PNG PM swings axe on huge delegation
A proposed list of 56 PNG Ministers, departmental heads, protocol staff, close protection officers and departmental staff travelling to the UN Climate Conference in Dubai has been chopped by the Prime Minister to 29
Bougainville referendum vote non-binding, says Minister
Minister for Bougainville Affairs Manasseh Makiba Tuesday reminded parliamentarians that the Bougainville Referendum results are non-binding, and the National Parliament is the only authority that will determine the
Palau’s Climate Change negotiator Matsutaro emphasise ambition and urgency at COP28
Palau’s climate change negotiator and Chair of Pacific Small Island Developing States(PSIDS), Xavier Matsutaro has emphasised the critical need for ambition and urgency at COP28, underscoring the pivotal role of
Pacific Gender champion urges stronger female representation and accountability at COP28
Pacific Gender Champion and Niue’s Minister for Natural Resources, Mona Ainu’u, has delivered a passionate call for stronger female representation and accountability at COP28, emphasising the urgent need for
Niue netballers create Pacific Games history with first win
Niue netballers created history on the court after picking up their first ever win at a Pacific Games at Honiara’s Friendship Hall on Wednesday. As Sol2023’s netball event entered its third day of competition, Niue
New Caledonia passes first sugar tax bill
New Caledonia’s Congress has endorsed, for the first time, a new “flexible” tax on sugar products. The tax, in its initial stages, targets a first list of sugary food products. During the Congress
K27.3 billion budget tabled in PNG
The Papua New Guinea Government Tuesday handed down a whopping K27.3 billion (US$7.3 billion) 2024 Budget. Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey when presenting the Budget in Parliament described it as a responsible budget that is
Volcanic eruption in PNG displaces 26,000 people
A volcanic eruption in Papua New Guinea has forced the evacuation of more than 26,000 people over the past week and created urgent humanitarian needs, a disaster official said Tuesday. Mudslides have followed the 20
History, tears and hope symbolise Pacific Games wheelchair runs
Three women took their mark on the starting line of Honiara’s National Stadium track Tuesday night, two of whom were Solomon Islanders, racing for the first time in front of their home crowd in the inaugural Pacific
Samoa Associate Minister sacked after alleged misuse of passport
Samoa’s Associate Minister of Police, Fepulea’i Fa’asavalu Su’a has been asked to resign from his post following his recent trip to American Samoa, reports Samoa News. He allegedly used his diplomatic
PNG students paying teachers
Students of a primary school in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea are paying their teachers their salaries every fortnight since the commencement of the school year. Each week, the 2800 students contribute K1 (US$0.26) to
French companies aim to solidify footprint in the Pacific
Through banking, renewable energy and water security — French companies are looking to solidify their footprint in Fiji and the Pacific region through its ‘Make it Iconic’ campaign. The campaign aims to
Nauru Airlines new Island Hopper service connecting Palau to Australia
Nauru Airlines, the national airline of Nauru, announced the launch of its new Island Hopper Service connecting Palau to Brisbane, Australia. The inaugural flight will depart Brisbane on Thursday, 30 November 2023, and
Young golfer wins Tonga’s first gold at Pacific Games
Salote Alexis Vakasiuola, 16, won Tonga’s first gold medal at the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands on November 25, where she demonstrated remarkable determination in the women’s golfing event. She won
USP Council reappoints Ahluwalia
The University of the South Pacific Council has reappointed Professor Pal Ahluwalia as Vice-Chancellor and President. A meeting of the Council made the decision today. It was chaired by the Acting Pro-Chancellor and
CNMI tourism is in ‘desperate mode’
The Commonwealth of Northern Marianas (CNMI)‘s only industry, tourism, is in a “desperate mode,” according to the officers of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association of NMI. In a meeting with members
The climate crisis is a health crisis
COP28 will include the first dedicated ‘Health Day’. It’s due recognition that a health crisis is inextricably linked to the climate crisis. In 2023, Canada endured its “worst wildfire season in
Heat is on UAE to deliver at COP28
To meet climate goals, countries will have to get far more ambitious and quickly. Here’s what to look for at COP28. The world’s premier climate change conference this month will be hosted by a country among
Keep 1.5 alive, it’s our red line, Samoa as AOSIS Chair at COP28 preparatory meeting
As thousands of delegates descend upon Dubai, UAE, for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP28), Samoa as the Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States
Tahiti sweeps gold in volleyball, Vanuatu’s first gold in table tennis
Tahiti’s men’s volleyball team emerged victorious, securing the Sol2023 Pacific Games gold medal by defeating Papua New Guinea 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-18) at a packed Friendship Hall on Saturday. Reflecting on their
Climate concerns grow amongst Mariana Islands locals as U.S. military expands in region
The Mariana Islands have been under foreign occupation for centuries, and while they’re now a self-governing commonwealth, locals are becoming increasingly concerned about the U.S. military’s presence in the
Alii Palau Airline’s inaugural flight opens a new gateway to Palau
After several delays, the Alii Palau Airline’s first flight to Palau became a reality Thursday last week. At 6:40 AM on Thanksgiving Day, 23 November 2023, Drukair, a Royal Bhutan Airline, chartered by Alii Palau
Palau senate expresses disapproval of Japan’s plan to release treated radioactive water
The Senate of the Republic of Palau has passed a joint resolution expressing disapproval of Japan’s decision to release over a million tons of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the