A matter of conscience? Jerry Singirok, Sandline and Bougainville
In May 1989, PNG’s Bougainville copper mine was permanently shut down after disgruntled landowners supported by the Bougainville Revolutionary Army began sabotaging critical mine infrastructure. A secessionist war
Coach says Tonga have ‘massive X-factor’ for Rugby World Cup
Three former Wallabies and five All Blacks make Tonga’s squad its best ever and will give the Pacific nation a “massive X-factor” at the Rugby World Cup, coach Toutai Kefu has said. Kefu has made the most of
Palau names 63 undersea mounts, extending its undersea claim
Palau has named 63 undersea mounts and basins on the Palau-Kyushu Ridge, the singular underwater ridge that connects Palau to Japan. These 63 mounts occur outside Palau’s Exclusive Economic Zone, north of Palau’s
Hundreds of World Bank climate projects have no direct connection to climate, research finds
Several hundred World Bank-backed projects with the stated aim of tackling climate change have no obvious connection to climate mitigation, a U.S. report finds, questioning its spending figures over two decades.
U.S. military granted unimpeded access to key PNG defence facilities in new security agreement
The United States military has been given “unimpeded access” to key PNG defence facilities, including the joint PNG-Australia Lombrum Naval Base on Manus Island, as part of a sweeping Defence Cooperation
Starlink registers trademark in Vanuatu
The Vanuatu Intellectual Property Office (VanIPO) has confirmed that Starlink have registered its trademark in Vanuatu and are in the process to obtain its broadcasting licence. Starlink will be now in contact with the
Resisting obsolescence
Palau’s traditional chiefs revamping their roles to catch up with modern times Palau’s traditional chiefs, called “Klobak,” have been a cornerstone of Palauan society for centuries, serving as protectors and
28 Indonesians caught illegally fishing in PNG waters
About 28 fishermen from Indonesia who were caught illegally fishing in PNG waters would be handed over to Immigration officers and would be detained at the Bomana Immigration Centre (BIC) awaiting full investigation and
SINU suspends five staff members amid allegations of fraud
Vice Chancellor of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), Professor Transform Aqorau, has taken decisive action in response to allegations of fraud activities involving printing by Wakaman Inc. He suspended
Bonn climate talks at risk of collapse, after seven-day agenda debate
Seven days into climate talks in the German city of Bonn, governments have not been able to agree on an agenda, sparking fears of two wasted weeks of talks while the climate crisis worsens. Talks on issues like reducing
Bougainville results to be tabled in PNG parliament this year
Bougainville Affairs Minister Manasseh Makiba says the referendum results will be tabled in Parliament before the end of the year. “In accordance with section 342 of the Constitution, the minister responsible for
Cook Islands look to deepen NZ relationship, secure IMF and full Commonwealth membership
Cook Islands Prime Minister, Mark Brown, has spoken of the need for the Cook Islands’ voice to be heard at the highest levels of inter-government global gatherings, and to be able to participate autonomously in
Palau president visits Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr has called on Japan to raise the transparency of the decommissioning process at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Whipps made the statement on Tuesday in a meeting
Vanuatu’s Santo Island to be replaced by “Venia” in restoration of original Island names
The Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs and the Tavuemasana Council of Chiefs of Santo are urging the people of Vanuatu to replace the name “Santo Island” with its original name, “Venia.” This revival of the original
US$23 million to strengthen Tuvalu’s aviation sector
Tuvalu will soon receive US$23 million in grant financing to enhance its aviation sector, the World Bank has announced. Through its Tuvalu Safe and Resilient Aviation Project, the Bank says it aims to improve the
PNG Parliament passes Ombudsman bill
A Member of Papua New Guinea Parliament found guilty under the Leadership Code and dismissed from office will stay out for five years before taking up a public office and not three years as it is under the current law.
AS Academy Feminine win first-ever OFC Women’s Champions League in Port Moresby
AS Academy Féminine have come from behind to beat Koloale FC 4-1 and deservedly win the inaugural OFC Women’s Champions League title in Port Moresby. The New Caledonian side, who needed at least a draw to clinch
Fijian Drua outdone by Crusaders, but fans can’t for 2024 season
The Fijian Drua had to sail through rough seas in Christchurch as they were outdone 49-8 by the Crusaders in the Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinals on Saturday night. The visitors took the field under less than desired
Rich world’s leaders fail to commit to Paris global financing summit
Two weeks ahead of a highly-anticipated climate finance summit, most developed country leaders have not confirmed their attendance, sparking concerns they are not taking it seriously. In sharp contrast, the leaders of
Amata, Kilili named co-chairs of bipartisan task force combatting Chinese government influence in Indo-Pacific
U.S. Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata of American Samoa and U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan of the CNMI have been named co-chairs of a bipartisan task force officially announced Wednesday at the U.S.
Global greenhouse gas emissions at all-time high, study finds
Greenhouse gas emissions have reached an all-time high, threatening to push the world into “unprecedented” levels of global heating, scientists have warned. The world is rapidly running out of “carbon budget”,
What happened to me must never happen again: Forum SG Puna
In a frank admission on the circumstances which forced his exit from the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, the Secretary General of the Forum Henry Puna has told a closed function hosted in Samoa that what took place
PNG’s trade ties with China are set to strengthen
Richard Maru, PNG’s trade minister, was startlingly direct at the Australia–Papua New Guinea Business Forum and Trade Expo held in Port Moresby last month. “Enough is enough,” he said, complaining that two-way
