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
Cook Islands government accused of misleading public on seabed mining
Cook Islands government is misleading the public into believing the country is undecided on whether to allow deep seabed mining, claims an advocate for ocean conservation and protection. Louisa Castledine’s
Tongan Parliament rejects Police Minister’s bid to take oath in English
The Tongan Legislative Assembly, during its swearing-in of the new Cabinet ministers last Friday, denied a request by new Police Minister Piveni Piukala to take his oath of office in English rather than the Tongan
Tonga unprepared for deportee crisis, lacks legislation says ministry leader
Tonga is unprepared for the increasing number of deportees arriving from the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, says Reverend Semisi Kava, Chaplain for the Tonga Prison Service, warning that the lack of
Coalition parties remain solid prior to Vanuatu Parliament’s first sitting
The alliance of five political parties that signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to form the next Vanuatu government remains solid, with more than 30 Members of Parliament (MPs)-elect on their side. A source
Trump directive halts Guam’s ocean wind farm initiative
President Donald Trump’s executive order pausing offshore and onshore wind development projects will put the brakes on Guam‘s renewable energy initiative proposed by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)
Sir Julius Chan, former Papua New Guinea PM and founding father, dies at 85
One of the last of Papua New Guinea’s founding fathers and one of the country’s longest serving politicians, Sir Julius Chan, has died. Sir Julius passed away at his home in Huris, New Ireland province,
Questions about deadly Samoan measles outbreak raised as Kennedy faces US Senate
The deadly Samoan measles outbreak in 2019 has been raised during the confirmation hearings for Robert F Kennedy Jr in the U.S senate. Kennedy is US President Donald Trump’s controversial pick to lead the
Hundreds of Fijians, Tongans among 1.4 million facing deportation from US
A total of 151 Tongans is currently among the estimated 1.4 million people in the United States who are at risk of deportation, reports said. It comes after President Donald Trump held firm to his campaign promise of
Federal judge blocks President’s freeze, depts awaits info
American Samoa Government departments and non-profit organisations receiving federal grants are scrambling to get information from their federal grantors about how the freeze ordered by President Trump will impact local
