Stuck in the slum
Corruption investigation into NGO activities WHEN Fijian Prime Minister, RearAdmiral Frank Bainimarama, handed out keys to the residents of Lagilagi Housing Estate in November 2013, he was giving homes to the
2016
Growth masks Palau’s flaws
ADB highlights setback in policy enforcement. TOURISM continues to be Palau’s bread and butter and a contributed to its economic growth for the past two years but a recent private sector assessment by the Asian
What is Lagilagi Estate?
LAGILAGI (Fijian for Glorious) is a portion land in what was once the Jittu Estate in Fiji’s capital, Suva. In the late 1960s and early 1970s it was the largest squatter settlement in Fiji, housing families from
Smoke and mirrors
The regional scourge of tobacco TOBACCO remains a major contributor to non-communicable diseases in this region. Smokers are more susceptible to coronary artery disease, diabetes and infections involving the lungs,
PCN outlines inquiry
AN internal investigation is underway to establish whether homes in the Lagilagi Eastate in Fiji’s capital were given to the poor, disabled and elderly. Peoples Concern Network Director, Semiti Qalowasa, confirmed
Pacific tops women violence
Human rights watchdog waves the red flag Quick fact – a staggering 60 per cent of women in the Pacific have experienced violence and abuse at the hands of their partner or other members of the family. According to
At CRISIS Point
NCD battle can be won: Clark HELEN Clark has never shied away from a fight. As New Zealand’s first woman Prime Minister she fought against the odds to lead the nation.Now she is fighting to become the first woman
Elusive Olympic gold within reach
THERE’s an air of excitement and anticipation as Brazil gets set to host the 31st Olympic Games from 5-21 August. Never before has an Olympic gold medal been so close a reality for the tiny island nations of the
Cash crash
Banks put stop to money transfers AS governments begin to squeeze out the financial supporters of global terrorism and put pressure on drug traffickers, the innocent have been caught in the crossfire. Millions of people
Full moon falling
Head of State avoids Cooks vote ‘THE work of the devil’ Clerk of Parliament John Tangi gave that explanation for an attempted vote-of-noconfidence in the government of the Cook Islands last month. According
Sweeney is Tuvalu CJ
PM dodges questions over conflict of interest CONTROVERSY surrounds the appointment in Tuvalu of its new Chief Justice as questions are being raised about the close links between the appointee and the island’s Prime
Fiji wins UN presidency role
HISTORY was made last month when Fiji’s ambassador to the United Nations Peter Thomson won the votes to become President of the upcoming 71st session of the UN General Assembly. He beat leading diplomat of Cyprus,
Solomons challenge
Auditor-General highlights lack of record keeping THE lack of public sector asset record keeping is a growing management issue for the Solomon Islands. Solomon Islands Auditor-General Peter Lokay said the asset
Game of thrones
Customary disputes divide Wallis and Futuna THE French state has effectively chosen sides in a long-running dispute over the monarchy in Uvea, despite a convention to stay out of local customary affairs in Wallis
Vanuatu steps up
GOVERNMENT and Opposition have both been on winning streaks in Vanuatu this month. And they have been appropriately complimented by Head of State Baldwin Lonsdale. In his attempt to open the First Ordinary Sitting of
No pain, no gain for Hayne
Hard yards to go ahead of Rio for Fijian code hopper THE barrage of negative publicity when Jarryd Hayne chose to join the Fiji team for the London leg of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series was not a surprise.
Eyes on the skies
Kiribati looks to expand WITH limited freight space and a growing fresh tuna industry, Kiribati has been forced to look at fleet expansion and a return to international flights. Aviation industry insiders point to the
Guns for cops
AFTER RAMSI Provinces support armed forces WHEN Solomon Islands police officers walk onto Honiara’s streets with pistols, they will become the first armed force outside of former United States territories. With
Proceed with caution
THE Solomon Islands’ decision to selectively arm members of its police force must be a matter for extreme concern. For it points to the need for protection of the public and the government from the threat of armed
Indonesia makes tactical move
West Papua human rights abuses continue JAKARTA’S diplomacy in the region is a sight to behold. With the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia’s independence movement and Vanuatu committed to allowing West
Cultural survival and revival
“YOU can’t buy any of the materials you’ll find in these necklaces,” says Chonj Floryne, a jewellery artist from Tahiti, who creates native accessories from coconut fibre, seashells and black
Indonesia is not Melanesia
LATE last week, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement rejecting the Solomon Islands Prime Minister’s comments on the issue of West Papua and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). In his
Tuvalu court jails former PM
Japan, Taiwan interests named in abuse of office trial FOR the first time in Tuvalu’s 38 years as an independent nation, a former prime minister currently sitting as an opposition member-of- parliament has been
