Tropical depression moves toward Fiji
Rotuma can expect damaging winds and heavy rain from tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon as a Tropical Depression moves slowly east towards Fiji. Located about 1000 km west of Rotuma at 6am today, TDF04 has winds of between
Vanuatu on watch for floods
Vanuatu’s northern and central regions have been warned to expect heavy rain and flash flooding as a severe weather system closes in from the north-west. Isolated heavy rainfall with thunder and winds of up to 46
All eyes on weather system
A significant weather system has developed north-west of Vanuatu and is moving south-east towards New Caledonia and Fiji. The Joint Typhoon Warning Centre at Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, placed the system near 12.05 South
Over 360 people in Fiji evacuation centres
In Fiji, 361 evacuees are now taking shelter at evacuation centers around the country as Tropical Cyclone Sarai continues to move through the group. 15 evacuation centres country-wide have now been activated and a storm
A LEADER FOR THE PACIFIC TO BE PROUD OF
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is Islands Businesses’ 2019 Pacific Person of the Year. Just over two years since she took office, events in New Zealand and in her own personal life have catapulted her on to
Recent changes to the Kina facility rate: Are they working?
It has been three months since the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) adjusted the Kina Facility Rate (KFR) for the first time in more than six years. The KFR is intended to serve as the interest rate at which funds can
2050 STRATEGY FOR THE BLUE PACIFIC CONTINENT: A SEA CHANGE?
The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders, at their meeting in Funafuti, Tuvalu, last August, endorsed the development of a ‘2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.’ Leaders thus tasked
Massacre, memory and music
Yudha Korwa was just 17 years old when he was attacked by Indonesian soldiers during the Biak massacre on 6 July 1998. “A soldier used a big gun and hit me hard on the head. I saw them kick my friend,”
Taiwan trials mega changes as China watches
As the world’s first transgender government minister, Audrey Tang is probably resigned to the different kind of reactions she receives when she meets strangers. Like last month when a group of international
Nauru 19 survivors jailed
The Supreme Court in Nauru has handed down jail terms to a group of men and one woman—including former politicians— in connection with a political protest that turned violent four years ago. Details of the sentences
THE TONE FOR A ‘JUST AND TRANSPARENT’ USP IS VANISHING
I was impressed by the words of Vice-Chancellor, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, during the USP’s Emalus Campus graduation ceremony in Port Vila when he said: “Continue to live by the values of your University in all that
DEACTIVATION OF MOBILE PHONES IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA IMMINENT
The Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has this week declined to answer questions asked of it regarding the SIM card registration regulation of 2016. The direct impact of this court hearing is that
Long walk to freedom
By Netani Rika THERE was always only going to be one outcome when the people of Bougainville were given their inalienable right to choose the political future of the island chain. Independence. With an overwhelming 97.7
Islands Business December 2019 Edition
Islands Business Magazine December 2019 publication electronic