PNG economy may recover when second LNG project begins, but debt will rise
Ratings agency, S&P Global Ratings expects the Papua New Guinea to recover when the second LNG project commences next year, but has maintained a Negative outlook for the economy. In its latest review of the South
Vanuatu beach volleyballers one step away from history
IOC Media Just one tournament stands between Vanuatu’s women’s beach volleyball team and a historic berth at the Olympic Games this summer at Tokyo 2020. Since Vanuatu’s first appearance on the Olympic stage
USP Council Ethics committee to look at leadership allegations
The University of the South Pacific Council has agreed that allegations levelled against Pro-Chancellor Winston Thompson and the Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, Mahmood Khan, be referred to an Ethics Committee.
Vanuatu COVID-19 vaccine rollout underway
Vanuatu has finally started rolling out COVID-19 vaccines, after 24,000 doses of the Astra-Zeneca vaccine arrived through the COVAX facility. Health care workers, border and quarantine staff, public transport drivers
Uncertain times for Fiji-listed companies
Fiji’s second COVID-19 wave continues to batter the economy, and a series of market updates released by companies listed on the South Pacific Stock Exchange make for sobering reading. None of the listed companies are
Green shipping boost: China Navigation supports Marshall Islands’ carbon tax proposal
(SPLASH)China Navigation is to sign for a revolutionary sail-assisted newbuild this month as part of a package of green measures announced today. The Swire subsidiary has also come out in favour of the proposal put
Pacific WTO members urged to support vaccine move
Pacific islands members of the World Trade Organisation are being urged to support a proposal designed to make COVID-19 vaccines more available to developing countries. Fiji and Vanuatu have already joined as sponsors
Fiji’s Reserve Bank cuts select interest rates
The Reserve Bank of Fiji has reduced interest rates in a bid to reduce borrowing costs for businesses and households. Commercial banks and licensed credit institutions operating in Fiji can now access funding from the
Fiji GDP down 9.7%: Reserve Bank
The Reserve Bank of Fiji reports that for the first nine months of the current fiscal year, Fiji’s government recorded a net deficit of F$905.0 million (-9.7% of GDP). Government expenditure ($2,256 million) almost
Samoa Chief Justice will hear appeal
A Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) member has failed in a bid this morning to have the Samoa Chief Justice, Satiu Simativa Perese, recused from an appeal on whether she should be granted a seat in Parliament. The
Samoa’s Tafi sets Oceania weightlifting record
Samoan weightlifter, John Tafi, set a new record for the Oceania region in the Junior and Seniors’ Men’s 73-kilogram division on late Friday. The President of Samoa Weightlifting, Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork,
Plaudits for Dame Meg
Forum leaders have thanked former Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Dame Meg
University of the South Pacific VC Ahluwalia gets new contract
University of the South Pacific Vice Chancellor to be
Australia officially launches bid to stage 2027 Rugby World Cup
Australia is attempting to become the sole host of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Colonialism Redux: How the EU is punishing Vanuatu for not ‘playing fair’
The unequal matchup between a bureaucratic behemoth and Vanuatu reveals more about history and geopolitics than it does about financial irregularities. (THE DIPLOMAT) In January 2015 the Asia/Pacific Group on Money
Fiame looks forward to leading Samoa, HRPP appeals
Fiame Naomi Mata’afa says yesterday was an “incredible day” and says she looks forward to leading Samoa through challenging times, in a statement that all but claimed victory following two decisive Supreme Court
Samoa Supreme court overrules fresh election order
Samoa's Supreme Court has overruled a declaration by the Samoa Head of State voiding last month's elections as having no legal authority, however caretaker Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi says he will
PNG growth may be unstable due to second wave: BSP
Bank South Pacific says while PNG’s 2021 economic growth is projected to recover to 3.5%, growth “may be unstable owing to external and domestic factors and strong headwinds from the COVID-19
Fiji, Tonga confirm All Blacks tests
Fiji Rugby has confirmed that the national side will play two tests against the All Blacks in
Diaspora, loved ones and COVID-19
By Sadhana Sen Alongside the myriad stories of closed borders, unemployment, struggling health systems, surging COVID cases and accompanying increase in poverty, there is another heart-wrenching COVID-19 experience –
Olympic qualification would ‘bring Samoa together’ -Auimatagi Sapani
Samoan coach says Olympic qualification would bring Samoa
Valenicina shines a light on disaster preparedness
15 minutes’ drive from the heart of Fiji’s capital city, Suva, lies the community of Valenicina. Under the watchful eye of one of its residents, Mosese Sereivalu, this community recently worked together to