In this bulletin:
1. FIJI — More political parties reflect healthy democracy, Fiji needs time for constitutional changes, says Ratuva
2. PACIFIC — Palau Justice Minister calls for turning Regional Security aspirations into action
3. SOL — Governor General warns climate change is Solomon Islands’ most existential threat
4. PACIFIC — China, Pacific island countries to forge closer cooperation via platforms
5. COOKS — Cook Islands historic bill could reshape how Ariki titles passed on
6. PACIFIC — Climate risk, rising costs leave Pacific families facing insurance squeeze
7. B/VILLE — Bougainville commemorates Foundation Day
8. PACNEWS BIZ — FFA study finds strong potential for Tuna lvelihood growth in Kiribati
9. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji Immigration laws to crack down on employers exploiting foreign workers
10. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — Pacific Leaders Agree on Plan for Safer, Cheaper Flights
11. PACNEWS DIGEST — Strengthening the frontline of Pacific fisheries: FFA opens more scholarship opportunities
12. PACNEWS DIGEST — SPREP marks 33rd birthday with Pacific Environment and Innovation Webinar Series
FIJI – POLITICS: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 1: Wed 17 Jun 2026
More political parties reflect healthy democracy, Fiji needs time for constitutional changes, says Ratuva
SUVA, 17 JUNE 2026 (FIJI SUN)—The emergence of more political parties ahead of Fiji’s next General Election should be viewed as a sign of a healthy democracy rather than a cause for concern, says political analyst and academic Professor Steven Ratuva.
As new political groups seek registration ahead of the polls, Ratuva said Fiji had previously experienced a crowded political landscape and voters should not be alarmed by the trend.
“People have a right to set up political parties. We have had more than 10 political parties in the past,” Ratuva said.
His comments come amid public debate over whether an increasing number of parties could fragment the vote and complicate governance.
Ratuva said the impact of multiple parties on the political system would depend largely on the political environment and the electoral framework in place.
“It depends very much on the circumstances. At the moment, we’re not sure,” he said.
He added that electoral laws would also play a significant role in shaping the political landscape ahead of the election.
“What I’m suggesting is that the law will also determine that,” he said.
Ratuva said questions surrounding governance arrangements, including discussions about interim administrations during election periods, would ultimately need to be guided by constitutional provisions and legal advice.
“Constitutionally, we will have to be fully advised,” he said.
According to Ratuva, Fiji may face a race against time to complete constitutional reforms before the next General Election.
He warned that rushing constitutional changes or a referendum could undermine public understanding and confidence in the process.
Ratuva said voters needed adequate time to fully understand any proposed amendments.
With the Constitution Review Commission conducting consultations and the Electoral Commission reviewing electoral arrangements,Ratuva said the country faced a significant challenge in balancing reform efforts with constitutional timelines.
“For a proper election to take place, timeliness is critical. We have only about five to six months,” Ratuva said.
He said any proposed constitutional changes would need to pass through Parliament and could potentially be subjected to a referendum, both of which require extensive public engagement.
“A referendum is not easy. It’s basically a yes or no question. Do you support this constitution, yes or no?” he said.
Ratuva said there was often an assumption that citizens were familiar with constitutional provisions, but this was rarely the case.
“The reality is that not many people read the Constitution, even lawyers and academics. It’s only when they need to refer to a particular part that they read it,” he said.
He stressed that voters needed sufficient time to understand any proposed changes before participating in a referendum.
“We need time to socialise the Constitution and also the referendum process,” he said.
Ratuva warned that attempting to complete multiple reforms simultaneously could create challenges.
“There are so many things happening all at once. Whether we have the time to be able to do it, that’s another question,” he said.
He said policymakers also needed to consider the wider implications of any delay to the election.
“If we delay the election, that’s another constitutional matter, and we don’t want to look bad in the eyes of the world,” he said.
Despite these concerns, Ratuva acknowledged that Fiji remained constitutionally on track for the next election.
“Constitutionally, we should be ready, and I think the Electoral Office has said that,” he said.
The next General Election is constitutionally due in 2026.
The Constitution Review Commission, established by the Coalition Government, is consulting the public on potential changes to the 2013 Constitution.
Significant amendments could require parliamentary approval and, depending on the legal pathway adopted, a referendum involving registered voters…..PACNEWS
PAC – SECURITY: ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 1: Wed 17 Jun 2026
Palau Justice Minister calls for turning Regional Security aspirations into action
By Kambes Kesolei
SUVA, 17 JUNE 2026 (ISLAND TIMES)— Palau’s Minister of Justice, Jennifer Olegeriil, has urged Pacific leaders to ensure that the commitments made at high-level summits and dialogues are translated into concrete measures that strengthen frontline law enforcement.
Speaking at the opening day of the Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue in Suva, Olegeriil stressed that regional cooperation against transnational crime must move beyond rhetoric.
She noted that while Pacific nations regularly attend international forums and pledge collective action, the real test lies in whether police commissioners, chiefs, and officers on the ground can operationalise those commitments.
“We have to ask ourselves: how can we turn all of these aspirations at this level… into real-life action items that can really impact at the community level,” Olegeriil said.
She highlighted the growing threats of drug trafficking, human trafficking, online exploitation, and organized crime, warning that these challenges are too large for any single island nation to tackle alone.
Olegeriil called for stronger intelligence-sharing networks, collective border protection, and leveraging partnerships with larger countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Japan, Taiwan, and even China.
Olegeriil also emphasised that public trust in law enforcement is essential, particularly as criminal syndicates exploit weaknesses and offer temptingalternatives to under-resourced officers.
She urged Pacific governments to strengthen oversight mechanisms, build police leadership capacity, and provide resources that reinforce integrity in law enforcement institutions.
Her remarks came during a panel on “Leaders on Challenges and Opportunity,” alongside Fiji’s Minister of Defence Pio Tikoduadua, Solomon Islands’ Minister of Development Petr Kenilorea Jr, and Niue’s Minister of Home Affairs Richie Matuama.’
Using popular election campaign themes by Palau’s Vice President Raynold Oilouch and President Surangel Whipps Jr, Minister Olegeriil closed by reiterating that regional solidarity is key: “Together we are better. Together we are stronger.” …. PACNEWS
SOL – CLIMATE CHANGE: SOL GOVT PACNEWS 1: Wed 17 Jun 2026
Governor General warns climate change is Solomon Islands’ most existential threat
HONIARA, 17 JUNE 2026 (SOL GOVT)—The Governor-General, Sir David Tiva Kapu, says climate change is Solomon Islands’ “most existential threat” and is already washing away shorelines, adding that it is not a topic for distant debate.
Speaking at the King’s birthday commemoration last Friday, Sir David said the reality is visible in sinking outer atolls, saltwater intrusion killing staple food gardens that fed generations, and unpredictable weather endangering fishermen.
“We are paying the price for a crisis we did not create,” he said.
He urged the government to continue being a “vocal, uncompromising voice on the global stage” while shifting domestically “from survival to adaptation.”
The Head of State called for investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, the protection of mangrove forests as natural storm-surge defences, and the securing of freshwater supplies.
“The ocean is our lifeblood, but it is currently a sleeping giant that must be managed with foresight and scientific rigour,” he said.
He linked climate impacts directly to community stability, saying environmental stress drives displacement and social problems.
His speech tied climate action to youth employment and national security.
Sir David urged all Solomon Islanders to care for the environment as part of nation-building, saying the challenge requires the same spirit that faced past crises…..PACNEWSS
PAC – DIPLOMACY: XINHUA PACNEWS 1: Wed 17 Jun 2026
China, Pacific island countries to forge closer cooperation via platforms
NANJING, 17 JUNE 2026 (XINHUA)—- A briefing session on China-Pacific Island Countries (PICs) multilateral cooperation platforms was held in Nanjing, east China’s Jiangsu Province, on Tuesday.
Qian Bo, China’s special envoy for PICs affairs, said seven multilateral cooperation platforms have delivered on four global initiatives proposed by China, tapped into local resources, aligned with actual needs of PICs, and facilitated pragmatic cooperation with PICs.
They have played a significant role in helping PICs improve climate change response capacity, respond to natural disasters, accelerate agricultural development, advance poverty alleviation, and strengthen police authorities’ law enforcement capacity, Qian added.
To support the island countries’ development and implement the consensus reached at previous China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meetings, the seven platforms were established, covering fields including emergency material reserve, climate change cooperation, poverty reduction and development, disaster prevention and mitigation, agriculture, and police training.
Over 100 participants attended the event, including diplomatic envoys and representatives from Vanuatu, Samoa, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, the Federated States of Micronesia and Tonga, heads of the seven multilateral cooperation platforms, as well as representatives from relevant universities, think tanks, enterprises and institutions.
At the briefing, directors of the seven platforms comprehensively reviewed the outcomes of China’s cooperation with PICs in recent years, and held in-depth exchanges and discussions centred on deepening practical cooperation and aligning with the development strategies of the PICs.
Diplomatic envoys from PICs noted that the platforms have delivered tangible benefits to the development of their countries.
They expressed the expectation that, relying on the communication mechanism established through this briefing, the two sides will further deepen project matching, expand cooperation areas, and leverage the strengths of local resources to launch more livelihood cooperation projects that benefit the people at the grassroots level…. PACNEWS
COOKS – ARIKI TITLES: COOK ISLANDS NEWS PACNEWS 1: Wed 17 Jun 2026
Cook Islands historic bill could reshape how Ariki titles passed on
RAROTONGA, 17 JUNE 2026 (COOK ISLANDS NEWS) — Cook Islands Clerk of parliament Tangata Vainerere said the Ngamaru Ariki Incorporation Bill 2026, to be introduced by MP Vaitoti Tupa, would be the first piece of legislation in the country to formally give effect to resolutions of the House of Ariki.
Vainerere said that while the Cook Islands has long recognised the importance of traditional leadership, this Bill marks the first time a tribe has brought forward its own law to define how its Ariki title should be governed in the future.
The Bill forms as a response to calls from the House of Ariki for traditional title disputes to be resolved according to customary rules, rather than through the courts.
He said that in this parliament sitting, “A historic step will be taken, one that may redefine how the Cook Islands balances its modern legal system with its deep cultural foundations.”
He explained that in 2024 and again in 2025, the House of Ariki representing the nation’s highest chiefly authority called for a new approach to resolving disputes over traditional titles.
‘For many years, these disputes have been taken to the courts under existing legislation.
“While courts have sought to apply customary principles, concern has grown that such matters are better resolved within the structures of tradition itself.”
He said the House of Ariki responded by calling on each title to develop its own framework for succession, based on its own custom, and bring it before parliament.
“The Ngamaru Ariki Incorporation Bill is the first to answer that call,” Vainerere said.
He said that at its core, the Bill does not attempt to change custom; instead, it seeks to “recognise it properly in law”.
Vainerere said it provides a framework that:
*confirms that succession to the Ngamaru Ariki title is to be determined by Ngāti Teakatauira, in accordance with its own akonoanga tupuna;
*clarifies the roles of traditional authorities, including the Kōpū Ariki and other customary bodies;
*ensures that future disputes are resolved within the tribe’s own decision-making processes; and
*limits the role of the courts to a supervisory function, ensuring fairness without determining outcomes.
In addition, it incorporates the Office of Ngamaru Ariki as a legal entity, and recognises the lands, insignia, and taonga associated with the title.
Vainerere has acknowledged that the Bill represents new ground for the Cook Islands.
“This has not been attempted before. This is the first time a tribe has stepped forward to put its custom into a form that Parliament can recognise in law.”
“Because of this, the Bill has naturally generated questions, discussion, and differing views which is part of the process.
“”People care deeply about identity, genealogy, and leadership. That is not something we should be afraid of, but it must be approached in the right way.”
He said a key point emphasised by those involved in drafting the Bill is that it does not replace tradition with legislation. Rather, it does the opposite.
It recognises that traditional systems already exist and ensures that they are respected within the national legal framework. This distinction is important.
The Bill is designed so that custom remains the source of authority, and the law simply gives effect to that authority, rather than overriding it.
“If passed, the Ngamaru Ariki Incorporation Bill is expected to become a model, not in content, but in approach.
“Each Ariki title across the country has its own history, its own genealogy, and its own processes.
“The intention is not uniformity, but self-definition. This Bill does not say how other titles must do things,” Vainerere said.
“It shows that it is possible for each title to define its own pathway.”
He said that for a modern State to recognise and uphold its cultural foundations without losing their meaning, the Ngamaru Ariki Incorporation Bill offers one answer, “by allowing custom and law to work together, rather than in competition.”
He added that the ultimately, this Bill is not only about one title.
“It is about how a nation standing at the crossroad where tradition meets modernity, honours its past while shaping its future.”
Meanwhile, also in parliament this week, the Public Accounts Committee will table its report on the Appropriation Bill 2026-27…..PACNEWS
PAC – CLIMATE CHANGE: PMN PACNEWS 1: Wed 17 Jun 2026
Climate risk, rising costs leave Pacific families facing insurance squeeze
AUCKLAND, 17 JUNE 2026 (PMN)—For Daisy Taufoou’s family, the choice was stark.
“If we go, we lose our community. If we stay, we lose insurance.”
The Māngere family’s home was badly damaged during Auckland’s Anniversary weekend floods in 2023.
Two years later, Auckland Council classified the property as an “intolerable risk to life”, leaving them to choose between accepting a buyout or staying in a home that could become increasingly difficult to insure.
The Taufoous’ situation highlights a growing challenge facing many Pacific households as insurance costs rise and climate risks increase.
Residential insurance premiums have climbed about 40 per cent over the past two years, according to Treasury figures, prompting the Government to launch a review into affordability across the sector.
A planned increase to the natural hazards levy has also been put on hold while a six-month review examines why premiums are rising faster than inflation.
For Pacific households, that pressure can be even greater.
A 2022 Retirement Commission study found Pacific people are 50 per cent less likely to have general insurance than non-Pacific New Zealanders including cover for homes, contents and vehicles.
At the same time, many Pacific families live in lower-income neighbourhoods and areas more exposed to flooding, which creates a difficult mix of financial and climate pressures.
Kris Faafoi, Chief Executive of the Insurance Council of New Zealand, says Pacific communities are feeling the effects from both directions.
Speaking on Pacific Mornings, Faafoi says many households are already struggling to keep up with premiums while living in areas vulnerable to extreme weather.
“When you haven’t got much coming in, that challenge is even sharper,” he says.
Faafoi, a former Cabinet minister, says insurers are becoming more cautious as weather events become more common, pointing to the Auckland Anniversary floods and Cyclone Gabrielle.
Without stronger investment in climate adaptation, he warns both affordability and access to insurance could come under increasing strain.
“Our members insure people for what we call unlikely or unforeseen events, but if they’re not unforeseen anymore, then that makes that a bit of a challenge,” he says.
“It takes years to build the infrastructure to make sure that houses and communities aren’t getting flooded.”
Despite rising costs, some Pacific families continue to see insurance as a key part of protecting their household.
Tarsh Poching-Ieremia, a mother of four, says insurance was something she grew up understanding.
“I think it was something from my parents,” she tells PMN News. “They passed on the importance of insurance, just in case anything happens.”
Flooding in Lower Hutt in April, 2026. Photo/Stokes Valley Volunteer Fire Brigade
Her family has health, house, pet, contents, car and life insurance, costing about $500 (US$291) a month.
While the cost is significant, Poching-Ieremia says the cover has helped pay for property repairs, stolen vehicles and car accidents over the years.
“Insurance is a luxury until you need it.”
She believes more education could help Pacific families better understand what insurance covers and how it can protect them when unexpected events happen.
But as premiums continue to rise and climate risks grow, more Pacific households may find themselves facing the same question: can they afford to stay protected at all?….PACNEWS
B/VILLE – FOUNDATION DAY: ABG GOVT PACNEWS 1: Wed 17 Jun 2026
Bougainville commemorates Foundation Day
BUKA, 17 JUNE 2026 (ABG GOVT) —Bougainville commemorated its Foundation Day Monday, marking 21 years since the establishment of the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG).
Celebrations commenced with a dawn service at the Bougainville Parliament House and continued with a boat and vehicle float through Buka, showcasing the vibrant colours and spirit of Bougainville.
The main program was held at Hutjena Oval in Buka and attended by ABG Parliamentarians, government officials, community leaders and members of the public under the theme, “From Sacrifice to Sovereignty”.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the ABG Vice President was the ABG Member for Atolls and Minister for Fisheries and Climate Change, Hon. Amanda Masono.
“Sacrifice is not a word we use lightly here. We do not borrow it from textbooks. We earned it. We lost between fifteen and twenty thousand of our own people during the crisis. Every one of them was somebody’s child, somebody’s father, somebody’s mother. When we speak of sovereignty, we are not speaking of politics alone — we are speaking of a debt owed to the dead and a promise made to the living,” she said.
Minister Masono reflected on the recent deliberations in the National Parliament regarding the ratification of the 2019 Bougainville Referendum result.
“There will be many views in that chamber. Some will support us readily. Some will hesitate, and some will resist. That is the nature of any parliament, and it is the nature of a democracy we ourselves believe in.”
“To those who hesitate, the Vice President’s message is not anger. It is dignity. We do not need to raise our voices, because our case was never built on volume. It was built on blood, on a peace we kept when keeping it was hardest, on weapons we laid down, on a vote we held openly before the eyes of the world.”
She reiterated the Vice President’s call for all Bougainvilleans to remain united and steadfast as Bougainville continues its journey amidst current challenges.
“The pressure is now on us as much as on anyone. A target year of 2027 is not a gift — it is an assignment. It asks every public servant, every constituency, every school and every village to make the independence-ready mission our shared and daily work,” she said.
She said independence is not simply a date that the ABG is working towards, but a goal that requires a functioning economy, a capable public service and the capacity for Bougainville to stand on its own.
The celebrations also featured the launch of the ABG Department of Veteran Affairs Corporate Plan, which will guide the Department’s priorities and programs in supporting veterans and preserving their legacy…..PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
PACIFIC – TUNA INDUSTRY: PACNEWS/FFA PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 17 Jun 2026
FFA study finds strong potential for Tuna lvelihood growth in Kiribati
TARAWA, 17 JUNE 2026 (PACNEWS/FFA)—-Kiribati’s tuna sector plays a critical role in food security and income generation, with local communities identifying infrastructure, equipment and training as key priorities for strengthening livelihoods, according to preliminary findings from a regional study by the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA).
FFA, through the Oceanic Fisheries Management Project 3 (OFMP3), has been conducting field investigations in Kiribati as part of the development of a Regional Small- to Medium-Scale Tuna Processing and Value-Adding Livelihoods Framework.
The team met with fishers, processors, value-adding entrepreneurs, market vendors, domestic industry representatives, Island Council members and government officials to assess opportunities and challenges in increasing local benefits from tuna resources.
FFA said the consultations highlighted the central role of tuna in the daily lives of Kiribati communities, with supply chains often moving fish quickly from fishers to markets, households, businesses and community networks.
The agency expressed appreciation to those who participated in the consultations.
“A very warm ko rabwa to everyone who generously shared their time, experiences, and knowledge with us.”
According to the findings, participants identified several priorities that could strengthen tuna-related livelihoods, including better access to equipment, processing facilities and essential services.
‘Participants identified a range of priorities that could help strengthen tuna-related livelihoods, including improved access to equipment, processing space, reliable water and power supplies, food-safe facilities, safety equipment, and suitable places to prepare, process, and sell tuna.”
The study also found that local organisation and community decision-making play a significant role in the management of tuna-based livelihoods.
‘The fieldwork also highlighted the importance of local organisation and community decision-making. Fishers often work in small groups for safety, survival, and business, while communities play an important role in balancing affordable access to tuna with fair returns for fishers.”
FFA noted that while Kiribati’s tuna livelihood system remains resilient and adaptable, it continues to face challenges from weather conditions, climate change, seasonal fluctuations, fuel prices and safety concerns at sea.
“Kiribati’s tuna livelihood system is resilient and adaptive, but also influenced by factors such as weather, climate change, seasonality, fuel and import costs, safety at sea, and fluctuations in tuna supply.”
Many participants expressed interest in developing new skills in business administration, fish processing and value-adding activities, but stressed that practical support would be needed to make those opportunities viable.
“Many people expressed interest in training in business administration, processing, and value-adding, while emphasising that practical support such as equipment, infrastructure, and finance is often needed to help translate skills into sustainable livelihoods. For many small-scale actors, the priority is strengthening day-to-day livelihoods and reducing risk, rather than rapid expansion.”
FFA said the consultations revealed significant local expertise and entrepreneurial interest in developing tuna-based businesses.
“The fieldwork also highlighted significant local knowledge, entrepreneurship, and interest in developing tuna-based livelihoods, providing a strong foundation for future support and investment.”
The findings from Kiribati will be combined with information gathered from other Pacific Island countries to help shape a regional framework aimed at supporting small- and medium-scale tuna processing, value-adding activities and sustainable tuna-based livelihoods.
“The findings from Kiribati will now be consolidated alongside fieldwork from other Pacific Island countries to inform a practical regional framework for future support to small- and medium-scale tuna processing, value-adding, and sustainable tuna-based livelihoods across the region.” ……PACNEWS
FIJI – IMMIGRATION: FIJI SUN PACNEWS BIZ: Wed 17 Jun 2026
Fiji Immigration laws to crack down on employers exploiting foreign workers
SUVA, 17 JUNE 2026 (FIJI SUN)—Employers who exploit foreign workers could soon face penalties under proposed changes to Fiji’s immigration laws, as authorities move to close a legal gap that has largely punished workers rather than those responsible for their exploitation.
The Department of Immigration is reviewing its legislation to introduce penalties and enforcement measures against employers found abusing or exploiting foreign workers.
The proposed reforms were revealed by the department’s manager of border security, Jese Cirikisuva, during a Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence hearing.
Cirikisuva was responding to questions from committee member Virendra Lal, who asked what measures were in place to address the exploitation of foreign workers by employers, as well as breaches committed by workers.
Cirikisuva said one of the major shortcomings of the current legislation was that it focused almost entirely on foreign workers, leaving employers largely beyond the reach of enforcement action.
“Unfortunately, the current legislation is largely focused on foreign workers. As a result, we continue to penalise workers, even though some may be victims,” Cirikisuva said.
He said the revised legislation would give immigration authorities the power to take action against employers as well.
“There are currently no penalties for employers, and that is something being addressed in the revised immigration legislation, which will allow us to take action against employers as well.”
The proposed changes form part of wider efforts to strengthen protections for foreign workers and improve accountability for employers operating in Fiji.
Meanwhile, three Nepalese nationals identified as victims of human trafficking and labour exploitation are currently under the care of the Department of Immigration, with the matter now before the courts.
Cirikisuva said the victims were brought to Fiji on promises of employment but were later subjected to exploitation by their employer.
“The employer brought them to Fiji to work but continued to exploit them by requiring them to undertake other activities,” he said.
“We were alerted to the situation and intervened to remove them from that environment. The matter is now before the courts.”
Cirikisuva said the Department of Immigration acted after receiving information about the situation and worked to ensure the victims were removed from the exploitative environment.
He said the department continued to work closely with relevant agencies to monitor compliance with visa and permit conditions while ensuring employers met their obligations to foreign workers.
Cirikisuva said employers must be held accountable for complying with employment standards and conditions set under Fiji’s immigration and labour laws…. 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
Pacific Leaders Agree on Plan for Safer, Cheaper Flights
SUVA, 17 JUNE 2026 (PASO)—Leaders from 13 Pacific Island nations met online on 12 May 2026, for the Fourth Regional Aviation Ministers meeting (RAMM4) and focused on one big question: how can air travel in the Pacific become safer, more affordable, and better connected? The meeting, chaired by Tuvalu’s Minister for Transport, Energy, Communication and Innovation, Simon Kofe, ended with several agreements that could shape how people fly across the region for years to come.
Why Flying Matters So Much Here
For many Pacific nations, planes aren’t just for vacations. With islands often far apart and surrounded by ocean, flights can be the only fast way to reach a hospital, deliver supplies, or visit family on another island. “It is the connection between our people,” said Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Baron Waqa in his opening remarks.
With that in mind, leaders agreed on a shared plan to guide future decisions about air travel in the region. Importantly, the plan is more like a shared roadmap than a strict rulebook — each country still gets to make its own choices.
A Push for Safer Skies
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Implementation Support Roadmap (ISR), developed by ICAO’s Asia-Pacific Regional Office and Pacific Liaison Office was presented for consultation to States with the aim to strengthen aviation safety systems across Pacific Small Island Developing States. Ministers agreed that civil aviation authorities and the Pacific Aviation Safety Office (PASO) should work with ICAO to adopt the roadmap — a coordinated regional approach that will improve safety outcomes and build institutional capacity where it is needed most.
ICAO Secretary General, Juan Carlos Salazar said “ICAO cannot deliver the Roadmap alone. Success requires cooperation, coordination, and support from Assistance Partners, along with your continued commitment to strengthen the Pacific Aviation Safety Office, PASO.”
The goal of the Roadmap is to strengthen safety systems across the Pacific’s smaller island nations, many of which face unique challenges due to their size and location.
The Fuel Crisis: Emerging Operational Considerations
The fuel crisis was not formally on the RAMM4 agenda, but it remained an important underlying issue. PASO General Manager, Ueta Solomona Jnr confirmed that PASO has provided its assessment of the safety and security implications associated with rising fuel costs to the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) Taskforce, led by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
As cost pressures increase, there is a possibility that some operators may face operational constraints, including sourcing challenges and adjustments to maintenance or procurement practices. At the same time, reduced flight activity could result in fewer flying hours, with implications for maintaining pilot currency and ongoing proficiency.
Air traffic services may also be affected, as lower traffic volumes can limit exposure to complex operational scenarios that are important for sustaining high skill levels.
There are broader security considerations as well. Constrained resources and reduced operational activity may place added pressure on aviation security systems and personnel, potentially affecting the ability to consistently maintain required levels of readiness and compliance.
Solomona noted that “the fuel crisis is an increasingly pressing concern for States, given its widespread impact on operational and economic conditions across the aviation sector.”
A paper from the Taskforce is expected once further consultations are completed, with Ministers to be updated in due course.
New Opportunities
There was good news too for aviation students in the Pacific. Qatar announced that two students from the region will attend an aviation academy in Qatar starting in September 2026, with two more scholarships available the following year. Singapore also pledged continued support for training programs, and the World Bank signaled interest in helping fund future projects.
Looking Ahead
Leaders agreed to focus on making flights more affordable — a goal that directly affects everyday travelers. A new working group – Air Connectivity Working Group, will focus specifically on lowering ticket prices and improving connections between islands.
PASO General Manager, Ueta Solomona welcomed this as it will ensure regional connectivity efforts translate into tangible benefits — including more affordable fares — for Pacific communities.
“RAMM provides a mechanism to elevate regional aspirations — not only to strengthen aviation safety and security standards, but also to improve intra-regional connectivity, which is essential to achieving more affordable air travel for our people,” said Solomona.
Ministers also confirmed progress on the Pacific Regional Aviation Action Plan, endorsing the establishment of a regional regulatory working group to progress legal harmonisation — a key enabler for the connectivity and safety goals that form the foundation of the entire Plan.
Decisions made this year will be discussed at the Pacific Leaders’ Meeting in Palau in September, positioning aviation as a priority on the region’s main political stage. Tuvalu will host the next meeting in person in 2027…..PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Strengthening the frontline of Pacific fisheries: FFA opens more scholarship opportunities
HONIARA, 17 JUNE 2026 (FFA)–The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) is continuing its investment in the region’s frontline fisheries workforce by opening another scholarship opportunity through its Certificate IV in Fisheries Enforcement and Compliance programme.
Delivered in partnership with the University of the South Pacific (USP), the Certificate IV programme is now accepting nominations for Cohort 12 and is scheduled to commence on 07 September 2026.
The programme is designed to strengthen the technical and operational capabilities of national authorities responsible for the compliance and enforcement of offshore fisheries operations.
FFA is calling for nominations from its 17 Members. The scholarship is not open to direct public applications. Interested candidates must be nominated through their national authority or ministry responsible for fisheries.
The programme targets fisheries officers, compliance officers, fisheries observers, port inspectors, maritime police, navy personnel, customs officers and other authorised officers involved in fisheries compliance and enforcement.
FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop said investing in people remains one of the most effective ways to strengthen fisheries governance and enforcement across the Pacific.
“Our fisheries officers are at the frontline of protecting one of the region’s most valuable natural resources. As compliance challenges continue to evolve, so too must the skills and capabilities of the people responsible for safeguarding them,” Pakop said.
He said the Certificate IV programme forms part of FFA’s broader commitment to building professional pathways for fisheries personnel and strengthening national and regional compliance systems.
“Through our partnership with USP Pacific TAFE and regional partners, we are creating opportunities for officers to gain recognised qualifications while building practical skills that can be applied directly in their day-to-day work,” he said.
FFA scholarships will cover tuition fees, international travel, accommodation and daily subsistence allowances for the face-to-face component of the programme.
Nominations close on Friday 30 July 2026.
FFA Members are Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu….PACNEWS
For further information about the programme, please contact FFA Training Advisor Rigieta Lord at rigieta.lord@ffa.int
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
SPREP marks 33rd birthday with Pacific Environment and Innovation Webinar Series
APIA, 17 JUNE 2026 (SPREP)—The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) turned 33 years old today.
And to embrace digital transformation, innovation and flexibility, considered essential in delivering services to its members, the commemoration turned to technology and cyberspace, to encourage engagement from the Pacific and beyond.
The SPREP Open Day 2026 Pacific Environment and Innovation Webinar Series the first of its type for a SPREP Open Day, welcomed more than a hundred participants from SPREP Member countries, including students from colleges, universities, as well as interested public participants.
The webinar series, delivered live from SPREP’s Mana Studio at Vailima, featured six sessions showcasing SPREP’s work and expertise in Biodiversity Conservation, Climate Change Resilience, Environmental Governance, Waste Management and Pollution Control, Climate Science and Information and Governance and Operations.
Director General, Sefanaia Nawadra, welcomed the participants and took a moment to reflect on SPREP’s journey. It started in New Caledonia as a joint environmental programme of the South Pacific Forum, South Pacific Commission, with funding from the United Nations Environment Programme and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.
SPREP relocated to Samoa in 1992, operating with a small team of three professional officers and four support staff inside an old copra factory at Vaitele. On 16 June 1993, SPREP gained autonomy as an independent inter-governmental organisation following the signing of the Agreement Establishing SPREP in Apia. Since then, every year on 16 June, SPREP celebrates the anniversary of the Treaty signing.
“SPREP is mandated by our Pacific countries and territories to promote cooperation and provide assistance to protect and improve our environment, ensuring sustainable development for present and future generations,” Nawadra said.
He acknowledged that SPREP has significantly grown and evolved over the years, with more than 160 staff, most based at its Vailima headquarters which also hosts two UN sub-regional offices.
SPREP also has a sub-regional office for the North Pacific in the Marshall Islands, an office in Fiji and project presence in Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.
1.5 to Stay Alive
“The services we provide have expanded in correlation to the emerging environmental challenges of the triple planetary crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution, and the support required by our Pacific members to meet them,” added Nawadra.
“SPREP is a family. Our success is about our collective effort as SPREP Members, partners, donors, SPREP Staff, SPREP Community and the SPREP Family.”
“As we celebrate SPREP Day this year, I want to thank all our Pacific member countries, our partners and donors. We would not be here today without your support. We look forward to this continued partnership on our collective journey towards a resilient Pacific environment,” he said….PACNEWS
