In this bulletin:
1. PNG — PNG Ombudsman refers Chief Justice to NEC for tribunal probe
2. SOL — Agovaka camp says PM bid will continue GNUT “transformational vision”
3. PACIFIC — Hantavirus ‘contact’ case quarantined in Pitcairn after short transit in Tahiti
4. VAN — Differences with France will not break ties as LC Karaka restores Vanuatu–New Caledonia link: Koanapo
5. FIJI — HIV stigma killing medics: Fiji Medical Association
6. USA — Passengers from virus-stricken cruise ship fly to home countries
7. UN — Strait of Hormuz de-escalation is urgent, says UN chief
8. FIJI — Drug paraphernalia dumped in Fiji’s waterways putting rubbish collectors at risk
9. PACNEWS BIZ — World Bank warns Pacific growth slowing as fuel costs, debt and global shocks bite
10. PACNEWS BIZ — Pacific economies must shift toward jobs and long-term resilience as global uncertainty persists
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Finance sector union backs $8 living wage proposal
12. PACNEWS BIZ — Nadi Chamber rallies with FCEF against proposed $8 hourly livingwage
13. PACNEWS DIGEST — UNDP convenes political parties to advance women’s participation ahead of 2027 General Election
14. PACNEWS DIGEST — Yap State launches Water Security and Resilience Project with support from the Pacific Community
15. PACNEWS DIGEST — FAO supports Asia-Pacific countries to strengthen primary forest reporting
PNG – CHIEF JUSTICE: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Tue 12 May 2026
PNG Ombudsman refers Chief Justice to NEC for tribunal probe
PORT MORESBY, 12 MAY 2026 (PACNEWS) — The Ombudsman Commission of Papua New Guinea has invoked its reserve powers to refer Chief Justice Sir Gibuma Gibbs Salika to the National Executive Council (NEC) for the possible appointment of a tribunal over alleged misconduct in office.
In a major constitutional move announced Monday, the Ombudsman Commission said it acted after the Acting Public Prosecutor declined to prosecute the matter under the Leadership Code.
“The Ombudsman Commission has decided to invoke its reserve powers under Section 29(2) of the Constitution and Section 27(3) of the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership to refer Sir Gibuma Gibbs Salika, Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea (“the Leader”), to the National Executive Council for alleged misconduct in office after the Acting Public Prosecutor declined to bring proceedings (Leadership Code) against the Leader.”
The Commission said the matter had first been referred to the Public Prosecutor on 09 March 2026 after it was satisfied the Chief Justice may have been guilty of misconduct in office.
“On 09 March 2026 the matters concerning the “the Leader” were referred to the Public Prosecutor by the Ombudsman Commission pursuant to Section 29(1) of the Constitution and Sections 17(d), 20(4) and 27(1) of the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership (OLDRL) after being satisfied that the leader may have been guilty of misconduct in office.”
However, on 08 May 2026, Acting Public Prosecutor Helen Roalakhona informed the Commission she would not proceed with prosecution.
“In having made this assessment, I find that the evidence is insufficient, not credible and cogent on all fifty allegations. Pursuant to section 177 (b) of the Constitution. I decline to bring a proceeding under Division III 2 (leadership code) for misconduct in office.”
The Ombudsman Commission said the Constitution gives it authority to act if the Public Prosecutor declines to prosecute within a reasonable period or fails to properly refer the matter.
“Section 29(2) of the Constitution states that if the Public Prosecutor fails to prosecute the matter within a reasonable period, the Commission may prosecute it in his stead.”
It also cited provisions under the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership.
“Section 27(3) of the OLDRL states that where a matter has been referred to the Public Prosecutor and the Public Prosecutor has failed to refer it to the appropriate tribunal or the Ombudsman Commission is of the opinion that the matter has not been properly referred to the appropriate tribunal, the Commission may refer the matter.”
The Commission said Supreme Court precedent also supports its authority to intervene in leadership matters.
“The Public Prosecutor does not become ‘a passive observer of the proceedings. He ‘must play an active part in seeking to prove allegations, in order to protect the public interest’.”
The Commission noted that under Section 179 of the Constitution, the NEC has the power to appoint a tribunal to investigate complaints against the Chief Justice.
“In deciding whether or not to appoint the tribunal, the NEC must be ‘satisfied that the question of removal from office of the Chief Justice should be investigated’.”
The Commission said it believes the matter concerning the Chief Justice has not been properly referred and therefore decided to escalate it directly to the NEC.
“The Ombudsman Commission had written to the Leader of its decision to invoke Sections 29(2) of the Constitution and Section 27(3) of the OLDRL as it is of the opinion that the matter of the referral of Sir Gibuma Gibbs Salika, Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea to the appropriate tribunal has not been properly referred and hence it has decided to refer the matter to the NEC.”
The referral was formally delivered to the Chairman of the National Executive Council Monday…. PACNEWS
SOL – POLITICS: THE ISLANDER PACNEWS 3: Tue 12 May 2026
Agovaka camp says PM bid will continue GNUT “transformational vision”
HONIARA, 12 MAY 2026 (THE ISLANDER) — Supporters of Solomon Islands MP Peter Shanel Agovaka say his nomination for Prime Minister is more than just another political move — they say it is about continuing the vision and direction set by the former Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).
In a statement, the group backing Agovaka described his nomination as “a continuation of the transformational vision” of GNUT, which was built around four key pillars: National Unity, Good Governance, Economic Recovery, and Human Capital Development.
The message signals that Agovaka’s camp wants the upcoming leadership vote to be seen not only as a contest for numbers on the floor of Parliament, but also as a decision about the country’s future direction.
His nomination was jointly submitted by OUR Party and Kadere Party — both former coalition partners in GNUT — and backed by MPs from across the country, from Guadalcanal to Temotu Province.
Those supporting the nomination include Paul Popora Bosawai, Jaimie Lency Vokia, Rexon Annex Ramofafia, and Freda AB Tuki Soriacomua. Their support gives the campaign a spread across different provinces and communities.
The statement also draws attention to the major economic projects located within the Guadalcanal constituencies represented by the group. These include Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil Limited, the Gold Ridge Mine expansion, the Tina River Hydropower Project, and Honiara International Airport.
By highlighting these projects, supporters are presenting Agovaka as a leader closely connected to the country’s key economic and development sectors.
Agovaka is also one of the more experienced figures in Parliament.
First elected in 2006, he has served in several senior ministerial roles, including Foreign Affairs, Commerce, Police and National Security, and Communication and Aviation.
With Parliament set to vote on Friday, attention is now turning to whether enough MPs will back the call to continue GNUT’s development agenda under Agovaka’s leadership or support a different political path for the country…. PACNEWS
PAC – HEALTH: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS 3: Tue 12 May 2026
Hantavirus ‘contact’ case quarantined in Pitcairn after short transit in Tahiti
ADAMSTOWN, 12 MAY 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — A hantavirus “contact” case has been quarantined in Pitcairn after a short transit in Tahiti over the weekend, French Polynesia’s local government says.
Arriving from San Francisco, the passenger, described as a U.S citizen, had briefly transited in Tahiti and Mangareva on 07 May 2026 (local time) “without neither local authorities nor the French State being informed”.
When local authorities became aware of the situation, French Polynesia’s government said they held an emergency meeting.
“The person concerned does not present any (hantavirus) symptom and is presently isolated in quarantine in Pitcairn,” the government said in a statement on Monday.
“She will not leave Pitcairn Island to transit via French Polynesia as long as she presents a potential risk to others.”
The statement said the government would continue to closely monitor the situation over the next five days regarding the evolution of the person’s condition.
Meanwhile, French Polynesia and France stand “ready to support Pitcairn in the coming days, should the need arise”.
Pitcairn Island, located East of French Polynesia, is a British Overseas Territory in the Pacific, with an estimated population of less than 50.
Most residents are descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers who settled there in 1790.
Returning from a cruise that started on the southernmost tip of South America [Ushuaia (Argentina) to Cape Verde], the passengers were transferred by boat to the island of Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands on 10 May.
Three people have died since the outbreak, and five passengers (who left the cruise ship MV Hondius before the outbreak was declared) have been confirmed to have been infected with hantavirus.
One of five French people flown back to France is showing symptoms of hantavirus, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said on Monday.
The infected case has since developed symptoms that later required intensive care but have since stabilised.
“One of them showed symptoms in the repatriation plane,” Lecornu posted on X.
“These five passengers have immediately been placed in strict isolation until further notice …They are getting medical treatment and will undergo tests and a medical check-up.”
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended that people evacuated from the cruise ship should quarantine for at least 42 days either at home or in hospital and undergo daily health checks.
WHO said the actual quarantine process is being managed by each individual country…. PACNEWS
VAN – DIPLOMACY: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS 3: Tue 12 May 2026
Differences with France will not break ties as LC Karaka restores Vanuatu–New Caledonia link: Koanapo
PORT VILA, 12 MAY 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST) — Vanuatu deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Johnny Koanapo says that, despite ongoing issues between France and Vanuatu, longstanding friendship, partnership, and diplomatic ties between the two countries remain strong.
Speaking during the launch of the Landing Craft (LC) Karaka cargo vessel service linking New Caledonia, Port Vila, and Luganville, Minister Koanapo said the new maritime connection is expected to strengthen trade, economic cooperation, and people-to-people relations between the territories.
He noted that the launch of LC Karaka was not the first maritime partnership initiative between Vanuatu and New Caledonia, recalling earlier efforts involving the Motor Vessel (MV) Havannah when he previously worked within the Ministry of Trade.
“I remember very well the discussions we had with former officials and leaders, including the late Sela Molisa, who was Minister of Finance at the time, to facilitate the arrival of MV Havannah into Vanuatu,” he said.
According to Minister Koanapo, the return of a cargo service through LC Karaka represents the continuation of a vision that began many years ago to strengthen maritime connectivity and regional trade.
“Our people have always been trading partners,” he said.
“Historically, even before missionaries and traders arrived in the region, our people were already connected through friendship and trade.”
He described Vanuatu as a nation deeply rooted in tradition while remaining open to the world, adding that the country’s Constitution reflects Melanesian values, shared destinies, and regional solidarity.
“With CMI stepping into our islands through this maritime service, we are strengthening links between our people, our export products, and our businesses,” he said.
Minister Koanapo assured shipping company CMI that the Government of Vanuatu fully supports the initiative and remains committed to ensuring strong trade ties between the countries.
“Our businesses must be resilient and rise above political turbulence,” he said.
While acknowledging that differences exist between Vanuatu and France, Minister Koanapo stressed that such matters should be handled professionally and respectfully, while allowing trade, business, and public diplomacy to continue progressing.
“There is no secret that Vanuatu has issues with France. Everybody knows that. But we must deal with it professionally and respectfully, while allowing business and people-to-people relations to continue,” he stated.
The finance minister also highlighted ongoing efforts by the Government to improve standards and export capacity through initiatives such as the National Standard Packhouse Program, which aims to ensure Vanuatu’s products meet international export requirements.
He referenced Vanuatu’s recent first kava export to Australia through Fresh Market Australia under a highly regulated organic export framework, describing it as an example of the country’s growing export potential.
“The arrival of this maritime service will strengthen our systems and improve efficiency across the value chain between our two countries,” he said.
Minister Koanapo added that the vessel launch forms part of the broader Trade Forum programme taking place this week, aimed at encouraging New Caledonian businesses to establish operations and investment opportunities in Vanuatu.
He acknowledged the contributions of various government ministries and departments, including Customs, Infrastructure, Fisheries, Agriculture, and Trade officials, alongside the CMI team, for making the initiative possible.
The Minister also encouraged the company and visiting delegates to continue engaging with Vanuatu and its people.
“Please enjoy our culture, our customs, and most importantly, our friendly and respectful people,” he said. “You have answered our call, so please keep returning and maintaining our friendship.”
French Ambassador to Vanuatu Jean-Baptiste Jeangène Vilmer also attended the launch amid ongoing public discussions and social media commentary surrounding the trade forum and diplomatic issues between the countries.
Ambassador Vilmer described the launch as an important milestone in relations between New Caledonia and Vanuatu, marking the restoration of a regular maritime cargo connection after 14 years.
“Many people in Vanuatu still remember the MV Havannah with emotion,” he said.
“For years, Havannah connected our islands, carried goods, supported businesses, and maintained a strong sense of connection between our peoples.”
He congratulated CMI for restoring the maritime route, stressing that connectivity in the Pacific is not a luxury but a necessity.
“Every maritime route helps reduce isolation, strengthen trade, support supply chains, create jobs, and support communities and businesses,” Ambassador Vilmer said.
Addressing recent tensions and misunderstandings surrounding the trade forum, the Ambassador said France and New Caledonia had maintained their positions respectfully, while recognising the importance of mutual understanding and partnership.
“Friends and partners must be able to speak frankly with one another, when necessary, but also recognise and support good initiatives,” he said.
He added that the arrival of the vessel demonstrates that shared interests between the countries are stronger than recent political difficulties.
“This ship does not only carry cargo. It carries a renewed connection between our territories and our peoples,” he said.
Director General of CMI, Thomas Quiros, said the company was proud to officially reopen the maritime connection between New Caledonia and Vanuatu.
“This route represents more than transportation,” he said. “It is a bridge between our people, our economies, and our cultures.”
Quiros explained that maritime transport remains essential for island nations and plays a vital role in regional development, trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
“Today we are not simply inaugurating a vessel service,” he said. “We are opening a new gateway between our peoples—a gateway for trade and friendship.”
Minister of Trade Samson Samsen welcomed the launch, saying the service opens new opportunities for farmers, manufacturers, businesses, and communities in Vanuatu.
He said maritime connectivity between Vanuatu and New Caledonia has historically played an important role in supporting trade and movement across the region.
“Today, with the return of this service, we are restoring an important connection that benefits our people and communities,” Minister Samsen said.
He added that the Government remains committed to strengthening systems that protect local producers, improve market access, and ensure long-term economic opportunities for the people of Vanuatu…. PACNEWS
FIJI – HIV/AIDS/HEALTH: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 3: Tue 12 May 2026
HIV stigma killing medics: Fiji Medical Association
SUVA, 12 MAY 2026 (FIJI SUN) — Doctors and health workers are dying from HIV in Fiji.
This was revealed during the Fiji Medical Association (FMA) Central Mini Conference on Saturday.
National HIV Outbreak and Cluster Response chairperson, Dr Jason Mitchell, said: “We’ve had doctors and healthcare workers die from HIV because they’re too afraid of going on treatment because they don’t want their colleagues to know that they’re HIV positive… they also test positive of hepatitis C.
“They’re at high risk of transmitting that infection to their patients because a lot of them are not on treatment and their viral load is extremely high and if they’re injured in the workplace, a patient could get infected with them,” Dr Mitchell said.
“This is becoming more of an issue, and I think we need to start talking about it as a group of colleagues, as people who are in the medical profession about how we’re going to deal with it.”
FMA executive Dr Alipate Vakamocea said it was more concerning that medical professionals were avoiding treatment in public health facilities.
“They get tested in private clinics to hide their identity. But when it comes to treatment, they choose not to go to public hospitals because they fear their identity will be revealed,” he said.
Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Atonio Lalabalavu agreed that this was a concern, pointing to the depth of stigma and its effect.
“Doctors are human beings and are affected as well by stigma,” he said.
“How we deal with this is we must always ensure an enabling and supportive environment, if we can’t support our own workers, how can we support others.”
Dr Lalabalavu said the existing supportive mechanism was confidentiality and knowledge.
“As health workers we must always value and uphold patient and doctor confidentiality and be knowledgeable about HIV.
“They just need to know that we as their co-workers have their support if they’re going through acute and terminal illness.
“As human beings, you’re caring and supportive nature should kick in as soon as you know your fellow workers is ill, and no matter the extent of the illness.”
Fiji recorded 2003 new HIV cases in 2025, compared with 1583 in 2024.
In 2024, Fiji recorded 126 HIV-related deaths…. PACNEWS
USA – HEALTH: AP PACNEWS 3: Tue 12 May 2026
Passengers from virus-stricken cruise ship fly to home countries
OMAHA, 12 MAY 2026 (AP) — The last remaining passengers on a cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak disembarked Monday and boarded flights to more than 20 countries to enter quarantine.
A French woman was the latest to be confirmed as infected, while an American is suspected of infection after initial testing.
Passengers began flying home aboard military and government planes Sunday after the MV Hondius anchored in the Canary Islands. Personnel in full-body protective gear and breathing masks escorted the travelers from ship to shore in Tenerife, an effort that concluded Monday.
“If they stayed longer on the ship, the situation could have been difficult,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organisation. He said citizens of the countries passengers are returning to should know “there is nothing to fear, the risk is low, this is not another COVID.”
Three cruise ship passengers have died, and six people with confirmed or suspected cases of hantavirus are being quarantined, according to the WHO. The lab results of the American who tested positive were inconclusive, WHO spokesperson Sarah Tyler said Monday.
Health authorities say it’s the first-ever hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship. While there is no cure or vaccine for hantavirus, the WHO says early detection and treatment improves survival rates.
The ship’s captain, Jan Dobrogowski, issued a video message Monday praising passengers and crew for their courage and perseverance, and he called for respect for their privacy.
“I could not imagine sailing through these circumstances with a better group of people, guests and crew alike,” he said.
New cases in France, United States
The French woman who tested positive for the hantavirus is in intensive care in stable condition at a Paris hospital, French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said Monday. He said four French passengers who returned Sunday have tested negative but remain in isolation at the same hospital.
One of 18 evacuated passengers flown to the U.S also tested positive for the hantavirus but is not showing symptoms, while another had mild symptoms, U.S health officials said.
After landing early Monday, 16 American passengers — one of them a British-U.S dual citizen — were taken to the University of Nebraska Medical Centre, which has a federally funded quarantine facility and a biocontainment unit for treating people with highly infectious diseases. They were being assessed to determine if they had close contact with any symptomatic people and their risk levels for spreading the virus.
An American who tested positive for hantavirus on the cruise ship was taken to the Omaha campus’ biocontainment unit and will be tested again. The passenger “is doing well and not having symptoms at this time,” said Dr Angela Hewlett, the unit’s medical director.
The others taken to Nebraska will be monitored in quarantine for several days. They arrived “in good shape, good spirits,” said Dr. Michael Wadman, the quarantine unit’s medical director.
The French health minister says the condition of a French woman with hantavirus has worsened.
Two additional American passengers, a couple, arrived Monday at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. One of them has mild symptoms and will be tested for hantavirus.
“It doesn’t necessarily mean, just because someone has symptoms, that they’re going to end up having this illness,” said Dr Brendan Jackson of the U.S Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
Some public health experts have accused the U.S government of being slow to respond to the hantavirus outbreak. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. rejected the notion that cuts at his agency had left the U.S less prepared.
“We have this under control,” Kennedy said Monday, “and we’re not worried about it.”
Oceanwide Expeditions, which owns and operates the cruise ship, said that 25 crew and two medical professionals remained on board Monday as the Hondius departed the Canary Islands. It was expected to arrive in Rotterdam on Sunday.
The Hondius left the southern Argentine port of Ushuaia on 01 April, and a Dutch passenger died on board 11 April. It wasn’t until early May that the WHO said it was reacting to a suspected hantavirus outbreak on the ship, which by that time was off the West African island nation of Cape Verde.
South African health authorities said on Monday that the condition of a British man admitted to a hospital in Johannesburg and being treated for hantavirus was gradually improving. He was evacuated from the ship on 27 April after becoming ill.
The Dutch couple who presented the first two cases had traveled through Argentina, Chile and Uruguay before boarding the ship, the WHO said. They visited sites where the species of rat known to carry Andes virus was present.
Health officials say risk to public is low
Hantavirus usually spreads from rodent droppings and is not easily transmitted between people. But the Andes virus detected in the cruise ship outbreak may be able to spread between people in rare cases. Symptoms — which can include fever, chills and muscle aches — usually show between one and eight weeks after exposure.
Tedros of the WHO advised that returning passengers should stay in quarantine, either in their homes or in other facilities, for 42 days. He added that WHO cannot enforce its guidance, and that different countries may handle monitoring of passengers without symptoms in different ways.
Numerous countries have said their people will be quarantined or hospitalized for observation…. PACNEWS
UN – SHIPPING: UN NEWS CENTRE PACNEWS 3: Tue 12 May 2026
Strait of Hormuz de-escalation is urgent, says UN chief
NAIROBI, 12MAY 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) —As the Strait of Hormuz crisis deepens and tensions between Iran and the United States remain unresolved, oil prices rose again early Monday, prompting the UN Secretary-General to call for a peaceful resolution and warn of the widening fallout across Africa and beyond.
“My strong appeal is for the negotiations to go on until that diplomatic solution is found, the ceasefire to be maintained, and in between, the Strait of Hormuz to be completely open…Any restart of the fighting would have terrible consequences,” António Guterres said.
Speaking in Nairobi ahead of the Africa Forward Summit, the UN chief insisted that the Middle East emergency was no “distant crisis”, as roughly 13 percent of Africa’s imports of largely oil and fertilizers move through the key waterway linking the Persian Gulf to the wider world.
“It is absolutely essential, and we have appealed to the two parties to open the Strait of Hormuz completely, without restrictions… [it] is a must from the point of view of the interests of the international community as a whole,” he told journalists in the Kenyan capital.
“That is the only way to bring energy prices and fertiliser prices back to the levels that we had before the war.”
Kenya is in a less vulnerable position because most of its planting season is over, but many other African nations are still waiting to receive fertilizers and other agricultural inputs produced in the Gulf, Guterres cautioned.
Today, the price of urea – which contains concentrated nitrogen and is one of the world’s most widely used fertilisers – has risen by more than 35 percent in a month, at the height of the planting season.
“Without fertilisers, you can imagine that we risk having a serious food security problem next year,” he explained.
The Secretary-General’s comments came as he unveiled new UN offices and attended a groundbreaking ceremony for a new conference facility at the UN Office at Nairobi…. PACNEWS
FIJI – RUBBISH/DRUGS FIGHT: ABC PACIFIC PACNEWS 3: Tue 12 May 2026
Drug paraphernalia dumped in Fiji’s waterways putting rubbish collectors at risk
SUVA, 12 MAY 206 (ABC PACIFIC) — With Fiji now at the centre of a transnational drugs epidemic, some work once considered safe now comes with added risks.
Rubbish collection is one such job, particularly where Fiji’s waterways are involved, because they have become dump sites for the paraphernalia used to consume illicit drugs.
Wayne Fuakilau is Founder and Director of Trashboom Pacific, a firm that installs specially designed barriers that intercept plastic waste before it reaches the ocean, and he says that collection sites are also becoming much more dangerous to clear.
“In each collection we can find three bottles of bong bottles, three to five needles and we also have some sniffing glue cans,” he said.
“Mostly through the suburb city area,” Fuakilau said…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
PAC – ECONOMY: PACNEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 12 May 2026
World Bank warns Pacific growth slowing as fuel costs, debt and global shocks bite
SUVA, 12 MAY 2026 (PACNEWS) — Pacific economies are losing momentum as rising fuel costs, weaker tourism, inflation and repeated global shocks continue to strain governments, businesses and households, according to the World Bank Group’s new Pacific Economic Update.
“Across the Pacific, growth keeps slowing and is likely to dip below three percent in 2026, amid high uncertainty and rising inflation.”
The report warns that Pacific Island countries are facing a more fragile economic future, with growth this decade expected to remain well below pre-pandemic levels.
“These recurrent shocks and structural constraints are likely to keep growth about one percentage point below the 2010s pace this decade preventing incomes from returning to their pre-pandemic trend.”
The World Bank says repeated crises from natural disasters and the pandemic to fuel and shipping price spikes linked to conflict in the Middle East are no longer isolated events but part of a continuing pattern shaping Pacific economies.
“The May 2026 Pacific Economic Update argues that as repeated shocks become a structural feature of Pacific economies rather than one-off crises, responses must be judged not only by speed and scale, but by how they are designed.”
The report covers 11 Pacific Island countries – Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
For Fiji, the World Bank says growth is slowing as the tourism rebound matures and global conditions weaken.
“Fiji’s growth slowed to 3.2 percent in CY25 as tourism rebound matured and is projected to ease to 2.7 percent in CY26 amid higher fuel costs, softer global tourism, and weaker investment.”
The report also warns that public debt remains high.
“Public debt remains high near 80 percent of GDP highlighting the need to strengthen fiscal space and support private sector led job creation.”
Across the region, rising energy costs are adding pressure to already stretched budgets.
“Energy costs have spiked, squeezing households, firms, and budgets.”
The World Bank identifies the Middle East conflict as a major downside risk for Pacific economies because of heavy dependence on imported fuel.
“Heavy reliance on imported fuels leaves Pacific Island countries highly exposed, with petroleum imports accounting for roughly 6–18 percent of GDP and 80–90 percent of electricity generation dependent on diesel.”
It says rising fuel prices are already affecting transport, food, electricity and shipping costs across the Pacific.
“Elevated prices and risks to delivery volumes are already transmitting rapidly through electricity, food, transport, and inter-island shipping, placing acute pressure on households, firms, and public finances.”
The report warns governments against broad subsidies and price controls.
“Policy responses centred on broad price controls or generalised energy subsidies are fiscally costly and often poorly targeted.”
Instead, it calls for targeted support and long-term investment in renewable energy.
“Over the medium term, reducing exposure will require strengthening energy supply security alongside scaled-up investment in renewables.”
The World Bank says one of the Pacific’s biggest opportunities lies in its young population, but job creation remains weak.
“By 2035, today’s youth could account for one-third of the Pacific labor force—yet only about half of working-age adults are employed.”
It warns that many young people remain disconnected from work and education.
“Nearly 20 percent of youth are not in education, employment, or training.”
The report says economic activity remains heavily concentrated in subsistence, informal work and the public sector.
“Private-sector constraints continue to weaken the link between growth and jobs.”
To address this, the World Bank identifies five sectors with the strongest job potential: tourism, agribusiness and fisheries, health and care services, resilient infrastructure, and digital services.
“The following sectors have the strongest potential to create jobs for youth on a large scale and create economic returns for Pacific nations.”
A major focus of the report is the importance of water infrastructure in supporting economic growth and employment.
“Reliable and affordable water and wastewater services underpin productivity, job creation, and resilience.”
The World Bank warns that poor water systems can disrupt economies and weaken resilience.
“When reliability falters, disruptions cascade across key sectors; when it holds, water enables the very sectors with the highest potential for job creation to thrive.”
The report says Pacific governments are finding it harder to rebuild financial buffers after years of repeated crises.
“The Pacific has extensive experience managing shocks, but repeated crises have worn down financial buffers.”
The World Bank says countries need stronger public financial management and more disciplined budgets to prepare for future shocks.
“Rebuilding fiscal space strengthens countries’ ability to manage future shocks and creates room for the investments that support jobs and private sector growth.”
It adds that governments need to focus on restoring buffers and improving financial management systems.
“This means restoring buffers, keeping spending focused, and continuing to improve public financial management.”
While some economies continue to grow, most are expected to slow in 2026.
Samoa’s economy is forecast to ease after strong tourism and remittance-driven growth, while Solomon Islands faces rising debt and inflation despite gains in mining and agriculture.
Tonga’s growth is also projected to weaken under pressure from global costs and climate shocks.
Vanuatu continues recovering from the Air Vanuatu collapse and the 2024 earthquake, while Kiribati faces revenue volatility linked to fisheries and public spending.
The World Bank says the Pacific’s long-term resilience will depend on creating jobs, improving infrastructure and managing future shocks more effectively.
“Business needs clarity and predictability” is the broader message running through the report, which warns that short-term crisis responses alone will not be enough to secure stronger long-term growth across the region…. PACNEWS
PAC – ECONOMIES: WORLD BANK PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 12 May 2026
Pacific economies must shift toward jobs and long-term resilience as global uncertainty persists
SUVA, 12 MAY 2026 (WORLD BANK) — The World Bank Group’s new Pacific Economic Update projects regional growth to slow to 2.8 percent in 2026, as rising fuel and shipping costs, supply chain disruptions, and renewed global volatility place fresh pressure on Pacific economies.
The report finds that repeated external shocks are becoming the region’s “new normal”, while reliable water systems are increasingly critical to jobs, business growth, and long-term resilience.
Pacific economies remain highly exposed to fuel shocks, with oil imports accounting for around 15–25 percent of merchandise imports in many countries. The update warns that continued disruptions to fuel and shipping markets are likely to slow growth further over the next six to nine months.
However, the report argues the Pacific still has a narrow window to strengthen long-term growth by moving beyond repeated crisis response and investing in the foundations of more productive jobs. With growing numbers of young people entering working age, the update says countries will need stronger infrastructure, more reliable services, better skills, and improved conditions for private investment to create opportunities at the scale the region now requires.
“The Pacific’s current growth model is no longer creating enough opportunities for the region’s growing and increasingly young populations,” said Stephen N. Ndegwa, World Bank Group Division Director for the South and North Pacific.
“Average growth across Pacific economies is projected to remain around 2 percent this decade, below the pace of the 2010s, while too many young people are still struggling to access productive work. Creating more and better jobs, especially for women and youth, will be critical to building resilience and supporting stronger long-term growth in a more uncertain world.”
The report sets out a “jobs-first” pathway focused on stronger economic foundations such as water, energy, transport, digital connectivity, and skills; better conditions for businesses and market access; and improved access to finance and private investment. It identifies tourism, agribusiness and fisheries, health and care services, resilient infrastructure, and digitally delivered services as sectors with strong potential to create jobs at scale across the Pacific.
Reliable water systems can be a foundational driver of economic growth and opportunity across the Pacific. This echoes the recently launched Water Forward initiative which identifies water insecurity as a constraint on sectors such as tourism, agribusiness, fisheries, and services.
The report notes that reliable and safe water services support business continuity, improve productivity, strengthen health and resilience, and help expand opportunities for women and young people. However, many Pacific utilities continue to face aging infrastructure, intermittent supply, high water losses, and rising operational costs that increase pressure on households and businesses. Strengthening safe water reliability will therefore be critical to supporting private sector growth and more resilient Pacific economies.
“The Pacific has shown extraordinary resilience through repeated shocks, but resilience alone is not enough,” said World Bank Senior Economist and report author Eka Vashakmadze.
“Countries that invest now in reliable services, stronger economic management, and the conditions for businesses to grow will be better placed to create opportunities and withstand future shocks.”
The Update also notes that successive shocks have eroded fiscal buffers, increasing the importance of rebuilding them and strengthening public financial management as governments face rising costs and tighter financing conditions.
It emphasises targeted and temporary support to protect vulnerable households, while avoiding broad-based subsidies that could place further strain on already limited fiscal space…. PACNEWS
FIJI – UNION/LIVING WAGE: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 12 May 2026
Finance sector union backs $8 living wage proposal
SUVA, 12 MAY 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — Fiji Finance Sector Managerial Staff Association general secretary Sailesh Naidu has defended the Fiji Trades Union Congress’ proposed $8 (US$4) living wage, saying the call reflects the harsh economic realities faced by ordinary workers across Fiji.
In a statement, Naidu said criticisms of the proposed living wage failed to recognise the daily struggles confronting many working families.
“The call for an $8 (US$4) living wage is not an unrealistic demand; it is a necessary response to the continuously rising cost of living affecting working families across the country,” he said.
Naidu said workers were battling increasing food prices, rent, transport costs, utility bills and school expenses while wages in many sectors remained stagnant.
“Many full-time workers continue to live from pay cheque to pay cheque despite contributing significantly to the economy,” he said.
He argued that the FTUC proposal was based on ensuring workers could meet basic needs and live with dignity.
“A living wage is not about luxury — it is about ensuring that workers can meet their basic needs without falling into debt or poverty,” Naidu said.
The statement comes amid growing debate over the proposed $8 (US$4) living wage following concerns raised by employer groups over affordability and economic sustainability.
Naidu said arguments that businesses could not sustain higher wages must be weighed against the burden workers had carried through years of rising inflation and declining purchasing power.
“For years, many employers have benefited from low labour costs while workers absorbed rising inflation and declining purchasing power,” he said.
“Economic growth must benefit workers as well, not only businesses.”
He also pointed to international discussions on living wages, saying fair wages contributed to stronger consumer spending, higher productivity, reduced staff turnover and more stable communities.
“When workers earn decent incomes, the wider economy benefits,” he said.
Naidu said the FTUC should be commended for initiating national discussions on fair wages and social justice instead of having the proposal dismissed outright.
“Stakeholders should engage constructively to determine how Fiji can progressively achieve wages that reflect the true cost of living while supporting long-term economic stability,” he said.
“The reality is simple: no worker in Fiji who works full-time should remain trapped in poverty. The $8(US$4) living wage proposal is about fairness, dignity, and building a more equitable future for all workers.”
Meanwhile, the National Skills Gap Assessment Survey 2026 shows Fiji’s workforce is gradually shifting toward salaried employment, pointing to what the report describes as a move toward more formal and stable job arrangements.
While wage earners continued to make up the largest share of employed persons between 2022 and 2025, their overall proportion declined steadily during the period.
The survey found wage earners accounted for 59.47 percent of workers in 2022, falling to 58.29 percent in 2024 and 57.82 percent in 2025.
At the same time, the percentage of salary earners increased consistently across all three reference periods.
Salary earners made up 40.48 percent of workers in 2022 before rising to 41.68 percent in 2024 and 42.15 percent in 2025.
The report noted that working proprietors and unpaid family workers represented only a very small portion of employment throughout the survey period.
Working proprietors remained unchanged at 0.02 percent across all three years, while unpaid family workers declined from 0.04 percent in 2022 to 0.01 percent in both 2024 and 2025.
According to the survey, the figures suggest employment patterns are slowly evolving.
“Overall, the data indicates a steady transition from wage-based employment toward salaried employment, suggesting a possible shift toward more formal and stable job arrangements over time,” the report stated.
The National Skills Gap Assessment Survey 2025 examines workforce trends, labour market participation and employment patterns across Fiji. …. PACNEWS
FIJI – LIVING WAGE: FIJI SUN PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 12 May 2026
Nadi Chamber rallies with FCEF against proposed $8 hourly livingwage
NADI, 12 MAY 2026 (FIJISUN) — The Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) has backed the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) in strongly opposing the proposed national living wage rate of $8(US$4) an hour.
The proposal was raised by the Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) during its 51st Biennial Delegates Conference in Nadi over the weekend.
NCCI President Lawrence Kumar said the chamber shared the concerns and positions outlined by FCEF, reflecting the economic realities faced by businesses across Fiji, including those in Nadi.
“Demanding a new wage system in an economic climate where businesses and even the Government are struggling to survive and continue employing workers is not acting in good faith,” Kumar said.
“We fully support the measured and evidence-based position put forward by FCEF and urge all stakeholders to approach this matter with Fiji’s economic well-being at heart.”
Kumar said Fiji’s minimum wage had increased from $2.32 (US$1.16) to $5 (US$2.50) an hour since 2015.
He said the current minimum wage was already more than 60 percent higher than Papua New Guinea’s, despite Papua New Guinea having a gross domestic product four times larger than Fiji’s.
“Any further drastic increase must be carefully weighed against Fiji’s unique economic challenges,” he said.
The chamber also shared FCEF’s concerns that the FTUC’s call for an $8 (US$4) living wage must be balanced against national issues, including low productivity, widening skills gaps, high youth unemployment, and rising freight and production
costs.
The World Bank has warned Fiji’s economic growth could fall below three percent unless the country strengthens reforms, improves productivity and rebuilds fiscal discipline.
Kumar said the International Labour Organisation and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognised that living wage policies must consider local conditions and enterprise sustainability.
“In many comparable jurisdictions, including New Zealand, a living wage is not compulsory,” he said.
“NCCI urges that any wage review be structured, transparent and informed by economic realities and genuine consultation, as called for by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
“NCCI remains committed to advocating for a business environment that supports sustainable growth, fair employment and the long-term prosperity of the Nadi region and Fiji as a whole. We call on all parties to engage in balanced, evidence-based dialogue for the benefit of all Fijians.”
FCEF also backed comments made by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in response to the FTUC proposal, supporting calls for wage reviews to be transparent, evidence-based and grounded in economic conditions and cost-of-living considerations.
The federation said while it supported decent work and fair wages that improved living standards, wage policies must also consider enterprise sustainability, productivity and economic growth…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
UNDP convenes political parties to advance women’s participation ahead of 2027 General Election
PORT MORESBY, 12 MAY 2026 (UNDP) — Political parties from across Papua New Guinea gathered in Port Moresby last week for a three-day learning and development programme aimed at strengthening electoral integrity, promoting peaceful political engagement, and advancing women’s participation ahead of the 2027 National General Election.
Held from 6–8 May 2026 under the ‘Women Make The Change Programme’ funded generously by the Government of Australia, the workshop was convened by the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission (IPPCC) and the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission (PNGEC), in partnership with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Representatives from more than 40 political parties participated in the discussions and technical sessions.
The programme took place at a pivotal moment for Papua New Guinea’s democracy. Earlier this year, the Parliament of Papua New Guinea passed a landmark amendment to the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (OLIPAC), requiring all political parties to ensure that at least 10 percent of endorsed candidates are women in future elections. Political parties that failed to endorse women candidates for two consecutive elections could face deregistration.
The reform marked one of the country’s most significant steps toward improving women’s political representation since Independence. In Papua New Guinea’s 50-year democratic history, only 11 women have been elected to Parliament.
Opening the programme, UNDP Resident Representative, Nicholas Booth, reflected on the significance of the reform and the long road to achieving it.
“Since Independence, women have not been very well represented in this democracy. I congratulate our friends at IPPCC on this amendment. You have fought for it for 15 years and finally after your great support and persistence, it has been passed in the last Parliamentary session. Now, we must ensure that the 10% minimum of candidates that are fielded translates into 10 percent of Members of Parliament being women,” he said.
Held under the theme “Securing an Accountable and Inclusive 2027 National General Election,” the programme focused not only on implementing the OLIPAC reforms, but also on strengthening internal party systems, encouraging women’s leadership, and promoting peaceful and issue-based political participation.
Throughout the week, participants discussed proposed updates to the Electoral Code of Conduct for political parties, candidates and scrutineers. The revised code aimed to address growing concerns around electoral violence, online abuse, intimidation of women candidates, bribery, and other forms of misconduct that undermined public trust in elections.
IPPCC Chairman, Reverend Roger Joseph, said political parties had a critical responsibility in safeguarding the integrity of Papua New Guinea’s democracy.
“This workshop is about ensuring parties understand the revised OLIPPAC reforms and the Electoral Code of Conduct and take ownership of the standards expected of them. Party conduct during elections reflects the integrity of our democratic system,” he said.
Acting Electoral Commissioner, Margaret Vagi, further emphasised that maintaining peaceful and credible elections required collective responsibility from all political actors.
“The Electoral Code of Conduct is more than a document — it is a commitment by political parties, candidates, scrutineers and supporters to uphold peaceful, fair and accountable elections. We cannot continue patterns of bribery, intimidation, violence and block voting that undermine trust. As we prepare for the 2027 National General Election, all stakeholders must take shared responsibility to ensure every citizen can participate freely and safely,” she said.
Technical sessions delivered by IFES helped participants explore practical strategies to strengthen party governance, improve compliance with legal obligations, establish or reinforce women’s wings within political parties, and create safer and more supportive environments for women entering political leadership.
A key highlight of the opening day was the formal adoption of the Political Parties Gender Equality Pledge by participating parties. The pledge reinforced commitments to advancing gender equality, supporting women candidates, and building more inclusive political party structures ahead of the 2027 elections.
The programme formed part of UNDP and Australia’s broader support to democratic governance and peaceful elections in Papua New Guinea. Speaking at the event, the Minister Counsellor of the Australian High Commission, Elizabeth Le Bas reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting inclusive democratic processes in Papua New Guinea.
“Elections are a national endeavour requiring cooperation, trust and leadership. Australia is proud to partner with Papua New Guinea through initiatives such as Women Make the Change to strengthen democratic institutions and advance women’s participation. Democracies are stronger when women are fully able to participate as voters, candidates and leaders,” she said.
As Papua New Guinea prepares for the 2027 National General Election, the programme reflects growing momentum among political institutions and development partners to ensure elections are not only peaceful and credible, but also more inclusive and representative of all Papua New Guineans…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Yap State launches Water Security and Resilience Project with support from the Pacific Community
KOLONIA, 12 MAY 2026 (SPC) — The Government of Yap State, in partnership with the Pacific Community (SPC), has launched the Yap State Water Security and Resilience Project, marking a key step toward strengthening climate resilience and sustainable water management.
At the launch, the Director of the SPC Micronesian Regional Office, William Kostka, commended Governor Francis Itimai and stakeholders for their leadership and commitment to improving water security.
The project is funded through a USD$671,211 grant secured by Yap State under the FSM Enhancing Direct Access (EDA) Programme, supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) – highlighting Yap’s growing capacity to access climate finance. The Project will be implemented until January 2028.
“This milestone demonstrates Yap State’s commitment to long-term resilience and sustainable water management,” Director Kostka said, acknowledging the Office of Planning and Budget’s leadership in securing the funding.
Aligned with the Pacific Community Strategic Plan 2022–2031, the project will strengthen access to safe, reliable water while addressing climate-related challenges, such as drought and changing weather patterns. Activities will include groundwater assessments, capacity building, and development of a Water Security and Resilience Plan for Yap State.
Director Kostka further elaborated that “aside from benefitting Yap State, the development of this plan has the potential to contribute to the compilation of a national water security strategy.”
SPC will continue to provide technical support throughout the implementation.
While the launch marks important progress, it also signals the start of ongoing collaboration to protect water resources and build resilience for communities across Yap.
The Enhancing Direct Access Programme is executed by the SPC Micronesian Regional Office in partnership with national government of Federated States of Micronesia….PACNEWS
Media Contacts: Floyd Robinson, Programme Coordinator FSM Enchancing Direct Access, Pacific Community (SPC), Micronesia Regional Office| floydr@spc.int
Nabil El Halwani, Strategic Communications Coordinator, Pacific Community (SPC), SCOPE | nabilh@spc.int
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
FAO supports Asia-Pacific countries to strengthen primary forest reporting
BANGKOK, 12 MAY 2026 (FAO) — Southeast Asia and the Pacific have some the last remaining untouched forests in the world.
These primary forests are irreplaceable ecosystems, supporting rich biodiversity, storing vast carbon and sustaining the livelihoods of Indigenous Peoples. However, across the region, these forests continue to decline despite their importance, even as overall forest area in Asia shows signs of increase.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) is strengthening countries’ capacity to monitor and report on primary forests through a regional workshop taking place this week in Thailand, bringing together experts from across Southeast Asia and the Pacific to improve the quality, consistency, and comparability of data on primary forest extent and trends including the use of national forest inventories, geospatial data, and satellite imagery for their mapping.
“To safeguard what remains of these vital ecosystems, countries need reliable and consistent data to guide action and track change over time,” said Alue Dohong, FAO Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific. “This workshop is an important step toward strengthening national capacities and ensuring better evidence for decision-making on primary forests.”
Strengthening data and tools for forest monitoring
FAO is working with countries to improve the consistency and quality of data reported to FAO’s Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA), while also enhancing their ability to monitor primary forests over time.
OrganiSed under FAO’s work on primary forests and the Global Environment Facility-funded Strengthening Conservation of Tropical Primary Forests through Partnership Enhancement and Coordination of Support (SCOPE) project, the workshop brings together technical experts from Bhutan, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Thailand and Viet Nam.
Participants are reviewing and testing draft guidance and geospatial tools designed to support more accurate mapping and reporting of primary forests. These include hands-on training in tools such as Collect Earth Online and the Primary Forest Finder, which help countries assess forest extent and changes over time.
Building a stronger evidence base
Through this joint initiative with member countries and partners, FAO is developing biome-specific guidance, improving the shared understanding of what constitutes a primary forest, and strengthening national data systems.
The workshop builds on earlier efforts, including a virtual session held in 2021, and contributes to the Southeast Asia and the Pacific Forests Integrated Program. It also supports global efforts to halt biodiversity loss and address climate change by improving the evidence base for forest conservation.
Ultimately, more accurate and consistent data on primary forests will enable better-informed decisions at national, regional and global levels, helping to protect some of the planet’s most valuable ecosystems…. PACNEWS
