FSM launches first Citizens Budget
A first-of-its-kind Citizens Budget has been launched in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). FSM’s Department of Finance and Administration (DOFA) in a statement today said the National Government Fiscal
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Nauru Airlines upgrades its fleet
Nauru Airlines has upgraded its fleet with a new 189-seat passenger aircraft. The blessing of the aircraft took place last week at the airline’s hangar in Brisbane, conducted by Rev David Deluckner, who is also a
Fiji Business Briefs: NRL trophy, Vatuvara Foundation, VIL director resigns, FMF results
The NRL trophy visits Fiji Fiji Airways Premium Lounge at Nadi International Airport hosted the prestigious NRL Provan-Summons Trophy last week, the first time it had travelled outside Australia. Fiji Airways CEO Andre
Regional tuna expert sounds caution in developing seabed mining
Leading Pacific tuna industry expert, Dr Transform Aqorau, has drawn from the region’s experiences with its massive tuna fisheries industry to sound caution in the development of the “next frontier” of deep seabed
ANZ anticipates Fiji population growth as overseas migration slows
Fiji is poised to witness an increase in labour force expansion and economic activity, starting in 2025, due to changes in trends in international migration, says the ANZ Bank. A new report from ANZ Research projects a
USP students with big dreams
Hundreds of students from around the region this week filled the Australia Pacific Lecture Theatre at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Laucala Campus, with much eagerness to further their studies. Every year,
PNG vote of no confidence not entertained
The Papua New Guinea Parliamentary Private Business Committee (PBC) has denied the notice of the motion of the Vote-of-No-Confidence. In advising Parliament, Acting Speaker Koni Iguan said, “The PBC deliberated on the
Cook Islands Parliament makes changes to seabed mining law
The Cook Islands has made amendments to its Seabed Minerals Act this week, including replacing the term “mining” with “minerals harvesting … to reflect the actual activity that takes
Vanuatu referendum seeks to instill stability after revolving-door governments
An upcoming referendum in Vanuatu to outlaw political-party hopping by legislators has sparked lively debate in the Pacific island country, which has faced three changes of government in the past year. Dissatisfaction
Fiji, Samoa and Tonga all options for future NSW Cup NRL
The NSW Rugby League has set their sights on fielding teams from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga in their main competition as part of the game’s push into the Pacific. The code’s Pacific expansion remains a key
Palau Development Bank pushes for deposit-taking license to fill funding gap
The National Development Bank of Palau (NDBP) is seeking to expand its role in the island nation’s financial system by offering deposit services and potentially issuing savings bonds. This move aims to address a
‘Ball is in PM’s court’: Tonga’s former attorney general says communication is key
A former Attorney General of Tonga says there’s still a chance to resolve matters between the two main authorities in Tonga. ‘Aminiasi Kefu was the acting Attorney General of Tonga from 2014 to 2019. His
Continue aviation fuel supply, PNG court tells fuel supplier Puma Energy
Papua New Guinea National Court has ordered Puma Energy to continue supplying aviation fuel to Air Niugini until 27 February as per their agreement, describing the fuel supply issue as of national importance. Judge
Clashes between pro-independence protesters, police as three French ministers visit New Caledonia
Militants and protesters clashed with police in downtown Nouméa on Wednesday as New Caledonia plays host to three French government ministers this week. The crowd – an estimated 2,000 according to
Mobil will supply fuel in PNG: Managing director
Fuel supplier Mobil Oil New Guinea Limited is committed to supplying fuel to the country during the current fuel crisis, says ExxonMobil PNG managing director Tera Shandro. “For the past 102 years, an ExxonMobil
Kiribati’s government not responsible for viral post, sorry
It was too good to be true. The government of Kiribati on Wednesday said it was not responsible for a light-hearted social media smackdown that went viral, prompting laughs around the world. Earlier this week,
“Palauans First” Campaign reboots: President Whipps seeks second term
In a rally echoing his “Palauans First” campaign slogan, President Surangel Whipps Jr officially launched his re-election bid on 11 February, becoming the first candidate to declare for the November 2024 general
Japan’s minister chides utility president over radioactive water leak at Fukushima plant
Japan’s industry minister summoned the president of the utility that runs the Fukushima nuclear power plant to his office Wednesday and chided him for a radioactive water leak at the plant earlier this
Who will form the next government is the question on the minds of the people of Tuvalu
As the capital, Funafuti prepares to welcome the last four elected Members of Parliament from the northern islands of Nanumea and Nanumaga, the people of Tuvalu are waiting with anticipation on the formation of the new
Tackling nuclear legacies, 70 years after Bravo
On 1 March 1954, the US government exploded a thermonuclear weapon on Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands, codenamed Bravo. The test had an explosive yield of nearly 15 megatons, a thousand times more powerful than the
Guam launches $11.4m project to expand broadband in southern villages
The Office of the Governor today announced the launch of a new fibre and 5G installation to expand broadband coverage in Southern Guam. The $11.4 million project awarded to IT&E was authorised by the U.S
Singapore signs air services pact with Samoa
Singapore and Samoa have signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA). The agreement was signed by Chee Hong Tat, Singapore Minister for Transport and Olo Fiti Afoa Vaai, Samoa Minister for Works. The ASA, which amounts to
Cook Islands Parliament approves amendments to Seabed Minerals Act
A Bill seeking to improve the overall seabed minerals regime was passed in Parliament Monday. Prime Minister Mark Brown presented the Seabed Minerals Amendment Bill 2024 for its second and third readings. The