ADB: 6.3% economic growth projected for Fiji
Growth in the South Pacific economy of Fiji is projected to reach 6.3% in 2023 and moderate to 3% in 2024, according to a new economic report released today by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The Asian Development
Consultations on constitution begin outside Bougainville
The Bougainville Constitutional Planning Commission (BCPC) has begun consultations with Bougainvilleans outside Bougainville. The consultation is to gauge views and contribution of Bougainvilleans to draft an
IMF lowers global economic growth outlook as ‘fog thickens’
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecast in their latest World Economic Outlook published on Tuesday, that global growth will bottom out at 2.8 percent this year before rising modestly to around three percent in
OEK joint to loan US$20 million approved in Palau
Palau Senate passed a joint resolution authorising President Whipps to execute a loan agreement between the Republic of Palau and Mega International Commercial Bank Co. Ltd. of Taiwan of up to US$20 million to fund
Marshall Islands Foreign Minister Kabua to meet President Tsai this week
Marshall Islands Foreign Minister Kitlang Kabua is slated to visit Taiwan on Wednesday for a week-long trip. Her delegation consists of government officials including Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade Anjanette
PNG quake kills eight, injures 17 and damages 800 homes
At least eight people are dead, 17 recovering in hospital with injuries and 800 houses destroyed in Papua New Guinea by the 7.0-magnitude earthquake which hit East Sepik a week ago, according to Governor Allan Bird. It
Samoa ready for Moana Pasifika’s first home Super Rugby game
Samoa will turn on the fireworks when they welcome Moana Pasifika ahead of their Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Reds in Apia on Friday. A welcome parade is taking place today and will follow the Police Marching
Over 11,000 travellers visited Samoa in February
A total of 11,411 travellers visited Samoa in February of this year, which according to the Samoa Bureau of Statistics (SBS) is a decrease of 34.4 percent over the previous month of January, 2023. However, the latest
Guam now has 4,000 H-2B workers
Guam welcomed the 4,000th H-2B worker approved to work on island, representing a record-setting number of foreign workers since the hotel construction boom in 1995. Originally from Quezon City, Philippines, Ronel
BSP customers in PNG told to repay money after ‘glitch’
A “technical issue” has allowed some customers with Papua New Guinea’s largest bank to overdraw money from their accounts, while others have watched their bank balances drop. In a statement posted to Facebook,
FSM official proposes a supervisory college for island institutions
The banking commissioner of the Federated States of Micronesia wants to open a “bank for banks,” but while it will focus on money, it won’t store a cent. Instead, it will store a wealth of information that
Papuan rebels holding NZ pilot prepared to drop key demand
Separatist rebels in Indonesia’s Papua region who are holding a New Zealand pilot hostage are prepared to drop a demand that Jakarta recognise the independence of the area before they could consider freeing him, a
Tougher anti-human trafficking bill passed in Palau
Palau’s House of Delegates passed on its third and final reading a Senate bill 11-73 to expand, update and strengthen the anti-human smuggling and human trafficking act. The bill amends the current law ‘to bring
U.S. military providing cushion to Palau’s tourism
With efforts underway to boost its tourism-dependent market, Palau’s economy is seeing a glimmer of hope after emerging from more than two years of the Covid-19 pandemic. Last year, Palau visitor arrivals more than
Solomon Airlines assists cyclone recovery, Fiji Airways’ advanced aircraft
Solomon Airlines Chief Executive Officer Gus Kraus has confirmed the national carrier has sent a De Havilland Twin Otter aircraft and operating crew, to assist Vanuatu’s recovery efforts following the devastation
Low supply, food aid delays in Vanuatu
The low supply of certain dry ration items from suppliers in the country is still hampering food distribution to Vanuatu cyclone-affected households. The Food Security and Agriculture Cluster (FSAC) is distributing
Outgoing FSM president urged to reconsider diplomatic shift to Taiwan
Seeking to retain the status quo on the Federated States Micronesia’s (FSM) diplomatic relations with China, the FSM Congress weighed in on a resolution urging outgoing President David Panuelo to suspend his plan to
PINA challenges Pacific countries to follow Fiji’s lead and repeal media legislation
The repeal of Fiji’s draconian media law, known as the Media Industry Development Authority (MIDA) Act 2010, should act as a signpost for other Pacific countries who have regulated their media through legislation.
‘People are suffering’: Kiribati’s judicial crisis
The opposition in Kiribati wants answers from the government about the ongoing crisis in the country’s judiciary. The government last year dismissed the chief justice and three Court of Appeal judges – all
Solomon Islands: Suidani disqualified for not recognising One China policy
Solomon Islands Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening Rollen Seleso has disqualified former Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani from the Malaita Provincial Assembly in accordance with section
Observer Group releases final report on Fiji’s 2022 General Election
The final report from the Multinational Observer Group (MOG) for the 2022 Fiji General Election has made 20 recommendations to the Government of Fiji on how to further improve the country’s electoral system, policies
How Vanuatu’s climate campaign could save the world
The tiny island country has pushed the UN and the International Court of Justice to take unprecedented action that could help avert planetary catastrophe. A small miracle happened in New York on 29 March. A humble
2023 Pacific Games countdown
The Pacific Games is being held in Solomon Islands for the first time ever this year, and will welcome a new wave of talented athletes, and the return of Pacific veterans. In weightlifting, champions Dika Toua, Morea
