Vanuatu on watch for floods
Vanuatu’s northern and central regions have been warned to expect heavy rain and flash flooding as a severe weather system closes in from the north-west. Isolated heavy rainfall with thunder and winds of up to 46
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All eyes on weather system
A significant weather system has developed north-west of Vanuatu and is moving south-east towards New Caledonia and Fiji. The Joint Typhoon Warning Centre at Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, placed the system near 12.05 South
Over 360 people in Fiji evacuation centres
In Fiji, 361 evacuees are now taking shelter at evacuation centers around the country as Tropical Cyclone Sarai continues to move through the group. 15 evacuation centres country-wide have now been activated and a storm
Long walk to freedom
By Netani Rika THERE was always only going to be one outcome when the people of Bougainville were given their inalienable right to choose the political future of the island chain. Independence. With an overwhelming 97.7
Bougainvilleans vote for independence
Bougainvilleans have voted overwhelmingly for independence in referendum results released this evening. The Bougainville Referendum Commission led by former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, announced that 176,928 of a
Pacific stumbles on tuna targets
By NETANI RIKA in Port Moresby AS Pacific fishing nations end their first week of discussions on tuna, the question of Target Reference Points loom large on the agenda. What indicators establish the target fishery state
CSOs want limits to tuna fishing
By NETANI RIKA, Port Moresby CIVIL society groups have called for limits to tuna caught in the Pacific and better regulations around fish management. In a joint submission to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries
Pacific Trade Invest: 40 years in the Pacific
By Caleb Jarvis As a young boy growing up in Papua New Guinea (PNG), every Saturday Dad would drive up a windy road that overlooked 2-Mile settlement in Port Moresby, where people went about their daily lives. Looking
Small states push for climate change resolution at fisheries meet
By NETANI RIKA in Port Moresby THE world has gathered in Madrid, Spain to discuss the existential threat which climate change presents to the environment through rising temperatures and melting ice. Halfway across the
Climate change worry for Tuvalu tuna
By NETANI RIKA in Port Moresby CLIMATE change threatens Tuvalu’s national survival through direct impact on tuna stocks. The small atoll state told members of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission that
White tip shark in danger
By NETANI RIKA in Port Moresby THE Pacific must act now to stop Oceanic White Tip Shark from extinction. With White Tip stocks standing at five per cent of the original stock, the Worldwide Fund for Nature has called
Marape fires warning shot
By Netani Rika, Port Moresby PAPUA New Guinea has warned that illegal fishing vessels in its national waters will be sunk. Opening the 16th Regular Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, Prime
Climate change focus for fishing nations
By Netani Rika, Port Moresby INNOVATIVE ideas on fuel consumption and fleet management will take centre stage as Pacific fishing nations attempt to lead the world in climate change management. Over the next seven days
Measles epidemic shuts down Samoan government services
The ongoing measles epidemic in Samoa has prompted the government to announce the closure of all government services this Thursday and Friday so public servants can assist with the country’s mass vaccination
Excited voters post celebrate on-line
By Netani Rika, Port Moresby A NEW phenomenon has emerged in the Bougainville referendum – Balfies. Defined as a voter taking a selfie with their ballot paper, the trend has taken off, sparking concern among poll
Special treatment for women, disabled voters
By Netani Rika, Buka-: Bougainville VOTERS with special needs have received quick, relevant assistance in the Bougainville Referendum. This is despite the absence of ramps at many polling stations. Observer Makereta
Weather causes delays in Bougainville vote
From NETANI RIKA on Buka, Bougainville HEAVY rain and rough seas overnight have delayed the delivery of ballot boxes and voting officials to a number of small atolls off the Bougainville coast. Bougainville Referendum
Tears of joy as ballots flow
From NETANI RIKA, Buka, Bougainville TEARS of joy flowed down Francesca Semoso’s cheeks as she cast her vote in the Bougainville Referendum. Overcome by emotion, the Deputy Speaker of the Autonomous Bougainville House
Port Moresby is a rubber stamp
By Netani Rika, Buka-: Bougainville AN overwhelming vote for independence should compel Papua New Guinea to allow freedom for Bougainville. The Autonomous Bougainville Government’s President, John Momis, said a vote
Churches call for peace and calm
By Netani Rika, Buka-: Bougainville CHURCHES have called for peace, calm and wise choices of leaders in the Bougainville referendum. With polling stations closed yesterday (Sunday), Bougainvilleans flocked to church in
Flags and speakers – sign of the times
From NETANI RIKA on Buka, Bougainville IF flags here could speak, they would tell of an island chain poised on the edge of nationhood and held back only by an act of free choice and a decision to be made by legislators
Key players cast votes
By Netani Rika, Buka-: Bougainville KEY figures in the Bougainville peace process have cast their votes as the territory decides on independence. President John Momis of thr Autonomous Bougainville Government
A good day for world peace
From NETANI RIKA on Buka, Bougainville THE first day of Bougainville’s referendum on independence has been described as a good day for world peace. Chief Referendum Officer, Mauricio Claudio, told a media conference