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
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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
Mana the Whey to go
A LOCAL sports supplement has entered the market to compete against brands from around the world. Goodman Fielder International (Fiji) Pte Ltd, a company renowned for creating and producing some of the most iconic food
Life in interesting times
LATE last month Papua New Guinea returned the government of Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to power – albeit with a much smaller majority. At the same time the people of the Pacific’s largest democracy removed three
A warrior falls
Tony de Brum 1945-2017 … He was a giant of history, a legend in every meaning of the word … AT the age of nine, Tony de Brum was fishing at sea with his grandfather when he witnessed an explosion which was
Whispers
Missing cash WHERE is the $515,000 given by Methodist people from Fiji who now live in New Zealand for the construction of a new home for the head of the church? At the recent Methodist Church in Fiji annual conference,
Friends no more
Tonga heads to the polls AS a student at the University of the South Pacific, Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva decided to put an end to what he saw as the corrupt system of governance in his homeland – Tonga. The monarchy
About to fall down
PNG – land of the mystic PAPUA New Guinea marks its independence this month, just weeks after the end of elections. This land of contrast with vast amounts of natural resources has been plagued by corruption and
Brother Kanaky
MSG seals deal with Independence group ahead of referendum THE Melanesian Spearhead Group will take a lead role in a political referendum in New Caledonia next year. MSG Director General, Ambassador Amenatave
Taking God out of the islands
UNLESS you are cocooned in a tourist bubble, it is hardly possible to miss God when you visit the Pacific Islands. In every village and on every main street there seems to be a church or temple, packed to bursting point
Kelly Bently, Coordinator for the ManFightback after Winston
SINCE Tropical Cyclone Winston made its brutal landfall in the country last year, Fiji has doubled its efforts to building back better and tripled its commitment to combat climate change. Keeping in mind the Paris
R&D – The way forward
Academics to provide climate change impact EXPECT greater consultation between government and academics – at least in Fiji – as preparations begin for the first Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
Things fall apart
Tokelau calls for support FOR close to 40 years the tiny island nation of Tokelau has been without a local meteorological service. That’s ever since New Zealand withdrew direct funding for the facility in the 1980s.
Battle for power
Australian, Japanese firms fight over deposits THIS year marks the 70th year of the end of the war in the Solomons. Yet the battle over natural resources in these islands ended in the courts just months ago and there
Family security under scrutiny
“IF your family is hungry, if there is no food in the kitchen, there will be a problem.” These were the words Anitelu Toe’api, publi relations and communications officer for the Civil Society Forum of Tonga. “If
Vendor back on her feet
UN project boosts families THE decision of her husband to leave her behind with her two children did not deter Sulueti Liku from living her life. Her husband was the sole bread winner of the family and was a very