Whispers
Law and disorderSo, what happened to the Pacific police academy which was to have been built at Wainadoi on the road between Fiji’s capital, Suva, and its international airport in Nadi? Under the Bainimarama
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An uneasy crown: King Tupou VI seeks greater role
For 15 years, the Kingdom of Tonga has gone through a political experiment that was supposed to make the governance system “more democratic”. This was the declared will of the former Monarch, King George Tupou V,
We say: Faith must find voice
When Mariann Budde, Episcopalian Bishop of Washington, addressed United States President, Donald Trump, about national unity, prayer, and action, she must have expected to be belittled, criticised andattacked. In a
Guided by the stars: Kakala Tevi dares to save the ocean
The sun climbs gently into the sky as the ocean-going canoe Uto Ni Yalo ploughs towards Vava’u through a surging swell. About 200 metres to the stern, the first rays of the sun glint off the back of a large, black
Fiji tourism’s rough patch
The warmth of Fijian hospitality is an important part of the tourism industry’s brand, a quality that sets it apart from many other destinations. But two incidents have rocked the industry over the busy Christmas and
Briefs
American SamoaAmerican Samoa’s Department of Health has announced an increase in respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and the flu. The Department of Health is urging people to
Thanks Dad: Samoan thrower’s tribute
The 2024 Paris Olympics brought out some of the best sporting stories and accolades in the Pacific region. One in particular is the story of Alexander Rose who represented Samoa in the discus throw and became the first
Movers and Shakers
Aisake Eke is Tonga’s new Prime Minister, after the shock resignation of Siaosi Sovaleni Hu’akavameiliku, just before the latter faced a discussion and ballot on a Vote of No Confidence in his government. Dr Eke is
Pacific Person of the year: Emmanuel Tjibaou
For Kanak cultural and political leader Emmanuel Tjibaou, 2024 has been quite the year.On 13 May, after months of peaceful protest, New Caledonia erupted in violence as young people rioted across the capital Noumea and
Hope Lives: Leaders behind the scenes
In every Pacific nation, people contribute in meaningful ways to the lives of their people. We have highlighted some of that work in the pages of Islands Business, our sister publication, Fiji Traveller, or through
Taking climate activism to the ICJ
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has heard the largest case in its history: to clarify what countries are legally required to do to combat climate change. The case saw 96 countries and 11 international
We say: Religious Tolerance
Misinformation, disinformation and ignorance are what you might describe as the unholy trinity of religious intolerance. They are the keys to religious fundamentalism around the world. The conflict between Palestinians
Indo-Pacific Trumps Blue Pacific
On 20 January, US President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn into office. The US Republican leader has pledged engagement with island states, particularly in the northern Pacific. But at a time of heightened US-China
Indigenous knowledge overlooked in climate resilience talks
“Indigenous people have been practicing sustainability and resilience for thousands of years, but this knowledge is often overlooked.” These were the words of Simione Sevudrere, a prominent advocate for indigenous
Saving the village one root at a time
Deep in the Rewa Delta on Fiji’s largest island, Viti Levu, the river gradually clawed away at the banks, finding its way into the villages, destroying food gardens and threatening local homes. For the villagers of
USP Leader signals plan to resign
University of the South Pacific (USP) Council members meeting in Cook Islands in late November heard Vice Chancellor and President (VCP) Pal Ahluwalia state his intention to resign, and that he wanted to negotiate the
Nauru’s new citizenship program is leading the world
Generating revenue has always been a challenge for Pacific Island nations, but the amount of funding required has dramatically increased with the need for large-scale climate resilience solutions, including expensive
Fruitful Ambitions: Juice Fiji fights NCDs with visionary business model
For a nation blessed with bountiful fresh produce, Fiji is puzzlingly wrestling with a severe epidemic of non- communicable diseases (NCDs). This is a paradox that continues to frustrate health stakeholders in the
Navigating Representation: Disney’s Moana and the Pacific
As millions of children around the world rush to cinemas to catch the much-awaited sequel to Disney’s Moana, some adults from islands represented in the film have paused to question its impact. Ethnic and cultural
Movers and Shakers
Alex Herman, the Seabed Minerals Commissioner at the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority has resigned. Herman will take up a regional role with the Pacific Community (SPC) in early 2025. Under Herman’s five-year
Samoan teen photographer captures his culture on camera
William Sauaso-Rasch is an extraordinary young photographer who is already making waves in the art world with his powerful work, deeply rooted in his Samoan culture. At just 16 years old, he’s not only a talented
Rebuilding New Caledonia’s shattered economy
We’re sitting on mats in the garden around a public housing tower in Noumea, as a small group of women and elders listen to updates from independence activists about the ongoing crisis in New Caledonia. Local
The struggle is real: Pacific realities at COP29
Country negotiators at COP29 are all struggling to push for their agenda items in negotiation rooms, but it is a special kind of challenge for the Pacific when you are up against those who claim to be friends of the
