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
2014 August
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
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
Pacific Islands Forum Meeting – of people and power
Every six years Pacific leaders meet at their annual summit to discuss who will win the lottery and get the six figure job of Secretary General of the Forum. It is quite literarily the lottery as the first Secretary
More US immigration woes for the Northern Marianas
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 for its recovering economy. But it still
Fiji fears force deal with EU to save sugar industry
Viability hangs on interim EPA Fears of the collapse of Fiji’s multi-million dollar sugar industry prompted its government late last month to opt for an Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (IEPA) with the
Three rapes a week in Vanuatu cause uproar
Women condemn police reaction The spectre of rape has clouded the halo of happiness in Vanuatu in recent months and led to robust debate about women’s place in society. Late in June police issued a media release
Pacific rugby celebrates major breakthroughs
Regional powers qualify for World Cup Exciting times for Pacific rugby. The world champion New Zealand All Blacks will finally end their long hiatus of having never played on Samoan soil with an historic test in Apia
Enforce ocean-wide ban
At the tenth annual Ministerial Forum Fisheries Committee meeting on Atafu Atoll in Tokelau early last month Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Director General James Movick said progress had been made towards a declaration
Debate over Samoan head of state title
Constitution amendment sparks discussion An amendment to Samoa’s Constitution that will see the government of the day select a Head of State is genrating much debate in the island state. With one more reading
Whispers
Twenty-two thousand dollar charter … At least one Cook Islander was the least impressed when caretaker Prime Minister and of all probability the one that would continue on as Prime Minister Henry Puna (top left)
