Whispers
DESPITE government assurances about meeting core International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, Fijians are bracing themselves for a possible ILO Commission of Inquiry. The country’s two main unions, the
2015 November
The world’s eyes turn to bountiful atolls full of guts and promise
Palau lures tourist dollars with its treasured riches SEVERAL countries are now picking up what Palau has started. AS early as 2013, Palau President Tommy Remengesau Jr. has proposed
Bribery, pardon & prison
IT could have been a movie script as it contained gripping drama, pathos, intrigue, high farce and action. And it involved police, politicians, lawyers, judges and money, lots of money. But it is not a
Haven in the Pacific
Lost millions from restricted fishing return with tourists THE Senate passed the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS) legislation on third and final reading on Oct. 15 with amendments from the House version of the
Fallout in French Polynesia
President Fritch proposes new party IT’S hard when you fall out with family. President Edouard Fritch of French Polynesia is the former son-in-law of long-serving politician Gaston
Report out on deep sea mining
MINING for deep sea mineral deposits is yet to commence anywhere in the world. Pacific Island countries are among the pioneers in this emerging field. Countries like Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and
After TONG who will it be?
Kiribati election race – overcrowding, social woes overshadow the climate change issue PRESIDENT Anote Tong is leaving office next year because the country’s Constitution restricts presidential
Who is to blame
Island teams seek answers to World Cup failure THE next four years will determine the future of Pacific rugby following the disastrous exits of Samoa, Fiji and Tonga from the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Caught out
Fiji Opposition move forces Bainimarama’s hand MAJOR-General Jioji (George) Konrote has been feted as Fiji’s first non-iTaukei President but he is, in fact, much more. The
Church on a mission for WEST PAPUA
THE Catholic Church in Pacific has placed the issue of West Papua firmly in its sights after an impassioned plea from regional civil society groups. Next month, Bishop Jean Bosco Baremes of the Diocese of Port
Insult to the Pacific
Minister’s visit draws leaders’ ire AS Indonesian Minister Yohana Susana Yembise attempted to woo Fiji’s women, church leaders in her home were calling for justice. Father Neles