Credibility of the U.S in the Pacific at risk if USAID programmes cut – expert
A Massey University academic says the uncertainty over the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) will have implications for the Pacific region. RNZ Pacific reports that Donald Trump is considering
Vanuatu’s only elected female MP seeks Ministerial role in new government
In a significant step for gender representation in Vanuatu’s political landscape, Marie Louise Milne, the only woman elected to Parliament, is advocating for a ministerial position in the new government. VBTC reports
Authority inks MoU with Bougainville government on transfer of powers
The Papua New Guinea Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to transfer the powers on investment promotion and business
RFK Jr as Secretary of Health will be a disaster for Samoa’s public health
The Samoa Director General of Health, Aiono Dr Alec Ekeroma, has described the nomination of Robert F Kennedy Junior as the U.S Secretary of Health and Human Services as a disaster for Samoa’s public health. Kennedy
‘It’s God’s purpose’ – Ardie Savea to lead Moana Pasifika
Ardie Savea has been named captain of Moana Pasifika for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season. Savea made the shock move to the Super Rugby minnows from the Hurricanes last July, after spending astint playing in Japan.
The clock ticks: Five years on, Bougainville waits
Bougainville voted for independence from Papua New Guinea in an overwhelming referendum in 2019. Five years have passed, and little progress has been made towards severing ties with Port Moresby. Former freedom fighter,
Eyes on the prize: Will Trump take Toroama’s bait?
Under the rich, black soil of Bougainville lie copper deposits worth close to US$60 billion. It’s enough copper to create over 4000 jobs in an economy desperate to be free of Papua New Guinea and propel the world’s
Trump withdraws from Paris Agreement on day one
US President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders on his first day in office on 20 January that will impact Pacific Island nations – including the planned deportation of irregular migrants from the United
Trump and Pacific Island States: New possibilities
Leaders across the Pacific Island states are ready for the return to Oval Office by President Donald Trump. They are both anxious and hopeful. There is turbulence ahead in the Pacific Island States and the US
Take them off: Concern over teen social media use
Australia’s bold move to ban social media for children under 16 years, a world-first law, has sparked a global debate. The policy is now a topic of conversation and consideration in many countries, including those in
Information and Empathy
Cook Islands was the first Pacific nation to pass laws relating to right to information, but Ombudsman Niki Rattle says it may be time to review it and “have a look and see how we can do things better”. The Freedom
It’s DO or DIE: Fiame fights for survival
Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has fought all her life. That’s not surprising, given that she was born in 1957, on the cusp of Samoa regaining its independence from New Zealand in 1962, due in part to the efforts of freedom
Whispers
Law and disorderSo, what happened to the Pacific police academy which was to have been built at Wainadoi on the road between Fiji’s capital, Suva, and its international airport in Nadi? Under the Bainimarama
An uneasy crown: King Tupou VI seeks greater role
For 15 years, the Kingdom of Tonga has gone through a political experiment that was supposed to make the governance system “more democratic”. This was the declared will of the former Monarch, King George Tupou V,
We say: Faith must find voice
When Mariann Budde, Episcopalian Bishop of Washington, addressed United States President, Donald Trump, about national unity, prayer, and action, she must have expected to be belittled, criticised andattacked. In a
Guided by the stars: Kakala Tevi dares to save the ocean
The sun climbs gently into the sky as the ocean-going canoe Uto Ni Yalo ploughs towards Vava’u through a surging swell. About 200 metres to the stern, the first rays of the sun glint off the back of a large, black
Fiji tourism’s rough patch
The warmth of Fijian hospitality is an important part of the tourism industry’s brand, a quality that sets it apart from many other destinations. But two incidents have rocked the industry over the busy Christmas and
Briefs
American SamoaAmerican Samoa’s Department of Health has announced an increase in respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and the flu. The Department of Health is urging people to
Thanks Dad: Samoan thrower’s tribute
The 2024 Paris Olympics brought out some of the best sporting stories and accolades in the Pacific region. One in particular is the story of Alexander Rose who represented Samoa in the discus throw and became the first
Movers and Shakers
Aisake Eke is Tonga’s new Prime Minister, after the shock resignation of Siaosi Sovaleni Hu’akavameiliku, just before the latter faced a discussion and ballot on a Vote of No Confidence in his government. Dr Eke is
Nauru and Kiribati sign agreement to boost air connectivity
The governments of Nauru and Kiribati have signed an agreement aimed at boosting their aviation sector. A memorandum of understanding was signed by the presidents of both Micronesian nations on 01 February, according
CNMI governor says federal memo on funding freeze a ‘wake-up call’ for states and territories
CNMI Governor Arnold Palacios said the Office of the Budget Management’s rescinded memo that called for a pause on all federal assistance programmes served as a wake-up call for all states and
Kiribati rejects claims of diplomatic rift over NZ deputy PM’s cancelled visit
Government of Kiribati has pushed back against claims of a diplomatic fallout with New Zealand following the cancellation of deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters’ planned visit, insisting that the matter was still