Solomon Airlines celebrates first commercial flights from Honiara to Santo and Auckland to Santo via Port Vila
Solomon Airlines has successfully launched its first commercial flight from Honiara to Santo in Vanuatu on Monday 16 September 2024, marking a significant milestone in expanding its regional connectivity. The airline
Samoa abstains on UN vote to end Israel’s ‘unlawful presence’ in Palestine
Samoa abstained from voting at the United Nations General Assembly earlier today on a Palestinian-drafted resolution that demanded “Israel brings to an end without delay its unlawful presence in the Occupied
Peaceful protest calls for moratorium on deep-sea mining in Cook Islands
Hundreds of Cook Islanders and tourists Wednesday joined a peaceful protest against seabed mining, calling for a moratorium on deep-sea activities. The rally held at the Avarua Harbour was organised by Cook Islands
Two Kanaks shot dead by French police in New Caledonia decried as ‘assassinations’
French police shot and killed two men in New Caledonia on Thursday, stoking tensions with pro-independence groups days ahead of a public holiday marking France’s annexation of the Pacific archipelago. The
PNG minister criticises Australian ‘boomerang aid’ as Australia launches new partnership plan
A Papua New Guinean minister has delivered scathing criticism of Australia’s aid programme, warning of funds being “wasted” as the Australian government outlines its plan for development assistance in PNG over
Starlink to launch soon in Samoa
The Office of the Samoa Regulator is on the verge of launching Starlink services in Samoa, according to the Regulator Lematua Gisa Fuatai-Purcell. In response to queries from the Samoa Observer, she provided an update
Fiji pardons 2000 coup leader George Speight and former CRW soldier Shane Stevens
Coup leader George Speight has been granted a presidential pardon and released from Fiji’s correctional facility Thursday, 24 years after orchestrating the 2000 coup that shook the Pacific nation. The decision, made
Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2024: Final preview
Following four rounds of enthralling action, all eyes will be on Hanazono Rugby Stadium this Saturday as hosts Japan take on Fiji in the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2024 final. Both teams head into the weekend
Opinion: Tribute to John Paska: A remarkable trade union leader
I am honoured to write about John Paska’s passing on 9 August 2024 after a short illness. He was 76 years old. Until recently, he was the President of the Papua New Guinea Trade Union Congress (PNGTUC), an elevation
In French Polynesia, boom in whale-based tourism sparks concern
A giant whale stole the show at the Summer Olympic Games, shooting out of the water as athletes competed in women’s surfing semi-finals on the French Pacific island of Tahiti last month. It is for spectacular
Star Marianas seeks federal probe into Commonwealth Ports Authority’s ‘coercive’ rules and ‘arbitrary fees
Star Marianas Air on Monday said it would ask the Federal Aviation Authority to launch an investigation into the Commonwealth Ports Authority for allegedly imposing “coercive fee-setting practices” that circumvent
Thousands of migrant workers in Australia ‘trapped in slavery’
Migrant women escaping exploitative work conditions are delivering babies prematurely then being slugged with hefty medical bills, while male counterparts are sleeping in tents in parks in regional New South Wales (NSW)
Tuvalu PM moves into newly completed $2.7 million residence
Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Feleti Teo has moved into a newly renovated residence. The renovation, which also included the Governor General’s residence, was initially launched by former Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga in
PNG authorises lethal force to quell deadly violence near Porgera mine
Papua New Guinea security personnel have been authorised to use “lethal force” to quell violence between illegal miners and traditional landowners near the economically important Porgera gold mine. Fighting in the
“Literacy is the skill we build to communicate”: Celebrating World Literacy Day
Literacy is not just about reading or writing was the message to teachers, students and policy makers marking International Literacy Day in Suva earlier this month. Former Pacific Community (SPC) Director of Educational
Australia sends expert teams to Fiji as Chinese state-backed hackers attack Pacific Islands Forum
The Australian government sent expert teams to Fiji this year to help the Pacific’s top regional body after its networks were infiltrated by Chinese state-backed hackers, the ABC has learned. The cyber attack on
PNG PM Marape survives Vote of No confidence motion
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has survived the Vote of No confidence against his leadership 75 to 32. Government numbers supported maintaining PM Marape with the Opposition unable to gain favour to have
Gary Seddon confirmed as CEO of Air Niugini
Air Niugini has announced the appointment of Gary Seddon as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Seddon has been serving in an acting capacity and has now been confirmed by the National Executive Council
Guam business leader warns ’25 budget bill constitutes crisis waiting to happen
The Guam Chamber of Commerce was taken aback by the US$1.3 billion spending measure narrowly passed by the legislature last week, predicting it would entail crisis management in the coming fiscal year. The business
Citizenship by Investment Bill: Solomon Islands PM
The draft Solomon Islands ‘Citizenship by Investment’ bill is complete and is subject to further review before it is submitted to Cabinet for consideration. Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele revealed in
Qantas takes off on first flight to Vanuatu
Qantas has taken off from Brisbane to Port Vila, the harbourside capital of Vanuatu, for the first time in its history. The inaugural service, QF159, was at full capacity Tuesday with holidaymakers and business
Unrest-hit New Caledonia airlines in search of new markets
New Caledonia‘s domestic carrier Air Calédonie is set to launch a bi-weekly international connection to neighbouring Vanuatu. The new link is set to start operating from 3 October with two return flights, one
Cook Islands Opposition welcomes regulations, warns against premature mining
The Cook Islands Opposition leader has welcomed the regulatory framework for deep-sea mining but maintains the stance against any mining activities until ‘environmentally friendly technology’ is available and Cook
Opinion: Cables under the sea: Pacific island countries need integrated electricity grids
Australia should supercharge the development of Pacific Island Countries (PICs) and contribute to their lasting economic security by investing in inter-island electricity grids and diversified energy sources. A green