Samoa’s economy on recovery path
Samoa is slowly recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, according to the latest Samoa Bureau of Statistics data. Samoa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by Expenditure in constant 2013 prices for
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Sir Rabbie, a great man: PNG PM Marape
Sir Rabbie Namaliu was a man of many accolades during his service to the people of Papua New Guinea, says Prime Minister James Marape. At the State funeral held at Apec House Tuesday, Marape gave a heartfelt speech
Six PNG police officers charged with distributing meth
In a major crackdown on distribution of methamphetamine in Papua New Guinea, six police officers from National Capital District (NCD) and Central are now facing court over their alleged involvement in the distribution,
Consider a sporting academy for para-athletes: Bolaira
As the Paralympics 2024 draw near, a National Council for Persons with Disabilities committee member has suggested a sporting academy be established to improve inclusion and participation for members of the community
Rethink tourism approach, Cook Islands Opposition leader says
Cook Islands Opposition leader Tina Browne has called on the Government to rethink its approach to tourism. Browne in her response to the Speech from the Throne, delivered in Parliament on Tuesday last week, said
Bill seeks the establishment of foreign agents registry in Palau
A House bill is calling for the establishment of a foreign agents registry in Palau which will require persons representing foreign interests to make a public disclosure. House Bill 11-90-09 requires
We are truly one nation, one people: Pride Cook Islands
Pride Cook Islands is elated to see the decade long active push for decriminalisation finally take place in Cook Islands Parliament. The Crimes (Sexual Offences) Amendment Bill 2023 was passed in Parliament on
Japan’s fukushima water release plan falls short of full G7 support
Japan has failed to secure unanimous support from the Group of Seven (G7) for its planned release of radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean later this year due to opposition
‘No entry’: Fiji government warns New Zealand criminal gangs
New Zealanders linked to criminal groups and trying to enter Fiji have been warned they will be turned away at the Fijian border. A Kiwi, with Fijian connections, was refused entry at Nadi Airport last week after border
Fijian Drua coach Byrne slams Australian TMO rulings
Fijian Drua coach Mick Byrne says he is proud of the performance of his players and at the same time criticises how crucial match officials played in his side’s 28-43 loss to ACT Brumbies at GIO Stadium, Canberra
Gunmen attack Indonesian troops deployed to rescue NZ pilot
Separatist gunmen attacked Indonesian army troops who were deployed to rescue a New Zealand pilot taken hostage by the rebels in Indonesia’s restive Papua province, leaving at least six dead and about 30 missing,
NZ Deputy Prime Minister lead Pacific Mission
New Zealand deputy Prime Minister and Associate Foreign Affairs (Pacific Region) Minister Carmel Sepuloni is leading a Pacific Mission to Solomon Islands, Fiji and Tonga – the first to be undertaken since COVID-19.
Cook Islands Parliament decriminalises homosexuality
Cook Islands Parliament has repealed provisions in its Crimes Act that criminalised homosexuality. The Crimes (Sexual Offences) Amendment Bill 2023 which, among other things, aimed to decriminalise homosexuality was
Force upset Fijiana Drua in Super W
Western Force have moved closer to an inaugural Super W finals appearance with a gritty 23-10 upset home win over defending premiers Fijiana Drua in Perth. Sunday’s game at McGillivray Oval was locked at 10-10 at
Larkham praises Brumbies’ composure against dangerous Drua
ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has hailed his team’s composure after they held off a surging Fijian Drua to stretch their Super Rugby Pacific record to seven wins from eight this season. Winger Ben
Mapou to welcome Australia’s foreign minister to New Caledonia
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong is scheduled to travel to New Caledonia this week, to meet with President Louis Mapou, the first Kanak independence leader to head the Government of New Caledonia in forty years.
South Africa’s wanted fugitives Guptas are now citizens of Vanuatu
South Africa’s Director-General of the justice department advocate Dr Mashabane said on Friday they only just learnt that the Guptas are citizens of Vanuatu in the Pacific islands. “In the communication we
Most meth labs foreign owned and run by Papua New Guineans
Intelligence reports detail Papua New Guinea allegedly has more than 15 methamphetamine (meth) manufacturing laboratories. About seven of them are operating in nation’s capital with clandestine laboratories, three in
Biden backs plan to restore benefits for COFA migrants
U.S. President Joe Biden has endorsed legislation sponsored by Hawaii’s congressional delegation to restore access to federal benefits for tens of thousands of Micronesian migrants living in the U.S. legally under the
China practices attacking Taiwan and Pacific, a worrying development
China’s newest aircraft carrier has for the first time practiced attacking Taiwan from the island’s east coast, demonstrating Beijing’s growing determination to project power beyond the Taiwan Strait and far into
Tongan court rules law does not apply to a noble
Tonga’s Appeal Court has upheld a decision saying a law did not apply to a nobleman. A member of Parliament, a nobles’ representative, was elected in 2021 despite the fact he had a court debt. It is
Palau to establish digital residency programme physical office
Palau’s Ministry of Finance has announced its latest regulation pertaining to the digital residency programme. In a letter to President Surangel Whipps Jr, The Ministry of Finance said the new regulation
PNG National Rugby League Competition rolls out five-year plan
The Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) will introduce national competitions for women and Under-19s starting 2025 as part of its five-year strategic plan (2023-2027). The plan, headed by PNG
