Historic gains for women as Palau’s 12th National Government takes office
The 12th Palau National Government has been officially installed, marking a peaceful transition of power with a mix of returning and new leaders signaling potential shifts from the past four years. In the Senate,
US provides seed fund to establish Micronesian Islands Forum Secretariat in Palau
The US Department of the Interior has announced a grant to fund the establishment of the Micronesian Islands Forum (MIF) Secretariat office in Palau. Carmen Cantor, assistant secretary for Insular and International
Time to decolonise international development
The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development is being held at one of the most difficult moments in recent history. At no time in post-Second World War history has the international environment been
Tonga’s new Prime Minister, Dr ‘Aisake Valu Eke
Dr ‘Aisake Valu Eke was elected Prime Minister of Tonga on 24 December 2024, defeating Dr Viliami Uasike Latu, the other candidate, by 16 votes to 8 in a secret ballot. The election resulted from the shock
Alcide Ponga elected as President of New Caledonia
Alcide Ponga, president of the anti-independence party Rassemblement-Les Républicains, has been elected as the new President of New Caledonia. Ponga replaces outgoing President Louis Mapou of the Parti de Libération
A new era for Levuka: University of Fiji opens office and Peace Garden
The University of Fiji has officially opened its office in Nasova, Levuka, in an effort to offer high-quality higher education to Fiji’s maritime regions. This move not only makes education more accessible to maritime
Vanuatu update: World Bank fast tracks emergency response
The World Bank has fast-tracked US$12 million to the Government of Vanuatu for emergency response and recovery, following a devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake on December 17. This support comes through a Rapid
Nauru launches its first electric bus
Nauru has taken transformative steps towards sustainable energy with the launch of its first electric bus (e-bus) in Yaren District, marking a significant commitment by the government to reducing emissions and advancing
Palau’s Immigration crackdown raises concerns over oversight and economic impact
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr signed Presidential Directive No. 24-65 on Wednesday, December 18, instituting immigration controls for a 90-day period in an effort to combat criminal activity linked to foreign
Opinion: Trump’s relations with the Blue Pacific
The second Trump administration will find a region different from when last in office. Pacific Islands countries view Donald Trump’s impending return as US president with hope and apprehension. Trump’s attention on
Starlink approved to revolutionise Tonga’s Internet access
Tonga’s Ministry of MEIDECC has granted official approval for Starlink to deliver high-speed internet across Tonga. The move is expected to transform connectivity and boost digital inclusion throughout the
Opinion: Another ‘small death’ for local journalism
Seven years ago, one of Saipan Tribune’s contributors asked me if there was some sort of collusion between the Saipan Tribune and its competitor, the Marianas Variety. Did the two newspapers share information and have
New Zealand rejects Cook Islands passport plan
New Zealand has rejected a proposal by the Cook Islands to allow the creation of its own passports and citizenship, but said it could discuss independence. A spokesperson for New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs
How Solomon Islands’ donor-funded water plant became a costly failure
A major donor-funded water plant in the capital of Solomon Islands was supposed to fix a clean water crisis. But people involved in the project said it was doomed by the Asian Development Bank’s insistence on taking
Services still out in Vanuatu as second earthquake hits
A second earthquake has hit Vanuatu, a day after a strong 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Port Vila. Yesterday’s quake severely damaged several buildings in the capital, crushing cars, and
Jetstar launches Sydney-Vanuatu service, and Qantas now flying to Palau
Jetstar has launched its first direct flights from Sydney to Port Vila, Vanuatu, offering up to four weekly services and connecting travellers to the South Pacific Island nation with more than 80,000 seats annually.
Solomon Islands PM Manele to face no confidence vote next Monday
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele is set to face a vote of no confidence in Parliament next Monday, December 16th, Clerk to the National Parliament, Jefferson Hallu has confirmed to SIBC news. Hallu said
PNG’s Bougainville leader sees Independence by 2027
Papua New Guinea’s copper- and gold-rich Bougainville region is set to declare independence by 2027, eight years after a landslide vote to secede, its leader said Wednesday. The region – home to about
Lucrative tax breaks will be ‘vital’ in PNG team’s bid to attract top NRL players
Tax concessions and safe accommodation loom as non-negotiables for players as an NRL team in Papua New Guinea plans its entry the competition 2028, but the opportunity to have a social impact has emerged as a potential
Opinion: Tonga’s PM Hu’akavameiliku throws in the towel
In a highly anticipated session of the Tongan parliament to debate and vote on the second vote of no confidence (VONC) scheduled for Monday 9th December, Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni Hu’akavameiliku surprised
Growing from strength to strength: The Fijian Cup Championship
The recently completed Fijian Cup Championship is a sports festival that blends top-quality competition with authentic Fijian travel experiences. Established by tourism experience and travel company TourismHQ, this
‘Red wave’ will secure more wins for Guam: Moylan
James Moylan, a Republican, is upbeat about continuing his unfinished work in Washington, DC, and looks forward to more smooth-sailing work to benefit Guam. He is about to start his second two-year term as Guam’s
What’s in store for Pacific Island nations under Trump 2
Depending on who you ask, Donald Trump’s impending return to the White House holds a promise or poses a threat. Trump is one of the world’s most polarizing figures. He can bring excitement; he can trigger anxiety.