A new era of prosperity: Guam Governor Guerrero
Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero defended her record at a critical juncture of her second term in Adelup, declaring Guam’s recovery in a bid to counter her critics’ “enduring pessimism” and denouncing “meanness
China urges Japan to heed concerns on water disposal
China urges Japan to take seriously the legitimate concerns of all parties, and dispose of the nuclear-contaminated water in a science-based, open, transparent and safe manner, foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin
Flying Fijians plan to build on Drua success
The joy on the faces of the large crowd bathed in sunshine at Churchill Park in Lautoka when the Fijian Drua shocked the Crusaders in the third round of Super Rugby Pacific last weekend spoke volumes for the passion the
Pacific nations explore opportunities to push for fossil fuel phase out
A yes vote at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) later this month to Vanuatu’s request for Advisory Opinion (AO) from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the obligations of States in respect of climate
More Pacific countries likely to join the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
More Pacific countries are expected to join the global campaign to phase out the production and stockpiling of fossil fuels – after this week’s dialogue to build regional support and solidarity towards just
Fiji backs AUKUS as Canberra soothes regional tension
One of the Pacific’s key leaders has told Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese he supports the AUKUS agreement during a whistle-stop meeting on Wednesday as the PM continued diplomatic efforts to reassure
MSG marks 35 year anniversary
The Director General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) says the Secretariat is confident that under Kalsakau’s Chairmanship, “we can take our cooperative relationship in MSG to a higher level”. The
Palau Senate pass bill to prohibit e-cigarettes
Members of the Palau Senate in February voted unanimously to pass the proposed bill that prohibits the manufacturing, importation, sale, and distribution of e-cigarettes was passed on first reading this week. Senate
55 countries face a health worker crunch linked to COVID-19: WHO
No less than 55 countries are struggling with serious health worker shortages as they continue to seek better paid opportunities in wealthier nations that have stepped up efforts to recruit them amid the COVID-19
PNG businesses struggle due to shortage of foreign currency
The shortage of foreign currency currently faced in the country is causing many Papua New Guinea business houses to see a decline in their sales and profit. City Pharmacy Ltd Group, one of the biggest retail businesses
Pacific leaders to discuss global transition away from fossil fuels
The Governments of Vanuatu and Tuvalu will host the ‘2nd Pacific Ministerial Dialogue on Pathways for the Global Just Transition away from Fossil Fuels’ in Port Vila this week, from 15-17 March 2023. It will be
Australian PM mounts diplomatic blitz to calm AUKUS fears, visit Fiji tomorrow
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will visit Fiji on his way home from the United States, capping off a huge diplomatic offensive to calm regional concerns about the AUKUS security pact, and push back against a
Who could be WHO’s next Western Pacific leader?
There are hopes a Pacific person will head the Western Pacific region for the World Health Organisation (WHO). It follows the sacking of regional director Takeshi Kasai after allegations of harassment, abuse and
Air Niugini needs to re-fleet
With less than 20 aircraft currently in operations, the country’s national airline company seriously needs to look at re-fleeting. The recent incident of passengers being injured during a flight involving an Air
Underwater critical infrastructure needs protection
According to recent reports, a Russian spy ship was part of a sabotage operation targeting underwater cables, gas pipelines and wind farms in the North Sea. The vessel was spotted entering Belgian and Dutch
PNG banks on second major development to boost growth
A US$10 billion LNG project in Papua New Guinea will have a transformative effect on the impoverished Pacific nation, as well as supply Asia’s growing demand for energy, the developers say. TotalEnergies, Santos and
Vanuatu MP allocation increased to VT5 million
Members of Parliament in Vanuatu will now receive a higher amount of funding to cater for their constituents. The MPs will now be entitled to an amount of VT5 million(US$41,544) as their MP Allocation fund. This is
Tokelau welcomes new head of government
Tokelau has a new Ulu-o-Tokelau, or head of government, Kelihiano Kalolo. In a statement, National Public Service general manager Tino Vitale said the general fono chairperson, deputy chairperson and the 28 members of
Understanding Fiji’s water problems
The myths around water cuts across Fiji have been debunked after an extensive explanation from the Water Authority of Fiji team during a recent media tour at their Viria operation site. It comes as people
WHO regional director fired for alleged racist misconduct
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has fired its top official in the Western Pacific after the Associated Press reported last year that dozens of staff members accused him of racist, abusive and unethical behaviour
Palau joins world leaders in shift towards sustainable marine tourism
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr joined global leaders in support of a shift towards sustainable coastal and marine tourism to protect the ocean and the livelihoods of those who directly rely on it. In a joint
US$50 million Vanuatu twin cyclone disaster cost
The initial estimate of the recovery cost following Vanuatu’s twin cyclone disaster is estimated at six billion vatu (US$50 million). Cyclones Judy and Kevin caused extensive damage and plunged parts of Vanuatu
High Seas Treaty exempts deep-sea mining from stricter rules
Deep-sea mining will be exempted from environmental impact assessment (EIA) measures established under a landmark international oceans treaty, a move campaigners fear could undermine protection for the seabed. The High
Forum Chair calls for adoption and ratification of high seas treaty to be fast tracked
Pacific Islands Forum Chair and Cook Islands Prime Minister, Mark Brown has welcomed the conclusion of the negotiations on the key substantive issues that will frame a new International Treaty on the conservation and
