Fears rise after Solomons mine collapse
EMERGENCY response teams have rushed to Solomon Islands largest gold mine after a reported tunnel collapse early today.
STAFF REPORTERS
FCC urges responsible Christian witness in schools
THE Fiji Council of Churches has called for Christian teaching in schools to be conducted responsibly, following public concern over a recent religious session held at a school.
PM Wale holds bilateral talks with Japan’s Prime Minister
SOLOMON Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening ties with Japan during bilateral talks with Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo.
Wale rejects MPs’ pay rise, vows salary reform
SOLOMON Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has rejected a pay rise for parliamentarians, saying his government will replace the current salary-setting system with an independent body covering the public
Pacific strengthens united climate agenda as COP31 countdown begins
PACIFIC climate ministers have reinforced a united regional agenda ahead of COP31, pledging to strengthen the region's negotiating influence as global geopolitical uncertainty threatens progress on climate
Waratahs wins Super W season
AFTER a successful season, the Fijian Drua women were forced to dig deep as they succumbed to relentless pressure from the NSW Waratahs in the final at the Four R Stadium in Ba.
Australia considers joint sea patrols, Forum remains silent on China missile tests
AUSTRALIA has not ruled out increased joint patrols of the South China after what it has described as a "destabilising" missile test in the Pacific.
Hopes fade for 24 missing in PNG sea mishap
THE search continues in Papua New Guinea's East New Britain province for 24 people missing at sea after two boats capsized while returning from a picnic at the weekend.
New Pacific paper calls land a growing fault line for peace and security
LAND governance must return to the centre of Pacific security policy as climate change, displacement and pressure on arable land intensify risks to social cohesion and sovereignty.
Energy crisis could cost Tonga budget up to TOP50 million
MIDDLE East tensions could cost Tonga’s national budget between TOP40 million and TOP50 million, as higher fuel prices and possible supply disruptions put fresh pressure on the economy.
Calls to revoke Solomons MPs pay rise
A CIVIL society organisation in Solomon Islands has called for a pay rise for Members of Parliament to be revoked.
Dead men fishing
SOMEWHERE between the ocean and our plates, the men who make the global seafood industry possible work the vessels
Pacific ports: Linchpin in a changing world
WHETHER you're talking about ports in massive metropolitan centres—like Shanghai and Los Angeles, or the small wharves serving remote island communities—Pacific ports form the backbone of global trade and local
The region’s compass
AS Pacific leaders prepare to gather for this year's Pacific Islands Forum, they will once again address the defining challenges facing the region – from climate change and economic resilience to ocean governance and
Greener course for trade
IN the Pacific, ports are no longer just places where ships berth and cargoes are moved. They are economic lifelines, climate-risk frontlines and, increasingly, proving grounds for the region’s renewable energy
Micronesia internet use surges twenty-fold after World Bank rollout
A WORLD Bank-backed push to connect one of the Pacific’s most scattered countries has driven a 99 per cent drop in entry-level fixed broadband prices.
Palau secures $12.5 million ADB financing for resilience drive
THE Asian Development Bank has approved $USD12.5 million in concessional financing for Palau to shore up public finances, improve disaster readiness and back sustainable growth.
New Zealand and PNG sign defence pact to boost military ties
NEW Zealand and Papua New Guinea have signed a new defence cooperation agreement aimed at deepening military ties, including more dialogue, training, exercises and personnel exchanges.
Naoero’s diplomatic leap towards Israel
THE Republic of Naoero (Nauru) plans to establish an embassy in Israel and has approved a scoping mission to examine the diplomatic, operational and logistical steps needed to open an embassy.
Taiwan reassesses PNG gas imports amid diplomatic tensions
TAIWAN is weighing possible economic steps against Papua New Guinea after Port Moresby ordered the closure of Taipei’s representative office, a move that could spill over into LNG trade and deepen an already sensitive
Solomon Islands and US move to restore Peace Corps partnership
PEACE Corps volunteers could strengthen specific areas of need in Solomon Islands after Prime Minister Matthew Wale and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau signing an agreement this week.
PNG eyes new wave of mining and gas projects
PAPUA New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister James Marape earlier this week pitched PNG as a stable destination for foreign capital, saying the country was “open for business” as it moves toward a wave of mining and gas
PNG and Solomon Islands expand economic ties
PAPUA New Guinea and the Solomon Islands will deepen cooperation in mining, fisheries, trade and investment after talks between Prime Ministers James Marape and Matthew Wale in Honiara.
