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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Marshall Islands election show big shakeup in parliament

The Marshall Islands domestic election result shows that as many as one-third of all members of parliament are likely to change when the body is sworn in during early January. But the Marshall Islands domestic vote

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