The question is not whether development partners can assist. The real question is whether Solomon Islands will still be able to sustain and control this policy in five years or ten years’ time without compromising its own priorities,” he said.
He said the Government must therefore state plainly whether it has a domestic revenue strategy to support the policy over the long term, and whether any external support comes with expectations or dependencies that could shape future decisions.
Sogavare also noted that the country already has a legal and regulatory framework for school fees and hardship protection under the Education Act 2023 and the Education Regulations 2024.
He said the proper course is to strengthen and enforce that framework, improve support for vulnerable families, and increase investment in school quality and infrastructure before committing the nation to a large new funding obligation that may depend on continuing foreign assistance.
“The first task of government is to prove it can sustain the system we already have, strengthen the protections that are already in law, and improve the quality of education across the country,” he said.
“Only then should it ask the nation to assume a much larger and more permanent financial responsibility.”
Sogavare said that without a transparent and credible long-term funding strategy, the policy risks becoming politically popular in the short term but economically destabilising in the future.
“We all support education,” he said.
“But true leadership requires more than making attractive promises. It requires protecting the country’s long-term fiscal independence, preserving national policy autonomy, and ensuring that today’s commitments do not become tomorrow’s crisis.” …. PACNEWS
PALAU – ELITE VISA BILL: ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 3: Wed 03 Jun 2026
Palau Senate rejects elite Visa Bill after House adds more than $8 million in budget riders
KOROR, 03 JUNE 2026 (ISLAND TIMES) —Palau Senate has rejected a House-amended Elite Visa bill after lawmakers attached more than US$8 million in new spending items to the legislation.
“It is our duty as elected representatives to properly scrutinise and address any budget appropriation, rather than just rubber stamp a bill,” Sen. Seigfried Nakamura said as the Senate voted to reject a House-amended version of the Elite Visa bill carrying more than US$8 million in budget riders.
The Senate struck down Senate Bill No. 12-41, HD3, after the legislation returned from the House with 12 budget-related amendments attached to the original Elite Visa measure.
The amendments altered portions of the Fiscal Year 2026 Unified Budget Act and included additional appropriations totaling more than US$8 million.
The Senate rejected the House version of the bill, setting the stage for both chambers to enter conference committee negotiations to resolve their differences.
Nakamura, one of the original sponsors of the Elite Visa bill, said the budget riders were added shortly before the House approved the measure. He argued that significant appropriations and budget amendments should be reviewed independently rather than attached to unrelated legislation.
“It is our duty as elected representatives to do our job, to properly scrutinize and address any budget appropriation, rather than just rubber stamp a bill,” Nakamura said.
He added that President Surangel Whipps Jr should submit a supplemental budget request containing the proposed expenditures instead of having Congress approve them through legislative riders.
The House amendments included appropriations of:
*US$30,000 for Micronesian Legal Services
*US$100,000 for the President’s Office
*US$400,000 for the Compact Review Advisory Group, a new funding item
*US$100,000 for the Bureau of School Operations
*US$300,000 for the Office of the Attorney General
*US$100,000 for the Bureau of Public Safety
*Approximately US$2.8 million for the Ministry of Health and Human Services, including public health, clinical services and the Severely Disabled Fund
*US$140,000 for the Bureau of Marine Transportation
*US$1.6 million for debt service
*US$1.275 million for the Palau Public Utilities Corp. lifeline subsidy programme
*US$510,000 for the Belau Games, a new funding item
*US$25,000 for Palau Major League, a new funding item
*US$175,000 for an Angaur State boat
*US$415,000 for the FY 2023 national audit
Senators advocating for a supplemental budget review pointed to the Republic’s Second Quarter Financial Report submitted by the Ministry of Finance.
According to the report, Executive Branch agencies had spent an average of 40 percent of their annual budgets during the first half of the fiscal year.
Lawmakers noted that most ministries had used less than half of their authorized spending halfway through the fiscal year and questioned why additional appropriations were being requested.
“The reason we demand that they submit a supplemental budget is so that we can conduct oversight with these agencies to find out what changed, what is new that needed funding,” another senator said. “It is irresponsible for us to just pass the US$8 million for expenditure just because we are told to do so.”
The conference committee is expected to determine whether the budget provisions remain attached to the Elite Visa legislation or are addressed separately through a supplemental budget process….PACNEWS
FIJI – MISSING CHILDREN: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Wed 03 Jun 2026
Fiji Council of Churches raises alarm over missing children reports
SUVA, 03 JUNE 2026 (PACNEWS)—The Fiji Council of Churches has expressed deep concern over the growing number of reports of missing children aged between 13 and 16, calling for stronger community action to protect young people.
Fiji Council of Churches General Secretary Reverend Sepiuta Hala’api’api said churches across the country were grieving alongside families facing fear and uncertainty.
“The Fiji Council of Churches expresses deep pastoral concern over the increasing reports of missing children between the ages of 13–16 in Fiji. As churches, we mourn with families living with fear, uncertainty, and heartbreak during these difficult moments,” she said in a statement.
Reverend Hala’api’api said children must be protected and supported by families, communities and institutions.
“Our children are precious gifts from God, entrusted into our care, protection, and love. Their disappearance reminds us of the urgent need to strengthen our homes, communities, and support systems so that our young people may feel safe, heard, valued, and guided.”
He said many young people were facing serious challenges, including emotional struggles, violence, neglect, online dangers and isolation.
“In a time where many youths face emotional struggles, social pressures, violence, neglect, online dangers, and feelings of isolation, the Church is called to respond not with judgment, but with compassion, presence, prayer, and action.”
The Council called on parents, guardians, churches, schools, community leaders and authorities to work together to safeguard children and support affected families.
“The Fiji Council of Churches calls upon parents, guardians, churches, schools, community leaders, and authorities to work together in protecting and nurturing our children. We encourage our communities to remain vigilant, supportive, and responsible, especially in the use of social media, ensuring that affected families and children are treated with dignity and care.”
Rev. Hala’api’api said the Council continued to pray for the safe return of every missing child and for strength for their families.
“We continue to pray for the safe return of every missing child, for comfort and strength for grieving families, and for God’s wisdom upon all those involved in the search and response efforts.”
He also urged the nation to build safer communities where children feel protected and valued.
“May we as a nation become a safer, more compassionate, and more attentive community where every child knows they are loved, protected, and never forgotten.”
FIJI – CITIZENSHIP: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 3: Wed 03 Jun 2026
Fiji citizenship was too easy to obtain – Justice Minister Turaga
SUVA, 03 JUNE 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—Fiji’s Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga says Fiji’s previous citizenship pathway was too easily accessible, warning that some foreign nationals could qualify for citizenship after only a few years in the country through successive work permit extensions.
Speaking in Parliament last Thursday during debate on the Immigration (Amendment) Bill 2026, Passports (Amendment) Bill 2026 and Citizenship of Fiji (Amendment) Bill 2026, Turaga said the issue first came to his attention while serving at the Ministry of Home Affairs.
“When I was in the Ministry of Home Affairs, something came to my attention. It takes only one person from China, who comes with a work permit to have his work permit extended twice to qualify to be a Fiji citizen.”
Turaga said the process had been overly generous and vulnerable to exploitation.
“It was so easy, we gave it away.”
He welcomed provisions in the proposed legislation that introduce a permanent residency pathway before citizenship can be considered.
“However, we understand that we note from here that there is a process – PR. I thank the honourable Minister and his team.”
The Acting Attorney-General said Fiji’s attractiveness as a destination meant immigration policies needed to be carefully managed.
“Given our lucrative, our very attractive location, people come here for that sole purpose.”
Turaga also highlighted concerns over the growing number of foreign workers in Fiji.
“One of the problems we face nowadays is our foreign workers. This is a real issue.”
He noted that immigration laws often require frequent updates to address changing migration patterns and emerging challenges.
“Immigration laws are one piece of legislation that changes faster than any other laws.”
Drawing on international examples, Turaga pointed to recent changes in New Zealand’s immigration settings.
“I understand in New Zealand last year, they have changed the Immigration laws because a lot of Fiji citizens, the ladies, used to go and give birth in New Zealand for the purpose of citizenship.”
“But they have changed that. Maybe that is something that we can look at.”
The amendments form part of a broader package of immigration, passport and citizenship reforms currently before Parliament, aimed at strengthening oversight of migration pathways and citizenship eligibility in Fiji….PACNEWS
PNG – HEALTH: TVWAN PACNEWS 3: Wed 03 Jun 2026
PNG’s malaria fight uneven
PORT MORESBY, 03 JUNE 2026 (TVWAN)—Papua New Guinea’s fight against malaria remains uneven, with new data showing contrasts between high-burden coastal provinces and the Highlands region.
Figures from 2025 reveal nearly one million malaria cases nationwide, with 148 deaths recorded, highlighting the continued public health challenge despite years of intervention efforts.
Five provinces, New Ireland, West Sepik, East New Britain, Milne Bay, and Madang — account for almost half of the national malaria burden. These coastal and island regions continue to experience sustained transmission, driven by favourable environmental conditions and persistent gaps in prevention coverage.
Health authorities say these provinces remain priority areas for targeted intervention, including the distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets, community awareness, and strengthened case management.
Across Papua New Guinea, mosquito net distribution remains one of the country’s primary malaria control strategies.
Nationwide campaigns led by the National Department of Health and partners have delivered millions of nets to households, particularly in high-risk and remote communities, with the aim of reducing transmission and protecting vulnerable populations.
Moderate-risk provinces — including Northern, East Sepik, Morobe, and Gulf — are also reporting tens of thousands of cases annually. While not at the same level as the highest-burden provinces, health officials warn these regions remain vulnerable.
They caution that without sustained funding, consistent net distribution, and continued surveillance, these provinces could slide back into higher transmission categories, reversing gains made in recent years.
The Highlands region is showing encouraging progress. Western Highlands and Southern Highlands provinces have reached what health officials describe as “pre-elimination” status, recording fewer than 3,000 cases combined. Other Highlands provinces, Enga, Eastern Highlands, Chimbu, and Jiwaka are now classified as very low risk.
However, officials note that while overall case numbers remain low in these areas, there are early signs of slight increases in parasite index trends. This suggests that continued vigilance is required to prevent resurgence, particularly as population movement and climate factors continue to influence transmission patterns.
Health Officials say Papua New Guinea’s malaria landscape reflects the country’s diverse geography, where transmission varies significantly between lowland coastal areas and higher-altitude regions.
Coastal provinces, especially in Momase and island regions, continue to face ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, while cooler Highlands environments naturally limit transmission.
At the same time, delivering prevention tools such as mosquito nets remains logistically challenging, particularly in remote communities where access often requires air transport, boats, or long overland travel. Despite these challenges, partners continue to prioritise reaching isolated populations through regular distribution campaigns.
The uneven provincial picture has now set the stage for a renewed political and public health response.
Leaders have pledged to direct more resources toward high-burden provinces while maintaining progress in the Highlands, as part of a broader national push toward malaria elimination.
This approach aligns with the recently launched national strategy, which emphasises targeted, data-driven interventions tailored to provincial risk levels rather than a one-size-fits-all response.
Health officials say success will depend on maintaining this balance — intensifying efforts in high-transmission areas while sustaining hard-won gains in low-risk regions.
Papua New Guinea has set an ambitious goal of eliminating malaria by 2035, but experts warn that achieving this target will require consistent investment, strong provincial leadership, and continued community engagement across all regions….PACNEWS
CNMI – POLITICS: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 3: Wed 03 Jun 2026
Attorney general seeks to reopen settled case against former CNMI governor
SAIPAN, 03 JUNE 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES)—The Office of the Attorney General is asking the CNMI Superior Court to throw out the settlement that cleared former governor Ralph Torres, arguing the deal was unauthorised and illegally granted him broad immunity.
Torres’ legal team immediately pushed back, saying the government is attempting to “revisit the same allegations” years after a conflict‑free prosecutor resolved the case and the court approved the outcome.
In a statement issued 01 June, the defence said Torres “asked for a fair and conflict‑free prosecutor from the very beginning,” noting that Attorney General Edward Manibusan, Assistant Attorney General J. Robert Glass Jr., and Special Prosecutor James Kingman were each disqualified due to conflicts of interest.
The defence also noted the political context surrounding the Office of the Attorney General, which is an elected position in the CNMI. Manibusan ran unopposed in the most recent election, and as of now, no challenger has announced for the upcoming general election.
The defence said the renewed effort to revive the case “speaks for itself,” pointing to the timing months before the 2026 gubernatorial race.
Torres announced his candidacy for governor in March, shortly after the criminal case was dismissed. He is running with Kagman High School principal Benjamin Jones Jr.
A Boise State University graduate with a degree in political science, Torres has been a central figure in CNMI politics for nearly two decades.
He served as the commonwealth’s ninth governor from 2015 to 2023, first assuming office after the death of Governor Eloy Inos and later winning a full term in 2018. Before becoming governor, he served in the House, Senate, and as Senate president, and was elected lieutenant governor in 2014.
In a motion filed 29 May, Assistant Attorney General Olga Kelley asked the court to invalidate the 23 March global civil settlement that led to the dismissal of all charges against Torres.
Kelley argued that Assistant Attorney General David Karch, who signed the agreement on behalf of the commonwealth, did not have the legal authority to negotiate immunity or dismiss the case in exchange for a US$23,745 payment representing the difference between premium and economy airfare.
Kelley said Karch acted outside the scope of his powers, noting that he was hired in 2023, had handled mostly traffic cases, had never conducted a bench or jury trial, and was not authorized to resolve a high‑profile prosecution involving allegations of misuse of public funds.
The settlement was the basis for Superior Court Judge Pro Tempore Arthur Barcinas’ order dismissing with prejudice 12 counts of misconduct in public office, one count of theft tied to premium‑class travel for Torres and his wife, and one count of contempt of the legislature for failing to comply with a subpoena.
The agreement stated that it resolved all allegations and “shall not be construed as an admission of liability, fault, or wrongdoing by any party.”
It also included a promise not to pursue any future criminal, civil, or administrative action against Torres for conduct through January 2023—language Kelley argues no line prosecutor had the authority to offer.
Kelley’s motion reopens a case shaped by years of litigation over prosecutorial conflicts. In 2025, the NMI Supreme Court ruled that while individual prosecutors James Kingman and J. Robert Glass Jr. were properly disqualified, the entire Office of the Attorney General could not be removed from the case.
The justices reaffirmed the attorney general’s constitutional authority to oversee prosecutions or appoint a special prosecutor.
Barcinas’ dismissal order vacated all hearings and deadlines in both cases. The Superior Court has not yet set a hearing on Kelley’s motion….PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
A/SAMOA – DEEP SEA MINING: PACNEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 03 Jun 2026
Amata pushes for Deep Seabed Mining moratorium near American Samoa
WASHINGTON, 03 JUNE 2026 (PACNEWS)—American Samoa’s Delegate to the U.S. Congress, Uifa’atali Amata, has renewed her call for a moratorium on deep seabed mining near the territory, warning that unanswered scientific questions and potential threats to fish stocks require a cautious approach.
In an update issued in response to questions from constituents, Amata said she remains opposed to deep seabed mining while federal authorities carry out an environmental review of proposed activities in federal waters between three and 200 miles offshore of American Samoa.
“I want to emphasise several key points as the federal government is currently conducting the environmental review required by law under the DOI/BOEM process that controls the Federal waters outside of American Samoa from 3-to-200 miles offshore.”
Amata stressed that American Samoa must receive the same treatment under federal law as any U.S state.
“First, federal officials must follow the law and not contemplate any shortcuts just because we are a territory and not a state.”
She also warned against rushing decisions that could have long-term environmental consequences.
“Second, there cannot be a rush to potential destructive consequences for our oceans, so we need a full and thorough environmental impact statement (EIS) completely based on science, not politics.”
Amata highlighted concerns about the unknown impacts of deep-sea mineral extraction, particularly the movement of sediment generated by mining operations.
“Third, there are many unresolved scientific questions surrounding deep-sea mineral activity, including the potential impacts beyond the mineral extraction sites through sediment movement — known as sediment ‘plumes.’ Since the impact of these are unknown, we have reasonable concerns that this could be catastrophic to fish stocks.”
She noted that healthy fish populations are critical not only to American Samoa’s economy but also to broader food security.
“Not only does American Samoa rely on healthy fish stocks for our economy, but they are a part of national and even global food security.”
Amata questioned whether federal agencies could adequately assess the environmental risks within the current timeframe.
“Fourth, I don’t see how the Feds can analyze these new mining processes and their impacts on us in just a few weeks, so I will work to make sure there is a diligent and environmentally thorough process.”
She pledged to oppose any proposal that does not meet legal and environmental standards.
“Further, I will do everything in my power to stop this in its tracks if all legal and environmental hurdles are not well cleared.”
Amata also suggested that the speed of the review process could become a basis for future legal challenges.
“I don’t see how any legitimate environmental review can ever be done in mere weeks, so that may well become the best case for a challenge once we see the environmental review results, which are expected in a few months according to BOEM and DOI.”
She urged continued public attention to the issue.
“Finally, vigilance by all is required now more than ever, and I will as always keep you posted to any new developments.”
The statement comes amid growing international debate over deep seabed mining and its potential environmental impacts on marine ecosystems, fisheries and coastal communities across the Pacific…..PACNEWS
VAN – NURSES RECRUIT: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 03 Jun 2026
Vanuatu to recruit 100 more Solomon Islands nurses
PORT VILA, 03 JUNE 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST)—Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health (MoH) is planning to recruit another 100 nurses from Solomon Islands as Vanuatu continues to face a major shortage of health workers, Acting Director General (DG) Dr Santus Wari says.
Speaking on the Kava mo Kajap podcast, Dr Wari said the programme bringing Solomon Islands nurses to work in Vanuatu will continue for some time as the country works to fill growing gaps in its health workforce.
“Yes, that programme will be ongoing for some time,” Dr Wari said.
“Actually now we are looking to get another 100 nurses to come into the country.”
The Acting DG said the Ministry needs more nurses than the 100 currently being considered, but progress depends on available funding.
“Depending on the fund, actually we need more than 100 but so far the screening process has approved 100 other nurses to come,” he said.
“To move them here we will wait a bit. When the fund is ready then we take them in.”
He made the remarks while discussing the Ministry’s wider efforts to address what he described as a serious human resource shortage in the health sector.
Dr Wari said Vanuatu has built more health facilities across the country, but the training and supply of nurses has not kept pace with expansion.
“The picture here is that we build more health facilities but training of nurses is not at the same speed,” he said.
“So human resource is the main issue here.”
Dr Wari earlier said during the interview that the country faces a nursing gap of more than 600 positions.
The recruitment of Solomon Islands nurses forms part of a broader cooperation agreement between the two Melanesian countries aimed at strengthening health services and addressing workforce shortages. The arrangement has helped Vanuatu fill nursing vacancies following challenges faced by the country’s nursing training system in recent years.
During the interview, the podcast host asked whether the outsourced nurses are being offered long-term employment in Vanuatu.
Dr Wari responded that the nurses are employed under fixed term arrangements.
“A two-to-three-year contract,” he said.
Vanuatu has been recruiting nurses from Solomon Islands for several years under bilateral cooperation arrangements, with about 100 Solomon Islands nurses already contributing to health services in the country.
The latest recruitment drive is expected to further support hospitals, health centres and clinics across the country as the Ministry continues efforts to improve healthcare delivery while also expanding local training opportunities through scholarships and nursing education partnerships overseas….PACNEWS
FIJI – AIRLINE: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 03 Jun 2026
Fiji Airways pioneers BRAVE virtual reality leadership training
NADI, 03 JUNE 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—National carrier Fiji Airways has launched BRAVE VR, the first immersive virtual reality leadership program of its kind in Fiji.
The initiative places the national airline at the forefront of leadership innovation in the Pacific and sets a new benchmark for developing strong, people-focused leaders in a modern, world-class airline.
Fiji Airways managing director and CEO Paul Scurrah said the program reflected the airline’s commitment to its people and its culture.
“As Fiji’s national airline, we carry a responsibility not only to our guests but also to our people; both in the present and as we prepare them for the future,” Scurrah said in a statement.
“BRAVE VR reflects our commitment to building confident, resilient and people-focused leaders who can thrive in high-pressure environments while continuing to lead with care, empathy and authenticity.
“At Fiji Airways, our people are at the heart of everything we do, and it is this that drives our ambition to be the world’s happiest airline.”
BRAVE VR founder and CEO Emma Hall said the program addressed the most common leadership challenge facing organisations today.
“Most organisations don’t have a knowledge problem. They have an action problem,” Ms Hall said. “Leaders know what good leadership looks like. The gap is in actually doing it, especially under pressure. BRAVE VR was built to bridge that gap.”
BRAVE stands for Boldness, Resilience, Authenticity, Vulnerability and Empathy; which the airline said were five dimensions identified as critical to leadership excellence in the company.
The programme places leaders inside immersive virtual worlds designed to evoke authentic emotional responses and then teaches the neuroscience behind those responses.
Scurrah said by understanding why they felt what they felt, and how those feelings drove their decisions and behaviours, leaders developed self-awareness and emotional intelligence required to lead with greater impact, especially under pressure.
Each module is followed by structured reflection and guided debrief sessions designed to translate the experience into lasting leadership growth….PACNEWS
PAC – CORRESPONDENT BANKING: PACNEWS/PIFS PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 03 Jun 2026
Pacific Banking access in focus as World Bank mission begins in Suva
SUVA, 03 JUNE 2026 (PACNEWS/PIFS)—Efforts to protect Pacific countries’ access to international banking services are under review this week as the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) hosts a World Bank Implementation Support Mission in Suva.
The mission is assessing progress under the Pacific Strengthening Correspondent Banking Relationships (CBR) Project and identifying key priorities to ensure Pacific nations remain connected to the global financial system.
The visit also marks the start of Deloitte’s feasibility study for the Pacific Payments Mechanism (PPM), a major initiative under the project aimed at exploring ways to improve regional payment connectivity and deliver greater economies of scale across the Pacific.
The study will assess options for strengthening payment systems and making cross-border transactions more efficient for Pacific Island countries.
PIFS and the World Bank are working with Pacific central banks, financial institutions and regional stakeholders to strengthen correspondent banking relationships, improve financial resilience, boost economic connectivity and support sustainable development across the region.
The mission provides an opportunity for project partners and stakeholders to review implementation progress and discuss practical steps to address ongoing challenges facing correspondent banking services in the Pacific…PACNEWS
PAC – FISHERIES: FFA PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 03 Jun 2026
FFA opens nominations for Diploma in Fisheries Investigation and Prosecution
HONIARA, 03 JUNE 2026 (FFA)–The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) has opened nominations for FFA Members to take part in the second cohort of its Diploma in Fisheries Investigation and Prosecution programme, providing a new opportunity for fisheries compliance and enforcement personnel across the region to strengthen their investigation and prosecution skills.
The programme, delivered in partnership with The University of the South Pacific (USP) Pacific TAFE and regional partners, is designed to build the specialised competencies required to support effective fisheries investigations, evidence management and prosecution of fisheries violations across FFA’s 17 Members.
Nominations are required to be submitted by the responsible national fisheries or relevant authority, and are not open to direct public applications.
The programme is scheduled to run from 10 August 2026 – 30 July 2027 and targets fisheries compliance officers, fisheries investigators, prosecutors, legal officers, maritime police, customs officers, fisheries observers, port inspectors, navy personnel and other authorised officers involved in fisheries enforcement and compliance activities.
The programme was recently endorsed by the 142nd Annual Officials Meeting of the Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC142) in Wellington, New Zealand.
This diploma programme forms part of FFA’s broader investment in fisheries compliance and enforcement capacity across the Pacific.
“Through partnerships with USP Pacific TAFE and regional organisations, FFA supports a range of specialised training programmes in monitoring, control and surveillance, fisheries enforcement, boarding and inspection, data analysis, investigations and prosecutions,” said FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop.
He said the initiative contributes to regional efforts to strengthen compliance systems and combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing across FFA Members.
Pakop reiterated the FFA’s ongoing commitment to supporting its Members with practical skills and training that strengthen fisheries governance and enforcement outcomes.
“The Diploma in Fisheries Investigation and Prosecution provides participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to investigate fisheries offences, manage evidence, prepare prosecution case files and support successful prosecution processes,” he added.
The USP-accredited qualification will be delivered through a blended learning approach, combining online coursework, practical exercises, case studies, simulations, assessments and virtual tutorials. Face-to-face practical assessments and prosecution simulations are expected to take place in Fiji in 2027.
FFA will provide scholarships covering tuition fees, international travel, accommodation and daily subsistence allowances for the one week face-to-face component of the programme.
Participants will undertake five specialised courses covering powers and authorities within Pacific fisheries legal systems, fisheries incident scene management, investigative interviewing, fisheries case file development and fisheries prosecution procedures.
The programme aims to strengthen regional capability in fisheries investigations and prosecutions while promoting greater cooperation among Pacific fisheries enforcement agencies.
FFA has encouraged Members to nominate suitable candidates through their relevant fisheries or national authorities and continues to promote equal opportunities for women and men to participate in regional capacity development initiatives.
Nominations close on 26 June 2026….PACNEWS
UN – AGRICULTURE: IPCC PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 03 Jun 2026
Experts gather in Rome to discuss climate change impacts, adaptation and solutions for agriculture and food systems
GENEVA/ROME, 03 JUNE 2026 (IPCC)— Experts are meeting in Rome this week to discuss the latest science and evidence on the impacts, adaptation, and solution pathways of climate change on agriculture and food systems.
Hosted at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the meeting is a co-sponsored undertaking by FAO and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). It will be held from 02 to 05 June 2026.
This Expert Meeting will bring together more than 80 leading scientists, researchers, and practitioners with expertise across food systems domains, from crop production to livestock and fisheries production, to land and water dynamics, climate-resilient value chains and agricultural policy.
It will cover emerging and future risks and impacts across different food and agricultural commodity chains, adaptation-mitigation synergies in agrifood systems solutions, and the social and policy pathways for implementing good practices.
The Co-Sponsored Expert Meeting is expected to contribute new information, findings, and resources relevant to agriculture- and food systems-related topics for the IPCC´s Seventh Assessment Report (AR7).
These include agriculture-specific chapters in the Working Group II and Working Group III contributions to the AR7, as well as chapters addressing rural livelihoods, settlements, terrestrial and oceanic biodiversity and natural resource management, losses and damages, finance, adaptation effectiveness, and adaptation-mitigation synergies…..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
The Pacific Was Always Home – Now Meli is Protecting It
HONIARA, 03 JUNE 2026 (FFA)—Before dawn breaks over the Pacific, Lieutenant Ratu Meli Baivatu often finds himself standing quietly on deck, surrounded by nothing but ocean and darkness. Out there at sea, far from home and family, the work can be exhausting. But for Meli, every patrol, every deployment, and every long night carries purpose because protecting the Pacific is personal.
The 33-year-old Fiji Navy officer from Nasautoka in Tailevu was one of the many Pacific officers taking part in Operation Tui Moana 2026, a regional fisheries surveillance operation led by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) bringing Pacific countries together to combat Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing and protect one of the region’s most valuable resources: tuna. But behind the uniform and operations briefings is a story shaped by family, sacrifice, and service.
Growing up in Fiji, Meli always knew the Navy would become part of his life. His late father served in the Fiji Navy, and as a young boy, Meli looked up to him with admiration.
“Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be just like my father,” he says.
That dream eventually became reality.
After attending Suva Methodist Primary School and Queen Victoria School, Meli’s life took him far beyond Fiji’s shores. A scholarship opportunity saw him spend more than two years studying mathematics and physics in Morocco – an experience he describes as life-changing.
“It opened my eyes to the world,” he recalls. “I came back knowing how to handle myself out there.”
But while many would have stayed overseas to continue building their future, Meli made a different choice – he came home. His grandparents were getting older and unwell, his parents were nearing retirement, and his sisters were still studying at University. As the middle child, he felt responsibility calling him back to Fiji.
“I had to make that sacrifice,” he says quietly. “Family comes first.”
Back home, he balanced caring for his grandparents while continuing to pursue rugby – another passion that saw him represent the Fiji Warriors in 2015 against Argentina and Uruguay. Soon after, he enlisted for the Fiji Navy.
Nearly 10 years later, Meli now serves as a Seagoing Officer, helping safeguard Pacific fisheries through surveillance operations and regional cooperation efforts.
Ironically, some of the biggest lessons early in his career came far from the Pacific. Following recruit training, Meli was selected to undertake officer cadet training in the United Kingdom – one of the few Fiji Navy officers in over a decade, to receive the opportunity and the experience challenged him in unexpected ways.
“The accent was different and difficult,” he laughs. “They spoke so fast.”
But beyond navigating life in England, the training taught him confidence, especially the importance of asking questions, speaking up, and trusting teamwork.
“In our field, trust is everything,” he says. “If you pretend to know something when you don’t, people will see it.”
Today, those lessons continue to guide him during regional operations like Tui Moana. For the three weeks from 4-22 May 2026, Meli has been working alongside fisheries and surveillance officers from across the Pacific at the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Regional Surveillance Centre in Honiara, Solomon Islands, learning how intelligence, technology, and information-sharing help combat IUU fishing across the region.
For someone used to working at sea, seeing the other side of operations has been eye-opening.
“It’s full circle for me,” he explains. “I’ve been out there on deployments, but now I understand the bigger picture behind the scenes.”
He speaks passionately about the importance of protecting fisheries resources, not just for governments or economies, but for ordinary Pacific families.
“We are island people,” he says. “The ocean feeds us. It’s part of who we are.”
That belief became even more personal before travelling for Operation Tui Moana. Just weeks before the operation began, Meli lost his father. For a moment, the grief weighed heavily but coming to the operation, working alongside Pacific colleagues, and focusing on service helped him move forward.
“It was a good escape for me after the funeral,” he admits softly.
Even through loss, his motivation remains strong. Every deployment, every boarding, every long shift at sea is driven by one thought: protecting the future generation of Pacific Islanders.
“I have nephews growing up now,” he says. “I want them to experience the same Pacific we know today.”
For Meli, the mission is bigger than any one country. Fish move across borders. Criminal networks move across borders. And increasingly, Pacific nations understand that protecting the ocean requires working together – and that is what gives him hope.
“To see Pacific countries working together like this, it makes me believe we are moving in the right direction,” he says.
As Operation Tui Moana came to an end on Friday 22 May, Meli knew the work was far from over. But somewhere between the ocean patrols, the intelligence rooms, and the quiet moments away from home, he found clarity in what service truly means – Doing your small part.
“If each of us does our little part right,” he says, “the bigger picture will take care of itself.”
Operation Tui Moana 2026, led by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), 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.
The operation covered the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of 10 Pacific Island countries and adjacent high seas areas, combining maritime patrols, aerial surveillance, intelligence analysis and compliance monitoring. At the heart of the operation was the FFA Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre (RFSC) in Honiara, where 21 secondees from Member countries, partner agencies and MCS organisations worked together to coordinate intelligence, planning and surveillance activities.
During the three-week operation, authorities conducted 61 vessel inspections, verified more than 200 vessel detections, identified four vessels of interest and made two apprehensions linked to suspected fisheries-related offences.
Operation Tui Moana also strengthened regional cooperation under the Niue Treaty Subsidiary Agreement through joint surveillance activities, boarding exercises and intelligence sharing. As compliance challenges continue to evolve, operations such as Tui Moana remain critical in protecting Pacific fisheries resources, supporting sustainable management of tuna stocks and ensuring the benefits remain with Pacific people, in line with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent….PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
CNMI Government can’t spend money the economy doesn’t have
By Zaldy Dandan
SAIPAN, 03 JUNE 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES)—The governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) has submitted a fiscal year 2027 budget that includes a report from his revenue council.
The council consists of 10 government officials and one businessman.
The proposed budget amounts to US$157.7 million, reflecting the projected general fund revenues, of which only US$101.9 million will be available for government appropriation. The rest is allocated to fixed obligations such as earmarks, debt service and settlement commitments totaling US$55.8 million.
In FY 2026, the government’s projected revenue sources totaled US$162.45 million, of which US$138.93 million was available for appropriation.
To better understand the depth of the CNMI’s financial woes, remember that then-Gov. Ralph DLG Torres signed a $258 million budget for FY 2019, which would be worth about $339 million today.
For FY 2027, Governor David M. Apatang’s revenue council proposes, among other things, the passage of revenue-generation legislation in an attempt to “fix” the government’s financial condition.
Raise revenue for what? To maintain an unsustainable, sprawling and oversized government.
Many politicians and government officials like to talk about “sustainability” and “self-reliance” every chance they get.
They also speak of “attacking the root cause” of every problem—even super typhoons—but not the government’s perennial insolvency.
The government spends more than it can collect, a problem that becomes even more obvious whenever the economy tanks due to factors beyond the CNMI’s control, such as natural disasters, global pandemics, wars and onerous one-size-fits-all federal rules and mandates.
Let’s repeat that: overspending is the government’s default mode. But when the bill comes due, many politicians, and even voters themselves, cling to the belief that electing the “right leaders” and passing the “right laws” can somehow “solve” what is plainly a basic arithmetic problem: 1 – 1 = 0. Many politicians and voters prefer to believe that, somehow, 1 – 1 = 11.
So the “solution” becomes “raising revenue” the way pickpockets, burglars and robbers raise revenue: by taking other people’s money, including from those already struggling in a poor economy battered by a catastrophic typhoon.
Whenever one reads the latest government financial report, it seems as though the government is the only entity reeling from the bad economy, not businesses and taxpayers, just the government.
Sadly, politicians who dare tell voters the hard truth will almost always lose to politicians who talk about the “suffering” of the people and the need to “serve” them by increasing or at least maintaining unsustainable government spending.
As usual, there appears to be little meaningful support among voters for putting the government on a diet, which is not surprising given that many are government employees or are related to them. So the CNMI remains stuck with the usual “solutions”: revenue-generation legislation, “diversification,” improved tax collection, pleas for more federal assistance and the other proposals repeatedly mentioned whenever the Commonwealth falls into economic distress.
In this election season, many politicians may believe they have no choice but to raise taxes and fees. They should be reminded of the possible unintended consequences of such measures: higher prices, lower sales, reduced work hours, job losses and lower tax collections. These are the exact opposite of what proponents of tax and fee hikes hope to achieve.
To be sure, pursuing new industries and investments, finding ways to revive tourism and advancing other sensible economic initiatives are worthwhile goals, but their benefits will take time to materialize. What the government can do right now is cut costs where politically feasible and build public support for additional austerity measures, including those recommended during the 2020 Fiscal Response Summit. These include reducing the size of the legislature and consolidating government departments, divisions, offices and other agencies.
At the same time, the government must prioritize spending. It should avoid filling vacant positions whenever possible; transfer employees to federally funded programs when feasible; reduce professional service expenses; and implement a government-wide power and water conservation program with publicly announced targets.
Most importantly, the government must avoid causing further harm to the private sector. As the revenue council has pointed out, the business community pays the Business Gross Revenue Tax, which generates approximately 43 percent of total government operating revenues. (Income taxes account for 23 percent. Excise taxes contribute 13 percent. Hotel occupancy tax represents 3 percent. These four categories form the core of operational funding.”
In the end, the CNMI’s main problem is not a lack of revenue, but excessive spending. New taxes, federal aid and optimistic projections cannot indefinitely support a government that spends more than the economy can realistically afford. Sooner or later, math wins.
This is not an original insight. Many politicians know it. But as former European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker once said: “We all know what should be done; we just don’t know how to get elected afterward.”….PACNEWS
Zaldy Dandan is the editor of the CNMI’s oldest—and only remaining—newspaper, Marianas Variety.
