MSG calls on France to allow monitoring missions into New Caledonia

As New Caledonia reels after two months of clashes between protesters and police, the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) has called on France to allow independent monitoring missions to visit New Caledonia and assess

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USP boss sacks union leader for speaking out

The University of the South Pacific (USP) has terminated the work contract of union leader, Dr Tamara Osborne-Naikatini. The President of AUSPS (Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff), Dr

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Tjibaou and Metzdorf win New Caledonia’s seats in French National Assembly

In New Caledonia, Emmanuel Tjibaou has won a seat in the French National Assembly – the first time in 38 years that a pro-independence Kanak leader will serve in the French legislature in Paris. Emmanuel is the son of

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Opinion: PNG’s gold bill implications for the central bank

PNG’s proposed National Gold Corporation Bill 2023 has attracted lots of debate, objections, and protests. Just last week, the government agreed to amend the immensely long bill (currently over 500 pages!) and consult

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Opinion: Why is New Caledonia on fire? According to local women, the deadly riots are about more than voting rights

New Caledonia’s capital city, Noumea, has endured widespread violent rioting over the past 48 hours. This crisis intensified rapidly, taking local authorities by surprise. Peaceful protests had been occurring across

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France declares state of emergency in New Caledonia

After three nights of rioting in Noumea, with violent clashes between police and protestors, French President Emmanuel Macron has declared a state of emergency in New Caledonia, taking effect from Thursday morning. The

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Violent clashes in Noumea as French National Assembly debates voting rights

As the French parliament in Paris considers legislation to reform voting rights in New Caledonia, there has been a night of rioting and arson in Noumea. On Monday, a series of peaceful protest rallies highlighted calls

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Fiji’s Bainimarama gets one year in jail

Suspended Police Commissioner gets 2-year sentence Former Fiji Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama has been sentenced to a year in prison after being found guilty of one count of attempt to pervert the course of justice.

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Spartan Fiji aims to double participants, economic impact in 2024

Spartan Race CEO Russell Nelms hopes to double the number of people participating in the Fiji event this year, and its value to the local economy. Russell Helms says the event injected FJ$6.2 million into the economy in

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Fiji Business Briefs

Fiji Cabinet approves review of national minimum wage Fiji’s Cabinet has given the greenlight to a review of the national minimum wage and will also assess job classifications. The review will include a number of

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Solomon Islands PM has millions in property, raising questions around wealth

The prime minister of Solomon Islands has recently gone on a home-building spree, constructing eight valuable new houses in and around the capital city of Honiara. KEY POINTS: Manasseh Sogavare, the four-time prime

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Crisis brewing as France seeks changes to New Caledonia’s electoral rolls

As the French National Assembly and Senate debate changes to New Caledonia’s electoral laws, there are protests in the streets of Noumea from both supporters and opponents of independence. Backed by local

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