Vanuatu’s parliament dissolved
Vanuatu’s new President, Nikenike Vurobaravu has dissolved the country’s parliament just over halfway through the current four-year-term. President Vurobaravu signed the instrument for the dissolution of
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Scientists closely monitor earthquakes in American Samoa
American Samoa has flown in experts to monitor seismic activities in the territory, after ongoing earthquake swarms prompted alarm over a possible volcanic eruption. For weeks, earthquakes have rattled the
Fijian officer empowers women in South Sudan
A Fijian police officer has been recognised for her work in empowering women whilst serving in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). On August 10, the United Nations Police (UNPOL) Women’s Network
RMI face public health emergency: WHO
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the COVID outbreak in the Marshall Islands a Public Health Emergency. A total of 1,391 new cases of the virus were recorded in the latest 24-hour reporting period. Six
Canstruct loses lucrative Nauru offshore processing contract
Canstruct has lost the lucrative contract to run Australia’s offshore immigration regime on Nauru with the Brisbane firm to be replaced by a U.S.-headquartered private prisons operator that has a controversial past.
Tonga to hold by-elections on Nov 3
Tonga will hold a parliamentary by-election on November 3 to elect three new People’s Representatives to the Tonga Legislative Assembly. The Office of the Legislative Assembly, stated that the Speaker Lord
More green energy in PNG : Marape
Days after his election as Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, James Marape took his first official overseas trip to discuss green energy projects with leaders of Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) in Singapore. He said
Vanuatu no-confidence vote set for Friday
Vanuatu’s embattled prime minister Bob Loughman has confirmed he will attend the next sitting of an extra-ordinary parliament session on Friday to face a motion of no-confidence in his leadership. Loughman and 20 MPs
Déwé Gorodé: champion of Oceanic culture
Yesterday before they landedin our historyof roots recitedof origins memorisedwho you were exactlywhat your place wasin the world of our peopleIt’s up to you, my mother,it’s up to you, my sisterto try and find
Kiribati on Lambourne deportation attempt
The Government of Kiribati has confirmed that a joint operation between Immigration and Police on Thursday morning was carried out to execute a deportation order against David Lambourne. A statement released by the
Forum Economic Ministers Meeting: a marriage of national priorities and regional strategies
Islands Business reporter Sera Tikotikovatu-Sefeti has been talking to Pacific Islands ministers and officials at the Forum Economic Ministers Meeting about their economic priorities and regional opportunities.
A wrap up of the Commonwealth Games 2022
Pacific athletes have done exceptionally well in this year’s Commonwealth Games, which came to an end this week. Teams from our Pacific shores finished the games with 13 medals – 1 gold, 7 silver, and 5 bronze.
Attempts to deport Kiribati High Court justice lead to airport stand-off
Attempts to deport a Kiribati High Court judge back to Australia have led to a lengthy airport stand-off, with Justice David Lambourne having since been placed in immigration detention.
Crypto ‘an unstable financial asset’ says UNCTAD
Cryptocurrency is an “unstable financial asset that can bring social risks and costs”, the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) warned in three policy briefs on Wednesday. UNCTAD said their benefits to
New approach needed on climate finance
From international climate conferences to regional meetings, Pacific Islands have consistently lamented the difficulties of getting access to climate finance over the past few years. “Our climate finance needs are
Vanuatu at the FEMM: fuel prices, climate costs and supply chain challenges
The Vanuatu government hopes moves to set up fuel depot locally will help stabilise fuel prices in the country. Discussions in the leadup to the Forum Economic Minister’s Meeting which gets underway in Vanuatu today,
Three Tongan Cabinet Ministers lose appeal, elections void
Three Tongan Cabinet Ministers have lost their appeals against court decisions that declared their election results void. Eight judgments from a Special Court of Appeal session, held last month, were released late
Australia pledges $17m for Pacific Games amid top US diplomats tour
Australia will provide the Solomon Islands with more than A$17 million (USD$11.9 million) for the Pacific Games as a slate of ministers and top U.S. diplomats tour the region. Australian Pacific Minister Pat Conroy has
Vanuatu ministers lodge Motion of No Confidence
Attempts to change the Government’s democratic system tops the list of five reasons given by some MPs in the Motion of No Confidence against Vanuatu Prime Minister Bob Loughman. “The attempt to make significant
Marshall Islands sees first COVID-19 spread
The Marshall Islands lost its COVID-free status Monday when tests confirmed six positive cases in the capital, the first known community transmission since the pandemic started in early 2020. It was not immediately
James Marape elected unopposed as PNG Prime Minister
Tari Pori MP and Leader of PANGU Pati James Marape has been elected as Papua New Guinea Prime Minister for the 11th Parliament. Marape was elected unopposed, 97 for and none against. Among those that voted were
Regional economic ministers to meet: “the sense of urgency is real”
The 2022 Forum Economic Ministers Meeting which gets underway in Vanuatu this week will see regional ministers and officials discuss post-Covid economic recovery, alongside improved access to important dialogues for the
PNG Governor General invites Pangu Pati to form government
Papua New Guinea Governor General Sir Bob Dadae has invited the ruling Pangu Pati to form Government in the 11th Parliament. Pangu Pati won the highest number of seats in the 2022 National Election with 36 declared so
