We need to do more in disaster risk: Tuvalu PM
A national building code is required for Tuvalu to be better prepared for disasters, says the island’s Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga. Such a code would lead to the construction of stronger buildings on Tuvalu,
Roads, water, education clear winners in Fiji’s US$1.7b Budget
Fiji’s government of Frank Bainimarama is continuing with its expansionary economic policy in the $3.3 billion (US$1.69 billion) budget for 2015 it handed down in Fiji’s Parliament on November 21st. Its
Private sector plays key role in disaster risk reductions
Fiji Water, Digicel, ANZ take the lead Businesses are among those hardest hit when storms, floods, tsunamis, cyclones and other hazards occur. Every year, cyclones hit the Pacific Islands and because of climate change
Study demonstrates value of sustainable forestry
Training, acceptance to boost profits Conventional logging delivers a body blow to forests by stripping 80 to 90 per cent of target tree species. This shock erodes biodiversity, damages ecological function and
Salaries to influence vote
Among the many women candidates who registered for Tonga’s elections is trades unionist Mele Sivi ‘Amanaki (pictured). A former Civil Servant, she is the Secretary General of the Public Service Association
Airline owner focuses on family values and youth
Businessman Tevita Palu of Fasi-moeAfi is no stranger to controversies with government. The civil engineer is also the CEO of Real Tonga, the Kingdom’s only domestic airline. Two years ago aid towards the Tonga
French general reviews defence
Maritime border dispute between Vanuatu and New Caledonia is not for the French Navy or its Armed Forces to sort out, says Brigadier General Luc de Revel (pictured). He is the senior commander of the French Armed Forces
Islander runs for top tuna job
A former deputy secretary general of the Pacific Islands Forum is the only Pacific islander to be shortlisted for the top job at the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC). Feleti Teo, who recently
Bainimarama diplomacy
Fiji’s diplomatic relations with China and India began under the leadership of Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara’s Alliance government as it carefully guided a newly independent nation into the world of global
O’Neill faces fresh corruption allegations
Uproar over purchase of shares Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill is undeterred by mounting high level corruption allegations against him with the latest being his referral for prosecution by a
Troubled Momi project springs back to life
Fletcher to built Marriott resort The troubled Momi Bay Resort Development Project is making a comeback seven years after it fell apart due to financial turmoil which landed the Fiji National Provident Fund in hot
Marshalls goes for top dollar
Tourism, airports key to island plan Marshall Islands’ revived investment agency is in search for new money aimed at boosting the island economy, its ailing aviation and tourism industries in particular. Chief
SPC Fiji base to be gifted with US$28m Pacific Village
By the first quarter of 2015, the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) hopes the construction of its new base in Fiji would have started. Green light for this has been granted by the host government, and in
Energy poverty and access to electricity in the Pacific
Energy poverty is widespread in the Pacific. It is estimated that 70 per cent of households in the region don’t have access to electricity and 85 per cent don’t have access to clean cooking energy
Tonga floats Development Bank for the Pacific
Setting up a regional development bank gained the support of the Association of Development Financing Institutions of the Pacific meeting in Nuku’alofa last month. Tonga’s Acting Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu
Fuel company focuses on gas
The National Petroleum Company of Papua New Guinea (NPCP), the third largest shareholder of the world class Papua New Guinea Liquefied Natural Gas project (PNG LNG) is estimated to be valued at US$8 billion to US$9
A piece of Lau in Atafu
Google Earth says Vanuabalavu Island in Fiji’s northeast lies 1400 km southwest of Atafu, one of three inhabited atolls of Tokelau. And while separated by the vast Pacific Ocean, the two islands share a common
Protecting young people’s sexual health and well-being
Young Pacific people, including those on Tokelau, have high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned teenage pregnancies. Youth and population level surveys conducted by Pacific Ministries of Health
Forum is work in progress
Melanesian leaders failed to attend the 2nd Pacific Islands Development Forum on the Fijian resort island of Denarau last month. Conspicuous in their absence were Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and
Rare cultural display in Melanesian Festival
2000 take part in traditional extravaganza The true spirit of Melanesian cultural identity has again been invigorated, fostered and enhanced at the 5th Melanesian Festival of Arts and Culture staged from 28th June to
CNMI heads for 3 elections in November
I n yet another first in its history, the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is headed for three elections in a single month in November with a recordbreaking 18,000 registered voters. Election issues are
More US immigration woes for the Northern Marianas
Russians, Chinese target visa loop-holes the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands has received a five-year extension of a critical programme allowing it continued access to some 10,000 foreign workers up to 2019
