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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
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
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
Putting Samoa on the global tourist map
Global event revolves around local show Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) Chief Executive Officer Matatamali’i Sonja Hunter says the SIDS event is an opportunity to showcase Samoa not only to the visiting 3000
Security stays tight after win
Despite a landslide election win and claims of nationwide popularity, the security cordon around Fiji’s Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has not weakened. In fact, once it became obvious that he had won the
Straight-shooting PM ready to take on the world
Samoa willing to say no to China Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has been Samoa’s Prime Minister for 17 years. The frank and outspoken leader has had a long career in politics, diplomacy and public administration.
Air Niugini wary of flying into Qantas path
National carrier to sell shares As leading regional airline operators announced a disastrous past 12 months in profit trading, Papua New Guinea’s Air Niugini declared it will sell its ownership in an attempt to
Farm to table – Chef’s passion is infectious
Oliver joins growing new food movement Award winning chef and author Robert Oliver is not one to rest on his laurels. The two-time winner of the world’s most prestigious cookbook awards for his Pacificthemed
Vocational education boosts hospitality and fashion jobs
Without formal qualifications, Pacific Island workers can find themselves stalled on the career ladder. When work demands make it near impossible to study and attain qualifications – and the costs and
Showcasing small islands enterprise
Traditional artisans to display products Several local, regional and global agencies are coming together to showcase a wide range of small islands enterprises – not just from Samoa but also from the Pacific
Regional food and beverage exhibition creates growth possibilities for growers and manufacturers
Fine Food Australia is the region’s biggest annual food and beverage trade show. Featuring hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors and buyers from around the world, potentially millions of dollars worth
Prime Minister’s signature is expensive
The decision of Samoa’s Prime Minister to sign a letter in support of two convicted rapists has raised serious questions from the country’s Opposition Party Tautua Samoa. According to the Party, the Prime
‘Samoa arrives on world cuisine stage’
“I didn’t win the award. Samoa won the award,” Oliver said when his second book based on the cuisines of the Pacific islands, ‘Mea’ai Samoa: Recipes from the Heart of Polynesia’, won