Science and data for ocean prosperity
The Blue Prosperity expedition programme to collect data on ocean health in Fiji is already showing very mixed results at different sites. The programme is a collaborative effort led by the Fiji government and supported
Opinion: FIPIC reaffirms silver lining
The Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) held its third summit in May in Port Moresby, after a postponement. Papua New Guinea’s Post Courier highlighted the meeting by reporting that the
Values, flexibility and digitisation
Global HR trends and the Pacific Global trends in human resources and recruitment include a greater focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts, recruiting for skills and adaptability (not just formal
Labour mobility under research spotlight
When Samoa’s Prime Minister told returning seasonal workers last year, “I want Samoa to be a place where people want to live,” it highlighted the dilemma facing not just Samoa, but a number of other Pacific
Pacific labour mobility: Weaving Fiji-Marshallese links
After six years in the Marshall Islands, Fijian Verenaisi Bavadra says, “I feel to have contributed to the development of education in the Marshall Islands in my own little field.” The Library Director at College of
Briefs
American SamoaThe American Samoa government ordered the closure of all day care centres in the territory on June 14, until further notice to curb the spread of a respiratory virus. The closure was approved by Lt. Gov.
Yoyo Tuki: Proud cultural ambassador of Rapa Nui
Easter Island or Rapa Nui—which lies 3700km from Chile to the east and 4000 from Tahiti to the west—is famous for its ancestral sculptors who created the ancient colossal Moai stone statues. Their progeny, Jorge
Movers and Shakers
Fiji’s Esala Nayasi is the new Deputy Secretary General – Strategic Policy & Programming at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. He joins the Forum from Fiji’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he was
Independence party wins French Polynesia elections
Moetai Brotherson is the new President of French Polynesia, after the stunning electoral victory of the independence party Tavini Huira’atira no Te Ao Mao’hi in elections for the Assembly of French Polynesia. Voters
ASPA’s new broom
But regional airline challenges remain David Tohi is a new broom at the Association of South Pacific Airlines (ASPA). While he takes over from Fiji’s George Faktaufon, who spent more than 30 years as ASPA Chief
Fiji Airways’ A350-degree turn
Fiji Airways’ Executive Manager Global Sales expects the airline will carry one million passengers on its flights this year. Akuila Batiweti says while this is the airline’s 2024 target, he is optimistic
How are Pacific government-owned airlines performing?
Throwing good money after bad? An expert on State Owned Enterprises with the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Private Sector Development Initiative, Christopher Russell says the Samoan government’s experience with
Maimarosia inspires youth through indigenous Solomons music
Western influences can at times corrupt and dilute traditional Pacific indigenous music, but one Melbourne-based, Solomon Islands musician is reversing this trend. Charles Maimarosia headlined the Wantok Music
Pacific regionalism: To Hell with Drowning
Julian Aguon is from Guam and is a human rights lawyer, and founder of Blue Ocean Law, a progressive firm that works at the intersection of indigenous rights and environmental justice. He is also a writer. He wrote his
Widen tax base, spend more efficiently
World Bank's Advice to 9 Pacific Economies The World Bank says six Pacific Island countries are at high risk of debt distress, and that gradual cuts to government spending are vital for balancing budgets and avoiding
Cyber Food Fiji: From near defeat to survival
Technology has provided a fair share of both challenges and opportunities for Majid Shahzad, CEO and Founder of Cyber Food Fiji. When he started the business in 2018, Shahzad had just one vehicle, three partner
Digitising without data
Pacific policy makers need support A recent United Nations report on the Digital Economy has recommended the formation of an ‘Institute for Pacific Digital Economies’ in one of the region’s universities to track
Not so innocent bystanders
Policymakers in the Pacific Islands have been urged to consider adopting laws requiring bystanders to report online violence against women and girls. The suggestion comes from an Online Bystander Report by the
Whispers
Biden cancellation disappoints The cancellation of US President Joe Biden’s visit to Papua New Guinea this month was a disappointment for PNG, which has spent months planning the visit. “We are disappointed
Briefs
American SamoaAmerican Samoa wants associate member status of the Pacific Islands Forum, after being an observer since 2011. Governor Lemanu Peleti Maunga said it was crucial for American Samoa to push for greater
Movers and Shakers
Viranria Brown is the first woman to be appointed as Vanuatu’s High Commissioner to Fiji since independence. She previously served as the First Secretary to the Vanuatu High Commission in Suva from 2020 to 2023. Fiji
Movers and Shakers
Miriam Kataunati of the Kiribati Meteorological Service (KMS) is the country’s first female Oceanographer. A graduate of the University of Fiji in Environmental Science, she started work at KMS as an Acting Assistant
What’s next for New Caledonia?
25 years after the Noumea Accord Twenty-five years ago, the French government joined supporters and opponents of independence in New Caledonia to adopt the Noumea Accord – a political agreement that mapped out a
