American Samoa
The American Senate has unanimously passed a bill removing the 10% cap on local investments by the American Samoa Government Employees Retirement Fund (ASGERF). Supporters argue it will strengthen the local economy, but concerns remain over the Government’s unpaid US$9.4 million contribution bill and potential governance issues. ASGERF board member, Fuiavailili Keniseli Lafaele, warns the change
could destabilise the Fund, with reduced federal grants and economic downturns posing additional risks.
Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands
A proposed EUCON Silicon Valley Tech Park in Saipan is set to transform the CNMI economy, injecting up to US$2.7 billion, creating 10,000 jobs, and boosting GDP by 30% in five years. The initiative aims to attract global tech firms and talent in AI, blockchain, and biotechnology. The three-phase plan includes infrastructure development, a tech university, and high-end manufacturing.
Cook Islands
The Cook Islands’ Christian Church is pushing for a constitutional amendment to declare the nation Christian, following the establishment of a mosque in Rarotonga. However, Opposition leader Tina Browne argues the proposal contradicts the constitution’s religious freedom protections and Select Committee Chair Tingika Elikana warned it couldbreach human rights conventions. Supporters believe non-Christians should not establish places of worship in the Cook Islands.
Federated States of Micronesia
The World Bank has approved a US$13 million initiative to strengthen public financial management in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The project aims to enhance fiscal management systems, streamline procurement, and establish internal audits to improve transparency and efficiency. The project will also train local finance staff and increase public access to financial records.
Fiji
The Bill to amend Fiji’s 2013 Constitution has been defeated in Parliament after failing to meet the required 75% support threshold. 40 MPs voted in favour, 14 opposed it, and one abstained – leaving the Government one vote short of the 41 needed. The proposed amendment aimed to lower the threshold for constitutional changes and remove the requirement for a referendum under Section 160. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka defended the move, stating it sought a more reasonable process for exercising the people’s will. The Government is now looking at legal options.
French Polynesia
French customs officers at Tahiti-Faa’a International Airport have arrested a US citizen after discovering 5kg of methamphetamine hidden in children’s toys in his luggage. A second individual, who was waiting for the traveller at the airport, was also taken into custody. Investigations continue.
Guam
Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero has called for bold economic measures, including tax cuts for small businesses and major investments in tourism to drive growth. In a speech to lawmakers, she proposed raising the Business Privilege Tax cap for small businesses from US$500,000 to US$1 million. She also urged legislative support for a second Hotel Occupancy Tax Bond to revitalise tourism, highlighting competition from Thailand and Vietnam.
Kiribati
The Metals Company (TMC) has surrendered 74,990 sq km of its Pacific Ocean exploration area after Kiribati ended its partnership. Kiribati is now exploring deep-sea mining ties with China. Kiribati’s Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources recently met with China’s ambassador to discuss potential collaboration. TMC CEO Gerard Barron cited poor nodule abundance as the reason for the exit. The company is advancing plans in Nauru and Tonga, despite concerns over its ecological impact.
Marshall Islands
Search and rescue efforts for a missing 37-foot sea ambulance in the Marshall Islands have been suspended, but authorities remain committed to locating the vessel and its four crew members. The ambulance disappeared on 3 March while en route from Majuro to Mili Atoll for a TB screening campaign.
A joint operation involving the US Coast Guard, US Navy, and RMI Sea Patrol covered over 52,000 square nautical miles but found no trace. Debris was later discovered at Jaluit Atoll. While active search efforts have ceased, Marshall Islands authorities and local communities continue to monitor coastal areas for further developments.
Nauru
Nauru has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Pacific involvement in seabed activities following high level talks with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in New York. Nauru officials met with ISA Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho to discuss capacity-building and strategic partnerships.
New Caledonia
A media library in Kaala-Gomen, at the north-eastern tip of New Caledonia’s main island, was destroyed by fire late on 2 March. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading to nearby buildings, including a school, but the library’s collection of over 3000 books and media materials was lost. “It was a place for education and meeting people. We’re all sad here,” a local patron told NC la 1ère. Arson has not been ruled out. Several libraries have been targeted since riots erupted in May 2024.
Niue
New Zealand will assist Niue in designing and constructing a new justice building in Alofi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has announced. The initiative aims to strengthen Niue’s judicial services, ensuring long-term accessibility for all citizens. Additionally, New Zealand will support Niue’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through a partnership between Business Link Pacific and the Niue Development Bank, offering loans at reduced interest rates and advisory support.
Palau
Palau’s President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. has reiterated Palau’s request for direct flights from Japan and assistance in developing a new fishing port during a recent visit to Tokyo. He says direct flights would boost tourism and facilitate seafood exports, while a modern fishing port would expand the industry and create jobs.
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea’s Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) has strongly opposed an International Monetary Fund (IMF) proposal to establish an “Oversight Board” for its tax administration. IRC Commissioner General Sam Koim called the move unwarranted, questioning its necessity given the IRC’s independence and strong accountability mechanisms. He suggested the timing was suspicious, coinciding with audits of
major multinationals. Koim criticised the IMF for potentially using financial aid to impose reforms, warning against threats to national sovereignty.
Samoa
Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has survived internal party turmoil and gendered attacks. Opponents within the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party sought to oust her after she dismissed party Chairman La’auli Leuatea Schmidt. During a heated parliamentary session, MP Fuiono Tenina Crichton sparked controversy by suggesting Fiame should have married to receive better advice. Fiame remained composed, refusing to engage in personal attacks. Despite internal divisions, Opposition members backed her, securing her position.
Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands Minister for Infrastructure Development, Manasseh Maelanga, has outlined Solomon Islands’ plans to develop its own International Shipping Registry, highlighting the economic benefits and ongoing efforts since forming a task force two years ago. He recently met Tuvalu cabinet minister Sa’aga Talu Teafa, who shared Tuvalu’s experience with ISR and welcomed further collaboration. Pacific International Trust Company (PITCO) has been contracted to provide advice, as the Solomon Islands aims to expand its maritime industry and attract foreign investment.
Tonga
Prime Minister Aisake ‘Eke’s government has initiated a review of Lulutai Airlines, Tonga’s only domestic airline, with the possibility of winding up its operations. Minister for Public Enterprises Piveni Piukala confirmed the dismissal of CEO Poasi Tei, replacing him with aviation expert Tevita Palu. The airline is seeking a $7 million pa’anga (NZ$5.1m) government bailout amid financial struggles. Piukala revealed concerns over a $10 million pa’anga loan secured from the Retirement Fund Board, largely spent on a problematic Twin Otter aircraft. The government is considering a Royal Commission inquiry and may open the domestic air market if Lulutai ceases operations.
Tuvalu
The World Bank has committed US$7 million to strengthen Tuvalu’s financial management and disaster preparedness. The grant will enhance climate financing oversight, increase disaster response funds, and improve infrastructure resilience.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu’s government has proposed a key electoral reform allowing only indigenous ni-Vanuatu to contest national and provincial elections. The move, part of its 100-day plan, aims to strengthen citizenship governance, preserve national identity, and enhance cultural representation. However,
Opposition leader Alatoi Ishmael Kalsakau condemned the reform as “legitimising racism”, arguing it contradicts the constitution’s non-discriminatory intent. The policy specifies that only third-generation citizens may contest elections.
