Big picture vision conversations missing in the Pacific
Big picture conversations about the future of the Pacific islands should be happening, but they are not, said one of the region’s foremost commentators in an interview published this week in the Marshall Islands
Guam legislature approves pay raise bill in party-line vote
After three days of marathon special session, Guam senators on Friday night passed an administration-endorsed measure supporting a 22 percent raise to the government’s general pay plan. The amended version of the bill
Vanuatu calls on major polluters to back UN resolution
Vanuatu’s Foreign Minister says it would be “embarrassing” for both China and the United States if they fail to back the Pacific Island nation’s push to get the International Court of Justice to issue a ruling
International football action returns to Oceania
Several international friendlies took place over the last week in Fiji and New Zealand, with some excellent football on display. Fiji hosted a three team tournament, involving Vanuatu and Solomon Islands. In the first
New Caledonia basketballers set for debut at Asia Cup
New Caledonia will make history by playing in basketball’s 3×3 Asia Cup in Singapore for the first time. Both its men’s and women’s teams will be taking part in the shortened version of the sport
PNG’s Wigmen named Melanesian Cup champs
Even winning the Digicel-ExxonMobil Cup twice in the season 2014 and 2020, the reigning champions Hela Wigmen described this year as ‘special’ for having the feel and taste of playing outside the country, actually
Noumea beaches closed due to shark attacks
Beachgoers in New Caledonia have protested against the closure of Noumea’s swimming beaches until the end of the year. The mayor took the decision ten days ago because of a spate of shark attacks, including the
Eight suspects arrested over PNG meth flight
A Papua New Guinea police officer, a Defence Force soldier from Igam Barracks, and a second Chinese national are among seven more men arrested in Lae over the weekend and are being questioned in relation to the
K2.3billion financial sector crucial: PNG Treasurer
The banking and financial sector accounts for K2.3 billion (US$653 million) of the national economy, according to Papua New Guinea Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey. Ling-Stuckey discussed the banking tax and the economy with
Congresswoman Amata opposes Pacific Remote Islands expansion plan
Closing off more areas around the Pacific Remote Islands would only invite foreign vessels to poach into the U.S. waters, American Samoa delegate Uifa’atali Amata Radewagen said, opposing the Biden administration’s
Threats of sea-level rise very real: Tuvalu Foreign Minister
Legal experts from around the region are gathered in Fiji for the regional conference on Statehood, Protection of Persons affected by sea level rise. The conference was mandated by Forum Leaders recognising the many
Moana Pasifika to clash against the Reds in Samoa
As Samoa gears up to host the Super Rugby match between Moana Pasifika and the Queensland Reds at Apia Park on 14 April this year, tickets are on-sale now starting at $10. Digicel Samoa advertised the tickets on
Super Rugby: Highlanders beat Drua
The injury-hit Highlanders conceded the first try of the match, then scored five of their own in the first half on the way to a 57-24 win over the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby Pacific. Brilliant scrumhalf Frank Lomani
Rugby duo get top recognition at Fiji Sports Awards
Double Olympic Games gold medalist Jerry Tuwai has been named the 2022 Fiji Sports Awards Fiji Tattslotto Sportsman of the Year. This is the second time Tuwai has received this award for his accolades after being named
No need for Fiji media bill, public consultation told
“We don’t see the need for this bill” was the message of Fiji media veteran, William Parkinson at public submissions on the Media Industry Development Act (MIDA) yesterday. Parkinson, was speaking to a submission
Palau Shipping Registry claims ITF report ‘misleading’
The statistical evidence presented by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) on Palau-flagged vessels is “wholly inaccurate, misinterpreted and clearly misleading”. This was the statement made
Guam racing against time to use federal funds that will expire next year
The clock is ticking on the Guam Department of Education to expend a federal grant that will expire in September next year, but the local government has yet to begin the procurement process for the projects for which
PNG Government to pursue Solwara 1 talks
Papua New Guinea Mining Minister Sir Ano Pala says the Government expects to pursue discussions with a deep sea mining company to revisit the potential for extracting minerals in the Bismark Sea off the west coast of
China vows Pacific Games projects will be ready in August
China’s Ambassador to the Solomon Islands Li Ming has insisted infrastructure projects for this year’s Pacific Games in the capital Honiara will be completed in August. Approximately SBD$1.85 billion (£184
‘Health crisis’ amongst children from Nauru offshore camp
Nearly nine in 10 children brought from offshore processing on Nauru to Australia were suffering physical health conditions, including malnutrition and dental disease, while almost 80 percent reported one or more mental
Five charged over PNG meth flight
Five alleged criminal syndicate members accused of orchestrating a black flight from Papua New Guinea to Australia with 52kg of methamphetamine on board have been charged under an AFP-led investigation. Four of the five
PNG’s Investment Promotion Authority to deregister firms
Papua New Guinea Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) expects the number of companies listed in its system to drop, due to its cleansing exercise, an official says. Managing director Clarence Hoot said those companies
K20million less in PNG Superannuation Fund dividends
Papua New Guinea National Superannuation Fund (Nasfund)’s dividend payout for this year is likely to be more than K20 million (US$5.6 million) lower, acting chief executive officer Rajeev Sharma says. “Our 2023
