Trump’s immigration crackdown brings cloud of uncertainty over FAS migrants
The freely associated states’ (FAS) diplomats have reminded the new US administration that migrants from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Palau and the Marshall Islands have legal rights to live in the US
Dr Masasso Paunga first TNU Vice Chancellor
The Tonga National University (TNU) has appointed Dr Giulio Masasso Tu’ikolongahau Paunga as its inaugural Vice Chancellor, effective this month. Talanoaotonga reports that this milestone coincides with the
Vanuatu businesses struggle to maintain wages after earthquake impact
A recent report by the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Department of Labour (DoL) reveals that nearly half of the businesses affected by the 17 December earthquake can only afford to maintain
Opinion: President Surangel Whipps Jr.’s inaugural address – A visionary agenda or a familiar refrain?
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr.’s 16 January inaugural address delivered a broad vision for Palau’s future, addressing the nation’s role in geopolitics, domestic challenges and environmental stewardship.
Fiji leader to press Pacific Islands concerns in Washington after US aid frozen
Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka will attend a presidential prayer breakfast in Washington on Thursday, the first opportunity for a Pacific Islands leader to press the region’s aid and climate
Marshall Islands seek US meeting as citizens ‘panic’ over Trump migrant crackdown
The Marshall Islands has warned citizens living in the US not to open the door to immigration officials without a judicial warrant, amid fears the community is being caught in President Donald Trump’s crackdown on
Opinion: Strong leader preferred – Fiji’s coup legacy
Complete democratisation will remain a challenge for Fiji while former military officers continue to dominate politics. Strong leaders that bend rules received higher approval ratings in the inaugural Fiji post-election
Credibility of the U.S in the Pacific at risk if USAID programmes cut – expert
A Massey University academic says the uncertainty over the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) will have implications for the Pacific region. RNZ Pacific reports that Donald Trump is considering
Vanuatu’s only elected female MP seeks Ministerial role in new government
In a significant step for gender representation in Vanuatu’s political landscape, Marie Louise Milne, the only woman elected to Parliament, is advocating for a ministerial position in the new government. VBTC reports
Authority inks MoU with Bougainville government on transfer of powers
The Papua New Guinea Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to transfer the powers on investment promotion and business
RFK Jr as Secretary of Health will be a disaster for Samoa’s public health
The Samoa Director General of Health, Aiono Dr Alec Ekeroma, has described the nomination of Robert F Kennedy Junior as the U.S Secretary of Health and Human Services as a disaster for Samoa’s public health. Kennedy
‘It’s God’s purpose’ – Ardie Savea to lead Moana Pasifika
Ardie Savea has been named captain of Moana Pasifika for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season. Savea made the shock move to the Super Rugby minnows from the Hurricanes last July, after spending astint playing in Japan.
Nauru and Kiribati sign agreement to boost air connectivity
The governments of Nauru and Kiribati have signed an agreement aimed at boosting their aviation sector. A memorandum of understanding was signed by the presidents of both Micronesian nations on 01 February, according
CNMI governor says federal memo on funding freeze a ‘wake-up call’ for states and territories
CNMI Governor Arnold Palacios said the Office of the Budget Management’s rescinded memo that called for a pause on all federal assistance programmes served as a wake-up call for all states and
Kiribati rejects claims of diplomatic rift over NZ deputy PM’s cancelled visit
Government of Kiribati has pushed back against claims of a diplomatic fallout with New Zealand following the cancellation of deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters’ planned visit, insisting that the matter was still
Cook Islands government accused of misleading public on seabed mining
Cook Islands government is misleading the public into believing the country is undecided on whether to allow deep seabed mining, claims an advocate for ocean conservation and protection. Louisa Castledine’s
Tongan Parliament rejects Police Minister’s bid to take oath in English
The Tongan Legislative Assembly, during its swearing-in of the new Cabinet ministers last Friday, denied a request by new Police Minister Piveni Piukala to take his oath of office in English rather than the Tongan
Tonga unprepared for deportee crisis, lacks legislation says ministry leader
Tonga is unprepared for the increasing number of deportees arriving from the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, says Reverend Semisi Kava, Chaplain for the Tonga Prison Service, warning that the lack of
Coalition parties remain solid prior to Vanuatu Parliament’s first sitting
The alliance of five political parties that signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to form the next Vanuatu government remains solid, with more than 30 Members of Parliament (MPs)-elect on their side. A source
Trump directive halts Guam’s ocean wind farm initiative
President Donald Trump’s executive order pausing offshore and onshore wind development projects will put the brakes on Guam‘s renewable energy initiative proposed by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)
Sir Julius Chan, former Papua New Guinea PM and founding father, dies at 85
One of the last of Papua New Guinea’s founding fathers and one of the country’s longest serving politicians, Sir Julius Chan, has died. Sir Julius passed away at his home in Huris, New Ireland province,
Kiribati President concludes Fiji visit
President Taneti Maamau of Kiribati left Fiji last night after a three-day state visit that saw him meet Fiji government officials and ministers, the President and visit the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. President
Questions about deadly Samoan measles outbreak raised as Kennedy faces US Senate
The deadly Samoan measles outbreak in 2019 has been raised during the confirmation hearings for Robert F Kennedy Jr in the U.S senate. Kennedy is US President Donald Trump’s controversial pick to lead the
