Whispers
Dispatches from Tonga The ubiquity of mobile phones is a growing issue at the Pacific Islands Forum. At last month’s leaders’ meeting in Nuku’alofa, every ceremony and event was captured on phones, with selfies
2024
Kava: Protecting our lifeblood
Kava is of immense cultural significance to peoples across the region: yaqona in Fiji, malogu in Vanuatu, 'ava in Samoa, 'awa in Hawai’i and sakau in the Federated States of
The “Palauan Dream”
Palau’s tourism industry may be slowly recovering, but there are concerns that its young people are not participating in the
Building for tomorrow
Local architects are exploring sustainable building methods to create climate-resilient communities.
Women driving change in Fiji’s construction industry
Women in Development and Trade Fiji’s initiatives are driving a significant shift in the traditionally male dominated Fijian construction
Palau’s ancient builders
A project to understand and map Palau’s ‘green pyramids’, is bringing attention to a largely unknown period of early
Pacific artists collective focuses on cultural recovery
Rako Pasefika, a collective of Pacific Island artists from the island of Rotuma, is emerging as a powerful force of cultural
Briefs
American Samoa American Samoa's Senate has passed a bill that will increase fees paid to jurors for the first time in 44 years. The bill acknowledges the “important role in the criminal legal system” jurors play and
Movers and Shakers
Pacific government, business and community appointments and in memorium from Islands Business' September 2024
The power of a ‘toothless tiger’
Pacific Island experts have welcomed a new international treaty that aims to prevent biopiracy as a major step forward in global efforts to protect indigenous intellectual property, genetic resources and traditional
Mounting discord at USP
Academics warn of 'toxic' atmosphere damaging the region's largest university Growing discord within the ranks of the University of the South Pacific ( USP ) escalated further this month with the summary dismissal of a
French political uncertainty unsettles New Caledonia
The glitz and glamour of the Olympics hosted by France has overshadowed an ongoing political crisis facing the French State. For weeks after snap elections for the French National Assembly, the outgoing government has
Whispers
Trump, the Russians, and then there’s China Australia continues to tread cautiously amid heightened security worries, both in the Pacific and domestically. Addressing a public policy think tank, Pacific Minister Pat
Starlink rollout slowly gains momentum
Starlink’s rollout in the region continues in fits and starts. The satellite technology company last month announced two authorised resellers in Fiji - Lightspeed Pacific and Telecom Fiji. Telecom Fiji CEO, Charles
Sailing to sustainability
The arrival of the SV Juren Ae into Majuro Lagoon under full sail at the end of last month was a majestic sight. It was also an important moment for sustainable shipping in our region. In 2020, Marshall Islands
Pacific urges the IMO to act on climate
In another example of global leadership on climate action, six Pacific Island members of the International Maritime Organization are urging the organisation to adopt a universal levy on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
Pacific ports at a crossroads
Enhancing climate resilience and cybersecurity The Pacific region stands at a pivotal point in its quest to strengthen maritime infrastructure against climate change and bolster cybersecurity measures. As rising sea
Turning the tide: Inside the longest strike in Fiji’s history
Thirty-three years after it started, Fiji’s longest strike by workers at the Vatukoula Gold Mines came to an end in June, with the Coalition government promising a payout of FJ$9.2 million (US$4.6 million) for the
Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa: What’s Next?
On August 2, ballots for the Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) closed for eight participating countries, with the exception of the Federated States of Micronesia and Palau who each received a two-week extension. Whether
Restoring visions of paradise
“The meaning of my Japanese name is ‘naked autumn trees clothed by the falls of gentle snowflakes’,” says Samoan artist, Yuki Kihara. “It [speaks of] seasonal changes between autumn and winter, and I kind of
Water: A Connector, Not a Sector
Pacific water expert, Pitolau Lusia Sefo-Leau says the Pacific region is “far from achieving” the goal of having universal access to water and sanitation by 2030 or SDG6. “I feel that there is something very wrong
Addressing Kiribati’s ‘alarming’ water situation
In Kiribati, many people still struggle to get adequate access to safe, clean drinking water. But work is well underway to try and ensure more schools can provide this basic human need to students. “If you don’t