In this bulletin:
1. UN — UNEP pushes to host BBNJ Secretariat as talks enter critical phase
2. PACIFIC — PSIDS push for strong, accountable Ocean governance at BBNJ talks in New York
3. FIJI — USP study finds microplastics in Fiji’s drinking water
4. PACIFIC— All-women crew helping solar energy push in Pacific
5. SOL — PFP says only ‘No confidence motion’ will expose the reality of GNUT’s collapse: Solomon Islands People’s First Party
6. UN — UNEP warns nearly half of migratory species in decline at CMS COP15
7. PACIFIC — Life after service: Guam, CNMI reps seek to ease veterans’ burdens during shift to civilian life
8. PNG — Probe into PNGDF recruitment ordered
9. FIJI — Fiji Media urged to help curb HIV crisis as cases surge
10. UN— Gulf war ‘out of control’, Guterres warns, as UN appoints envoy to push for peace
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji Airways will not cut routes: Minister Gavoka
12. PACNEWS BIZ — Second international cable secured to strengthen Tonga internet resilience
13. PACNEWS BIZ — Richard Yakam reappointed as PNG chief trade officer
14. PACNEWS BIZ — PNG tax breaks queried: World Bank
15. PACNEWS DIGEST — Advanced dating method reveals age of Pacific coral architecture
UN – BBNJ: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Thu 26 Mar 2026
UNEP pushes to host BBNJ Secretariat as talks enter critical phase
By Pita Ligaiula
NEW YORK, 25 MARCH 2026 (PACNEWS) — The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is positioning itself to host the Secretariat of the new high seas biodiversity agreement, as global talks move into a critical phase.
Speaking at the Third Session of the Preparatory Commission for the BBNJ Agreement in New York, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen said urgent action is needed to move from negotiation to implementation.
“Our ocean needs action now. We must urgently move to implementation to safeguard biodiversity, ensure sustainable use and benefit sharing of the high seas. Success will depend on efficient delivery, strengthened capacity and sustained financing,” she said.
Andersen highlighted UNEP’s long-standing role in supporting international environmental agreements.
“For more than 50 years, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has provided institutional support to treaty secretariats. Each of these secretariats operates with the autonomy that is being called for in this room. Each operates with functional, financial and operational independence.”
She stressed that treaty secretariats supported by UNEP remain independent while benefiting from institutional backing.
“Each treaty secretariat is autonomous; each treaty secretariat is not an integral part of the UNEP management or organisational structure.
Each secretariat operates with functional and financial independence under the oversight of the COP. But each treaty secretariat receives UNEP support that Member States are speaking of here today: recruitment and staff management under the UN staff rules, procedural support when requested, accreditation and registration infrastructure, pension fund membership, payroll, audit services, procurement rules and more,” she said
Andersen said the BBNJ Agreement should build on lessons from existing conventions.
“For early impact, it is essential that the BBNJ Agreement pulls experience from all other conventions that have gone before it. This therefore begins with rapidly establishing institutional arrangements to support science, to support decision-making and capacity building that you have identified as a priority. To make this happen, the BBNJ will need a strong, efficient and independent Secretariat. UNEP is ready to serve as the institutional host of this Secretariat,” she told delegates in New York.
She clarified that hosting does not necessarily determine physical location.
“That does not mean physical location. For 34 years the Convention on Biological Diversity — hosted geographically by Canada and institutionally by UNEP — has spurred conservation and sustainable use in action.”
Andersen said hosting the Secretariat within UNEP would align with broader UN reform efforts.
“The UN80 process is seeking to ensure coherence of mandates and enhanced impact. Hosting with UNEP would provide a stable, cost-effective and strategically coherent arrangement in line with what Member States seek in UN80 – avoiding duplicate structures; reducing overheads by leveraging existing, tested systems; and ensuring accountability, transparency and integrity under the overall oversight and direction of the Conference of Parties (COP). That stands for all the 15 Conventions and three science-policy platforms that UNEP has the privilege of hosting today.”
She highlighted UNEP’s experience across multiple environmental agreements.
“UNEP has decades of experience, hosting 15 Multilateral Environmental Agreements and supporting three intergovernmental science-policy platforms. We host many agreements closely linked to the BBNJ: from the Biodiversity Convention; the Montreal Protocol, the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions on chemicals and waste, the Minamata Convention, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, the Convention on Migratory Species, and, as you may know, we are currently negotiating the new plastic pollution treaty.”
She added that UNEP also supports regional marine frameworks.
“We also host the Regional Seas Conventions, dealing essentially with biodiversity within national jurisdiction. The eldest of these Conventions is more than 51 years old. All 18 Regional Seas Conventions span 146 UN Members States, and therefore Member States have deep experience in their collaboration with UNEP on marine and related areas.”
Andersen said placing the BBNJ Secretariat within UNEP would strengthen early implementation.
“By being administered institutionally by UNEP, the BBNJ Secretariat would be within a trusted ecosystem of biodiversity, pollution and oceans expertise with established experience for cooperation, science-policy exchange and early implementation – all while retaining functional, operational and financial independence as prescribed by each of the COPs.”
She said UNEP’s support would be available regardless of where the Secretariat is located.
“UNEP will support Parties irrespective of the secretariat’s physical location. Many of the current Secretariats that UNEP hosts are outside of Nairobi — in Bonn, Geneva and Montreal and across the world.”
Andersen urged countries to consider UNEP as a practical option.
“UNEP respectfully submits that UNEP’s mandate given to us by Member States, our experience and our institutional architecture make us a very efficient and strategic option for the BBNJ secretariat. I invite Parties to consider all options, including and I quote from earlier papers, ‘models of existing treaty secretariats administered by a UN entity’, such as those administered by UNEP,” she said…. PACNEWS
PAC – BBNJ: FBC NEWS PACNEWS 3: Thu 26 Mar 2026
PSIDS Push for strong, accountable Ocean governance at BBNJ Talks in New York
NEW YORK, 26 MARCH 2026 (FBC NEWS) — The Pacific Small Island Developing States have taken a firm and unified position on the future of global ocean governance during the third session of the Preparatory Commission for the BBNJ Agreement.
Delivering the statement on behalf of the PSIDS delegation, Fiji’s Acting Permanent Secretary for Fisheries and Forests, Saimone Tauvoli, outlined a clear vision for a Secretariat grounded in transparency, legal autonomy, and dedicated support for small island developing states.
A key priority raised by PSIDS was the process for appointing the Head of the Secretariat.
Tauvoli stressed that leadership must be elected by the Conference of the Parties, rather than appointed externally, to ensure accountability and institutional legitimacy.
“The Head of the Secretariat must be accountable to the Parties for the implementation of the Agreement and the stewardship of its resources. This is fundamental to the institutional legitimacy of the Agreement.”
PSIDS also called for the Secretariat to operate within the United Nations common system to ensure strong oversight and governance and by leveraging established bodies such as the Office of Internal Oversight Services and the UN Dispute Tribunal, the Secretariat would benefit from robust administrative standards and accountability mechanisms from its inception.
Another major focus was the need for the Secretariat to have international legal personality, enabling it to independently enter into agreements with states and international organisations, arguing that it is essential to effectively deliver on its mandate, particularly in managing the clearing-house mechanism for sharing marine data.
To ensure the agreement delivers meaningful outcomes for island nations, PSIDS reitrated its call for a dedicated Small Island Developing States unit within the Secretariat.
While the Agreement recognises the special circumstances of these states, the delegation emphasised that a specialised unit is critical to address key areas such as capacity-building, technology transfer, marine genetic resources, and area-based management tools.
Following the session, PSIDS also supported a mandate for Co-Chairs to develop a draft decision on the institutional model toward the full operationalisation of the so-called “High Seas Treaty.” ensuring that the voices and priorities of small island states remain central in shaping global frameworks…. PACNEWS
FIJI – MICROPLASTICS: ISLANDS BUSINESS PACNEWS 3: Thu 26 Mar 2026
USP study finds microplastics in Fiji’s drinking water
SUVA, 26 MARCH 2026 (ISLANDS BUSINESS) — A study by the University of the South Pacific (USP) has established the first baseline evidence of microplastics in Fiji’s drinking water, highlighting the need for early action to protect public health.
Published in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment in 2025, the research, led by Associate Professor David Rohindra, examined tap water, groundwater, rainwater, and bottled water.
The study found that microplastics — tiny plastic particles less than five millimetres in size are present in water consumed daily by Fijians, with tap water recording up to 2.90 particles per litre and bottled water also showing contamination. Rainwater had the lowest levels.
The findings come as the world marks World Water Day 2026, placing renewed focus on safe and equitable access to clean water.
Associate Professor Rohindra said the findings should not cause panic but instead encourage timely action.
“We are still below critical thresholds, which means we have a window of time to respond wisely,” he said.
“Our findings show that people of Fiji are ingesting microplastics through drinking water, and this highlights the need for enhanced monitoring, treatment, and public awareness.”
He added that safe, reliable water is essential for healthier communities and can also support gender equality, as women and girls often bear the burden of managing household water.
The study also highlights wider regional concerns, with Pacific Island countries facing similar risks from plastic pollution and limited waste management systems…. PACNEWS
PAC – SOLAR ENERGY: AAP PACNEWS 3: Thu 26 Mar 2026
All-women crew helping solar energy push in Pacific
SUVA, 26 MARCH 2206 (AAP) — A group of Fijian women are being celebrated for a Pacific milestone, with hopes that upskilling female workers could solve the region’s energy and emigration challenges.
This month, University of the South Pacific (USP) engineering students, solar technicians and managers installed an off-grid solar system to power a school.
Renewable energy is now running through four school buildings, 10 teachers’ homes and three hostels of Ratu Naivalu Memorial School, on Fiji’s Waya Island.
This was roughly the first 70th project undertaken by the Its Time Foundation, underpinned by Australian foreign aid, to bring electricity to remote parts of the Pacific nation.
But it was the first carried out by an all-female crew, thought to be a first for the region.
“One of the coolest things that we’ve done in our 15 years,” Its Time founder Rob Edwards said.
“And they absolutely hit it out of the ballpark.”
One of the students involved, Sereana Cabemaiwai, said the project was both fulfilling and overwhelming.
“Knowing what I did, what I contributed to, will contribute to kids’ lives in Ratu Naivalu, it’s emotional for me,” she said.
“Having the experience we just had, I’m really more inclined to work in renewable energy now, more than ever.”
Fiona Dace-Lynn, a director at the Canberra Institute of Technology, said Fiji faced similar issues to luring women into construction and trades as Australia.
She reported high on-site satisfaction from the women engaged in the Waya Island project.
“One of the things they said was they felt comfortable to be able to make mistakes, to test things, and ask questions,” she said.
“Sometimes they don’t get the opportunity to do (that) when they’re probably in most cases the only female on the job.”
The project has been feted at a conference in Suva this week, where dozens of renewable energy enthusiasts and engineers are gathering.
Funding bodies, including donor countries like Australia and New Zealand, as well as the UN and Asian Development Bank, are eager to sponsor solar projects in underdeveloped pockets of the region.
Dace-Lynn said upskilling women was likely to produce another benefit: the retention of a skilled workforce.
Pacific nations must contend with the pull – particularly for young men – to the region’s richer labour markets, including through guest worker schemes in Australia and New Zealand.
“Because women have a caring obligation as well, it’s less likely that women will leave,” Dace-Lynn said.
“It’s absolutely perfect to engage this workforce.
“This is where their family are, where their parents are, and quite often they have children as well.”
Edwards is hopeful that funding will keep coming after “”good conversations with some multilaterals and some others” in Suva.
“We’re hopeful we can come out of this week with some more scaling to come,” he said…. PACNEWS
SOL – POLITICS: INDEPTH SOLOMONS PACNEWS 3: Thu 26 Mar 2026
PFP says only ‘No confidence motion’ will expose the reality of GNUT’s collapse: Solomon Islands People’s First Party
HONIARA, 26 MARCH 2026 (INDEPTH SOLOMONS) — The Solomon Islands People’s First Party (PFP) has announced that the reasons behind its mass exit from the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) will be formally revealed on the floor of Parliament when the motion of no confidence is tabled.
The party is of the view that Parliament not the media is the only appropriate constitutional platform where the truth behind the fractured coalition can be properly debated in the interest of the nation.
In a statement, the party urged the Prime Minister to convene Parliament immediately so that the “substantial and compelling” reasons for their decision can be shared with the nation.
“There is no point trying to score political points in the media. The rightful place for this issue is on the floor of Parliament, where it can be properly debated in the interest of our nation and its citizens,” the statement said.
The party clarified that the resignation of 12 ministers and seven backbenchers serve as a clear and undeniable vote of no confidence in the current leadership of GNUT, under Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.
The Party also reaffirmed its crucial role in the formation of the GNUT Government, noting that it had consistently stood by the coalition during previous challenges in the interest of national stability, despite ongoing internal disagreements.
“We have always stood by GNUT for the sake of national stability. But we could no longer, in good conscience, continue under the current leadership. Our decision to withdraw was a united and principled stand by all our MPs to protect the integrity of our Party,” the statement added.
The Party also clarified that the mass exodus cut across multiple coalition partners.
“The 12 ministers and seven backbenchers that resigned were from PFP alone. Four were from Our Party, two from Kandere and one from U4C. The fact that members from different parties within GNUT resigned is evident that this is not a single-party issue but a clear indication of a fractured and failing coalition,” the statement said.
The statement added, there are disgruntled GNUT members who are still sitting on the other side but lack the courage to stand up.
“The current situation reflects a government that has lost unity, direction, and the confidence of its own members,” it added.
Meanwhile, the burgeoning political crisis in the Solomon Islands has taken a digital turn, as the nation’s new majority coalition formally accused the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) of directing staff to launch a “desperate” and “childish” smear campaign online.
In a blistering statement on Wednesday, the coalition group alleged that political appointees within the PMO have been instructed to disseminate misinformation and “hate messaging” against opposition members on social media platforms.
The coalition labeled the reported tactics as irresponsible, suggesting that the use of state-funded political staff to incite hostility reflects a breakdown in national leadership.
“Rather than fostering unity, dialogue, and respect for democratic processes, these actions point to a troubling strategy rooted in division and intimidation,” the statement read.
“The group further characterised the approach as a sign of “political immaturity” that is “unbecoming of national leadership,” it added.
The accusations come at a high-stakes moment for the Pacific nation.
The opposition coalition maintains that the current administration is now a minority government and is using these smear campaigns as a last-ditch effort to maintain control.
*Desperation Tactics: The coalition argues that resorting to hostility and smear campaigns is a signal of “desperation” from a government “clinging on to power with [a] minority”.
*Call for Stability: Amid the impasse, the group is calling for a return to “stability, transparency, and responsible leadership”.
* Democratic Values: The statement urged the Prime Minister and his advisors to “rise above petty tactics” and instead uphold the core values of democracy and national unity.
The coalition expressed hope that the Prime Minister has not personally endorsed the use of personal assistants to accuse fellow Members of Parliament on public forums.
As the political deadlock continues, observers are closely monitoring whether the administration will move to resolve the crisis through established democratic channels or continue the current war of words…. PACNEWS
UN – COP15: PACNEWS PACNEWS 3: Thu 26 Mar 2026
UNEP warns nearly half of migratory species in decline at CMS COP15
By Pita Ligaiula
CAMPO GRANDE, 26 MARCH 2026 (PACNEWS) — Nearly half of the world’s migratory species are in decline, with global cooperation critical to their survival, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has warned.
Speaking at the opening of CMS COP15 in Brazil, UNEP Deputy Executive Director Elizabeth Maruma Mrema said environmental cooperation remains effective despite global tensions.
“At a time of geopolitical tensions and uncertainty, one important truth stands out: environmental multilateralism works. Cooperation to protect biodiversity — especially migratory species that cross borders and oceans — is both effective and essential.”
She highlighted the scale of the crisis facing migratory species.
“Yet the urgency is clear. Nearly half — 49 percent — of all migratory species listed under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals declining.”
Mrema said no single country can address the challenge alone.
“Protecting these species cannot be achieved by any country acting alone. Their survival depends on coordinated international action.”
She said the location of the meeting reflects the importance of ecological connectivity.
“It is therefore especially fitting that we gather here in Campo Grande, at the gateway to the Pantanal — the world’s largest tropical wetland ecosystem. This extraordinary transboundary biome is a living example of ecological connectivity in action.”
Mrema thanked Brazil for hosting the conference, noting its global environmental role.
“Allow me to express our deep appreciation to Brazil for hosting CMS COP15. Brazil’s leadership is both timely and significant.”
“As the most biodiverse country on Earth, Brazil plays a critical role for migratory species across forests, wetlands, rivers, and oceans. Its ecosystems support global flyways, vast freshwater migrations, and marine routes that connect continents. In many ways, Brazil embodies the very principles of CMS — connectivity, cooperation, and shared responsibility — making it a natural and compelling host for this Conference.”
She stressed that environmental challenges do not respect borders.
“As the writer Haruki Murakami one said: ‘Migratory birds have no concept of borders between countries.’”
“Nor do ecosystems. And nor do the challenges they face.”
Mrema said the Convention has played a key role in global biodiversity efforts.
“Over the years, CMS has built a strong track record in strengthening cooperation and synergies across environmental agreements, contributing to global priorities such as the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals.”
“CMS works closely with other key conventions, including the Convention on Biological Diversity, CITES, and Ramsar, to mention but few.”
She highlighted the importance of the Samarkand Strategic Plan.
“The Samarkand Strategic Plan for Migratory Species 2024–2032 plays a significant role in supporting countries to integrate migratory species into national biodiversity strategies.”
Mrema said UNEP continues to support the Convention’s work.
“UNEP is proud to administer the CMS Secretariat — which is hosted by Government of Germany — and provide scientific, technical, and policy support to Parties.”
“Our scientific work underpins CMS action, including the landmark report on the State of the World’s Migratory Species report issued in 2024. This COP will receive updated status in the past two years.”
“At national and regional levels, UNEP supports countries in implementing CMS obligations, strengthening environmental law, and enhancing access to knowledge through platforms such as InforMEA.”
She highlighted on-the-ground impact through UNEP programmes.
“We also deliver concrete impact on the ground — from administering the African Elephant Fund to supporting regional initiatives such as transboundary ecosystem programmes.”
Mrema also paid tribute to outgoing CMS Executive Secretary Amy Fraenkel.
“Before I finish, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere fond appreciation to Amy Fraenkel for her dedicated leadership and service as CMS Executive Secretary since 2019. Her commitment has greatly strengthened the work of the Convention and its community.”
“For me personally, the fond memory Amy leaves me behind with is her perseverance in highlighting the importance and understanding of the ecological connectivity, a principle which is finding its inspiration in several key documents including the Global Biodiversity Framework.”
She acknowledged Fraenkel’s upcoming retirement.
“As she prepares to retire at the end of May this year, we thank her warmly for her contributions not only to the work of CMS but beyond to the work of the United Nations as a whole especially UNEP in the past years as a regional director of North America and later as a Director in the CBD Secretariat. I wish her a very fulfilling and well-deserved retirement.”
Mrema also announced the incoming CMS Executive Secretary.
“At this point, as notified through a formal CMS Notification, I am pleased to introduce Andrew Raine as the appointed new Executive Secretary of CMS Secretariat as from 01 June 2026. I’m certain that the valuable work at the CMS Secretariat as will be left by Amy will be in safe hands and further grow.”
She reaffirmed UNEP’s commitment to implementation.
“UNEP remains committed to working with CMS, parties, and partners to turn the decisions taken here in Campo Grande into concrete actions — actions that protects migratory species and delivers lasting benefits for ecosystems and communities alike,” said Mrema…. PACNEWS
PAC – VETERANS: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 3: Thu 26 Mar 2026
Life after service: Guam, CNMI reps seek to ease veterans’ burdens during shift to civilian life
WASHINGTON/HAGATNA/SAIPAN, 26 MARCH 2025 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — For veterans, shifting to civilian life after stepping out of service can be a challenging journey, which may be fraught with mental health struggles, unemployment, financial struggles and homelessness.
Two new pieces of legislation recently filed in the U.S House of Representatives seek to smooth the path for veterans during their transition period.
Guam Delegate James Moylan’s proposed Streamline Upgrades for Veterans Act seeks to improve the military discharge review process and ensure veterans receive fair and timely consideration when seeking to upgrade their discharge status.
CNMI Delegate King-Hinds’s H.R. 7795, the Veterans’ Affairs Subcontractor Competition and Opportunity Network Act, or the VA SubCon Act, aims to expand subcontracting opportunities for veteran-owned small businesses within the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs.
Streamline Upgrades for Veterans Act, which Moylan cosponsored with Rep James Walkinshaw, focuses on reducing delays for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, conditions that often impact discharge status and access to earned benefits.
The bill would maintain staffing levels at military discharge review boards through 2030, require the Department of War to report to Congress on the processing timeline, and provide recommendations to improve efficiency.
For many veterans, discharge status can determine access to critical benefits, including healthcare, housing assistance and educational opportunities.
However, longstanding delays and administrative barriers have made it difficult for veterans to navigate the review process and receive the support they have earned.
Moylan underscored the importance of ensuring the system works efficiently and fairly for those who have served, particularly for veterans in Guam and across the Pacific, who may already face additional challenges in accessing federal resources.
“Our veterans should never have to fight another battle just to receive the benefits they earned through their service,” Moylan said.
“When delays stretch into years, especially for those suffering from PTSD and traumatic brain injuries, the system is failing them. This bill takes a critical step toward accountability, transparency and faster decisions for those who need it most.”
Walkinshaw underscored the need to address systemic delays and ensure the review process works for all veterans seeking relief.
“Veterans carrying the effects of trauma and invisible wounds deserve a system that works as efficiently as possible as they seek fair reviews of their military discharge status,” said Rep Walkinshaw.
“That means adequate staffing, timely reviews, and a clear look at the bureaucratic hurdles standing in their way.”
Meanwhile, King-Hinds’s bill directs the VA to establish and maintain a centralized database of certified Veteran-Owned Small Businesses and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses.
The database would be made available to large prime contractors during the federal procurement process to help them identify qualified veteran-owned businesses as they develop subcontracting plans.
Currently, many veteran-owned businesses struggle to gain subcontracting opportunities because prime contractors often rely on existing networks of preferred partners.
“Veterans who start small businesses should have a fair shot at participating in the federal contracting process,” King-Hinds said.
“The VA SUBCON Act will improve transparency and create more opportunities for veteran-owned businesses to build past performance and compete for subcontracting work. This is especially important for veterans in the Northern Mariana Islands, who often face additional barriers accessing federal contracting opportunities from our islands,” she said.
Under the legislation, the VA would use existing personnel, systems and funding to establish the database, ensuring no new offices or additional taxpayer funding are required. The bill also includes a sunset provision, expiring the program on Dec. 31, 2028, to ensure the initiative delivers measurable results…. PACNEWS
PNG – DEFENCE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS 3: Thu 26 Mar 2026
Probe into PNGDF recruitment ordered
PORT MORESBY, 26 MARCH 2026 (THE NATIONAL) — Papua New Guinea Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph told Parliament an investigation has been ordered into the allegations of discrepancies in the recruitment process.
Responding to Morobe Governor Rainbo Paita, over transparency and accountability in the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) recruitment process, he asked Paita to put through follow-up questions for him to provide a statement in Parliament.
“An investigation has been ordered. If there are people who have been through Goldie River Training Depot (GRTD) by shortcut we will not entertain them.
“We have strict protocols that we put in place to make sure that only those people who meet the requirements qualify to go to GRTD.
“If someone has made any shortcuts they will be removed.”
Joseph said that, in his response last week, he had given out some information he knew was true, as it had been provided to him by his department.
He added that he did not think there was any need for him to apologise, since he had spoken in good faith and the information was factual and came from his department.
Among many questions, Paita asked whether Labour Solutions, the firm, engaged to carry out online recruiting had been deregistered due to non-compliance, what criteria were used to select the firm, what the issue was with a particular individual shown in viral videos who was alleged to have used multiple identities, whether he was a first-year university student, and how many other names had been accepted outside the final list submitted by the firm.
Joseph said the result of the investigation would be tabled in Parliament including regional and provincial balance in the current recruitment.
He added they were working to make sure there was balance in the recruitment process.
“The next recruitment will require grade 12 school leavers formed filled and we will recruit directly from the secondary schools,” he said. Joseph told Parliament that similar allegations in 2021 had delayed recruitment and that the Government aimed to grow the force to 7,000 by 2030, compared with the current strength of about 2,000.
Joseph said three firms were brought before the Defence Council and Labour Solutions was chosen.
“I don’t know them whether they are deregistered or not, that I don’t know at this stage. We will find out from the administration team, and we will give that response on the floor,” he said…. PACNEWS
FIJI – MEDIA/HEALTH: FBC NEWS PACNEWS 3: Thu 26 Mar 2026
Fiji Media urged to help curb HIV crisis as cases surge
SUVA, 26 MARCH 2026 (FBC NEWS) — Media organisations are being called on to play a stronger role in Fiji’s HIV response, as the country faces a rapidly evolving outbreak.
UNAIDS Country Director Renata Ram says how HIV is reported can directly influence public behaviour.
“How HIV is reported can actually help reduce stigma and encourage people to seek testing and treatment, or it could go the other way and reinforce misinformation and silence.”
Health officials say Fiji is now seeing a shift in the epidemic, with cases no longer limited to high-risk groups but spreading across the wider population.
HIV Prevention and Community LED Programme Lead Dr Emeli Turara said infections are increasingly being recorded among women and children, including pregnant mothers.
“What we are seeing now is that it is not only affecting a specific population, but it is affecting the wider community.”
She said that early testing is critical to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
“No baby should be born in the country with HIV because we have the treatment and we are able to prevent it.”
World Health Organisation (WHO) representative to the South Pacific Mark Jacobs says HIV is not just a medical issue, but one shaped by communication and public understanding.
“HIV isn’t just a medical issue. It’s a story about people, about communities, about health systems and unfortunately also it’s often a story about stigma and discrimination and misinformation.”
Jacobs adds that the way stories are told can influence how communities respond to the crisis.
“And at the end of the day, how we tell stories shapes how people act and how societies respond.”
Officials are also urging the media to ask tougher questions and stay engaged as the country responds to the outbreak…. PACNEWS
UN – DIPLOMACY/IRAN CRISIS: UN NEWS CENTRE PACNEWS 3: Thu 26 Mar 2026
Gulf war ‘out of control’, Guterres warns, as UN appoints envoy to push for peace
NEW YOEK, 26 MARCH 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) — UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the escalating Gulf war is “out of control”, urging all sides to step back from the brink and allow diplomacy to prevail, as he announced the appointment of a senior envoy to spearhead peace efforts.
Speaking outside the UN Security Council in New York to journalists on Wednesday, Guterres said the conflict had spiralled far beyond what leaders had anticipated.
“The world is staring down the barrel of a wider war, a rising tide of human suffering, and a deeper global economic shock,” he said, adding bluntly: “This has gone too far.”
The Secretary-General confirmed he has appointed veteran diplomat Jean Arnault as his Personal Envoy to lead UN efforts to end the conflict which has upended the entire region with shockwaves spreading worldwide – especially impacting energy markets reliant on the crucial Strait of Hormuz chokepoint.
The envoy will work “more directly on the ground… to support all the efforts for mediation, all the efforts for peace”, engaging with all parties and assessing the conflict’s far-reaching impacts.
Guterres delivered stark messages to key actors.
He urged the United States and Israel that “it is high time to end the war”, while calling on Iran “to stop attacking their neighbours that are not parties to the conflict”.
He also stressed that freedom of navigation, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, must be respected, warning that its prolonged disruption is choking vital supplies of oil, gas and fertiliser.
Highlighting the humanitarian toll, he said civilians across the region were “enduring serious harm and living under profound insecurity”. Referring to Lebanon, he insisted that “the war must stop”, calling on Hezbollah to halt attacks into Israel and on Israel to cease strikes that are “hitting civilians the hardest”.
The Secretary-General also cautioned against the broader global fallout, noting that markets are “in turmoil” and humanitarian operations constrained.
The economic shock, he said, is hitting the most vulnerable hardest, particularly in developing countries already struggling with debt and rising costs.
He pointed to the disruption of fertiliser supplies as a looming threat to global food security.
“Without fertilisers today, we might have hunger tomorrow,” he warned, adding that soaring energy prices risk fuelling inflation and deepening poverty worldwide.
Despite mounting tensions and continued military escalation, Guterres insisted there remains a path forward. “Diplomacy must prevail,” he said. “War is not the answer… We need a way out of this disaster.”
“Diplomacy is the way out. Full respect of international law is the way out. Peace is the way out, said Guterres…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
FIJI – AIRLINE: FIJI SUN PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 26 Mar 2026
Fiji Airways will not cut routes: Minister Gavoka
NADI, 26 MARCH 2026 (FIJI SUN) — Fiji Airways will not pull out of any of its international or regional routes, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka says.
He made the comment at the South Pacific Tourism Exchange at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nadi.
His remarks follow Air New Zealand’s announcement that it will cut four flights to Apia, Samoa, because of fuel supply issues linked to the Middle East crisis.
Gavoka said Fiji Airways had remained resilient during crises such as COVID-19 and periods of political instability to protect the tourism industry.
“The way we operate this country is predominantly through tourism. Fiji Airways has made a commitment that it will not give up on any routes, so it will continue to service all its routes,” he said.
“That is the kind of confidence we need. As someone responsible for overseeing government finances, it gives us a lot of confidence.”
Gavoka said foreign exchange earnings from tourism were vital for Pacific Island nations that relied heavily on imports.
“Between now and October, revenue from tourism is expected to contribute about 70 per cent of government revenue for the year,” he said.
He said it was important to give confidence to the market during the current crisis.
“We need to show that we are handling this situation well. We have policies in place for fuel and other matters that will guide us.”
Fiji Airways Executive Manager Industry, International and Government Affairs and Corporate Communications Kameli Batiweti said the airline remained committed to supporting regional connectivity.
“We are the Pacific Island airline. Our role is to bring the world to the Pacific and take the Pacific to the world,” Batiweti said.
“Tourism Fiji opens the door, and our job is to connect the dots. We work together, not against each other.”
He said while Air New Zealand was reducing flights to Apia, Fiji Airways would continue to protect its regional network.
“It is a hand-in-glove relationship we have with the Pacific Islands, and we need their support,” he said…. PACNEWS
TONGA – SUBMARINE CABLE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 26 Mar 2026
Second international cable secured to strengthen Tonga internet resilience
SUVA, 26 MARCH 2026 (THE NATIONAL) — Tonga is set to significantly improve its communications resilience after the arrival of a second international submarine cable, linking the kingdom to the Hawaiki Submarine Cable network.
The Tonga Hawaiki Submarine Cable Branch System landed in Vava’u last week, marking a major milestone for national connectivity. The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Viliami Latu, who said the new link would provide greater stability and protection against outages.
Dr Latu told Tonga Broadcasting the 383-kilometre cable would strengthen Tonga’s ability to withstand disruptions, particularly following lessons from the Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai eruption in 2022. That disaster severed the country’s only international cable, leaving Tonga largely offline for weeks.
He said the new system would reduce the risk of future telecommunications failures while supporting secure and reliable services. “This is a significant step towards ensuring resilient infrastructure and advancing national digitalisation and economic growth,” he said.
The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, alongside the Government of New Zealand, in partnership with Tonga and Tonga Cable Limited.
Currently, Tonga relies on a single international cable funded by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. The addition of a second connection is expected to improve redundancy, expand access to digital services, and potentially lower costs.
Work is continuing to prepare the cable for full service, expected in the coming months…. PACNEWS
PNG – TRADE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 26 Mar 2026
Richard Yakam reappointed as PNG chief trade officer
PORT MORESBY, 26 MARCH 2026 (THE NATIONAL) — Effective participation in international trade is critical to the country’s economic growth and long-term resilience and requires a stable and resourced National Trade Office (NTO) to deliver this mandate, according to the Papua New Guinea minister responsible for trade.
PNG International Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru said this after reappointing NTO chief trade officer Richard Yakam back to his post.
Maru said one key target of the National Trade Office, under the leadership of Yakam, will be to negotiate a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa) between Papua New Guinea and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The minister said progress in this area has been hampered by the Middle East war, but he would like to see negotiations completed and an agreement signed before the end of this year.
“We will use the Cepa between PNG and the UAE as a template in negotiating similar agreements with other countries including Japan, Thailand, Malaysia and others,” he added.
Yakam is re-appointed as chief trade officer for another four-year term.
He commended him on his contribution and leadership in delivering key reforms that had strengthened PNG’s trade policy and institutional framework.
Maru also thanked the NEC for its decision on the re-appointment, saying continuity and stability was important as PNG focused on securing new and improved market access for PNG exports through Cepas…. PACNEWS
PNG – TAX: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 26 Mar 2026
PNG tax breaks queried: World Bank
PORT MORESBY, 26 MARCH 2026 (THE NATIONAL) — The Papua New Guinea Government needs to make sure its tax policies are helping the country, according to the World Bank.
Hans Fraeters, the World Bank country director for Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, said while the Government gave tax exemptions (tax breaks) to certain groups, these breaks often failed to do what they were supposed to do.
“There are tax exemptions that can be announced for some reason, but when you look into the details, they are not serving their purposes,” he said.
He said the World Bank public finance review 2026 released Tuesday provided recommendations to help the Government evaluate these tax breaks.
Fraeters said without proper evaluation, tax exemptions could result in lost revenue, without delivering the expected benefits.
“So, it’s important to evaluate what tax exemptions are for to make sure that they actually do obtain the stated objective,” he said.
Fraeters said reviewing these exemptions would help ensure that government policies were effective and supported national development.
He said clear objectives and regular monitoring were key to making tax exemptions work and making sure tax exemptions were effective in strengthening the economy and improving services.
He added that better management of such policies would help the country make full use of its resources and support long-term growth.
World Bank senior country economist Reshika Singh said the country was losing revenue because of tax exemptions.
She said the country had made progress in improving its financial position.
But challenges remain, especially in raising stable and reliable revenue.
A key issue affecting revenue collection is the large number of tax exemptions given across the economy.
“There are a lot of exemptions, which basically takes away the revenue from the government – the potential revenue that the Government can get,” Singh said.
She said the exemptions reduced the amount of money the Government could collect.
It was even harder to fund important services and development projects.
Singh said the findings in the review indicated that there was room for the Government to increase revenue by improving systems and making tax policies more effective.
She said addressing exemptions was an important step to ensuring fairness in the tax system…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
Advanced dating method reveals age of Pacific coral architecture
SYDNEY/PAPE’ETE, 26 MARCH 2026 (PHYS.ORG) — Application of an advanced dating technique establishes the first precise construction timeline for houses built out of coral in French Polynesia. The findings reveal previously hidden patterns of architectural development and cultural life in Pacific societies.
The University of Sydney-led study, published in the journal Antiquity, marks the first time uranium–thorium (U-Th) dating has been applied to date historical coral architecture. This method produces precise age estimates without the need for extensive excavation, enabling archaeologists to better understand how European colonisers impacted local cultures across diverse landscapes worldwide.
Associate Professor James Flexner led the research on Mangareva, a group of islands in French Polynesia in the South Pacific, where coral was the main material for houses before timber became dominant in the 1870s.
“Mangarevan people learned the building technique from French Catholic missionaries who arrived in the islands in the 1830s and commenced a large construction programme,” Associate Professor Flexner said. “They built cathedrals, churches, schools, communal bread ovens, watch towers and small stone cottages out of locally sourced coral from nearby shore reefs, as well as beach rock corals from exposed formations on land.”
Europeans kept detailed records of their own buildings but wrote almost nothing about the everyday homes constructed by local Mangarevan families.
“Using the uranium-thorium dating method, we can date the construction materials used in the buildings with remarkable accuracy, giving us more clues to cultural and domestic life in the Pacific and deepening our understanding of colonial heritage,” he said. “Smaller timescales can make a big difference for interpreting the past.”
Unlike radiocarbon dating, which is unreliable for materials less than 400 years old, uranium–thorium dating yields results accurate to within a few years.
“What surprised us was that several coral blocks returned dates earlier than expected,” Associate Professor Flexner said. “A few even pre-dated European arrival, suggesting the builders may have reused older coral taken from nearby sites. But none of the examples showed centuries-long age differences, challenging earlier theories that coral from ancient structures was widely repurposed for 19th century buildings.”
Dating the coral helped the researchers track how everyday life in the Pacific evolved following European contact and continues to be shaped by ongoing colonial influences.
“Some of the evidence we found within the walls of the coral structures, including glassware, cooking pots and ceramics, indicated activities such as feasting events, whereas others pointed to changes in habits of everyday domestic life, from how a family prepares and eats meals together, to how people move throughout the home, how they might pray and worship, or how they sleep. These coral cottages are a microcosm of life itself. They are a huge potential source of information on the social, cultural and cosmological ways of being for Pacific peoples.”
The U-Th dating method was originally used in Polynesia to date prehistoric coral and cave formations, including the initial discovery of the Tonga archipelago and Mangareva Islands, Hawaiian sacred sites, and coral blocks from marae, ancient temples in Mo’orea.
“Expanding the U-Th method to date coral houses as we have done in Mangareva could revolutionise the study of undocumented architecture and people in other pre-European as well as colonial contexts beyond Oceania, including Africa and the Caribbean,” Associate Professor Flexner said.
Precisely dating coral buildings may also eventually help researchers understand historical reef conditions.
‘People think of coral mainly in the context of bleaching and climate change today, but each coral block used for the construction of these houses retains a chemical record of the environment in which the coral grew, offering a historical archive of coral reefs and past ecological change,” he said. “Along with uncovering the cultural histories of colonial landscapes, accessing this archive could prove invaluable for understanding changes to reef systems over time, particularly those resulting from human impact.”
Associate Professor Flexner hopes future collaborations will extend the work to neighboring archipelagos where coral construction also flourished.
“We are actively partnering with communities and local authorities to strengthen conservation and heritage protection in these regions so we can continue to piece together the stories of the past and build a more informed and sustainable future,” he concludes…. PACNEWS