In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — Kiribati secures UN Women’s seat in historic vote, Minister hails ‘miracle’ win
2. PACIFIC — Pacific Political Climate Champions convene to elevate Pacificl eadership ahead of key global Climate engagements
3. SOL — Solomon Islands government commits $10 million TC Maila response
4. COOKS — Cook Islands study flags access gaps in shift to digital vaccine consent
5. PNG — PNGDF revokes this year’s recruits, disbands directorate as review starts
6. FIJI — Let the people decide their national identity, Chief condemns ‘erasure’ act — Ratu Tevita
7. PACNEWS BIZ — IMF warns Samoa reforms could undermine Central Bank independence
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji PM Rabuka flags $300m China-funded road upgrade to unlock Vanua Levu’s economy
9. PACNEWS BIZ — More ways in: Brisbane-Santo boost gives Vanuatu a fresh tourism push
10. PACNEWS BIZ — Union warns Fiji Governement relief measures hurt workers
11. PACNEWS BIZ — We have sufficient fuel stock available, no need to panic: Puma Energy PNG Group chairman Tokome
12. PACNEWS BIZ — Call for labour scheme reforms
13. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — Tjibaou: “Bougival is dead.”
14. PACNEWS DIGEST — Weather Ready Pacific provides satellite connectivity for Niue Met Office
PAC – UN WOMEN SEAT: PACNEWS PACNEWS 1: Fri 10 Apr 2026
Kiribati secures UN Women’s seat in historic vote, Minister hails ‘miracle’ win
NEW YORK, 10 APRIL 2026 (PACNEWS) — Kiribati has won a seat on a key United Nations body for the first time, with Minister of Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs Ruth Cross Kwansing calling the result a “miracle” after a late push secured strong international backing.
The Minister said the vote marks a historic step for the country and the Pacific region.
“I am deeply honoured and filled with joy to announce that the Republic of Kiribati has been successfully elected to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) for the 2026–2030 term!”
“In a historic moment for Pacific leadership, 37 ECOSOC member states cast their votes in support of Kiribati. For the first time, our nation will hold a dedicated seat on this global body,” she said in a social media post.
Kwansing described the outcome as unexpected and credited broad support behind the bid.
“This victory is a miracle, and I am profoundly grateful to”
She thanked multiple groups for helping secure the win.
“Our Heavenly father for the miracles and success of an eleventh-hour bid.”
“Our Cabinet for their belief in this vision and their swift support.”
“Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Permanent Mission in New York for their determined efforts to mobilise support in record time.”
“Your support for every prayer, message of encouragement, and word of support that carried us through.”
Kwansing said Kiribati will use its position to represent Pacific priorities on gender and social inclusion.
“As the Pacific Islands Forum Political Champion for Gender & Social Inclusion, I am excited to represent our Pacific region in this critical global dialogue.”
She said the country will bring Pacific perspectives to the international stage.
“We are committed to serving to the very best of our abilities, bringing Pacific-led innovation and the lived realities of our frontlines to the world stage.”
Kwansing said the responsibility now shifts to delivering results.
“This is where the rubber hits the road! May God bless us all,” she said…. PACNEWS
PAC – CLIMATE CHANGE: PIFS PACNEWS 1: Fri 10 Apr 2026
Pacific Political Climate Champions convene to elevate Pacificl eadership ahead of key global Climate engagements
NADI, 10 APRIL 2026 (PIFS) — The Pacific Political Climate Champions met Thursday in Nadi, Fiji, in a hybrid meeting to consolidate regional leadership and strategic alignment ahead of a pivotal year for global climate diplomacy and action.
The meeting provided a critical platform for the Climate Champions to reflect on outcomes from COP30, held in Belém, Brazil last year and to reaffirm the Pacific’s collective resolve to shape an ambitious and equitable global climate agenda heading into the 31st session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 31) to be held in Antalya, Türkiye in November.
The meeting also brought together technical advisors from Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS), and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). Together with the Climate Champions, discussions explored opportunities to maximise the Champions’ influence, impact, and engagements throughout 2026, which include the COP 31 Pre-COP meetings to be held in Fiji and Tuvalu ahead of the substantive COP31.
The Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Baron Waqa emphasised the urgency of sustained political leadership, noting, “Our moral leadership on the issue of climate change, including through the work of our Climate Champions, is becoming more critical now than ever, especially as recent past and current global geopolitical dynamics are giving rise to a deviation of focus and commitment to address climate change.”
Sefanaia Nawadra, Director General of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) further stressed the importance of political advocacy as Pacific Islands continue to demonstrate leadership in the face of climate change adversity.
“Ultimately the Pacific voice is most powerful when our technical unity enables political impact. Pacific leaders continue to fill a global leadership gap on climate change bringing the moral authority that is strengthened when grounded in robust technical evidence and collective regional strategy.”
The meeting was led through the One CROP coordination mechanism supported by the Pacific Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), Pacific Community (SPC), Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), and the University of the South Pacific (USP)
Established in 2021, the Pacific Political Climate Champions initiative serves as one of the key vehicles for elevating Pacific priorities at the political level within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process. It continues to play a vital role in ensuring that the unique vulnerabilities and priorities of Pacific Island countries remain central to global climate negotiations. The current cohort of Political Climate Champions will complete their two-year term following COP31.
As the international community prepares for the COP 31, the Pacific reaffirms its unwavering commitment to principled leadership, regional solidarity, and transformative climate action…. PACNEWS
SOL – CYCLONE RESPONSE: SOL GOVT PACNEWS 1: Fri 10 Apr 2026
Solomon Islands government commits $10 million TC Maila response
HONIARA, 10 APRIL 2026 (SOL GOVT) — The Government of Solomon Islands has committed an initial $10 million (US$1,238,471) to support emergency response efforts following the impact of Tropical Cyclone Maila.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, in his national address to the nation, confirmed that the Cabinet has approved the allocation to support immediate humanitarian relief, including emergency food supplies, safe drinking water, and essential non-food items such as shelter and hygiene kits.
The Prime Minister said the Government has activated national disaster response arrangements under the National Disaster Management Plan 2018 to ensure a coordinated and timely response.
Initial reports indicate significant damage to homes, schools, health facilities, transport infrastructure, and livelihoods, particularly in Western, Choiseul, and Isabel Provinces.
The Government is working through the National Disaster Management Office and Provincial Emergency Operations Centres to deliver assistance and coordinate response efforts with key partners.
Prime Minister Manele acknowledged the support of development partners, churches, civil society, and the private sector, calling for continued collaboration to ensure assistance reaches affected communities.
Further assessments will be conducted once conditions improve to determine the full extent of damage and priority needs.…. PACNEWS
COOKS – HEALTH: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 1: Fri 10 Apr 2026
Cook Islands study flags access gaps in shift to digital vaccine consent
RAROTONGA, 10 APRIL 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — A paper form sent home through school can seem simple enough. But in the Cook Islands, health workers say those slips can also go missing, come back late or never return at all, leaving some children without routine vaccinations.
That challenge is behind new Cook Islands research, which found many parents and guardians are open to digital consent for school vaccinations, as long as the system stays simple, secure and flexible enough to include families who still rely on paper.
The study, supported by UNICEF, surveyed community members’ views in August and September 2025, following working mothers’ earlier that year raising the issue during a human-centred design workshop in the Cook Islands.
“School-based vaccination programmes rely on parental consent before any vaccine can be administered,” said Tereapii Nimerota, presenting the results of a survey. The current system in schools is paper-based. Sometimes paper forms can be lost, delayed or not returned.”
That matters because immunisation remains a public health priority in the Cook Islands, where missed consent can mean missed protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.
About 70 percent of respondents were female, which Nimerota said likely reflected mothers’ strong involvement in children’s health matters. Most respondents identified as Cook Islands Maori, and the majority were aged 36 or older, suggesting many were parents or guardians.
The findings showed broad support for adding digital options, but not at the expense of paper.
“When asked about community preferences, email was the most preferred method, followed by traditional paper forms,” Nimerota said. “Messaging was seen as helpful, especially for reminders and notifications.”
That points to a hybrid approach rather than a fully digital shift. For Cook Islands families, the appeal of online consent is convenience. For health officials, it could mean fewer lost forms and faster turnaround. But the study also found clear barriers that could slow adoption if those concerns are not addressed.
Nimerota said participants raised issues including unreliable internet, privacy and data protection concerns, limited confidence using digital tools and the cost of data. She noted that 16 percent highlighted an access gap.
“These concerns are important to remind us that not all households have access or confidence with digital tools,” she said.
She added that the digital divide is likely greater in the pa enua, making it even more important that any new system not leave outer island families behind.
That is where the Cook Islands story takes on a wider Pacific angle.
Across the region, island health systems are trying to modernize while working within the realities of geography, smaller populations and uneven digital access. A solution that works in an urban centre does not always translate neatly to more remote communities. In that sense, the Cook Islands findings echo a broader Pacific challenge: how to use digital tools without creating new barriers for the very families public health systems need to reach.
The study also found that public confidence in vaccines remains high.
“Most respondents agree that vaccines are important for children’s health and community well-being,” Nimerota said. “There is also strong confidence in the safety of school-based immunisation programmes.”
She said most participants also felt well-informed about making vaccination decisions, though a smaller group remained neutral or disagreed, indicating there is still room for continued education and awareness.
Trust was another important finding. Respondents identified health services and schools as their most trusted sources of immunization information.
“This reinforces the importance of coordinated communication and shared responsibility between education and health,” Nimerota said.
That level of trust could be crucial if the Cook Islands moves ahead with digital consent. Community comments showed that people want any online option to be secure, confidential, flexible and accessible, with both paper and electronic choices available.
Based on the results, the study recommends a staged rollout starting with a pilot, then expanding gradually. It also calls for a hybrid system, strong safeguards around privacy, and platforms that are easy to use for busy families and people who are less comfortable with technology.
Nimerota said digital consent could bring several benefits if rolled out carefully.
“It can enable faster delivery of vaccines, reducing delays by moving away from paper-based systems,” she said. “There are fewer lost forms, ensuring more children are reached. The process becomes easier for parents, saving time and effort.”
In the end, the research does not suggest replacing the old system overnight. Instead, it argues for meeting families where they are…. PACNEWS
PNG – DEFENCE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS 1: Fri 10 Apr 2026
PNGDF revokes this year’s recruits, disbands directorate as review starts
PORT MORESBY, 10 APRIL 2026 (THE NATIONAL) — The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) has revoked its first batch of recruits for this year and disbanded the recruitment directorate.
Chief of Defence Rear Admiral Philip Polewara said a review was underway, with the defence force looking at integrating its recruitment system with that of the Department of Higher Education, Research Science and Technology, to recruit directly from secondary schools.
This comes after allegations of political interference in the recent recruitment which implicated Defence Minister Dr. Billy Joseph, forcing him to step aside from his portfolio to allow an independent investigation.
With the office no longer in function, Polewara said PNGDF deputy chief brigadier Lari Opa is leading the review team.
He said this was necessary to ensure they effectively overhaul the recruitment system.
“We will have to get rid of it (current system) and put in new systems, but function will remain. It’s the office that will be disbanded,” Polewara said.
He said they would give Grade 12 students a chance to apply using the school leavers form to join officer cadet and general enlistee.
“When I was the chief of staff, we were supposed to recruit through them (DHERST). We (instead) decided to bring it (recruitment) to Murray Barracks and that’s where it didn’t work out,” he told The National.
“This means going back to using the school leavers form to directly recruit from the secondary schools. The quality control is already there with DHERST.
“With the recruitment review, General Opa will oversee the development and operationalisation of a fit for purpose system.”
Polewara said since 2023, PNGDF carried out institutional reforms, reviewing and overhauling some of its systems.
He said the PNGDF has been running on systems that were over 50 years’ old, which some have outlived their time…. PACNEWS
FIJI – CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 1: Fri 10 Apr 2026
Let the people decide their national identity, Chief condemns ‘erasure’ act — Ratu Tevita Mara
SUVA, 10 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — Former Fiji military officer and The Turaga na Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Mara has called for the people of Fiji to decide through democratic process whether their national identity should be “Fiji Islander” or “Fijian”, declaring that the 2013 Constitution stripped indigenous people of their ethnic identity without consultation.
Ratu Tevita issued the statement as Fiji’s constitutional review committee continues to receive public submissions on the contentious identity question that has divided the nation for over a decade.
Ratu Tevita put forward two options for the constitutional review committee to consider.
The first is a return to “Fiji Islander” — the pre-2013 national identity he described as “universally understood, internationally recognised, and inclusive of all communities without displacing any ethnic identity.”
The second is retaining “Fijian” as the national identity, but only if arrived at through genuine public consent.
“Either option is recognisable on the world stage,” he said.
“What matters most is that the choice belongs to the people of Fiji — arrived at freely, fairly, and through proper democratic process.”
Ratu Tevita drew a firm distinction between nationality and ethnicity, arguing that conflating the two had caused lasting damage to national unity. “Nationality is the civic identity we share as citizens of this nation. Ethnicity is the heritage, culture, and ancestry that makes each of our communities beautifully distinct.”
“These are two distinct things. Conflating them whether by accident or by design is causing confusion and harm to our national unity.”
On the Great Council of Chiefs’ submission advocating for “Fijian” to be retained as the identity of indigenous people, Ratu Tevita said the spirit of the position was correct but expressed concern about its clarity.
“I stand in solidarity with its intent,” he said, adding that the GCC’s position aligned with his broader principle that “the ethnic identity of the indigenous Fijian people, and all our distinct ethnic communities, must be protected, recognised, and never again removed without their full and free consent.”
Ratu Tevita said he spoke “as an ordinary citizen of Fiji, guided by conscience and civic duty,” and called for the debate to be resolved with honesty and respect.
“The debate around our common identity in Fiji is one that touches the very soul of our nation, and it deserves honest, respectful, and consultative resolution. We owe that much to each and every one who calls Fiji home.”
Meanwhile, the renaming of Fiji’s national identity under the 2013 Constitution has been condemned by the paramount chief of Lau, Ratu Tevita Mara, who says it stripped indigenous Fijians of an ethnic identity that had existed for over a century.
Tui Nayau Ratu Tevita labelled the act of change — from “Fiji Islander” to “Fijian” — an “erasure,” and called on the Constitutional Review Committee to give the people of Fiji the final say on what they should be called.
“Under the 2013 Constitution, our nationality was unilaterally changed to Fijian — stripping without consultation the ethnic identity of the indigenous people that has been in existence for over a hundred years, relegating them to the term i-Taukei,” he said.
“That was not nation-building. That was erasure.”
Ratu Tevita said the 1997 Constitution, which was developed through wide public consultation, offered the standard Fiji must return to.
“Our previous 1997 Constitution which was widely and meaningfully consulted with the people had clearly and respectfully laid out both our nationality and our ethnic identities.
“That is the standard of democratic process to which we must return — consultation. People’s will as the final word. It was a model of inclusive governance that we should not have abandoned lightly.”
The CRC, chaired by Sevuloni Valenitabua, is conducting nationwide consultations to review the 2013 Constitution. The seven-member panel aims to strengthen democracy by collecting public submissions over six months, with a final report due to the President by 31 August 2026…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
SAMOA – CENTRAL BANK REFORM: PACNEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 10 Apr 2026
IMF warns Samoa reforms could undermine Central Bank independence
WASHINGTON/APIA, 10 APRIL 2026 (PACNEWS) — The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised concerns that proposed changes to Samoa’s central banking law could weaken safeguards and open the door to political influence over the country’s financial system.
In a letter to Finance Minister Mulipola Anarosa Molioo, IMF Asia-Pacific Director Krishna Srinivasan warned the reforms risk undermining the independence of the Central Bank of Samoa.
“I am writing to express concern about the planned reforms to the Central Bank of Samoa (CBS) Act.”
“In our assessment, the proposed amendments could weaken the independence of the CBS, including its institutional and financial autonomy.”
Srinivasan stressed that central bank independence is critical to maintaining effective economic management.
“Such independence is critical to ensuring sound and independent policy decision-making, thereby safeguarding the credibility and effectiveness of the CBS’s monetary and financial policies.”
The IMF outlined several areas of concern in the proposed changes, including governance structures and decision-making powers.
“Our specific concerns include the proposed mechanism for assigning additional CBS functions through secondary legislation; governance concerns arising from the proposed Board structure and overlapping decision-making responsibilities.”
The letter also warned about provisions affecting the central bank governor.
“Provisions that could weaken the autonomy of the Governor, including a shortened term and broad grounds for dismissal.”
It further raised concerns about expanding government influence over central bank decisions.
“Other amendments that could expand the Ministry of Finance’s influence over CBS policy formulation and budgetary matters.”
Despite the concerns, the IMF said the reforms present an opportunity to address existing weaknesses.
“The planned reform would also be an opportunity to address existing legal shortcomings that were identified in the 2021 IMF Safeguards Assessment.”
Srinivasan urged the government to reconsider the draft amendments and focus on strengthening, not weakening, the institution.
“Against this background, I respectfully encourage you to reconsider the draft amendments.”
“I strongly recommend that any reform of the CBS Act seek to strengthen, rather than weaken, the legal foundations for central bank independence, accountability, and sound governance.”
The IMF also signalled its willingness to continue supporting Samoa.
“We stand ready to engage further with you and other relevant authorities in support of efforts to ensure that the legal framework for the CBS remains aligned with international good practice and conducive to supporting lasting macroeconomic and financial stability.”
The warning comes as Samoa reviews key financial legislation, with the IMF cautioning that maintaining a strong and independent central bank will be critical for economic stability and investor confidence…. PACNEWS
FIJI- ROAD PROJECT: FIJI GOVT PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 10 Apr 2026
Fiji PM Rabuka flags $300m China-funded road upgrade to unlock Vanua Levu’s economy
SUVA, 10 APRIL 2026 (FIJI GOVT) — The people of Vanua Levu can look forward to improved connectivity, greater economic opportunities, and more resilient infrastructure, as Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka Thursday officiated at the external review of the preliminary design for the China-Aid Fiji Vanua Levu road upgrading project in Suva.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka highlighted that the project represents a significant step forward in the Government’s efforts to enhance connectivity, strengthen resilience, and unlock economic opportunities in the Northern Division.
“This is a proud moment for our nation. After two years of planning and consultations, the preliminary design phase has been successfully completed under China’s Belt and Road Initiative,” Rabuka said.
He acknowledged the collaborative approach undertaken during the planning phase, with the Chinese technical team working closely with landowners, community leaders, and residents to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.
The project, funded through a FJD$300 million (US$150 million) grant, will upgrade more than 80 kilometres of rural roads in Vanua Levu, including: Nabouwalu Road to Nasolo (15 km), Natewa West Coast Road from Nacavanadi to Korotasere (32 km), Wailevu West Coast Road from Nabalebale to Dogoru (35 km)
More than 20 bridges will also be constructed or upgraded to improve safety, reliability, and resilience. Once completed, the project is expected to directly benefit 61 villages and 15 schools, significantly improving access to markets, healthcare, education, and essential government services.
Rabuka said the initiative aligns with Fiji’s National Development Plan and supports key Government priorities, including the “Look North Policy,” rural and maritime development, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Improved road networks will reduce transportation costs, support agricultural productivity, and enhance access to economic opportunities, particularly for rural communities. The project is also expected to boost tourism in Vanua Levu, including in Savusavu, while creating employment opportunities during the construction phase.
Rabuka stated that the development will help reduce rural isolation, strengthen community linkages, and promote inclusive growth.
He also noted that the project will improve access to healthcare services for approximately 10,000 residents and strengthen connectivity to schools and higher education institutions, supporting better outcomes for young people.
In addition, the upgrades will enhance disaster preparedness and response by ensuring communities remain connected during extreme weather events.
Prime Minister Rabuka reaffirmed that the project reflects the strong partnership between Fiji and China, built on mutual respect and shared development goals.
“This project is more than infrastructure—it is an investment in our people, our communities, and our future,” Prime Minister Rabuka said.
He thanked the People’s Republic of China, project stakeholders, and local communities for their contributions and encouraged continued collaboration as the project moves into its next phase, including detailed design and contractor procurement.
Also present at the event was the People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador Chargé d’Affaires to Fiji, Wang Yuan, who reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Fiji’s development priorities.
Wang said the project demonstrates the strong cooperation between the two countries under the Belt and Road Initiative and reflects a shared vision for sustainable development.
“China remains committed to working closely with the Fijian Government to deliver high-quality infrastructure that benefits local communities and supports long-term economic growth,” he said.
He added that the project will not only improve connectivity in Vanua Levu but also contribute to improving livelihoods and promoting inclusive development across the Northern Division….PACNEWS
VAN – TOURISM INDUSTRY: KARRYON PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 10 Apr 2026
More ways in: Brisbane-Santo boost gives Vanuatu a fresh tourism push
PORT VILA, 10 APRIL 2026 (KARRYON) — A second weekly direct Solomon Airlines flight between Brisbane and Espiritu Santo is now operating, giving Australians more options to book Vanuatu’s largest island.
The added service launched on Saturday 4 April, when 112 passengers arrived on the inaugural second weekly flight into Santo Pekoa International Airport in Luganville.
A second weekly direct Solomon Airlines flight between Brisbane and Espiritu Santo is now operating, giving Australians more options to book Vanuatu’s largest island. The added service launched on Saturday 4 April, when 112 passengers arrived on the inaugural second weekly flight into Santo Pekoa International Airport in Luganville.
The expanded schedule doubles air capacity on the Brisbane-Santo route and gives travellers more flexibility to plan either a full-week holiday or a shorter island break. At around 2.5 hours from Brisbane, Santo is already a relatively easy Pacific option for Australians, and the added service expands capacity on what Vanuatu Tourism Office says remains the only direct international route from Australia to Espiritu Santo.
Vanuatu Tourism Office CEO Adela Issachar Aru said the extra service would have flow-on effects beyond the airport.
“The launch of a second weekly direct service from Brisbane to Espiritu Santo is very welcome news for Vanuatu’s tourism industry, particularly for our partners and communities in Santo,” Aru said.
She said the added flight came at a time when reliable access remained central to the country’s tourism recovery.
“Improved and reliable air access is essential as we continue to rebuild and grow our visitor economy, and this additional service is an important step forward for our northern islands,” she said.
More choice, more Santo
Aru said the expanded schedule would give Australians greater flexibility when planning their holidays.
She also used the announcement to spotlight Santo’s appeal, pointing to the island’s “blue holes, world renowned dive sites and white sand beaches”, along with its rich kastom, or traditional culture, and relaxed island lifestyle.
Solomon Airlines CEO Matthew Findlay said the second weekly service reflected stronger demand for the destination.
“The commencement of this second weekly service to Espiritu Santo is a strong vote of confidence in the destination and reflects the growing demand we are seeing for Santo,” Findlay said.
He also linked the added flight to broader work between the airline, Vanuatu Tourism Office, Air Vanuatu, government and local tourism stakeholders.
“Solomon Airlines is proud to be deepening our collaboration through joint marketing and operational alignment, and we remain committed to working closely with our partners to support sustainable growth, improved connectivity and long-term outcomes for Santo and the wider Vanuatu market,” he said.
Solomon Airlines will operate the route twice weekly using an A320-200 aircraft, with 12 business class seats and 132 to 138 economy seats. Services will run on Thursdays and Saturdays from April to June 2026, before shifting to Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 2026 to January 2027.
The published schedule lists IE726 departing Brisbane at 8:55am and arriving in Espiritu Santo at 12:45pm local time. The return service, IE727, departs Santo at 1:45pm and arrives in Brisbane at 3:35pm…. PACNEWS
FIJI – ELECTICITY: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 10 Apr 2026
Union warns Fiji Governement relief measures hurt workers
SUVA, 10 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — The Fiji Public Service Association (FPSA) urges targeted support to protect low- and middle-income earners
“Fijian families are already struggling to put food on the table. Now they are being asked to sacrifice even more.”
This was the response from the Fiji Public Service Association (FPSA) following Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s announcement last night on Government relief measures, as fuel prices and the cost of basic goods continue to rise.
The FPSA said the current approach risked placing additional pressure on workers already struggling with the rising cost of living, pushing them further into hardship instead of easing the burden.
Association general secretary Judith Kotobalavu said while the Government’s efforts to manage the crisis were acknowledged, the reality for many families remained harsh.
“Workers are already under serious pressure from the rising cost of living. Any measure that reduces their income will only make things worse for families trying to survive,” she said.
She said many public servants depended on overtime pay to meet daily expenses, and cutting this support would come at the worst possible time.
However, the association warned that the combined impact of cyclone recovery and global tensions would continue to drive up prices, placing further strain on households.
“Workers must not be expected to absorb economic shocks without fair compensation and meaningful support,” Kotobalavu said.
While Government leaders have taken a 20 percent pay cut and reduced spending, the FPSA said broader measures must be fair and not fall heavily on low- and middle-income earners.
The union is calling on the Government to introduce targeted support, including stronger protection for workers’ incomes and action to control rising living costs.
“Recovery must be fair. If families continue to struggle, then the nation cannot truly recover,” Kotobalavu said…. PACNEWS
PNG – IRAN CRISIS/FUEL PRICE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 10 Apr 2026
We have sufficient fuel stock available, no need to panic: Puma Energy PNG Group chairman Tokome
PORT MORESBY, 10 APRIL 2026 (THE NATIONAL) — -Puma Energy PNG Group has sufficient fuel stock cover in place for contracted customers across the country, including all branded retail sites and there is no need to panic, says chairman Hulala Tokome.
“Current supply levels remain stable, and we are continuing to actively manage distribution to ensure continuity of supply,” he said.
“It’s very important to emphasise that there is no need for panic purchasing. Such behaviour places unnecessary strain on our supply chain and can create temporary disruptions at our service stations, even when overall stock availability remains adequate at all our facilities nationwide,” Tokome said.
“The current situation at some service stations reflects normal distribution and replenishment cycles, which is being impacted by competitors closing their sites, short-term demand spikes rather than any underlying shortage of fuel. Our sales and operations teams are working to replenish sites as quickly and efficiently as possible.
“Puma Energy remains committed to maintaining reliable fuel supply and continues to monitor the situation closely,” Tokome said.
Meanwhile, Public Motor Vehicle (PMV) operators across the country have been forced to implement immediate fare hikes this week, citing a “breaking point” reached after a dramatic surge in diesel prices made their daily operations financially unsustainable.
The move follows a sharp rise in fuel price in the country, which has seen the price of diesel climb to record highs across major centres like Port Moresby, Lae and Mt Hagen.
For bus or PMV operators the increase in fare was forced upon them with the fuel costs increasing over the last week and pushed them into a desperate measure to keep their vehicles on the road and their businesses running.
“Every time we pull into a service station now, we are essentially losing our profit for the day,” said James Nunung, a longtime driver of route 17 at the Gordon bus stop in Port Moresby.
“A few months ago, K100 (US$28) of diesel could carry me through a full morning shift.
“Today, that same K100 (US$28) barely gets me past the morning rush hour.
“We have no choice but to ask the traveling public for more, or we simply park the buses at home,” he added.
Operators argued that the previous fare structures were designed for an economic reality that no longer exists.
With fuel now consuming more than 60 percent of their daily takings, many drivers claimed they were struggling to take home enough to feed their families after paying off their daily “boss” fees and the rising cost of maintenance.
Nomenet Tom, a route 16 bus driver in Port Moresby, stressed that while the public sees a K1(US$0.23) or K2 (US$0.46) increase as a burden, for the operator, it was a direct response to the reality of the global oil market forces impacting the local price of fuel.
“The public thinks we are being greedy, but they don’t see our receipts at the end of the day,” Tom explained while gesturing toward an opposite service station where queues have been growing.
“When the price at the pump goes up by nearly a kina overnight, the small increase we ask for in the fare barely touches the sides.
“We are the ones feeling the heat first because we are on the road for 12 hours a day,” Tom added.
Tom further explained that, from the Highlands Highway to the coastal routes such as Port Moresby, the sentiment remains the same: the bus is a business, and that business is fueled by diesel that has become too expensive to ignore today.
Moreover, the route 501 bus operators in Port Moresby explained that they were carrying out awareness yesterday to the route 501 commuters to be aware of the bus fares adjustments which would be imposed today.
On the other hand, the commuters of these routes also raised their concerns over the effect of these fuel prices rising and bus fares increases.
“I am one in a family attending UPNG as a day student and normally it costs me K6 (US$1.39) every day for bus fare alone plus lunch money,” Max Semi, one of the commuters who resides at Wildlife, Port Moresby, said.
“Today, I spent K10 (US$2.31) to and from the school on bus fare alone, which is a big increase of K4 (US$0.92), and I think it will affect my studies financially if this issue was not addressed by the government shortly,” he said.
Brenda Jack, an employee of the Foreign Affairs Department said: “I have two kids in school and the country’s living costs rapidly increasing every day.
“This increase in bus fares brings another burden to my financial management that will affect my family and my work, I think.”
Jack Lane, an individual commuter of route 15 and 6, from Tokarara to Hohola and to his workstation at Gordon said he argued with the crew of a bus for charging him K2 (US$0.46) from Tokarara to Hohola.
“I argued with the bus crew for overcharging me because I didn’t see any official press releases confirming the bus fare change (increase) since early this year.
“Thus, I must pay my normal bus fare of K1 (US$0.23) each route,” he said.
Upon that condition, operators maintain that without these fare adjustments, the national transport system would face a total collapse, as owners would be unable to meet the overhead costs of fuel, oil, and spare parts…. PACNEWS
FIJI – LABOUR SCHEMES: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Fri 10 Apr 2026
Call for labour scheme reforms
SUVA, 10 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is urging reforms to Pacific labour migration schemes, recommending measures to cut costs, simplify employer transfers, and expand healthcare access for workers.
The call comes in a new report, Temporary Labour Migration Schemes in the Pacific through the Lens of International Human Rights and Labour Standards, which reviews Australia’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme and New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) programme.
The report acknowledges the schemes’ benefits, providing jobs for Pacific workers while addressing labour shortages abroad, and notes recent policy reforms that have strengthened protections.
However, the ILO highlights gaps in meeting international labour standards, particularly around fair recruitment, decent work, and non-discrimination for women and other vulnerable groups.
“Temporary labour migration has delivered real gains for Pacific workers, their families, and regional economies,” said Martin Wandera, director of the ILO Country Office for the Pacific.
“Strengthening these schemes in line with international standards will ensure long-term success and benefit all stakeholders.”
Key challenges include high migration costs, including travel and documentation, despite recruitment fees being banned, leaving some workers in debt. Restrictions on changing employers also limit bargaining power and expose workers to poor conditions.
The report calls for cost-sharing reforms, streamlined employer-switching procedures, expanded healthcare access, simplified superannuation access in Australia, and greater inclusion of women and underrepresented groups.
Produced under the Labour Mobility for Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience project and funded by the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund, the report aims to support the Global Compact on Migration and promote fair, sustainable labour mobility in the Pacific…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS In Focus
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
By Nic Maclellan
PARIS, 10 APRIL 2026 (ISLANDS BUSINESS) — A leading Kanak politician has declared “Bougival is dead”, following a vote in the French National Assembly that rejected proposed constitutional reforms for New Caledonia.
Last week, on 02 April, French government legislation proposing a new political statute for New Caledonia was rejected without debate, in a 190-107 vote in the French legislature.
The resolution to reject the text was proposed by Emmanuel Tjibaou, president of the independence party Union Calédonienne, and one of two New Caledonian deputies in the National Assembly.
Speaking with Islands Business from Paris, Tjibaou said: “Today, Bougival is dead.”
“The FLNKS rejected it last August,” he said, “and now the parliamentarians have rejected the text. So, I don’t see under what title they can propose it again.”
The French government under Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu had sought to develop a new political statute to replace the 1998 Noumea Accord, proposing to create a new State of New Caledonia within the French Republic.
To achieve this, the government put forward legislation to implement two political agreements drafted by the French State with five of six New Caledonian parliamentary groups: the July 2025 Bougival Accord and a supplementary text adopted in Paris in January this year, known as the Elysée-Oudinot Accord.
However, both texts have been rejected by the main independence coalition Front de Libération Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS). After adoption by the French Senate in February, the legislation was criticised by a range of political parties in the lower house, ranging from the Left bloc to the extreme-Right Rassemblement National.
Parliamentary process
Emmanuel Tjibaou noted that the government’s bill was first rejected by the National Assembly’s Legal Commission: “We went through the provisions of the text that had been endorsed by the Senate (although more than 80 Senators abstained). It was clear that there was no agreement in our commission and the text was challenged by different groups and rejected.”
However, he acknowledged “there was always a risk” that some parties might change their mind when the bill came up for debate in a full plenary session on 02 April.
“We had statements of principle issued by the Rassemblement National and a number of other groups, saying they’d vote to reject the bill,” Tjibaou explained. “But beyond these statements of principle, what really counts is the vote. People may say they will vote for it, but they do not turn out to vote when the time comes, so in that sense, I called for a public commitment in very clear terms.”
The parties that rejected the bill included the Left alliance (La France Insoumise, the Ecologists and the Gauche Democrate et Républicaine), as well as Marine Le Pen’s Rassemblement National.
Unlike the Left, which criticised the legislation as a denial of the right to self-determination, the RN rejected the bill as a pathway to independence. Tjibaou acknowledged that domestic French politics was an element in the result, “because what is happening in the National Assembly involves political stakes surrounding the upcoming presidential election, which everyone in France is keenly aware of.”
Government ignored warnings
After the Senate vote in February in favour of the bill, Prime Minister Lecornu forged ahead to present the bill to the lower house, despite warnings from a range of politicians that the government lacked a governing majority to succeed in the National Assembly.
Even if the government’s constitutional reform had gained a majority in the French legislature, it would still need to be ratified at a joint sitting of Senators and Deputies, known as the Congress of Versailles. However, Tjibaou stressed that this joint sitting would not have guaranteed the numbers to adopt the reforms: “Given it’s been rejected by the National Assembly, I don’t see how they can get the 3/5 majority at the Congress of Versailles.”
Former Overseas Minister Manuel Valls was the architect of the Bougival Accord, but was later dismissed from the second Lecornu government, and replaced by the current minister Naïma Moutchou. Reflecting on the current impasse in a TV interview this week, Valls was critical of the French President and Prime Minister for ignoring criticisms of the Bougival process.
“The government, the current administration, has wasted a great deal of time since October,” Valls said. “It has made many mistakes and has given the impression of having lost its way. It is therefore hardly surprising that confidence has gradually been lost among both local and national stakeholders. This explains the vote to reject the constitutional amendment that would have implemented the Bougival Agreement.”
He added: “If the government, the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister continue to try and pull a rabbit out of the hat at every turn in order to buy time, and try to reach an agreement that seems increasingly difficult to implement, we risk hitting a brick wall – and everyone remembers the riots of May and June 2024.”
Meeting with parties
The day after the National Assembly vote, Prime Minister Lecornu tweeted: “Faced with this unprecedented deadlock, the Government will fulfil its responsibilities: neither inaction nor forcing the issue.”
He proposed a meeting of the Bougival signatories on Tuesday 7 April in Paris, to discuss the way forward. After discussion, he later agreed that members of the FLNKS political bureau could also join the discussion by video from Noumea, even though the main independence coalition had opposed the agreement since last August.
This decision sparked an angry response by leaders of the two main anti-independence groups, Les Loyalistes and Rassemblement-Les Républicains, who pointed out that the FLNKS was not a signatory to the current agreement. They said they would not meet with FLNKS President Christian Tein and reiterated two core demands – calling for a consultation in New Caledonia on the Bougival Accord, and for the opening of the electoral rolls to all French voters, for the next provincial elections scheduled in June.
Facing a boycott by hardline anti-independence leaders, Lecornu then organised two separate meetings. The first included representatives of the FLNKS (in person and online), the Wallisian party Eveil océanien and the anti-independence party Calédonie ensemble. A second meeting followed with the anti-independence parties, plus members of the Union Nationale pour l’Indépendance (UNI), Eveil océanien and Calédonie ensemble.
In a joint public statement, the Loyalists and Rassemblement said: “We do not understand the purpose of this meeting. If the aim is to organise a consultation on the Bougival Accord, we will only support that if there is a clear commitment from at least the majority of parliamentary groups to respect the result. Can the State give this guarantee? At this stage, no.”
The Loyalists have also been pressing to open the provincial electoral rolls to all resident French voters in New Caledonia, rather than just New Caledonian citizens.
A number of politicians – including the conservative New Caledonian Senator Georges Naturel – have proposed opening the rolls just to any locally-born voter who did not meet the current technical definition of New Caledonian citizenship. However the Loyalists firmly rejected that compromise, stating: “Does the State wish to make us swallow the bitter pill by asking us to accept that access be restricted solely to New Caledonian-born citizens, even though this reform, which favours the independence movement, would put an end to any hope of broader access to the vote in the future?”
Breaking the impasse
After Tuesday’s meeting, a statement from Calédonie ensemble pulled no punches about the current impasse: “The government is scrambling to find a way out that does not exist (an early public consultation, a partial lifting of the electoral freeze, and so on). Moreover, the government’s initiative is turning into a shipwreck.”
Speaking to Islands Business after the meeting, Emmanuel Tjibaou suggested that many parties were losing confidence in the government.
“For us the FLNKS,” Tjibaou said, “we wonder whether the French State is truly committed to what they say, or whether this is a deliberate attempt to deprive the Kanak people of their rights and pave the way for a forced takeover. We translate their strategy as the abandonment of the State’s impartiality and the adoption of the policies and attitudes of the local parties of the Right. That’s how I feel.”
Asked whether the FLNKS leadership would continue to engage with the French government over the way forward, Tjibaou voiced obvious frustration at the tactics of Prime Minister Lecornu and Overseas Minister Moutchou.
“The FLNKS remains calm,” Tjibaou told me. “We’ll make the necessary arrangements and attend the meetings. But given that they’ve continued to deny the obvious, it is unclear how we can explain to our people why we should continue to engage in dialogue with a State that continues to ignore us and reject the positions we’re putting forward…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Weather Ready Pacific provides satellite connectivity for Niue Met Office
ALOFI, 10 APRIL 2026 (SPREP) — Niue has welcomed enhanced connectivity to support its weather monitoring and forecasting operations after the Weather Ready Pacific (WRP) Programme handed over three new Starlink satellite internet units to the Niue Meteorological Service.
The timing is particularly significant.
Last month, the Government of Niue formally approved the use of Starlink technology within the country, making the handover of equipment and subscription support immediately actionable for Niue Met Services as they work to strengthen their hydrometeorological capabilities.
Director of the Niue Meteorological Service, Rossy Mitiepo, welcomed the support.
“Having reliable connectivity is foundational to everything we do, from issuing timely warnings to sharing climate data with our partners,” she said.
“The Starlink equipment and subscription support from WRPP comes at exactly the right time, especially now that the Government has given the green light for its use here in Niue. This will make a real difference to our services and the communities we protect.”
WRP is a decadal programme of investment managed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), endorsed by Pacific Leaders, aimed at strengthening hydrometeorological services across Pacific countries and territories.
The handover, which includes six months of subscription support, was completed last week during the WRP Niue country mission.
The Niue country mission was a productive one. It also saw the official launch of the ‘COPE: Be prepared for disasters!’ booklets at Niue Primary School, bringing disaster preparedness resources directly to young people and their communities.
This was followed by a two-day training for Niue Met staff and stakeholders focused on communicating meteorological and climatological information effectively, as well as Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI).
WRP Programme Manager Mr ‘Ofa Fa’anunu reflected on the broader purpose of the mission: “The Starlinks handover, the COPE booklet launch, and the training are all connected: they are about making sure Niue Met has the tools, the skills, and the reach to serve their people well. We are proud to walk alongside our Niue partners in this work, and we look forward to seeing the impact of these investments.”
The Weather Ready Pacific Programme is a decadal programme of investment managed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), endorsed by Pacific Leaders, aimed at strengthening hydrometeorological services across Pacific countries and territories.
WRP is committed to Pacific-led, inclusive, and transformative approaches to weather and disaster resilience. Financial support is provided by the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, and the Weather and Climate Information Services (WISER) of the United Kingdom….PACNEWS
For more information, contact WRP Programme Manager, ‘Ofa Fa’anunu: ofaf@sprep.org or the Communications & Knowledge Management Officer, Angelica Salele-Sefo: angelicas@sprep.org
