Time to go pink
THE scourge of cancer is a threat no Pacific community can afford to take lightly. Each year, thousands of Pacific islanders are cut down – many in the prime of life – by an illness which could be eradicated if
2017 October
ADB to loan Fiji $341.1m
Confidence in Fiji economy THE Asian Development Bank has earmarked $341.1million in firm and tentative investments between 2018-2020. The ADBs country operations plan for Fiji 2018-2020 reveals this funding will be
Whispers
Samoan passports THERE is anger in Samoa after the Prime Minister revoked the diplomatic passport of the outgoing head of state. The PM, who is also responsible for the Immigration portfolio, was apparently well within
COP23
Bula vinaka and greetings from Fiji. We approach COP23 in November with the global community at a crossroads in our collective response to climate change. The choices we make now will decide the fate of our planet and
Vanuatu faces green growth challenges
THE need for rural electrification is a major issue faced by Vanuatu, with around 75 per cent of the population living in rural areas without electrification. In that regard, the island is establishing a National Green
The Blue Pacific
AFTER the Forum leaders’ retreat in Apia, a final press conference was scheduled for 4pm. But more than three hours later, leaders were still arguing over the wording for the communiqué of the 48th Pacific Islands
Take greater ownership
It hasn’t been an easy role for Meg Tayloe since taking her seat as Forum Genral Secretary. She tells Nic Maclellan of Islands Business about the meerting outcomes and her expectations for the region. Excerpts from
Insurance for climate damage
ONE of the more contentious debates at this year’s Pacific Islands Forum involved a proposal from Tuvalu for a Pacific Islands Climate Change Insurance Facility (PICCIF). There is concern amongst some CROP agencies
STOP to illegal logging leases
THE Papua New Guinea Government has finally decided to shut down illegal logging leases that have enriched foreign companies and dispossessed traditional landowners. The decision would put an end to a dubious
Greener days are coming
1184 certified organic farmers THE historic launching of Organic Pasifika at Laminu Stadium on Tanna Island last month (September 20) certified 1184 organic farmers from Tanna alone. It is a signal that greener days are
The road to PWA 2017
OVERSEAS travel by government officials can be quite controversial at times and often comes under the microscope in the Pacific. More often than not, criticisms are not way off the mark. Not for Vanuatu’s former
Crisis in the kingdom
TONGA’s political events in the past three weeks took the region by surprise. First it was His Majesty King Tupou VI who did the unprecedented and disssolved Parliament, with it also sending Prime Minister ‘Akilisi
I cheated death twice
ASENA Senimoli survived two death experiences- her heart beat stopped, she felt the pain, slowly slipped away and was ready to go. But God saved her life those two times for a higher purpose. Three years later, breast
Big risks in rugby’s gold rush
Pacific rugby stars face exploitation SIRELI Temo grew up like the thousands of Fijian children around the country doing what he loved best – playing rugby from the time he could grasp the oval ball. Since his
Bid for 7s World Series leg
Fiji to showcase hosting credentials with Oceania Sevens Fiji has always been in the top three of the world standings in rugby sevens. And now the women’s team is in the top four. But they have never hosted a HSBC
Bati guns all out for World Cup
THE Vodafone Fiji Bati will not be an easy pushover at the Rugby League World Cup if the form of Fijian players on the international circuit is anything to go by. Fiji National Rugby League chief executive officer
Will Fiji evolve towards Pakistan’s model of democracy?
THE statement in the media by the Chief of Staff of the Fiji Military Forces, Colonel Jone Kalouniwai, in September criticising the speech of National Federation Party MP Parmod Nand, has again raised the question of