More China aid likely: Qian Bo
There is likely to be more China aid inbound to Samoa following a meeting on Monday between China’s Special Envoy for Pacific Island Countries Affairs and Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa. In a press briefing
Samoa Observer/Pacnews
PNG Police take video of meth session
Papua New Guinea Police Commissioner David Manning has confirmed that a video circulating on social media, showing officers allegedly smoking methamphetamine is being investigated by the National Drug and Vice Squad.
Measles outbreak in American Samoa
American Samoa has issued a public health emergency after an outbreak of measles has spread across the U.S. territory. As of Tuesday, there has been one laboratory-confirmed case among an 8-year-old and 31 suspected
Koroibete looking to take game to next level after second John Eales Medal
Marika Koroibete hopes to take his electrifying game to even greater heights after clinching a second John Eales Medal as Australian rugby’s Player of the Year. Despite only playing nine Tests in 2022, the
Contaminated cough syrup made in India found in Western Pacific: WHO
Contaminated cough syrup made by an Indian company has been found in the Marshall Islands and Micronesia, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Tuesday, after a spate of child deaths linked to similar syrups in
New data reveal links between Korean vessels and illegal fishing in Pacific
A fish carrier sailing under the flag of South Korea was recently denied permission to unload a tuna catch of over 4,000 kgs, estimated to be worth 250 million baht (US$7.2 million), in Bangkok. However,
16 escapees shot dead in PNG
Sixteen inmates were shot dead while attempting to escape from a prison, one is in hospital and seven are on the run, according to PNG Correctional Services (CS) commissioner, Stephen Pokanis. “(Altogether) 24
Suspended PNG MP Kramer asks for alternate penalty
Suspended Minister for Immigration and Member for Madang Bryan Kramer is likely to know by Friday, on what penalty he will be slapped with by the Leadership Tribunal enquiring in to misconduct allegations against him.
Australia to order military build-up in response to China’s growing power
The Australian military will be rapidly transformed to prepare for a possible conflict between China and the United States. An unclassified version of a major defense review published Monday recommends that Australia
Cowboys sign PNG quartet
The Cowboys have signed four Papua New Guinea Orchids players ahead of their inaugural NRLW season with Essay Banu, Shellie Long, Jessikah Reeves and Sera Koroi all joining the club. Having all featured recently at the
Tonga and Samoa netters start Aus tourney on the right foot
Defending champs Tonga Tala thrash Singapore 85-40 to open their account on the Gold Coast. Tonga and Samoa recorded victories in their first round of matches at the PacificAUS Sports Netball Series on the Gold Coast in
Nauru recruiter team to conduct interviews in Solomon Islands
A team from Nauru will arrive in Honiara Tuesday to interview Solomon Islanders to work in various jobs in Nauru. The recruitment group will be based at Heritage Park Hotel, whilst conducting the interviews. A reliable
How Vanuatu allegedly lost its mackerel rights — and fought back
A Vanuatu government envoy was at a fishing summit in Ecuador this year when he claims to have had a surprising encounter: two men linked with an obscure Panamanian company who said they represented his country. Saade
K650 million hydropower project in PNG opens after 15 years
Port Moresby’s power blackouts may now be over. After 15 years, the National Government and its Chinese partner PNG Hydro Development Limited formally launched the Edevu Hydropower Project located along the Brown
PNG Doctor warns about serious impacts of meth use
The use of methamphetamines is a serious issue and has the potential to catastrophically impact Papua New Guinea society if not addressed, a doctor says. Registrar for emergency medicine at Port Moresby General Hospital
We cannot be complacent: Dr Manoni
“Addressing and preventing violence in all its forms against any individual – men, women, girls, boys, and communities is critical for development,” says Pacific Islands Forum, Deputy Secretary General, Dr Filimon
Sacked health chief hits ‘blatant corruption’ in Marshall Islands
Jack Niedenthal, who was recently “fired” as health secretary of the Marshall Islands, blasted the national government for turning a blind eye to the “blatant corruption” involving “greedy
Amata co-sponsors legislation to counter Chinese cybersecurity threats
U.S. Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting the House passage of the Countering Untrusted Telecommunications Abroad Act or HR 1149, which she co-led with sponsor Rep Susan Wild, D-Pennsylvania. Their
World could face record temperatures in 2023 as El Nino returns
The world could breach a new average temperature record in 2023 or 2024, fuelled by climate change and the anticipated return of the El Nino weather phenomenon, climate scientists say. Climate models suggest that after
Rio Tinto facing suit from Panguna landowners
The sheer environmental degradation and considerable loss of life that followed Rio Tinto’s running of Bougainville’s Panguna gold and copper mine must rank it as one of the world’s greatest mining debacles. Seven
U.S pledges US$1billion to Green Climate Fund
The U.S will provide US$1 billion to the UN’s flagship climate fund – its first such contribution in six years. Joe Biden made the commitment as he hosted a virtual meeting of world leaders last Thursday to spur
Reds book semi-final date with impressive win over Fijiana Drua
The Queensland Reds have secured a top-two finish in the 2023 Buildcorp Super W competition, defeating the reigning premiers Fijiana Drua 45-22 at Wests Rugby Club. In what was the final round of the regular season, the
Poor starts again prove costly for Fijian Drua
Poor starts and restarts again were again costly for the Fijian Drua against the Chiefs. The Drua went down 50-17 at FMG stadium in Hamilton on a wet and soggy night on Friday in their Super Rugby Pacific match. It left
