Vanuatu Capital Investment Immigration Plan Programme suspended
The Vanuatu Government, through the Citizenship Commission, has suspended all new applications under the Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP) until further notice. This has been confirmed by the newly appointed
Fiji urged to accelerate BBNJ ratification
Regional partners are calling on Fiji to speed up its ratification of the BBNJ Agreement as other countries move forward with their commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The BBNJ
Aviation a lifeline for the Pacific, says Forum SG Waqa
Forum Secretary General Baron Divavesi Waqa, Thursday emphasised the vital role aviation plays in the region’s future, calling it not just a mode of transport, but a lifeline for island economies. Speaking to
“Our people need us more than ever” nurses hear
Nurses are the backbone of Pacific health systems, attendees gathered for the Pacific Heads of Nursing and Midwifery Meeting in Nadi have been reminded. Pacific health leaders are meeting in Nadi this week to address
Leaders call for climate action during post COP29 debrief
Pacific leaders have reiterated the region’s urgent climate demands at the Post-COP29 Debrief of Pacific Political Climate Champions, warning that their voices must not be sidelined. This week’s session brought
AFBC, Investment Fiji to launch definitive Trade & Investment guide for 2025
The Australia Fiji Business Council (AFBC) and Investment Fiji have announced the launch of the Fiji Trade & Investment Review 2025, a comprehensive annual publication that aims to equip businesses and investors
Jiwaka MP apologises to women of PNG for grandson’s role in Jenelyn Kennedy’s murder
Jiwaka Provincial Member Simon Kaiwi has publicly apologised in Parliament today to the women of Papua New Guinea for the actions of his grandson, Bhosip Kaiwi, who was convicted for the 2020 murder of Jenelyn Kennedy.
PNG PM apologises to women, girls
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has made an emotional apology on the floor of Parliament to the women, girls, and mothers of Papua New Guinea, expressing deep regret for the pain inflicted by the
Fiji mission to PNG targets $100m trade opportunities
Fiji aims to secure 20 qualified investment and trade opportunities with a projected combined value of at least $100million (US$50 million) by engaging with key stakeholders in Papua New Guinea (PNG). A delegation of
Nauru officials meet Indian railway contractor on phosphate transportation
Nauru’s government officials have met with an Indian railway solutions contractor, Unirail, in Dubai to discuss “a cost-effective method for transporting phosphate rock”. In a statement on Monday, the
Palau’s women leaders’ summit to highlight parental support
Palau’s Director for Domestic Affairs, Eunice Akiwo, has underscored the importance of supporting parents as a key step in adopting a gender-focused approach to family resourcing. At the Pacific welcome reception
Pacific nation of Kiribati explores deep sea mining deal with China
The company at the vanguard of plans to mine deep sea metals used in electric vehicle batteries has surrendered a third of its Pacific Ocean exploration area after a breakdown in cooperation with the island nation of
PM Marape to table 2019 Bougainville referendum results
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed his commitment to tabling the 2019 post-referendum results in Parliament, allowing for a final decision on Bougainville’s political future. Speaking at the
Sprint King Pais Wisil breaks 30-year 100m record at Queensland Championships
Papua New Guinean sprint sensation Pais Wisil has etched his name in the history books by breaking the country’s 30-year-old 100m record, previously held by former fastest man Peter Pulu. Wisil achieved this feat at
Kiribati reduces poverty by up to 70%, targets tech-facilitated violence, climate resilience CSW69
Targeted support for elderly, the unemployed, and those with disabilities have helped bring down poverty levels in Kiribati by up to 70%, Kiribati Women, Youth and Social Welfare Minister Ruth Cross Kwansing has told
Nauru brings climate focus to CSW69 gender reporting
Nauru has made a clarion call for climate action and resourcing to recognise the women on the frontline of the global crisis. Delivering the Nauru national statement at the CSW69 global report card session on the status
Vanuatu Government cancels fraudulently acquired passports of Chinese nationals
The Vanuatu government, through the Department of Immigration and Passport Services (DoIPS), has cancelled the Vanuatu passports of three Chinese nationals for fraudulently obtaining them. Huang Bo, Liu Hong, and Tang
Pacific governments warned of ‘threat’ from Cambodia’s Prince Group
The governments of Taiwan and Palau have both been warned that offers of investment from the Cambodian conglomerate Prince Group represent threats to each nation’s security and sovereignty. Briefings to the president
Rongelap evacuation changed course of history
The late Member of Parliament Jeton Anjain and the people of the nuclear test-affected Rongelap Atoll changed the course of the history of the Marshall Islands by using Greenpeace’s Rainbow Warrior ship to
Approaching 50 Years: the challenge of building a national identity in PNG
Papua New Guinea will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary as an independent nation in September 2025. This momentous milestone will undoubtedly be marked by jubilant celebrations. However, it also prompts reflection on
Ikitau hat-trick, Reimer cameo steers Brumbies home past defiant Drua
A Len Ikitau treble proved the difference in Friday night’s high-octane clash with the Wallabies centre scoring twice before half time and icing his hat-trick in the 51st minute. Ikitau’s third pushed the margin to
Search for new Manu Samoa Coach
The search for a new head coach for the Manu Samoa rugby team is approaching its final stages, with the chairman of Lakapi Samoa, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, confirming that interviews was completed by the end
Take ‘precautionary approach’ on deep-sea mining: top official tells AFP
Rules for the emerging deep-sea mining sector should take a “precautionary approach” that protects the environment, the head of the body drafting regulations for the practice told AFP Friday. At stake is a potential
