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
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.
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
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
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
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
Absolute discharge for Bainimarama, fine without record of conviction for Qiliho
Suva, Fiji: When Suva Magistrate Seini Puamau took her seat in court this morning to deliver her sentence against former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and suspended Police Commissioner, Sitiveni Qiliho, she warned
Chinese Communist Party-Backed Businessman in Fiji is a Top Australian Criminal Target
Prominent Fiji-based businessman Zhao Fugang is a trusted advocate for China’s interests in the Pacific. But Australian law enforcement and intelligence agencies suspect he plays another part: as a senior organized
Opinion: Communities worry anew as PNG revives seabed mining plans
Chris Malgan sits in his outrigger canoe, singing and shaking a ring of coconut shells in the water next to the boat. The inky skies backdropping the reef portend a late-morning storm that will bring a deluge of rain
Nauru cuts ties with Taiwan in favour of China
The Government of Nauru has switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China. In a statement yesterday, the government announced its allegiance to the “One-China Principle, which recognises the People’s
Heine elected as Marshall Islands President
Marshall Islands has elected its 10th President, Dr Hilda Heine. Dr Heine received 17 votes when the Marshall Islands Nitijela voted yesterday, just one more than outgoing President, David Kabua. It is Dr Heine’s
RBF ups Fiji economic growth projection
The Reserve Bank of Fiji has upwardly revised Fiji’s 2023 economic growth forecast to 8.2%. The RBF had earlier said Fiji’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) would grow by 8%. RBF Governor and Chair of the
“The Spirit of Do Kamo”: church youth delegates meet in New Caledonia
As the bus traverses the Col des rousettes – a pass through New Caledonia’s central mountain chain – the guitars come out. Heading towards the east coast town of Waa wi Lûû (Houaïlou), the bus resonates to
Apia hosts signing of new EU-ACP Samoa Agreement
More than two decades ago, the European Union and a group of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states were due to meet in Suva, to sign a new partnership agreement. But the ceremony, scheduled for June 2000, never
Forum outcomes cover environment, security and gender
Meeting in Cook Islands, Pacific Islands Forum leaders confirmed former President of Nauru Baron Waqa as the next Secretary General of the Forum Secretariat, taking over from Henry Puna in 2024. A major focus of the
Forum leaders appointed Baron Waqa as next Forum Secretary General, endorse the 2050 Strategy
Pacific Islands Forum leaders have reaffirmed the decision taken under the Suva Agreement with the appointment of former president of Nauru Baron Waqa as the next Secretary General. This was announced by Forum Chairman
Moetai Brotherson at the Forum: “We all share this Moana Nui a Hiva”
For Moetai Brotherson, the newly elected President of French Polynesia, this week’s Pacific Islands Forum is a time to share ideas with the leaders of state from neighbouring island nations. “It’s necessary to
MSG meeting in Rarotonga appoints special envoy on West Papua
Meeting in Rarotonga in the lead up to the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum, the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) has agreed to appoint a special envoy to engage in talks with Indonesia on the issue of West Papua. Following a
Melanesian delegations meet in Rarotonga
As this week’s program kicks off in Rarotonga, member states of the Pacific Island Forum have held sub-regional caucuses, to prepare for the week’s wide-ranging agenda. Leaders and delegates from Melanesia,
Preaching partnership in the Pacific islands
As the Pacific Islands Forum holds its 52nd meeting in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, leaders are eager for international delegations to focus on Pacific agendas and priorities, exemplified by the 2050 Strategy for a Blue
Forum wants action on climate finance and Loss and Damage
RAROTONGA/PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM 2023: As the region faces an El Nino summer and Vanuatu reels from the devastation of Cyclone Lola – the third Category 5 cyclone to hit the nation in seven months – it’s no
Challenging times for regionalism in Rarotonga
Pacific Islands Forum 2023: Every September, the opening of the United Nations General Assembly provides an opportunity for presidents, prime ministers and heads of states to highlight their views on global challenges.
Double earthquake hits Madang province
A double earthquake hit Madang last night, causing damage to lives and properties at a cost that would be confirmed this week. The epicentre was around the Bibi area near Saidor government station in Rai Coast district.
