Tuvalu mourns deputy prime minister
Tuvalu’s acting prime minister Seve Paeniu says his country is mourning the loss of an important and influential figure after its deputy prime minister Alapati Taupo died while attending a community event on
RNZ Pacific/Pacnews
Tonga MPs granted stay of unseating
Two Tongan Cabinet Ministers, who were found to have committed bribery in the lead up to the November 2021 Tonga General Election, have been granted a stay of execution in their judgments, until their appeal is heard
Samoa MPs suspended indefinitely
Leader of the Opposition HRPP Party and Samoa’s longest serving Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Maliegaoi and HRPP Party Secretary, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi have been suspended indefinitely from Parliament.
USP Council raises concerns over finance risks
The University of the South Pacific’s Council has raised concerns about the financial and operating risks arising out of Fiji’s withheld grant, compounded by the COVID-19 economic impacts. In a statement
COVID-free Pacific island nations to open borders
Two of the last four remaining COVID-free nations in the world are preparing to open their borders. The Federated States of Micronesia has announced its plan to open its borders without quarantine beginning August
‘Quad’ security group to track Indo-Pacific illegal fishing
The U.S, Japan, Australia and India will on Tuesday unveil a maritime initiative aimed at curbing illegal fishing in the Indo-Pacific, a U.S official said, in the latest effort by the “Quad” to counter Chinese
China seeks security deals with Kiribati and Vanuatu
China is intensifying its drive for influence in the Pacific by negotiating security deals with two additional island nations following a pact with the Solomon Islands, according to officials in the U.S and allied
Solomon Islands congratulates Albanese on election win
The Solomon Islands has congratulated Australia’s new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on his election win as the 31st Prime Minister of Australia. Yet, “much however, remains to be done,” says Solomon Islands
Vanuatu government eyes minimum wage increase
The Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) is against the decision to have private sector employees receive a severance pay at the rate of two months’ salary, against the number of years in service. The
PNG nominations off to a good start
Hundreds of candidates have bid to be part of Papua New Guinea’s 11th parliament as nominations for the 2022 General Elections started around the country Thursday after weeks of various delays and uncertainty.
Cook Islands receives great residency interest
Over 200 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for Permanent Residence have been received by the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI), with 71 online submissions pending. The applications include
Cook Islands Deputy PM reinstated
Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has announced that the seven-month suspension of Robert Tapaitau who is facing fraud related and theft charges as a Minister of the Crown has been lifted ahead of the general
Tongan island community to rebuild on ‘Eua
The island community of Mango in Ha’apai, Tonga who were affected by the tsunamis and volcano eruption on 15 January will have their homes rebuilt on the outer island of ‘Eua. ‘Eua is a high raised island in the
Opinion: No opposition to the Mariana Trench’s national sanctuary nomination but……
By Bea Cabrera Its mystery is a source of fascination for marine explorers, researchers and oceanographers. Filmmaker James Cameron was drawn into the Mariana Trench, located in the western Pacific Ocean about 124 miles
CNMI Governor Ralph Torres acquitted by Senate
Commonwealth of Northern Marianas (CNMI) Governor Ralph Torres has been acquitted of all the charges filed against him by the Democrat-Independent-led House of Representatives in six articles of impeachment. The
PNG Commission sets poll timeline
Papua New Guinea Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai has announced that nominations for the 2022 PNG General Elections will be accepted from today, Thursday 19 May, and counting will be carried out in tandem with
U.S seeks to hasten Compact negotiations with Palau
The United States has expressed keen interest in expediting Compact negotiations with Palau, reported Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr after his visit to Washington DC earlier this month. President Whipps met with
Puma Energy PNG face foreign currency issues
Puma Energy PNG cannot possibly sustain its business if the foreign exchange (FX) issues remain unresolved, its country manager Hulala Tokome warned. “With the cost of crude, we cannot continue to sustain our business
Opinion: What do the stats tell us about the impacts of COVID-19 on Pacific economies – Q4 2021
Key economic indicators from the final quarter of 2021 indicate an uneven recovery for Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) economies from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new paper from the Pacific
Super Rugby update
After a successful outing against the Moana Pasifika last Saturday, the Fijian Drua will look to carry its good performance against the Crusaders. Renowned as the most successful team in Super Rugby history, the
Healthy turnout expected for Pacific Mini Games
A total of 1034 athletes from 20 Pacific nations and territories are due to compete in the Pacific Mini Games in the Northern Marianas next month. The Pacific Mini Games were originally due to be held in May – June
Opinion: Labor will rebuild Australia’s international development program
Labor’s international development policies will help re-establish Australia as a partner of choice for countries in our region in meeting economic, development, climate and security challenges. These policies will
French Polynesia hosts Blue Climate Summit this week
Global leaders including the Pacific Oceans Commissioner and Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Henry Puna, and the Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown are in French Polynesia this week for the Blue Climate
