New U.S COFA agreements offer $7.1b boost to Pacific Freely Associated States, but fiscal reforms are key, ADB report
The streams of U.S dollars that the three freely associated states will receive under their renewed bilateral agreements with the United States will go a long way if they implement stringent fiscal and debt policies and
Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi ‘humbled’ by the results of the public referendum
In this exclusive, BCN News reports the historic occasion when Speaker Hima Douglas signed into law the changes to the Niue constitution. Of the four constitutional amendment polls put to the public referendum last
World Bank President Ajay Banga calls for stronger partnership with Fiji and Pacific
World Bank President Ajay Banga, in a historic visit to Fiji emphasised the need for stronger partnerships with Pacific nations. Banga’s visit, the first by a World Bank President to the Pacific in nearly 50 years,
Australian Police put brakes on ‘drug superhighway’ in $44m bust
Police say they will not let organised crime turn the Pacific into an “illicit drug superhighway” after two men were allegedly caught with 110kg of cocaine in Queensland’s remote north. The men – both
John Strange to coach Tonga women as new dawn begins for Pacific nation
NRLW premiership winning coach John Strange will take charge of Tonga women in the upcoming Pacific Championships and 2026 Rugby League World Cup qualifying matches. Strange, who coaches Sydney Roosters, guided the club
Griffith experts guide Marshall Islands towards a new Monetary Authority
The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is a step closer to establishing a new banking regulatory system with Griffith University academics playing a key part in the move towards a Monetary Authority for the North
Palau’s 2024 presidential election: A close contest
Palau’s presidential election is shaping up to be one of the most distinctive in Palau’s recent history. On 05 November, two prominent political figures—who also happen to be brothers-in-law—will face off for
PNG Opposition file motion of no confidence today, Committee unchanged
The Papua New Guinea Opposition has finally submitted the motion of a vote of no confidence against Prime Minister James Marape today. Opposition leader, Douglas Tomuriesa submitted the motion to Speaker Job Pomat at
Digicel Pacific taps SES’s services to bolster Disaster recovery for Tonga
Amidst the increase in natural disasters in the Pacific region, Digicel Pacific and SES have announced an agreement to bolster Digicel Pacific’s network with SES’s service to enable critical communications to be
Pacific ministers gather to discuss water and wastewater challenges
Twenty Pacific islands ministers have gathered in Rarotonga this week to discuss solutions and ideas to combat water and wastewater threats. Held at the National Auditorium, the 8th Pacific Water and Wastewater
All CHOGM leaders indicate participation: Samoa PM
The leaders of 56 member countries in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) have indicated their attendance at October’s conference including three monarchs. Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa
French Polynesia’s Moetai Brotherson on New Caledonia, deep sea mining and regional ties
As French diplomats worked the corridors at last week’s 53rd Pacific Islands Forum in Nuku’alofa, President of French Polynesia Moetai Brotherson has criticised decisions taken by President Emmanuel Macron that have
Cook Islands PM urges Pacific unity on deep-sea mining as leaders gear up for crucial talks
Cook Islands Prime Minister and former chair of the Forum, Mark Brown is urging Pacific Island leaders to come together on a collective stance on deep-sea mining, ahead of a key talanoa session set for next month. The
Tahnee Norris appointed as PNG Orchids head coach
Women’s rugby league in Papua New Guinea has received an enormous boost ahead of the upcoming Pacific Championships with the groundbreaking appointment of Tahnee Norris as Orchids coach. Norris, who last month
The World Bank head has thoughts on the Pacific – and needs Australia’s help
The president of the World Bank is due in Australia this week offering to be a force-multiplier for good in the Pacific Island states, and expecting some federal funding to do so. In the first visit by a World Bank
Recyclers deserve respect and recognition, not handouts: PRA
In a significant shift for the local recycling sector, the Pacific Recyclers Alliance has recently gained formal recognition, marking a critical step forward for grassroots recycling advocates. This acknowledgment
Researchers awarded grant for pioneering AI tools to monitor waves
University of Wollongong researchers have been given a grant from the Australian Geospatial Intelligence Organization to develop artificial intelligence (AI) tools for monitoring oceanic internal waves using satellite
Reinstatement of Fukushima expert panel to be discussed next year, Forum Leaders push U.S on nuclear testing and focus on regional peace
Pacific Islands Forum Leaders will decide at the next Forum Leaders Meeting in Solomon Islands whether to reinstate the Forum Expert Panel on Fukushima, as concerns persist over Japan’s discharge of treated nuclear
‘We are going to do right for Samoa’ – Winston Peters on citizenship bill
A talanoa on the Samoa citizenship bill in Auckland on Friday was held against the backdrop of the passing of the Māori king, Kiingi Tuheitia, as well as the death of the RSE workers who died in a car crash on
Vanuatu ancestral relics, trafficked as art to New York, return home with FBI escort
When a crate escorted by the FBI from New York was opened last week at the national museum of the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, Kaitip Kami instantly recognised the statue inside. “By looking at it, I knew
Pacific Islands Forum tweaks communique after China outburst
The Pacific Islands Forum secretariat has altered the communique from last week’s summit in Tonga to remove an affirming reference to Taiwan, after an outburst from China. In a tumultuous ending to the otherwise
MSG Leaders push for strong stance on New Caledonia at Tonga Summit
The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) leaders, meeting on the sidelines of the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum in Tonga, have called for a robust and unified approach to key regional issues, particularly the ongoing situation
New EU regulations challenge Fiji’s fairtrade producers
A balancing act between global standards and local realities Fair trade practices in Fiji are under increasing scrutiny as new international regulations push producers to meet stringent environmental and human rights
