System criminalises addiction instead of healing it, expert says
MENTAL health must be at the centre of addiction care, a psychiatrist told participants at the Fiji Medical Association (FMA) mini
VILIAME TAWANAKORO
FCEF warns against $8 living wage call, cites economic pressures
FIJI’S business community has raised concerns about calls for an $8-per-hour living wage, warning that such a move must be carefully weighed against current economic pressures, productivity levels, and the
Tonga electricity tariff up 35.8 per cent amid diesel cost surges
ELECTRICITY consumers in Tonga will pay significantly more for power after the Tonga Energy Commission approved a 35.8 per cent increase in the national electricity tariff, driven by a sharp rise in global diesel
“Band-Aids don’t fix bullet holes”
AT one of Fiji’s busiest emergency departments, the pressures of overcrowding, limited staffing and a growing burden of HIV linked to drug use are colliding, according to a clinical presentation by Dr Shiva Shankar.
FNU celebrates milestone graduation of 664 students
MORE than 600 graduates proudly walked across the stage at Suva’s FMF Gymnasium
Zero tolerance as Vanuatu mounts 60-day crackdown
GROWING concerns over public disorder, youth delinquency, and alcohol-fuelled violence, have forced a sweeping 60-day crackdown in Vanuatu.
New Caledonia enforces alcohol restrictions
STARTING today, new restrictions on alcohol sales will take effect across New Caledonia as authorities move to curb public disturbances linked to excessive drinking.
Three battle for Solomons PM post
SOLOMON Islands media organisations are reporting a three-way battle for the prime minister’s job after Jeremiah Manele was forced out through a vote of no confidence last week.
Urgent action needed for Fiji’s healthcare system
THE Fiji Medical Association (FMA) has acknowledged the severe pressures on healthcare workers and highlighted the need for systemic support and fairness.
FMA’s new leadership pushes for quality in medical training
THE Fiji Medical Association (FMA) is focused on strengthening professional standards and advancing its core strategic objectives, which are clarified as advancing professional standards, advocating member welfare, and
Media freedom and the Pacific Islands
LAST week, World Press Freedom Day was marked across the Pacific.
Bula suffers second loss at OFC
IN the second round of the Leaders group, Auckland FC had an explosive start as they took on Bula FC at the Eden Park.
Vanuatu triumph over the Solomon Kings
AFTER 35 minutes of battling for possession, the Solomon Kings-Vanuatu United match appeared headed for a scoreless first half.
The Sun – Pacific’s fuel problem or solution?
WHEN conflict closed the Strait of Hormuz in early 2026, the economic consequences did not arrive in the Pacific overnight. But they did arrive within weeks
Indonesia: Democracy without collapse
NEARLY three decades after Reformasi, Indonesia’s democratic guardrails are eroding without rupture and without fanfare.
PRETMM6 warnings sharpen as Pacific Forum invokes Biketawa over growing fuel crisis
JUST hours after the Pacific Energy and Transport Ministers endorsed the outcome of PRETMM6 and warned that the region remained dangerously exposed to imported fuel shocks, Pacific Islands Forum Leaders moved to
Fiji urged to back community-led HIV and drug response
FAITH and community leaders meeting Australia’s Foreign Minister, Senator Penny Wong, in Suva, pressed for community-led action as Fiji confronts a deepening drug crisis and a growing HIV outbreak.
Emergency – Leaders invoke Biketawa Declaration
PACIFIC Islands Forum leaders have invoked the Biketawa Declaration to support a coordinated regional response to the emerging energy crisis affecting the Pacific
Manubada call – Pacific leaders shift from promises to pressure as region eyes energy independence
THE era of endless planning is
Pacific workers face $4million financial disaster as labour firm collapses
PACIFIC workers face an uncertain future after the collapse on Australian labour hire company with debts of around $AUD12.2 million.
Vanuatu-flagged ship sinks in Greek waters
A CARGO ship registered under the flag of Vanuatu sank north of the Greek island of Andros in the early hours of May 7 following a grounding incident.
UN warns France over New Caledonia decolonisation process
THE UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) has warned France that any political or constitutional reforms concerning New Caledonia must proceed only with the free, prior, and informed consent of
Solomon Kings win tough battle against Tahiti United
TAHITI United and Solomon Kings went head to head in the OFC Pro League, Challengers Group at Eden Park in a battle of fifth against sixth.
