FLNKS demands strict COVID border controls
Like many Pacific Islands, the French dependency of New Caledonia has restricted the rapid spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus through strong border controls, strict quarantine for overseas travellers and policies for
FLNKS demands strict COVID border controls
Like many Pacific Islands, the French dependency of New Caledonia has restricted the rapid spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus through strong border controls, strict quarantine for overseas travellers and policies for
FLNKS demands strict COVID border controls
Like many Pacific Islands, the French dependency of New Caledonia has restricted the rapid spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus through strong border controls, strict quarantine for overseas travellers and policies for
Porgera extension rejection reflects policy of economic nationalism
The Papua New Guinea government’s decision not to extend the mining lease on the economically important Porgera gold mine has shocked the joint venture operator, but the K17 billion (US$4.8 billion) Wafi-Golpu
PICTA: Picture of indifference
PICTA stands for Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement. It is a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiated amongst the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) to free up trade amongst themselves, under the provisions of ‘GATT
On running for elections in Vanuatu as a woman
In the recent Vanuatu national elections, Dr Andrina Thomas stood for the rural electorate of Espiritu Santo. In this article, which was originally published on the DevPolicy blog, she offers some reflections to Elise
InDepth: Life during the lockdown
For over two months, Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Satyendra Prasad has been largely confined to his home, He describes life during the COVID-19 induced lockdown in New York, and how it is
COVID poses added threat to economic growth and stability
The outbreak of Covid-19 in Papua New Guinea represents an added threat to economic growth and stability, given the country’s limited capacity to manage the health crisis, according to three global economic
Kiribati President Maamau easily retains seat
Closed behind their borders amid fears of the Covid-19 virus, electors in Kiribati turned out in two rounds to elect members of the twelfth parliament, the Mwaneaba ni Maungatabu, paving the way for a certain battle
We Say: The virus is the threat, not people
The UN Human Rights Office has warned of “toxic lockdown culture” in a number of countries, with UN Secretary General António Guterres reminding governments that the threat was the “virus, not people.” States
Fiji businesses say COVID-19 has increased violence
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased employees’ experiences of domestic and sexual violence say two-thirds of companies surveyed in Fiji by the IFC and Fiji Human Resources Institute. Fifteen companies were surveyed as
Whispers
What has precipitated the quick and quiet departure of the Chief Executive of USP’s Pacific Technical and Further Education CEO, Dr. Hasmukh Lal? The Marshall Islands SOV soldiers on, Micronesia represents at the
Fiji Airways lays off workers, seeks urgent loan
The Fiji Parliament will be today asked to urgently grant a government guarantee for a loan to keep Fiji Airways afloat, as the adverse impacts of the COVID19 pandemic begin to bite on the national airline.
FNPF pays out F$49.1 million in COVID-19 scheme
The Fiji National Provident Fund says its has paid out F$49.1 million (US$22m) to 77,507 members under the COVID-19 withdrawal scheme, with most applications now processed. The FNPF says 86,854 applications in total
Dengue fever another blow for PICs
The Red Cross says a dengue outbreak continues to threaten a number of Pacific island nations, even as they rebuild after Tropical Cyclone Harold and struggle with the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. More
COVID-19 crisis confirms need for import substitution
Since a state of emergency was declared in PNG in late March, the demand for locally produced and fresh vegetables, fruits and milk has soared, according to Gallit Tamir, Business Development Manager, with Innovative
COVID-19 a wake up call on the need for regional cooperation
Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations says the COVID-19 pandemic is a wake-up call for the Pacific on the need for regional cooperation. “If the world ever needed confirmation of why multilateralism
Pacific travel bubble should be “cautious and incremental”: SPTO
A new report on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Pacific’s tourism industry and recovery strategies has recommended immediate wage support, microgrants to industry operators and changes in the tax regimes as
A ‘people’s funeral’ for Qarase
Deprived of a state-funeral after his death on 21 April, supporters of Fiji’s ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase helped his family to give the 79-year old leader a send-off befitting the national and populist
Departure Lounge: Pacific transport news
THE SHIPPING NEWS Neptune Pacific Line (Neptune) has acquired Pacific Direct Line (PDL) from PDL’s parent holding company, Pacific International Lines. “By acquiring PDL, we can further develop our mainline shipping
COVID-19: Challenges and opportunity for Pacific tuna industry
Tuna expert Dr Transform Aqorau says COVID-19 presents challenges and opportunities to equity in the Pacific’s tuna industry. Marking World Tuna Day in a virtual link-up hosted by Pacific Island Developing States and
COVID-19 affects the military
The Rim of the Pacific military exercise will proceed from August 17-31 as an at-sea only event in light of COVID-19 concerns. The Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet will host the biennial maritime exercise. The
Pacific and M?ori students get support from AUT for access to online learning
As the tertiary sector in New Zealand prepares to shift online in response to COVID-19 restrictions, digital equity among students has never been more critical – an issue that disproportionately impacts on Pacific and