Severe drought and water crisis in Banaba
The Office of the President in Kiribati has today responded swiftly to desperate pleas for fresh water supplies from the people of Banaba. PACNEWS has established that a directive has come from the President’s Office
FNPF to sell EFL shares
Barely a year after it bought a 20 percent stake in Energy Fiji Ltd (EFL), the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) is in the process of selling it. While details have yet to be announced, Islands
Tuvatu gold prospect could be Fiji’s next Vatukoula: MRD
The Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji’s Western Viti Levu is likely to be the country’s next big gold gig, potentially rivalling the size of the neighbouring Vatukoula Gold Mine, the only active gold mine
Fiji’s PS Konrote resigns
The most senior civil servant in Fiji’s Ministry of Economy, Makereta Konrote, has resigned from the post. Konrote’s resignation comes at a critical time, as Fiji’s Minister of Economy remains in Singapore for
Fiji Business briefs: Pasifika Heartbeat, trade expos
Fiji’s Minister for Economy says there will no civil service pay cuts. Speaking from Singapore during an online budget consultation, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said the government’s wage bill is $1.1 billion (US$500
Filipino seafarers’ fate to be discussed today
Officials from Fiji’s Labour and Immigration departments and Goundar Shipping are reportedly meeting today to discuss the status of three Filipino seamen who claim they have been abandoned by their employer, and are
Fiji business briefs: Reserve Bank outlook, Fiji TV, childcare opportunity costs
The Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor says Fiji could see a marginal economic recovery if borders open towards the end of the year. Ariff Ali says economic recovery will depend on fiscal support provided by the government
Fiji business briefs: Port Denarau Marina, Lautoka Port, BSP Convertible notes
The United States is contributing US$2 million (FJ$4.07 million) to the Pacific Financial Technical Assistance Center (PFTAC). First established in 1993 to promote macro-financial stability in the Pacific island
No Chinese base for Fiji land
Fears of a Chinese military base at the Kiribati Government land near Savusavu on one of Fiji’s northern provinces have been laid to rest by the office of President Tenati Maamau. “The [Kiribati] Government
Kayboy perseveres through COVID
“Roots and culture is so vital and important for myself personally,” says Kayboy, a popular young Solomon Islands musician. “I pay homage to my culture and traditions. Blending traditional chants and dialects with
Fiji Business Briefs: Fiji Kava, Survivor, FNPF, Fiji Airways
Fiji Kava has released its half year financial results (for the six months ending 31 December 2020) and it reports revenue of A$496,379 for the period, up 111% on the previous six months. Fiji Kava reported a statutory
Independence movement wins majority in New Caledonia government
In a major transformation, the incoming government of New Caledonia will be led by the first pro-independence leader in nearly forty years. Members of the independence coalition Front de Libération Nationale Kanak et
USP Council meets today
The University of the South Pacific Council is scheduled to meet again today to discuss the status of Vice Chancellor, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, who was deported almost two weeks ago by the Fiji government. The meeting
Cooks deny “sinister move” over audit delays
Official documents show Cook Islands auditors repeatedly raised issues over hundreds of millions in state assets, taxes, loans and cash. The audit documents, which have been obtained by Islands Business, show issues go
Threat to radio hits press freedom in Tahiti
The most popular radio station in French Polynesia faces closure, as it appeals a court fine that threatens to drive it out of business. For the community station Radio Tefana, it’s future is tied to a long-running
Fiji Business briefs:Lion One, RB Patel, Fiji Airways
Lion One Metals Ltd has received high-grade gold results from two recent drill holes, one deep and one shallow, at its 100% controlled Tuvatu alkaline gold project in Fiji. It describes the interval discovered
COVID-19 vaccine doses earmarked for Pacific Islands by July
Twelve Pacific Island countries are expected to receive vaccines for the coronavirus in the first half of this year through the COVAX initiative, with the region’s largest nation Papua New Guinea expected to receive
Fiji bought time to deport USP boss and wife
Documents tabled at yesterday’s special meeting of the University of the South Pacific suggest that plans to amend the contract of the university’s vice chancellor and president, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, prompted
USP Council disappointed over circumstances of Pal’s deportation
The University of the South Pacific Council has issued a statement expressing its disappointment over the fact it was not advised of the decision to deport USP Vice Chancellor, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, this week. “The
USP boss enroute to Nauru, says deportation was a surreal experience
University Vice Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia and his wife Sandra Price are overnighting in a hotel in Brisbane, Australia this evening, and will be travelling onto Nauru early tomorrow. Professor Ahluwalia says he
Puna faces huge challenges as new Forum Secretary General
Pacific leaders have appointed Henry Puna, former Prime Minister of Cook Islands, as the new Secretary General for the Pacific Islands Forum. The decision came late at night at the Forum Special Leaders Retreat, after a
How the Pacific can learn from each other, and unite on COVID vaccines
Pacific island nations can learn from the early roll-out of coronavirus vaccines in the north Pacific says the World Health Organisation’s Representative in the South Pacific. The Pacific’s COVID response is
