Outgoing Forum Chair Mark Brown reflects on challenging times
“We’ve been mindful that our region is of great interest from a geopolitical perspective over the last few years or so,” says Prime Minister of Cook Islands Mark Brown. “But the security issues that are seen by
MSG calls on France to allow monitoring missions into New Caledonia
As New Caledonia reels after two months of clashes between protesters and police, the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) has called on France to allow independent monitoring missions to visit New Caledonia and assess
France declares state of emergency in New Caledonia
After three nights of rioting in Noumea, with violent clashes between police and protestors, French President Emmanuel Macron has declared a state of emergency in New Caledonia, taking effect from Thursday morning. The
Violent clashes in Noumea as French National Assembly debates voting rights
As the French parliament in Paris considers legislation to reform voting rights in New Caledonia, there has been a night of rioting and arson in Noumea. On Monday, a series of peaceful protest rallies highlighted calls
Fiji’s Bainimarama gets one year in jail
Suspended Police Commissioner gets 2-year sentence Former Fiji Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama has been sentenced to a year in prison after being found guilty of one count of attempt to pervert the course of justice.
Fiji tourism looks to India, China
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka’s busy schedule last week included a brief meeting with Indian actress, Rakul Preet Singh and her new husband, film producer Jackky Bhagnani. The couple were in Fiji for
Spartan Fiji aims to double participants, economic impact in 2024
Spartan Race CEO Russell Nelms hopes to double the number of people participating in the Fiji event this year, and its value to the local economy. Russell Helms says the event injected FJ$6.2 million into the economy in
Fiji Business Briefs
Fiji Cabinet approves review of national minimum wage Fiji’s Cabinet has given the greenlight to a review of the national minimum wage and will also assess job classifications. The review will include a number of
Suva crowd delivers despite uneven Drua results
The atmosphere was electric as the Fijian Drua teams showcased their talent in front of a sell out crowd at the HFC Stadium in Suva yesterday. As soon as the gates opened at 3pm, crowds flocked to the ground in numbers.
Solomon Islands PM has millions in property, raising questions around wealth
The prime minister of Solomon Islands has recently gone on a home-building spree, constructing eight valuable new houses in and around the capital city of Honiara. KEY POINTS: Manasseh Sogavare, the four-time prime
Crisis brewing as France seeks changes to New Caledonia’s electoral rolls
As the French National Assembly and Senate debate changes to New Caledonia’s electoral laws, there are protests in the streets of Noumea from both supporters and opponents of independence. Backed by local
Absolute discharge for Bainimarama, fine without record of conviction for Qiliho
Suva, Fiji: When Suva Magistrate Seini Puamau took her seat in court this morning to deliver her sentence against former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and suspended Police Commissioner, Sitiveni Qiliho, she warned
Chinese Communist Party-Backed Businessman in Fiji is a Top Australian Criminal Target
Prominent Fiji-based businessman Zhao Fugang is a trusted advocate for China’s interests in the Pacific. But Australian law enforcement and intelligence agencies suspect he plays another part: as a senior organized
Fiji tourism business briefs: Rydges, latest projections
EVT will operate new Rydges Resort The future Rydges Wailoaloa being developed by owners Hari Punja & Sons at Wailoaloa Beach is expected to open in late 2026, approvals and construction permitting. When it is
Fiji Business Briefs: Fiji Airways, FNPF, Pleass
Fiji Airways unaffected by Boeing 737 MAX 9 Grounding Fiji Airways has issued a statement reassuring its passengers that its Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet remains unaffected by the Federal Aviation Administration’s
Heine elected as Marshall Islands President
Marshall Islands has elected its 10th President, Dr Hilda Heine. Dr Heine received 17 votes when the Marshall Islands Nitijela voted yesterday, just one more than outgoing President, David Kabua. It is Dr Heine’s
