Pacific universities launch climate change partnership
The Fiji National University (FNU) and Monash University have today officially launched their partnership to establish the Monash-FNU Pacific Island Countries Climate Change Research Centre (CCRC). The CCRC, which
Palau’s controversial plan to take climate justice into its own hands
Palau’s waters contain some of the world’s richest marine biodiversity. Critically endangered hawksbill turtles and endangered Napoleon wrasse, which can grow up to six feet long and are known for the distinctive
Vanuatu volcano activity sparks warning
Volcanic activity at Vanuatu’s Mount Garet on Gaua Island has increased under Alert Level 2, which is the major level of unrest, reports the Vanuatu Daily Post. Observations confirmed current activity consists of
Fiji court rules U.S can seize Russian superyacht Amadea
Fiji’s high court has ruled that the U.S government can seize the ‘Amadea‘, a superyacht docked at the Fijian port of Lautoka since 13 April. The Amadea is believed to be owned by Suleiman Kerimov, a
PINA Statement to commemorate World Press Freedom Day 2022
On 03 May every year, media workers here in the Pacific and across the globecome together to reflect on issues of press freedom and professional ethics.This year, UNESCO set “Journalism Under Siege” as the theme of
Solomons tuna plant to create 5500 jobs
More than 5,500 jobs are set to be created with the construction of a major tuna processing plant in Solomon Islands says the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant, to be built
Samoa international borders to open in August
Samoan Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has announced the returning of students to school and resumption of international flights this month, although restricted to Samoan citizens travelling in for various
Former Tonga PM convicted for election bribery
Two Tonga MPs, one a former prime minister and the other a serving cabinet minister, have lost their seats in Parliament. Former PM, Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, and the minister for Internal Affairs, Sangster
Prime ministerial incumbency bias in PNG
Central to the selection of the prime minister in Papua New Guinea following a general election is Section 63 of PNG’s Organic Law on Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (OLIPPAC), which was passed in 2001
Cook Islands tourism industry desperate for workers
Although travel restrictions are loosening, Cook Islands tourism operators are struggling to find staff. Pre-departure testing for international arrivals is no longer be required and direct flights from countries other
PTI Australia delivers record Pacific investment deals
Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia has recorded more than AUD$27 million (US$12 million) in export deals and a 17 investment deals facilitated in the region, despite the challenging pandemic environment. The Pacific
Pacific Elders Voice on Climate Security
The Pacific Elders’ Voice reiterates that the primary security threat to the Pacific is climate change. This fact is clearly articulated in the Boe Declaration on Regional Security which states: “We affirm that
Pacific Rugby League resumes Test matches
After a long spell away from the international scene, Pacific rugby league teams are set to return this June in what is planned to be a huge comeback for the international game. The confirmation comes after an agreement
Moana Pasifika takes a stand, request forfeit from Force
After copping another postponed game in their debut Super Rugby season, the Moana Pasifika are now seriously taking a closer look at other options available to them. The Moana Pasifika was scheduled to play against the
Felled by its own Failures – How Australia’s inaction to reform logging in the Solomon Islands has let China in
We have watched these past few weeks as the evolving situation surrounding the Solomon Islands/China security pact has unfolded. It appears that every journalist and political commentator is suddenly an expert in the
Gender-based violence rate ‘shameful’: Dame Meg
Papua New Guinea’s rates of gender-based violence are “shameful”, said former Pacific Islands Forum General-Secretary Dame Meg Taylor at the University of Papua New Guinea’s 67th graduation this
PNG election to be delayed by two weeks
The announcement by Papua New Guinea Electoral Commissioner, Simon Sinai, to delay PNG’s election by two weeks has met with concern. Sinai has confirmed Thursday 12 May, 2022 as the date for the issue of writs and
Indonesia must allow UN visit before Bali G20 meeting: Benny Wenda on West Papua
LONDON/JAYAPURA — I want to thank all the Pacific Elders for their recent statement supporting a visit to West Papua by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and urging the UN Human Rights Council to pass a
PNG to seek damages on UBS loan deal
PORT MORESBY — An investigation will be conducted into the “main players” in the Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS) K3 billion (US$1.3 billion) loan deal, says Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape. He said
Qantas and Travel Air to resume service in PNG
PORT MORESBY — Qantas has put Papua New Guinea (PNG) back on its international route, with services between Brisbane and Port Moresby restarting on Friday after more than two years due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Vanuatu curfew lifted, schools and workplaces to reopen
Vanuatu’s government has decided to lift the 8pm-6am curfew and relax other restrictions which were in place for almost two months, as COVID-19 cases decline on Efate and offshore islands. From Friday, there are
Tuvalu races against time and tide in “Future Now” project
Real threat from rising sea level has forced Tuvalu to future proof its existence as a nation despite considerable challenges. In what it calls its “worst case scenario” preparation, Tuvalu’s recently unveiled
U.S-Solomon Islands bilateral talks a success
On the China-Solomon Islands Security Cooperation, “We have no say on the SI-China agreement. We respect Solomon Islands sovereign decision. There is no misunderstanding,” stated the White House Official.
