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
Former NZ Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae appointed moderator for Bougainville Peace talks
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama have jointly appointed Sir Jerry Mateparae as the independent moderator to help resolve the ongoing discussions about
Landmark settlements for children detained in Nauru
Two children who were detained offshore in Nauru have won federal court settlements from the Australian government for medical negligence and abdicating its duty of care. The judgments for the two cases, identified as
Kolinisau to continue as Fiji 7s Coach, Fuli’s contract concludes in December
Osea Kolinisau has been confirmed to continue as the head coach of the Fiji 7s team for the next four years, leading up to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. The announcement comes after thorough discussions involving
Tonga Law Society members petition for removal of first gay Chief Justice
A group of Tonga’s legal professionals have launched a petition calling for the removal of the newly appointed Chief Justice, Welshman Malcolm Bishop. Some members of the Tonga Law Society argue the appointment
Pacific islands submit court proposal for recognition of ecocide as a crime
Three developing countries have taken the first steps towards transforming the world’s response to climate breakdown and environmental destruction by making ecocide a punishable criminal offence. In a submission to
Opinion: Samoa rolls out a red-carpet welcome fit for a king
‘Leave your suits at home.’ That’s the travel advisory message from Samoa’s prime minister ahead of her tiny Pacific nation hosting one of the world’s most prestigious meeting of world leaders next month, in
Palau election commission affirms Remengesau’s eligibility for Presidential run
Former Palauan President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr is eligible to run again for the Office of the President, according to a legal opinion from the Attorney General provided to the Election Commission (PEC). The
Regional law enforcement initiative launched amid rising maritime crimes in the Pacific
The United States and the Pacific island states have rolled out a regional initiative to boost maritime patrol and curb criminal activities around the region, which has gained notoriety as a “drug highway.” The
World Bank President Banga sees Climate crisis up close in Tuvalu
World Bank President, Ajay Banga made a historic visit to Tuvalu Friday, becoming the first head of the global financial institution to set foot in the climate-threatened Pacific nation. During his visit, Banga
New Caledonia Loyalists welcome choice of French PM
Anti-independence politicians in New Caledonia have welcomed the appointment of Michel Barnier as the new French Prime Minister in Paris. A member of the conservative political party Les Républicains (LR), Barnier has
World Bank approves $68 million cross-border bank lifeline for remote Pacific Islands
The World Bank’s board has approved a US$68 million programme to prevent Pacific Island nations from being cut off from the international financial system that underpins tourism, trade and aid flows, the
World Bank President pledges faster project approvals for Pacific
World Bank President Ajay Banga has vowed to accelerate the pace of project approvals, emphasising his commitment to speed and efficiency in addressing the needs of the Pacific region. Speaking to Pacific leaders in
Oceania Rugby suspends PNG Rugby
The Oceania Rugby Executive Board has issued a Notice of Determination to PNG Rugby Union after several failings by the governing body to comply with orders imposed by the Regional Association of World Rugby. The
New U.S COFA agreements offer $7.1b boost to Pacific Freely Associated States, but fiscal reforms are key, ADB report
The streams of U.S dollars that the three freely associated states will receive under their renewed bilateral agreements with the United States will go a long way if they implement stringent fiscal and debt policies and
Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi ‘humbled’ by the results of the public referendum
In this exclusive, BCN News reports the historic occasion when Speaker Hima Douglas signed into law the changes to the Niue constitution. Of the four constitutional amendment polls put to the public referendum last
World Bank President Ajay Banga calls for stronger partnership with Fiji and Pacific
World Bank President Ajay Banga, in a historic visit to Fiji emphasised the need for stronger partnerships with Pacific nations. Banga’s visit, the first by a World Bank President to the Pacific in nearly 50 years,
Australian Police put brakes on ‘drug superhighway’ in $44m bust
Police say they will not let organised crime turn the Pacific into an “illicit drug superhighway” after two men were allegedly caught with 110kg of cocaine in Queensland’s remote north. The men – both
John Strange to coach Tonga women as new dawn begins for Pacific nation
NRLW premiership winning coach John Strange will take charge of Tonga women in the upcoming Pacific Championships and 2026 Rugby League World Cup qualifying matches. Strange, who coaches Sydney Roosters, guided the club
Griffith experts guide Marshall Islands towards a new Monetary Authority
The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is a step closer to establishing a new banking regulatory system with Griffith University academics playing a key part in the move towards a Monetary Authority for the North
Palau’s 2024 presidential election: A close contest
Palau’s presidential election is shaping up to be one of the most distinctive in Palau’s recent history. On 05 November, two prominent political figures—who also happen to be brothers-in-law—will face off for
PNG Opposition file motion of no confidence today, Committee unchanged
The Papua New Guinea Opposition has finally submitted the motion of a vote of no confidence against Prime Minister James Marape today. Opposition leader, Douglas Tomuriesa submitted the motion to Speaker Job Pomat at
Digicel Pacific taps SES’s services to bolster Disaster recovery for Tonga
Amidst the increase in natural disasters in the Pacific region, Digicel Pacific and SES have announced an agreement to bolster Digicel Pacific’s network with SES’s service to enable critical communications to be