Opinion: Samoa should make the most of the Pacific Engagement Visa

When presented with an opportunity like Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) scheme, don’t demur. Grab it with both hands and be grateful. Other Pacific countries including Fiji are all ready to sign

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Opinion: Trump vs Biden: the aid dimension

Republican candidate Donald Trump is the favourite to win the US presidential election on 5 November over Democratic incumbent Joe Biden, according to recent forecasts by media outlets such as The Economist. The

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Opinion: The real cost of mining in Solomon Islands

The Rennell landowners are questioning the government again about the status of their royalty payments for the 33 bauxite shipments worth millions and their compensation claims for the Kangava Bay oil spill in 2018.

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Opinion: Private sector can play a vital role in tackling plastic tsunami

The Pacific Islands, among the most picturesque yet vulnerable regions in the world, are facing an escalating crisis: plastic pollution. The initiation of a global plastics treaty, underpinned by initiatives such as the

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Marine species disappear amid dredging works

As dredging works moved downstream in the Sigatoka River, Kulukukulu Village headman Christopher Herbert Work watched as the machines heading towards them dug up the river and spewed out sand and gravel to the

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Opinion: FestPAC: Protecting Oceania and charting future voyages 

It’s the first time the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture, which starts Thursday, will be held in Hawaii.  The Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture is the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific

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Opinion: Silent epidemic: The devastating impact of drugs on Fiji’s health and wellbeing

Fiji faces a critical mental health crisis, with rising drug abuse cases being one of several contributing factors. Social and economic challenges, along with limited access to mental health services, are also believed

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Opinion: How integrating traditional leadership will impact Pacific Islands governance and diplomacy

Pacific Island nations have declared a campaign to move toward recognition of indigenous and traditional leaders in policy development. While it may appear an unconventional move in the Pacific’s contemporary context

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Opinion: Increasing women’s political representation in Solomon Islands

On 29 December 2023, the Solomon Islands National Cabinet approved the introduction of temporary special measures (TSMs) to improve women’s political representation in the Provincial Government Assemblies (PGAs).

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Opinion: Fiji’s enormous contribution to global peacekeeping

29 May – the International Day of UN Peacekeeping – is an important day on the United Nations’ annual event calendar.  It is a day that we mark with great pride, admiration, solemnity and honour for the men and

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Opinion: Manele’s leadership in Solomon Islands: opportunities and challenges

Solomon Islands’ new prime minister Jeremiah Manele brings a new leadership style to the position, compared to the abrasive approach of his predecessor, Manasseh Sogavare. However, policies are unlikely to change, and

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Opinion: Fiji’s three-speed economy

Fiji’s swift rebound from the pandemic-induced downturn has been impressive.  The economy is doing better than it was in 2019 with tourism leading the rebound. Visitor arrivals in 2022 exceeded most expectations and

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