Fiji @ 50: Death of a regional giant
Slowly but surely the once mighty Fiji Television Limited has started to crumble, taken apart from within by a combination of government pressure, acquiescent board members and questionable divestments. Last month the
Fiji @ 50: Losing the arts is to lose our soul
The arts have clearly shaped Fiji’s trajectory these last 50 years but have the arts and our creative industries been afforded agency to flourish and continue their critical role in nation-building and nurturing? Have
One year to go: A game of hope for people in the Blue Pacific
Four years ago, the tiny Pacific island country of Fiji won its very first Olympic medal, a gold, when it stormed its way through rugby’s debut year at the XXVI Olympiad in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It was a win for
“I am hopeful that we will increase our score”: New Caledonia’s referendum
On 4 October, New Caledonians will vote in a referendum on self-determination, to determine the political status of the French Pacific dependency. This is the second referendum to be held under the Noumea Accord, an
Who will welcome Bougainville?
The results of the historic Bougainville elections are now known. In electoral processes setting benchmarks for emulation in the Pacific, former Bougainville Revolutionary Army Commander, Ishmael Toroama, was
Food Revolutionaries
The founder of the Pacific Island Food Revolution says the campaign’s work on changing food choices in the Pacific region is “super relevant” in the current global coronavirus pandemic. “Our project is about
Palau to choose leader to inherit COVID-19 woes
The outcome of this November’s election will be crucial to Palau’s response to the economic crisis, as whoever will win the polls will be confronted by the impacts of COVID-19 well beyond 2020. At the
Palau’s heralded marine sanctuary faces reassessment from next leaders
Palau’s National Marine Sanctuary— which is hailed as the tiny nation’s much celebrated signature policy—may face review from President Tommy Remengesau Jr’s successor. More than five years
Movers and Shakers
In memorium Former Cook Islands Prime Minister, Joseph Williams, has died of coronavirus in Auckland. At 82 years of age, Williams was a well-known GP, politician and author, as well as a former Cook Islands Health
Pioneering PNG Woman politician Nahau Rooney passes on
Trailblazing, hardworking, audacious, always vivacious and sometimes controversial were among tributes and recollections shared of Papua New Guinea and Manus political pioneer, Nahau Rooney who passed away on Tuesday
Pacific awakening in New Caledonia
“We haven’t created a movement to fight for independence or to fight for France – we’ve created a movement to fight poverty in New Caledonia. That’s our struggle.” That’s Milakulo Tukumuli, leader of
USP saga drags on
Controversial pro chancellor of the University of the South Pacific Winston Thompson of Fiji has been instructed to convene another urgent meeting of the USP Council. This time, interim USP Council chair, and president
Female-led businesses suffer more under COVID-19
“From capital to develop and export goods like coffee, to training and support with digital platforms, Pacific businesses – especially female-led business – are in urgent need of tangible support,” says the
Traditional values underpin Kanaloa Rugby
A new rugby franchise to the US national competition may provide a life-line for some Pacific islands rugby players. The website of Hawaii-based Kanaloa Rugby bears the quote, “From the depths of breadths of the
Neighbours: Australia and New Caledonia boost diplomatic and defence ties
Eighty years ago, fearful of Japan, Australia sent a diplomat and a warship to New Caledonia. Today, Australia is mobilising defence and diplomacy against another rising Asian power. On the morning of 19 September 1940,
Women’s empowerment, COVID amongst career fair themes
The University of the South Pacific (USP) recently invited 30 employers to engage in a two-day exposition at its annual Career and Internship Fair. The event was organized by USP’s Career and Entrepreneurship Center,
Women’s empowerment, COVID amongst career fair themes
The University of the South Pacific (USP) recently invited 30 employers to engage in a two-day exposition at its annual Career and Internship Fair. The event was organized by USP’s Career and Entrepreneurship Center,
Poetry anthology gives voice to human rights
“My voice does matter, someone will listen, we can make a change whether to write poems or not. What you do matters.” That was the message of Tongan student, Anna Jane Vea, at the launch of a book of
Fashion incubation centre encourages entrepreneurship
“It is people, their skills and abilities who will rebuild our economy post COVID-19,” Fiji’s Minster for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Mereseini Vuniwaqa told attendees at the launch of a Fashion
Westpac won’t speculate on Pacific sale
Westpac says it will not respond to speculation in Australian media this week that it is on the verge of selling its Pacific businesses. A Westpac Fiji spokesperson says the Bank “is currently undertaking strategic
Fiji welcomes World Bank business ranking review
The Fiji government has welcomed the World Bank’s decision to pause publication of its 2021 Doing Business Report. In a statement released last week, The World Bank said a number of irregularities had been reported