In this bulletin:
1. SAMOA — Samoa deputy PM loses seat after Court finds corrupt practices
2. PACIFIC — Western Pacific governments urged to speed up action to end TB in the region
3. PACIFIC — Climate talks: Pacific faces rising security risks
4. PACIFIC — Grassroots communities and women left behind in climate funding
5. FIJI — Fiji civil service lacks whistleblower protection, PS admits
6. FIJI — Fiji steps up fight against misinformation, Minister Tabuya cautions ‘off the record’ media talks
7. CNMI — GOP, Independents to face off in CNMI’s 2026 gubernatorial election
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Flights to all Pacific destinations impacted by cancellations, Air NZ confirms
9. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji tightens grip on illegal fishing
10. PACNEWS BIZ — Outsource Fiji strengthens Industry standards through ISO 27001 training programme
11. PACNEWS BIZ — US$249m ship repair contract awarded to Guam company
12. PACNEWS DIGEST — Neither absent nor central, Canada moves quietly in the Pacific islands
SAMOA – COURTS: SAMOA GLOBAL NEWS PACNEWS 3: Tue 24 Mar 2026
Samoa deputy PM loses seat after Court finds corrupt practices
APIA, 24 MARCH 2026 (SAMOA GLOBAL NEWS) — The Samoa Electoral Court has today ruled that deputy Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Falealili I, Toelupe Maoiautele Pou Onesemo, is guilty of bribery over a claim that $150 tala (US$54) was given to a couple who could not be found to present their evidence in Court.
The decision that is expected to have significant political and legal implications for future election petitions, was handed down this morning by Chief Justice Satiu Simativa Perese and Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke before a packed court room of supporters and media.
The ruling follows months of legal proceedings in which the Court went out of its way to consider evidence relating to allegations of electoral misconduct, after both parties had applied to withdraw their original petitions.
Central to the Court’s determination was its acceptance of sworn affidavits from two witnesses who, despite not being physically located during the proceedings, were deemed credible by the Court. The Court found the voters’ evidence through written affidavits was accepted, and stated that the candidate, through his lawyers, did not provide any evidence to challenge it.
In delivering its decision, the Electoral Court emphasised that the affidavits provided sufficient evidentiary weight to support the bribery finding. The absence of the witnesses did not, in the Court’s view, undermine the substance of their testimony.
The sworn affidavits did not point to Toelupe himself, but to a third party. The voter and his wife’s affidavits claimed that $150 tala (US$54) was given to them by a third party on the night before elections, to influence their vote. The Court then also ruled that the person who gave the money was acting for the candidate, holding Toelupe responsible.
“The Court is satisfied that the evidence relied up on credible and reliable.”
“The Respondent is therefore guilty of the corrupt practice of bribery.”
“Pursuant to Section 116 of the Electoral Act 2019, the Respondent’s election is declared void.”
The case also drew public attention due to a telephone recording submitted by HRPP Member of Parliament, Namulauulu Sami Leota, who recorded a conversation he had with Petitioner, Tuiloma Lance Lameko.
According to submissions presented in Court, the recording allegedly captures a conversation in which it is claimed that Tuiloma Lance was offered and received $100,000 (US$363) in exchange for withdrawing the original bribery complaint.
At the time, both Petitioner (Tuiloma) and Respondent (Toelupe) had filed to withdraw their election petitions.
Furthermore, witnesses for both parties did not turn up to Court.
Today’s ruling places significant implications in Samoa as Toelupe held the position of Deputy Prime Minister and also the Minister for Works, Transport and Infrastructure.
Member of the Falialili I constituency have raised questions about the immediate political consequences, including the loss of their elected Member of Parliament.
The decision is also expected to set an important and highly dangerous precedent regarding the acceptance of written affidavits evidence in electoral disputes, particularly in cases where witnesses are unavailable.
“What is to stop people from signing affidavits to ruin a winning candidate’s political career, when they don’t have to turn up to Court? And yet, their affidavits will be taken as evidence in Court?”
Decisions of the Electoral Court are not subject to appeal. However, it anticipated that the decision may be subject to appeal, with legal avenues still open to challenge the ruling based on the use of affidavits…. PACNEWS
PAC – HEALTH: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 3: Tue 24 Mar 2026
Western Pacific governments urged to speed up action to end TB in the region
MANILA, 24 MARCH 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — The World Health Organisation (WHO) urged governments in the Western Pacific region to accelerate country-led action to transform tuberculosis care, decentralize services and scale up innovation to end one of the deadliest infectious killers in the region and around the world.
WHO issued the call on World Tuberculosis Day 2026, globally themed “Yes! We can End TB!”
Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO regional director for the Western Pacific, said ending TB is achievable if countries act with ever greater urgency.
“Bringing TB services closer to communities and rapidly expanding access to new diagnostic tools, in an environment free of stigma, are essential to reaching everyone in need,” he said.
Recent progress shows improvement is possible through expanded access to WHO-recommended rapid diagnostics, increased uptake of shorter all-oral regimens for drug-resistant TB and more people at high-risk receiving TB preventive treatment.
However, WHO noted that stagnant funding, competing health priorities and persistent risk factors such as smoking, undernutrition, alcohol use and diabetes threaten essential TB services.
Integrated TB services at the primary health-care level improve early detection, reduce delays in treatment and prevent transmission. Delivering stigma-free, people-centred care strengthens health systems and ensures vulnerable populations are not left behind.
WHO urges countries to accelerate the rollout of WHO-recommended near-point-of-care molecular tests, which detect TB – including drug-resistant TB – more quickly and accurately.
In 2024, an estimated 2.9 million people were affected by TB across the Western Pacific region, with Indonesia, the Philippines and China among the world’s top five high-burden countries.
Ending TB is a strategic political and economic decision. Evidence shows that every dollar invested in TB can generate up to US$43 in health and economic returns.
“The evidence is clear. We know what needs to be done,” said Dr Huong Tran, WHO director of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control in the Western Pacific.
“WHO calls on governments, health workers, civil society and communities to sustain political commitment, empower health workers, combat stigma and ensure essential TB services remain accessible and resilient,” he added…. PACNEWS
PAC – CLIMATE CHANGE: ISLANDS BUSINESS PACNEWS 3: Tue 24 Mar 2026
Climate talks: Pacific faces rising security risks
SUVA, 24 MARCH 2026 (ISLANDS BUSINESS) — Climate change is no longer just an environmental concern but a growing threat to security, stability, and development across the Pacific, says Germany’s Ambassador to Fiji, Dr Andreas Prothmann.
Speaking at the Climate Talk: Navigating Climate Risks Talanoa Dialogue in Suva, Prothmann said Pacific Island countries are already experiencing the harsh realities of climate change, with impacts being felt across livelihoods, economies, and communities.
“Across the Pacific, climate change is not a distant scenario – it is a lived reality,” he said.
He emphasised that the region has long recognised the seriousness of the crisis, pointing to the Pacific Islands Forum Boe Declaration on Regional Security, which identifies climate change as the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security, and well-being of Pacific peoples.
“In many ways, the Pacific has long understood what the international community is only now fully grasping – that climate risk is inseparable from economic resilience, social stability and long-term security,” he said.
Prothmann said Germany values its partnership with Fiji and other Pacific Island countries, noting that cooperation is grounded in mutual respect and shared priorities.
He highlighted that addressing climate change is central not only to environmental protection, but also to sustainable development and human security.
Prothman said the Talanoa Dialogue was timely, providing an important platform for governments, development partners, and civil society to deepen their understanding of the link between climate change, security, and finance.
“Our goal is not only to exchange views, but to identify practical pathways forward,” he said.
Prothmann stressed the importance of improving access to climate finance and ensuring that resources reach communities where they are most needed to strengthen resilience and preparedness.
He added that stronger collaboration and more responsive financing systems will be key to helping Pacific nations adapt to and manage the increasing risks posed by climate change…. PACNEWS
PAC – CLIMATE CHANGE: ISLANDS BUSINESS PACNEWS 3: Tue 24 Mar 2026
Grassroots communities and women left behind in climate funding
SUVA, 24 MARCH 2026 (ISLANDS BUSINESS) — Grassroots communities and women-led organisations in the Pacific are missing out on climate finance, despite being among the most affected.
This was emphasised at the Climate Talk: Navigating Climate Risks Talanoa Dialogue in Suva, where speakers urged more inclusive, accessible funding.
Ilisapeci Masivesi, Director of Programmes, Impact and Partnerships at OXFAM in the Pacific, said one of the key challenges is ensuring that funding reaches communities at the frontlines.
“We must make sure that funds reach the community level, especially the hardest-to-reach areas,” she said.
Masivesi explained that high costs, logistical challenges, and risk-averse funding systems often prevent resources from reaching remote populations.
She noted that while funding may exist at national and international levels, gaps in coordination, tracking, and delivery mean many vulnerable communities still do not benefit.
“There are communities that are not accessing resources, despite funding being available,” she said.
Also speaking at the dialogue, Virisila Buadromo, Co-Lead of the Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights in Asia and the Pacific, raised concerns about the limited funding reaching women and grassroots organisations.
She noted that only a tiny share of development funds reaches women-led and community groups, though they play a vital role in climate response.
Buadromo highlighted the importance of investing in local and collective systems, noting that grassroots organisations are often best placed to deliver rapid and effective responses.
She pointed to alternative funding models that prioritise speed and accessibility, including mechanisms that can disburse funds within 48 hours.
“We need to ensure resources reach those on the frontlines of the climate crisis,” she said.
Participants agreed that climate finance must both increase and become more equitable, prioritising funding for communities, especially women and marginalised groups.
They stressed that without inclusion, resilience efforts in the Pacific will fall short…. PACNEWS
FIJI – WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION/MEDIA: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 3: Tue 24 Mar 2026
Fiji Civil service lacks whistleblower protection, PS admits
SUVA, 24 MARCH 2026 (FIJI SUN) — Fiji’s civil service has no government-wide whistleblower policy to protect workers who speak up against bullying or harassment.
This is despite an anti-bullying policy technically being in place.
Ministry of Civil Service permanent secretary Pita Tagicakirewa made the admission before a parliamentary committee Monday.
He said only the Ministry itself had an internal whistleblower policy.
“For the service as a whole, we have no whistleblower policy,” he told the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs during a review of the ministry’s 2022–2023 Annual Report.
Deputy chairperson Rinesh Sharma said he was not satisfied with the response and called for harassment and bullying cases across all ministries to be tracked and made public.
“Protection of our workforce is paramount, it determines the productivity of the executive arm of government,” Sharma said, adding that he had previously raised in Parliament concerns about interns and junior staff being bullied by seniors.
Tagicakirewa acknowledged improvement was needed and said the Civil Service Act 1999 may need to be amended to allow for proper reporting mechanisms.
Ministry deputy secretary Samuela Moce noted that civil servants could raise grievances through the Public Service Commission, and that an anti-bullying and anti-discrimination policy existed across government.
The Fiji Learning Institute for Public Service confirmed that training on the anti-bullying policy was available to all civil servants, including those in rural and maritime areas…. PACNEWS
FIJI – GOVT COMMUNICATION CONFERENCE: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 3: Tue 24 Mar 2026
Fiji steps up fight against misinformation, Minister Tabuya cautions ‘off the record’ media talks
SUVA, 24 MARCH 2026 (FIJI SUN) — Fiji’s Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya, during the inaugural Government Communications Conferenc in Suva Minday, announced a major push to strengthen Government communication and counter misinformation.
Tabuya described the event as a “proud and historic moment,” bringing together Government communicators from across ministries, agencies, and statutory bodies under one roof for the first time.
“The conference aims to unify messaging, improve collaboration, and build public trust through clearer and more effective communication,” Tabuya said.
A key highlight of the conference was the launch of the Counter Disinformation Framework and Government Communications Guidebook, both designed to equip officials with tools to navigate an increasingly complex information landscape.
Tabuya said in an era of rapid technological change, misinformation, and deep fakes; the role of communication officers has become “more important than ever”.
“The Government’s vision is to create a well-informed Fiji, with stronger focus on delivering accurate and timely information to the public,” she said.
The minister added that disinformation was expected to increase with upcoming elections, particularly on social media platforms.
“Government is looking at strengthening laws related to misinformation, including potential amendments involving the Online Safety Commission to introduce tougher penalties aimed at deterring false information,” Tabuya said.
The conference, supported by the UK Government and Government Communication Services, is also focused on building professional networks and upskilling communication officers.
Tabuya acknowledged the role of the media as the “fourth estate,” emphasising that a free press is essential to a thriving democracy.
According to Tabuya future conferences may include journalists, noting the importance of collaboration between the Government and media in ensuring that truthful and efficient information reach the public.
“Improving communication is a shared responsibility across all Government sectors, not just the Ministry of Information, and that better coordination would ultimately strengthen both public trust and the nation as a whole”
Minister Tabuya added Members of Parliament and public officials will need to exercise greater caution when speaking to the media following a recent court decision allowing off-the-record material used as evidence.
Tabuya said she could not comment on the specifics of the ongoing case, saying she respected the court’s decision to admit the material as she acknowledged the development might change how officials approach media interviews moving forward.
“I believe we will all be on our guard now in terms of interviews that are taken off-the-record, noting that such agreements traditionally rely on trust between journalists and interviewees,” she said.
Tabuya said that while off-the-record discussions are a common “code” in media interactions, public officials must now be more mindful about what they disclose.
She said officials should clearly communicate when information is intended for public record and work closely with media liaison officers during interviews.
The minister said the issue was not about withholding information, but ensuring that communication with the public remained truthful, clear, and effective.
She also highlighted the importance of maintaining trust between the media and public officials, describing it as a “vital relationship” necessary to uphold democracy.
The remarks come amid heightened scrutiny over media practices and legal boundaries surrounding confidential communications, raising broader questions about how off-the-record agreements will be handled in the future…. PACNEWS
CNMI – ELECTION: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 3: Tue 24 Mar 2026
GOP, Independents to face off in CNMI’s 2026 gubernatorial election
SAIPAN, 24 MARCH 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — Former Guam Governor Ralph DLG Torres has formally announced Kagman High School principal Benjamin Jones Jr as his running mate for the 2026 gubernatorial election, solidifying the Republican Party’s ticket as the campaign season begins to take shape.
Torres, running for governor, and Jones, seeking the lieutenant governor post, will face the independent tandem of Rep Blas Jonathan “BJ” Attao and House Speaker Edmund Villagomez, both longtime public officials vying for the Commonwealth’s top executive positions.
The CNMI Democratic Party has not yet officially announced its candidates for the gubernatorial race, leaving the party’s plans for 2026 still taking shape as the GOP and independent teams move forward with early campaign activity.
As of 05 March, the Commonwealth Election Commission reported 17,409 registered voters, reflecting a significant increase from the 2024 rolls as new voters, returning residents and reactivated registrants entered the system ahead of the gubernatorial election.
Voter participation in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas (CNMI) has fluctuated over the past decade, with turnout generally declining as the electorate ages and younger voters register at lower rates.
The recent rise suggests renewed political engagement following several years of economic strain and population movement. These demographic shifts—including more first‑time voters and a growing number of stateside returnees—are expected to influence voter behavior as the 2026 race continues to take shape.
In a joint letter to CNMI Republican Party President Patrick Cepeda, the Torres-Jones team said they chose to run under the GOP banner after “careful reflection and consultation with our families, supporters, and members of the community.”
“This is a critical time for experienced leadership to help guide the Commonwealth forward,” they wrote. “Our islands face serious economic challenges, rising costs, and growing concerns about the stability of our schools and opportunities for our families.”
The Republican ticket said their priorities include restoring economic stability, strengthening tourism and U.S partnerships, supporting educators, and working toward reinstating a full five-day school week.
“We believe that economic recovery and a strong education system are essential to supporting families, rebuilding our workforce, protecting our retirees, and securing the long-term future of the commonwealth,” they said.
Torres served as the commonwealth’s ninth governor from 2015 to 2023, first assuming office after the death of Gov. Eloy Inos and later winning a full term in 2018.
Before becoming governor, he served in the House and Senate, including as Senate president, and was elected lieutenant governor in 2014. A Boise State University graduate with a degree in political science, Torres has been a central figure in CNMI politics for nearly two decades.
Jones, a longtime educator and administrator, is the principal of Kagman High School and holds a master’s degree in physical education. He has spent his career in public education, focusing on student support, school stability, and teacher development.
His selection marks his first entry into electoral politics, with the GOP ticket emphasizing his experience in education to complement Torres’s executive background.
Attao and Villagomez, both running as independents, vow to put “people first,” highlighting transparency, accountability and ethical leadership as core principles.
According to their campaign, each has more than 20 years of government experience and a record of public service shaped by work across multiple branches…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
PAC – IRAN CRISIS/FUEL PRICE/AIRLINE: PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 24 Mar 2026
Flights to all Pacific destinations impacted by cancellations, Air NZ confirms
AUCKLAND, 24 MARCH 2O26 (STUFF NZ) — Air New Zealand has confirmed that flights to Pacific Island destinations will be impacted by cancellations as jet fuel prices surge.
The national carrier attributed the move to “unprecedented volatility” in fuel costs caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The affected flights represent 5 percent of Air New Zealand’s total domestic and international schedule.
While the airline confirmed a full list of cancelled flights exists, a spokesperson stated it would not be released publicly, noting instead that all affected passengers have already been notified.
An Air New Zealand spokesperson described the cancellations as representing “minimal disruption.”
It was earlier reported that several flights between Auckland and Samoa have been cancelled amid the fuel costs.
Four return services scheduled for 07 April, 19 April, 26 April and 04 May have been affected.
“Over March and April there’s four flights to Samoa impacted and we fly nine flights a week to Samoa so it’s really, really tiny,” the spokesperson told Stuff, confirming that flights to all of its Pacific destination feature in the list of cancelled flights.
“Affected customers will be contacted today,” the airline said on 12 March, saying those passengers will “experience minimal disruption”, with “the majority travelling on the same day as their original booking.”
“All customers impacted will be re-accommodated and will be eligible for a refund or credit if they are unable to fly,” Air NZ said…. PACNEWS
FIJI – ILLEGAL FISHING: FBC NEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 24 Mar 2026
Fiji tightens grip on illegal fishing
SUVA, 24 MARCH 2206 (FBC NEWS) — Fiji has shifted from traditional policing to an intelligence-led surveillance approach to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing within its Exclusive Economic Zone.
The country is estimated to lose around $50 million (US$25 million) in revenue each year due to these activities.
According to Bainivalu, unreported fishing remains a significant challenge, as it often goes undetected and undermines efforts to effectively manage and protect marine resources.
The Minister says the capabilities of the National Monitoring and Surveillance Centre in Walu Bay, Suva, were officially enhanced following its opening in late 2024.
“So that centre, it enables us to look at our vessels that are fishing out in our waters on a much bigger scale, on a bigger screen, as compared to how we used to monitor our vessels in the past. And we’re also able to generate reports in a quicker turnaround time. For example, reports that could be produced within a week can now be produced within a day.”
She said the upgraded monitoring measures aim to support sustainable fisheries management.
Bainivalu states that all licensed vessels operating in Fijian waters are required to install a Vessel Monitoring System on board.
“That is a mandatory requirement for all the vessels that we license, so that through that system our officers here on shore are able to monitor the fishing activities out at sea.”
Fiji Navy Commander Timoci Natuva says while technology is essential, physical presence remains important.
He said they conduct surface patrols using Fiji Navy assets.
“The various technologies that we have, the whole world is moving to continue to look into innovative ways to address issues. AI is a big thing that is coming now. So, satellite technology that we have access to, that we can use to detect vessels that come into our waters. But as I highlighted, once our enemy or criminal elements understood what we have, they evolved. So, it’s just a matter of making sure that we are in par with the threat that is there, understanding their strengths and able to address this.”
Commander Natuva acknowledged the challenges of patrolling Fiji’s extensive and maritime borders.
“I think the main challenge is the limited resources that we have. Efforts not really synchronised. Other agencies are still working in our silos. There are also legislation gaps that must be addressed.
“And our ocean space is just huge. Very porous borders where there are various entries into our waters where criminal elements or persons that will engage in illegal activity can come through.
It’s very difficult to maintain a persistent presence in our exclusive economic zone in our waters. So that continues to be a challenge as well.” he said.
The Commander said to strengthen monitoring capabilities, Fiji works closely with regional and international partners.
Meanwhile, Fiji Fishing Industry Association representative Ulaiasi Tuikoro says illegal fishing activities affects catch volumes, disrupts quotas, and reduces supply to markets.
“Well, we’ve had incidents where a lot of illegal activities really have affected our income or our sales.
“For example, when we’ve got a certain quota that we need to reach towards the end of the year, through illegal activities we cannot achieve those targets. Therefore, there’s a backlog of catch that we need to still achieve and also more supply the markets that we need to supply to.
When it comes to sales, when there’s less stock, the price tends to rise. And we have to sell it at a higher price when compared to if there’s higher stock, you can just sell it at a lower price.” he said.
Tuikoro said awareness, compliance, and vigilance among fishing operators are crucial to safeguard Fiji’s marine resources and ensure sustainable fisheries for the future…. PACNEWS
FIJI – OUTSOURCING: OUTSOURCE FIJI PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 24 Mar 2026
Outsource Fiji strengthens Industry standards through ISO 27001 training programme
SUVA, 24 MARCH 2026 (OUTSOURCE FIJI) — Outsource Fiji successfully facilitated the ISO 27001 Information Security Management System (ISMS) Certification Programme for its members, further reinforcing its commitment to global best practices in information security.
Members across the Outsource Fiji network participated in the specialised training, which focused on building a strong foundation in understanding, implementing, and maintaining internationally recognised information security standards.
The programme enhanced organisational resilience, strengthened the protection of sensitive data, and aligned Fiji’s outsourcing sector with the expectations of global clients.
The training was facilitated by internationally experienced expert Edward Polaczuk, CISO / Enterprise Data Solutions Lead, who brought extensive knowledge in information security systems and ISO standards.
Participants gained practical insights into risk management, compliance requirements, and the implementation of robust security frameworks tailored to their organisational needs.
Outsource Fiji Executive Director Josefa Wivou said initiatives such as the ISO 27001 programme demonstrated the organisation’s ongoing commitment to elevating industry standards.
“Information security is no longer optional as it is a fundamental requirement for doing business globally.
Through this programme, we have empowered our members with the expertise needed to meet international benchmarks, protect client data, and build long-term trust,” he said.
Outsource Fiji continues to play a leading role in supporting the growth and sustainability of the outsourcing industry by promoting world-class standards, strengthening cybersecurity awareness, and investing in continuous professional development.
Polaczuk said participants gained valuable knowledge that would strengthen their organisations’ approach to ICT security.
“The participants gave their full attention throughout the programme. It all came together on the final day with the mock internal audits, where the ‘lights went on’ as they understood how the lectures and practical exercises connected,” he said.
“I was particularly impressed by how participants from different organisations collaborated on practical exercises built around two fictitious BPO companies. It was clear that they truly understood the concepts.
“I hope that beyond ISO 27001, participants gained a deeper appreciation of why information security is critical for their organisations as they work towards becoming world-class. I believe they will take these learnings forward and become ISO 27001 champions within their organisations.”
Participant Ronald Sharma from Datec Fiji described the programme as highly valuable and insightful.
“The ISO/IEC 27001 training programme clearly demonstrated how a structured and well-defined framework forms the foundation for effective data protection and information security certification,” he said.
“The training provided practical clarity on how organisations can achieve certification by building strong governance, risk management, and control processes from the ground up. This reinforces why ISO-certified organisations are able to demonstrate credibility and best practices in information security.”
Another participant, Alisi Veikila from Greymouse Fiji, said the training would have a lasting impact on both her professional development and organisational practices.
“Implementing the ISO 27001 Information Security Management System has been a highly valuable and insightful experience. The training deepened my understanding of risk management, data protection, and the importance of structured, internationally recognised security practices,” she said.
“One of the key learnings was the emphasis on a risk-based approach, enabling us to proactively identify and address potential threats rather than reacting after incidents occur. It also highlighted the importance of continuous improvement and strong governance in maintaining effective information security controls.
“From an organisational perspective, this training enhances our credibility, resilience, and ability to safeguard sensitive information. It reinforces our commitment to excellence, compliance, and building trust with stakeholders in an increasingly digital landscape,” he said…. PACNEWS
GUAM – SHIP REPAIR CONTRACT: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Tue 24 Mar 2026
US$249m ship repair contract awarded to Guam company
HAGATNA, 24 MARCH 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — The U.S Military Sealift Command in Norfolk, Virginia, has awarded a US$249 million ship repair contract to Blue Steel Marine LLC, a Guam company based in Talofofo.
“This action represents a rolling admission to a previously awarded multiple-award contract. Work will be performed in Guam and is expected to be completed by November 2027,” the Department of War said.
The contract includes a five-year ordering period.
The U.S Navy’s fiscal 2026 operation and maintenance funds in the amount of US$3,500 will be obligated at the time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. All other funding will be provided on individual delivery orders as they are issued.
Krystle Merfalen, Blue Steel’s founder, said the award recognises positions the company as a prime vendor with a direct vehicle to contribute to fleet readiness and vessel sustainment in the Pacific theater.
“With 14 years specifically in ship repair, I’ve worked my way up in an industry where women are rarely represented, especially in leadership roles,” Merfalen said.
“This award is the result of years of experience, resilience, and building a team that understands the level of excellence required to support Department of Defence operations.”
Born and raised on Guam and as a military daughter and spouse, Merfalen has long understood the island’s critical role in U.S military logistics, maritime and readiness operations.
Her career began on the ground, gaining technical expertise, managing repair projects, and leading teams in demanding shipyard and maritime environments.
Over time, she built a reputation for reliability, precision, and leadership, ultimately founding Blue Steel Marine to bring those same standards to a locally driven company.
“It took years of learning the industry, the trades, leading teams, solving real problems in the field, and earning trust within my team and with all stakeholders,” Merfalen said.
“Being from Guam, it means even more to now lead a company that contributes directly to our island’s role in national defence and to be able to truly give our people rewarding and fulfilling opportunities here at home,” she added.
Merfalen said the award highlights the growing strength of locally owned businesses in Guam’s maritime sector. The Western Pacific has become an increasingly demanding theatre for U.S naval operations, and local capacity matters.
“I hope this shows that there is space for our people in this industry and that local talent here in Guam can compete at the highest level,” she said.
“We’re proving that world-class ship repair can be done right here at home at the hands of our people with like-minded partners in the industry. And we are proud to play a direct role in keeping America’s fleet ready,” she added…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
Neither absent nor central, Canada moves quietly in the Pacific islands
By Elise Barandon
OTTAWA, 24 MARCH 2026 (THE STRATEGIST) — Canada is quietly strengthening its presence in the Pacific. In a region where relationships are more important than military or economic strength, Canada possesses the latitude to pursue a middle-power strategy distinct from Australia’s.
Australia and Canada may well be ideal Indo-Pacific partners, underscored by Mark Carney’s visit to Australia from 3 to 6 March. But Canada will also have to find its own way, particularly at a time when Australia’s Pacific-family rhetoric has been criticised, and the United States appears to be an unpredictable partner willing to make Canada its 51st state.
Amid intensifying attention on the Pacific, one development passed largely unnoticed: after establishing diplomatic relations with Cook Islands and Niue in 2023, Canada in January opened its first Pacific high commission in Fiji, co-located at the British High Commission. That move should be understood less as a strategic turning point than as a symptom of broader geopolitical recalibrations in the Pacific. However, and while modest in scale, the opening of a high commission formalises Canada’s commitment to deeper engagement in the region.
It positions Fiji, a reputed regional hub and influential Pacific nation, as Canada’s gateway to the Pacific. In its Indo-Pacific strategy, Canada defines itself as a Pacific nation, a claim that entails both spatial projection and political performance. Those ties are not new; Canadians share historical, cultural and long-standing trade and development ties with the people of the region.
Since 2000, Canada has provided more than AUD$500 million (US$349) in development assistance to Pacific Island countries, mostly through regional initiatives rather than country-specific ones. Recent commitments include $40 million (US$27 million) over five years for regional development priorities. As highlighted in the Boe Declaration, climate change is an existential threat for the Pacific islands. Initiatives linked to climate security are therefore particularly appreciated. In November 2023 during the 52nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Rarotonga, Canada increased its contribution to the Kiwa Initiative from US$10 million to US$16 million. The initiative aims to improve Pacific climate resilience by ‘protecting, sustainably managing and restoring biodiversity’. Military personnel from Canada also embarked on USS John L Canley for the Pacific Partnership 2025, a five-month multinational civic assistance and disaster management preparedness mission. Canada might be discreet, but it is not absent.
All of the above contribute positively to Canada’s aim of being seen as an active, engaged and reliable partner in the region. However, in its Indo-Pacific strategy, only a few Pacific island countries (notably Fiji and Samoa) are mentioned, despite accounting for almost half of the countries in the region (Canada counts 40, 14 of which are Pacific islands, excluding Australia and New Zealand). It may need to keep in mind what Dame Meg Taylor feared in 2018: the risk of ‘privileging the “Indo” over the “Pacific”’. The Blue Pacific narrative and its associated 2050 strategy hoped to recalibrate the balance.
Canada’s membership of the Partners in the Blue Pacific (PBP) initiative won’t mitigate this risk, nor will co-chairing a maritime domain awareness working group alongside the US, aimed at coordinating and implementing the capacity support offered to Pacific Island countries. There are indeed indications that external partners have mobilised the Blue Pacific narrative to serve their own interests, framing their actions in ways that may weaken, or bypass established Pacific regional decision-making processes. The PBP initiative provides the clearest illustration of this dynamic: it was met with some scepticism, as it was ‘announced solely by the partners’, creating ‘the impression that it had circumvented regionalism despite the rhetoric claiming to respect Forum-centrality’.
Synergies can be found between the Indo-Pacific and Blue Pacific agendas, especially on maritime security and climate change. Canada might want to keep a low profile on critical minerals, as it’s a controversial topic in the Pacific. It should be willing to increase its involvement in the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing through the Forum Fisheries Agency (while considering here that Canada’s military is in a death spiral, and most of its major fleets are unavailable or unserviceable, limiting its capacity to assist materially).
Pacific island countries are eager to engage in diversification and secure reliable partnerships in line with the regional ‘friends to all, enemies to none’ mantra. Canada has an opportunity to play its cards right on people-to-people connections and engage in a relational approach that does not see the region through in terms of great-power rivalry…. PACNEWS
Elise Barandon is a PhD candidate in international relations at Paris Pantheon-Assas University and is a visiting fellow at the Australian National University. She is also a navy reserve officer, and co-editor at Le Rubicon.