In this bulletin:
1. VAN — British and Lithuanian arrested in major cocaine haul in Vanuatu
2. NZ — Winston Peters signals wider Pacific visa changes after fee cut
3. MARSH — From the Deep Sea to ancient reefs, expedition supports Marshall Islands’ Reimaanlok vision for community-led Ocean conservation
4. PALAU — “We are coming after you”: Palau steps up fight against meth
5. NZ/SAMOA — Row over chiefly title clouds start of PM Luxon’s Pacific tour
6. FIJI — Fiji Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary post advertised
7. PACIFIC— Returning to the ocean: Reviving Pacific ancient knowledge through a new sailing programme
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Guam registers 6,000th H-2B worker, record-breaking number in 30 years
9. PACNEWS BIZ — U.S leads the way to strengthen monitoring and control of fishing in the South Pacific
10. PACNEWS BIZ — Trump administration considering Jones Act waiver amid rising fuel prices
11. PACNEWS DIGEST — New Savai‘i emergency operations centre breaks ground to strengthen island wide disaster response
VAN – DRUGS FIGHT: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS 2: Mon 16 Mar 2026
British and Lithuanian arrested in major cocaine haul in Vanuatu
PORT VILA, 16 MARCH 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST) — A British national and a Lithuanian were arrested after the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) seized 1.6 tons of cocaine on board a yacht at Havannah Harbour in north Efate.
This was confirmed by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Andrew Napuat, during a press conference last Friday.
Minister Napuat said this was the first significant drug haul within Vanuatu, involving a large quantity.
He applauded the VPF for the investigation and works done to locate the boat, to seize the drug and to arrest the British and the Lithuanian nationals who were on board.
He said the two foreigners are now detained by the police to face the court on serious drug charges.
Minister Napuat said the drug was seized by the VPF for forensic testing to establish its purity.
He said the yacht, Inner Smile, entered the Vanuatu waters illegally with Customs and Immigration unaware of its arrival at Havannah.
The yacht already arrived at Havannah on 01 March 2026 during the recent bad weather faced in the country and it was then washed on to a reef by strong waves.
Police now believed that it is the same drug consignment that they were informed about that was believed to have been dropped in the ocean between Fiji and Vanuatu a few weeks ago.
A reliable source said police suspected that it is the same drug because it was not hidden inside the hull but was on the deck of the yacht.
Authorities are still investing the route of Inner Smile and its destination.
The destination of the drug is yet to be confirmed.
Police Commissioner Kalshem Bongran said while the market value of the 1.6 tons of cocaine is unknown, it could worth billions of vatu if confirmed as pure.
The 780 kg of cocaine seized some years ago in Port Vila harbour aboard a selling boat is estimated to have a market value of VT37 billion (US$306,874,385) …. PACNEWS
NZ – VISA FEE: PMN PACNEWS 2: Mon 16 Mar 2026
Winston Peters signals wider Pacific visa changes after fee cut
WELLIONGTON, 16 MARCH 2026 (PMN) — Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says cutting visitor visa fees for Pacific travellers is only the first step in making it easier for people from the region to visit New Zealand.
In an interview on Pacific Mornings, Peters signalled more changes could follow, including longer visas and faster processing for urgent family situations.
From 01 June, the cost of applying for a visitor visa for Pacific nationals will fall from $216 (US$161) to $161(US$95).
Peters says the move is a start, but more improvements are being considered. “It doesn’t [go far enough] but it’s the beginning and it’s in the right direction,” he says.
The Government is now looking at extending some visitor visas from one year to two years to allow Pacific travellers to move easily between their home countries and Aotearoa.
Peters also says officials are working on a faster visa process for emergencies such as funerals or family crises.
“There also is going to be an emergency group of civil servants whose job it is to ensure that when people are applying for a visa in emergency situations like a death, then it is acted with the greatest of speed.
“Because if you want to go to a funeral and it takes two weeks to get the visa, it’s all over. It’s a tragedy and very, very sad for families so that’s another aspect.”
While the fee reduction may help some travellers, Pacific community advocate Arthur Anae says it does not address broader concerns about visa barriers.
“From the positive side, I can say yes it has some benefits for those who want to plan ahead,” Anae told PMN.
“But these are my problems… Why can’t the Pacific people get the same privileges that the other people of the world get?”
Anae says concerns about visa overstayers are mostly overstated. “Only 4000 Pacific people have overstayed, that represents 0.078 per cent of New Zealand’s population. Now, is that worth crying about?”
Anae recently led a petition calling for visa-on-arrival access for Pacific visitors.
The petition gathered nearly 50,000 signatures and has now been referred to Parliament’s petitions committee, which will review submissions before making recommendations to the government.
Anae says the latest visa fee reduction should be seen as a small step but argues more meaningful changes are still needed.
For many Pacific families with strong ties to Aotearoa, he says easier travel would strengthen family, cultural, and community connections across the region…. PACNEWS
MARSH – OCEAN EXPEDITION: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRISTINE SEAS PACNEWS 2: Mon 16 Mar 2026
From the Deep Sea to ancient reefs, expedition supports Marshall Islands’ Reimaanlok vision for community-led Ocean conservation
MAJURO, 16 MARCH 2026 (NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRISTINE SEAS) — National Geographic Pristine Seas begins an expedition this week in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) to provide critical marine biodiversity data for advancing the country’s commitment to ocean management.
The expedition — Pristine Seas’ 50th since its founding — will explore a range of ocean ecosystems known for their resilience and biodiversity.
Conducted at the invitation of the RMI government and in partnership with the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA), Pristine Seas will work alongside local leaders and scientists to survey seven atolls in the Ralik and Ratik chains: Erikup, Ailuk, Taka, Ujelang, Ailinganea, Jemo and Enewetak.
The data gathered will help inform RMI’s Reimaanlok, a national framework for planning and establishing community-based conservation areas. Meaning “look towards the future,” the Reimaanlok process relies on cultural insights and traditional knowledge to drive conservation.
Over the course of three months, the team of scientists, filmmakers, and educators will explore places for which little scientific data has been gathered. They will document the beaches of Erikub Atoll, a critical nesting ground for green turtles in the Marshall Islands, before venturing into the remote waters of Ailinginae Atoll to assess populations of reef sharks and other apex predators. Across Taka and Ujelang, scientists will track thriving colonies of sooty terns, red-footed boobies, and frigatebirds to better understand their vital role on both the land and the surrounding sea.
Beneath the waves, researchers will explore reefs teeming with hundreds of coral species, seeking to document how these vital ecosystems remain resilient in the face of challenges like global bleaching events and other human pressures.
Researchers plan to study uninhabited sites like Enije Island—a green turtle nesting ground—and the shark-rich Enije Channel, where scientists can establish vital ecological baselines. These pristine environments help scientists to define what a healthy ocean looks like, offering rare insights into coral resilience and natural marine behaviours.
By establishing new ecological baselines, the team will evaluate how different reef systems — from pristine, uninhabited atolls to those protected by traditional community management — are affected by global reef bleaching events and other human pressures.
“This expedition is an incredible opportunity to study some of the last wild places in the Pacific Ocean, surveying reefs across a full spectrum,” said lead scientist for the expedition Juan Mayorga.
“We’ll survey reefs and explore depths rarely or never seen, and revisit sites first studied seventy years ago. These places still hold what most of the world has lost.”
Living and working aboard Pristine Seas’ research vessel the Argo, the team will use scientific techniques to capture footage of marine life from just below the ocean’s surface to the mysterious sea floor. Scientists will take surveys while SCUBA diving, drop cameras to the bottom of the sea to collect overnight footage, and float video systems 10 meters below the surface to document the marine life swimming by. Using environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, expedition members will collect small bits of matter that can later be sequenced to identify organisms not always seen with cameras or the naked eye.
“Studying the uninhabited atolls of the Marshall Islands provides a window into how vibrant and resilient coral reef ecosystems can be in the absence of damaging activities,” said Tye Kindinger, Pristine Seas scientist.
“These remote waters serve as a vital baseline for biodiversity.”
Scientists and partners from RMI will plunge into the unknown in Pristine Seas’ state-of-the-art submersible, the Argonauta, to observe first-hand the “twilight zone,” a frontier of deep-sea biodiversity teeming with marine life. The Argonauta is outfitted with mud and water samplers, a nearly 360 underwater view, imaging sonar and more — allowing the team to gather valuable data from one of the least understood parts of the planet.
Throughout the expedition, Pristine Seas filmmakers will capture footage for a documentary film about RMI’s stunning marine biodiversity. Filming in both communities and on the Argo, the team hopes to highlight people’s special relationship to the ocean and illustrate the power of blending traditional knowledge with cutting-edge science.
“Ultimately, the most impactful outcome of our expeditions lies in the melding of traditional knowledge and modern science to help paint a full picture of the marine resources and biodiversity in a region, which in turn can inspire future generations of ocean stewards,” said expedition leader Ryan Jenkinson.
In collaboration with RMI’s Public School System, Pristine Seas will host local educators aboard the Argo to learn more about marine science and co-create educational materials that extend ocean literacy resources into classrooms and communities. The interdisciplinary team of educators from RMI will create videos, lessons, books, posters and interactive activities that will strengthen students’ knowledge of the ocean. Pristine Seas will also host a Ship Day, inviting students to tour the Argo and learn from scientists and filmmakers.
The expedition comes on the heels of RMI’s designation of the National Marine Sanctuaries of Bikar and Bokak in January 2025. The country’s first national marine sanctuary — which covers 48,000 square kilometers of water — provides an exceedingly rare glimpse into a thriving part of the Pacific Ocean. Data from Pristine Seas’ 2023 expedition to RMI helped inform the creation of the marine protected area (MPAs) in Bikar and Bokak. At MIMRA’s request, scientists from the 2023 expedition studied Bikini Atoll, a post-WWII nuclear test site. Surveys identified rare and endangered species, ranking Bikini’s reefs among the most shark-abundant on Earth.
“The Republic of the Marshall Islands has demonstrated incredible leadership in marine management and conservation,” said Kevin Chand, Pristine Seas’ senior director of Pacific policy. “The marine sanctuaries of Bikar and Bokak represent a major leap forward in RMI’s national goal of safeguarding critical biodiversity hotspots and ensuring the sustainable management of its vast marine resources.”
MPAs are a proven solution for countries looking to conserve their ocean. Reserves where fishing and other damaging activities are banned restore marine life within their boundaries. That, in turn, replenishes nearby fish populations and improves local fishing, provides jobs and economic benefits, and builds resilience against a warming ocean.
Pristine Seas started its Global Expedition in 2023 with a mission to spend five years exploring the tropical Pacific and supporting communities and governments in their efforts to protect the ocean. Since 2023, the team has explored and studied the Southern Line Islands, Tongareva, Niue, The Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
Chris Hines, Director of Education for National Geographic Pristine Seas. “We are thankful to collaborate and co-create with the RMI Public School System to extend the Pristine Seas expedition into classrooms and communities. By engaging educators on ocean literacy and inspiring students with media and experiential learning opportunities rooted in Traditional Knowledge, we aim to help activate the next generation of ocean stewards.”
Juan Mayorga, lead scientist for the expedition. “Traditional ocean knowledge in the Marshall Islands runs deep. Navigators from this region crossed open ocean reading how swells bounce off distant islands, weaving stick charts that mapped wave patterns, not coastlines. That intimacy with the sea shaped how they managed their world, keeping uninhabited atolls as reserves, used only with permission and for special occasions. Reimaanlok, RMI’s resource management framework, builds on what communities have always understood: the ocean provides, but only if we care for it. That’s what we hope to pass on, bringing this expedition into RMI classrooms to show how traditional knowledge and modern science work together to protect the ocean…. PACNEWS
PALAU – DRUGS FIGHT: ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 2: Mon 16 Mar 2026
“We are coming after you”: Palau steps up fight against meth
KOROR, 16 MARCH 2026 (ISLAND TIMES) — Palau authorities are escalating their fight against methamphetamine trafficking as Justice Minister Olegeriil warns drug dealers the government is coordinating with U.S and regional partners to track them down.
Officials say new smuggling methods and organiSed international networks are fueling the crisis, prompting a unified national response.
“My special message to those in our community who like to be involved with drugs — we are coming after you.”
That was the warning from Justice Minister Olegeriil as Palau intensified efforts to confront the growing methamphetamine problem in the country.
Youth standing up against illegal drugs.
“We are working with international and regional and domestic partners, interagency partners of Palau, customs, immigration, rangers — we are working with everybody, and we are coming after you,” the minister said during a press conference held two days earlier.
Olegeriil spoke about discussions held during last week’s mid-biennial Joint Committee Meeting, a working-level session leading up to the full meeting scheduled for October.
The Joint Committee Meeting is held twice a year under Compact of Free Association Title III on security and defence relations. The talks provide a platform for Palau and the United States to discuss cooperation on regional security and defence responsibilities.
Olegeriil said illegal drugs — particularly methamphetamine — were a primary topic during the meeting as authorities in Palau confront rising trafficking and drug use.
Elderly standing up against illegal drugs, holding signs on roadsides each day to send a message of solidarity.
The meeting allowed Palau’s law enforcement agencies to meet with representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with other security agencies, to discuss ways to strengthen enforcement capacity.
According to Olegeriil, the discussions focused on improving resources and training to help Palau’s security agencies address drug trafficking networks that now extend beyond the country’s borders.
Officials say the drug trade affecting Palau has reached transnational levels, involving organized criminal groups and new smuggling techniques.
One growing concern raised by the public is the alleged offloading of drugs from ships in open waters before they are transported to shore.
Olegeriil acknowledged that such operations represent a “new and emerging trend” linking Palau’s drug problem to highly organized international criminal networks.
To coordinate the national response, Olegeriil pointed to Executive Order No. 498, signed last month by President Surangel Whipps Jr.
The order created a working group made up of leaders from across Palau’s government. The group is tasked with meeting monthly to develop strategies and coordinate a unified national response to illegal drug use and trafficking.
Officials say the effort is intended to bring together law enforcement, border control agencies and other government partners to strengthen prevention, enforcement and public safety measures as Palau confronts what authorities describe as a growing drug crisis…. PACNEWS
NZ /SAMOA- DIPLOMACY: PMN PACNEWS 2: Mon 16 Mar 2026
Row over chiefly title clouds start of PM Luxon’s Pacific tour
WELLINGTON/APIA, 16 MARCH 2026 (PMN) — A dispute over a planned honorary chiefly title has drawn attention at the start of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s visit to Sāmoa.
Luxon arrived in the capital, Apia, on Sunday as part of a Pacific tour that also includes Tonga. Wellington says the trip is aimed at strengthening ties with two of New Zealand’s closest Pacific partners in the region.
But discussion around the visit has quickly focused on whether Luxon asked to receive a matai title.
Sāmoa’s Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt said the request came from Luxon through New Zealand’s High Commission in Apia.
During his regular Friday livestream, Fofola le Fala, Laaulialemalietoa said officials approached his government about bestowing a title on the visiting leader.
“The office of the New Zealand High Commissioner came to us wanting to bestow a matai title on the Prime Minister,” Laaulialemalietoa said. “I asked them, ‘What is the reason the Prime Minister wants to receive a title?’ They said that he himself had requested it.”
Laaulialemalietoa presented the planned honour in political and cultural terms, suggesting that as a matai, Luxon would have a duty to serve Sāmoa and linked the gesture to wider discussions about visa-free travel for Sāmoans to New Zealand.
Luxon’s office has denied that he asked for the title. According to 1News, a spokesperson for Luxon said that while receiving an honorary title would be a significant honour reflecting the close relationship between the two countries, Luxon did not request it.
The different accounts have prompted political comment in Aotearoa. Labour MP Carmel Sepuloni said the government’s denial means “there are now two differing accounts of how this came about”.
“No doubt questions will continue to be asked about what actually went down,” she wrote on Facebook.
Sepuloni also noted that none of the three current New Zealand MPs of Sāmoan heritage was included in the Prime Minister’s delegation to Sāmoa.
Adding another layer to the issue, a challenge has reportedly been filed with Sāmoa’s Lands and Titles Court seeking to stop the bestowment.
Local reports say a letter opposing the planned bestowment for the title, Tuisinavemaulumoto’otua, was submitted by Feagaimaalii Bruce To’omalatai Uta’ileuo, on behalf of his father, To’omalatai Lepili.
Feagaimaalii told the Sāmoa Observer the names linked to the title refer to sacred places belonging to the To’omalatai family of Apia, and that the family had not been consulted.
He argued that those organising the ceremony do not have the authority to use those place names and asked the court to stop the use of the title.
It remains unclear whether the legal challenge will affect the planned ceremony in Apia on Monday.
The dispute highlights the sensitivity surrounding matai titles, which are deeply rooted in Sāmoa’s traditional governance and community leadership.
Despite the controversy, Luxon’s visit is expected to focus on regional cooperation and long-standing ties between the two countries.
Issues likely to be discussed include regional security, transnational crime, and economic cooperation.
The migration policy may also come up, especially calls for easier travel for Pacific visitors to New Zealand.
Aotearoa is also involved in several development projects in Sāmoa, including the redevelopment of the Savalalo Market in Apia.
The new complex, built after the original market was destroyed by fire, is a ST$30 million (NZ$19.3m) project funded by both governments, with New Zealand contributing NZ$12m (US$6.94 million).
Luxon is travelling with Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti, Police Minister Mark Mitchell, and MPs Tim van de Molen, Jenny Salesa, and Teanau Tuiono…. PACNEWS
FIJI – DIPLOMACY: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 2: Mon 16 Mar 2026
Fiji Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Post advertised
SUVA, 16 MARCH 2026 (FIJI SUN) — The position of Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Trade has been advertised following the pending end of the current contract holder’s term.
The role was advertised by KPMG in the media last week as the contract of current Permanent Secretary Raijieli Taga is scheduled to end in May.
Taga has held the position since 25 February last year following a Cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
She previously served in the Mineral Resources Department where she became a trailblazer for women after securing the director’s position and later becoming the first female Permanent Secretary for the department.
Taga later resumed a role at the Office of the Prime Minister in 2024 before transitioning to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, exchanging positions with Lesikimacuata Korovavala, who is now the Permanent Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister.
Public Service Commission chairperson Luke Rokovada confirmed that Taga had been offered an appointment as Fiji’s High Commissioner to New Zealand on a three-year contract.
“The advertisement was only made last week because we want to ensure the appointment is made before the end of May,” Rokovada said.
“She was offered an appointment as Fiji’s High Commissioner to New Zealand; however, she withdrew her candidacy for personal reasons.”
Rokovada said he was not aware of how many applications had been received so far because the advertisement had only recently been placed.
The vacancy is now open, and qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Sakiasi Ditoka acknowledged Taga’s service and contribution to Government over the past few years and said the door remained open should she decide to reapply.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade has assured that all Fijians in the Middle East, particularly in Israel, remain safe amid escalating tensions in the region.
This includes Fijian embassy staff, peacekeepers, and members of the Fijian diaspora.
“There have been no reports of Fijian nationals being harmed or injured in the conflict,” the Ministry said in a statement.
The security situation in the Middle East remains volatile and unpredictable, with ongoing missile and drone incidents reported in several areas, as well as continued disruptions to airspace and international travel routes.
Fiji’s embassies in Abu Dhabi and Jerusalem are in regular contact with local authorities and the Fijian community. They continue to provide consular assistance where needed in close collaboration with the Ministry of Immigration and other relevant authorities.
The Ministry strongly advises Fijian nationals to exercise a high degree of caution regarding travel to the Middle East. Specifically, it urges citizens to avoid travel to Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen due to armed conflict, missile and drone attacks, and severe security risks.
The Ministry said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary.
“What I can say is that we acknowledge and greatly appreciate the excellent service Taga has rendered to Government over the course of her tenure, including her dedicated contribution to the work of the Ministry,” Ditoka said.
Questions were sent to Taga regarding her resignation and whether she would apply again for the Permanent Secretary position.
However, attempts to obtain a comment were unsuccessful…. PACNEWS
PAC – VOYAGING: PMN PACNEWS 2: Mon 16 Mar 2026
Returning to the ocean: Reviving Pacific ancient knowledge through a new sailing programme
AUCKLAND, 16 MARCH 2026 (PMN) — A new sailing programme is helping Pacific, and Māori reconnect with traditional voyaging knowledge while building confidence on the water.
The Tagaloa Sailing Project, run by Moana Wayfinders Trust, trains participants to become sailing instructors using a mix of Western sailing techniques and traditional Māori and Pacific navigation knowledge.
Founder Sonny Natanielu said his mission is about returning Pacific people back to the ocean.
“It’s easy to talk about these stories, but when people actually get on the water themselves, that’s when they begin to understand who they are and where they come from,” he said.
The programme runs weekly at Hobsonville Yacht Club and brings together participants ranging from teenagers to adults.
Participants spend about 10 months learning sailing skills, water safety and how to read wind and ocean conditions before qualifying to teach others.
“The aim is that once this group qualifies as sailing instructors, we’ll begin offering lessons to the wider community,” Natanielu said.
Auckland Council provided $18,000 (US$10, 421) in 2024 through its Community Impact Unit to support the programme’s launch.
Dickie Humphries, Auckland Council’s Head of Community Impact, said the funding was provided to create a “Pacific Sailing Club”.
Alongside cultural learning, the programme teaches practical water safety skills including life jacket use, capsized yacht recovery and basic ocean safety.
“There are people in the current group who have never touched the water before, and some who are terrified of the water,” Natanielu said.
“Life jackets may not look cool but tell that to the people who died because they didn’t have one. Having sail plans and the right gear for the vessel that you have, real simple things like that.”
Water Safety New Zealand recorded 78 drowning deaths in 2025. In the most recent data, about 90 per cent of craft-related drowning deaths involved people not wearing lifejackets.
The programme has been adopted by Hobsonville Yacht Club, which provides sailing instructors and facilities.
During the Auckland Wooden Boat Festival – part of Moana Auckland, New Zealand’s Ocean Festival – Hobsonville Yacht Club will also offer visitors the chance to try sailing with experienced sailors.
However, Cheyne Stevens, Head of Major Events at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, said the Tagaloa Sailing Project is not formally part of the Moana Auckland programme or the Auckland Wooden Boat Festival.
“Its connection to the festival is through Hobsonville Yacht Club, which has adopted the programme,” Stevens said.
Natanielu said the programme also reflects a commitment to Te Tiriti by bringing Māori and Pacific participants together through shared ocean traditions.
“I’ve got a young Māori girl and three Māori Pacific people in the group who are involved in their marae.”
One of the Māori participants is Jasmin Holden-Whiu, a university student studying environmental science and Māori studies.
“It’s really a big privilege to be able to relearn this knowledge and know that you’re going to share that back with your community and continue these traditions,” Holden-Whiu said.
“A lot of that knowledge has been taken away from us, and we haven’t been able to learn it for the last few decades.”
Despite the enthusiasm, the programme’s location in West Auckland can make it difficult for some South Auckland participants to attend.
Holden-Whiu, who travels from Manurewa each week, said having a similar programme closer to home would make it easier for more rangatahi to participate.
“It’s about reconnecting with our traditional knowledge and recognising our past as voyagers,” Whiu said…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
GUAM – WORKERS: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 16 Mar 2026
Guam registers 6,000th H-2B worker, record-breaking number in 30 years
HAGATNA, 16 MARCH 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — The number of H-2B workers in Guam has surpassed the 6,000-mark for the first time in over three decades, reflecting unprecedented labour demand driven largely by the military buildup and major construction projects.
Ronaldo Duque Acedo, a carpenter employed by Black Construction, is the 6,000th H-2B worker to be registered in Guam.
Guam had approximately 5,000 foreign workers at the height of tourism construction in the 1990s.
“This is a turning point for the construction industry and signals Guam is ready to meet and sustain the growing demand for development and investment,” said David Dell’Isola, labour director.
“Our team has streamlined processes, strengthened oversight, and closely partnered with employers and federal agencies to support a reliable workforce that helps move critical projects forward,” he added.
Originally from the Philippines, Acedo has been employed with Black Construction for six years and has now visited Guam three times.
He began working as a carpenter in the Hangar at Andersen Air Force Base. He then moved to the machine gun range at Naval Base Guam.
Acedo has previously worked in Riyadh, the Middle East, where he earned US$500 a month. He now makes about US$700 in one week.
The daily minimum wage in the Philippines ranges from 470 pesos (US$7.86) to $695 pesos (US11.63), depending on the region.
Guam has been experiencing a construction boom over the past decade, with the U.S National Defence Authorisation Act authorising US$2 billion in annual spending for military projects on island. There were 58 active projects in Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz as of 2024.
Guam has been dependent on the H2-B programme due to a limited pool of local skilled workers.
The Philippines, one of the world’s largest sources of manpower, has been Guam’s recruitment destination.
In 2015, the federal government lifted Guam’s exemption from the 66,000-visa national H-2 B quota, prompting several developers to put the brakes on their projects.
The U.S Department of Homeland Security later eased the rules, noting that the influx of military personnel and activity in Guam would drive a surge in demand in the civilian construction sector, including homes, hospital expansions, and commercial projects.
The labour department noted that although Guam has reached the largest number of H-2B workers in 30 years, the volume of projects exceeds the local availability of skilled workers.
Based on GDOL’s September 2025 employment report, the local workforce comprised 3,740 U.S construction workers, or 10.26 percent of U.S construction workers, roughly double the national average of 5.2 percent.
The labour department said it has been focusing on registered apprenticeship, supporting job training and upskilling the local workforce to fill the long-term jobs that are in demand with the military buildup.
The Guam Registered Apprenticeship Programme provides tax credit incentives to eligible businesses that employ apprentices, who are training in highly skilled trades and occupations such as technicians and automotive.
Eligible businesses are entitled to tax credits against their gross receipts tax liability equal to 50 percent of the eligible training costs paid or incurred by the business.
Guam residents interested in developing in-demand trade skills are encouraged to explore training and apprenticeship pathways offered through the Guam Contractors Association and the Guam Registered Apprenticeship Programme, as well as comprehensive employment and training services available through the American Job Centre…. PACNEWS
PAC – FISHERIES: NOAA PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 16 Mar 2026
U.S leads the way to strengthen monitoring and control of fishing in the South Pacific
PANAMA, 16 MARCH 2026 (NOAA) — At the 14th Meeting of the South Pacific Regional Fishery Management Organisation (SPRFMO), the United States took action to protect American consumers and the U.S fishing industry.
SPRFMO advanced sustainable management and ensured compliance in fisheries that export fish to the United States, which is a priority for this Administration and NOAA.
The meeting was held in Panama City, Panama. The United States led the effort to control effort in the jumbo flying squid fishery through adoption of a conservation and management measure. It included a U.S-proposed 15 percent reduction in the number and size of the vessels allowed to participate in the fishery.
The high seas squid fishery in the SPRFMO Convention Area has been the subject of significant allegations of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and uncontrolled expansion. There are also concerns about labour abuses, particularly onboard Chinese-flagged vessels. The Chinese squid jigging fleet is the largest in the Convention Area, with more that 57 percent of the authoriSed squid jigging vessels flagged to China.
“The work of this Commission is critical to addressing the widespread concerns about illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the squid fishery off the west coast of South America, and the United States has been leading the charge to advance these efforts,” noted Eugenio Piñiero-Soler, NOAA Assistant Administrator. From 2022–2024, the United States imported almost 40.5 billion kilogrammes of squid, valued at more than US$215 billion, from China alone.
The characteristics of the jumbo flying squid fishery and limited available scientific data have so far prevented development of a stock assessment and resulting catch limit. Lower total catches and catch per unit of effort in 2024 generated concerns with the sustainability of the stock. Greater management of the squid fishery was a key focus of the meeting, with several members submitting 10 proposals to address these concerns.
The United States, which chaired a Working Group on squid, led the organisation towards adoption of a final measure that was agreed upon by consensus.
“Reducing fishing effort in the jumbo flying squid fishery is an important step towards more robust management of this fishery. This was a top priority for the United States, and the measure that was adopted lays out a process for ensuring that SPRFMO has science-based management advice to guide its decision-making next year,” explained Alexa Cole, Director of NOAA Fisheries’ Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce, and the head of the U.S delegation.
In addition to the fishing effort reduction, the adopted measure includes a number of provisions aimed at increasing the amount of data available to the SPRFMO Scientific Committee. It directs the Committee to provide the Organisation with management advice to enable further action at the annual meeting in 2027.
SPRFMO also adopted a proposal submitted by the European Union to strengthen the existing port inspection scheme and better align it with obligations under the Agreement on Port State Measures to prevent, deter, and eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Most Members of the SPRFMO, including the United States, are already party to the Agreement, so this proposal will streamline and facilitate implementation.
The EU’s proposal also sought to increase the required inspection rate for foreign fishing vessels entering Members’ ports carrying SPRFMO species from 5 percent to 50 percent. Most Members were supportive of that improvement, but China blocked consensus on this element of the proposal.
The United States also led a two-year process to develop minimum standards for Electronic Monitoring used to fulfill SPRFMO data collection requirements. Colin Brinkman, U.S Department of State, led this effort which was successfully concluded at the meeting.
The Commission adopted a first-of-its-kind measure establishing minimum standards and an accreditation process for domestic electronic monitoring programs in the jumbo flying squid fishery. The Commission resoundingly welcomed this important milestone and expressed gratitude for U.S leadership.
Improved data collection in this fishery is critical to continuing to improve sustainable management. Adding electronic monitoring as a tool will enable increased monitoring of SPRFMO fishing vessels, in particular Chinese-flagged squid vessels. These vessels have historically had observer coverage levels well below any international coverage standards.
The United States also led efforts to progress work on management strategy evaluations for jack mackerel. The United States imports a significant amount of jack mackerel from SPRFMO Members (924,200 kilogrammes from Chile, China, Ecuador and Panama in 2024, valued at US$1,987,021).
The United States co-sponsored a binding measure on minimum crew labour standards for fishing vessels operating in SPRFMO fisheries.
Addressing forced labour and other labour abuses is a top priority for the United States. We are particularly concerned about reports of labour abuses in the squid fishery. Although SPRFMO was unable to agree on a measure, there was agreement to continue the work in an intersessional group with the intention of adopting a revised proposal in 2027.
The South Pacific Regional Fishery Management Organisation has 17 Members: Australia, Belize, Chile, China, Chinese Taipei, Cook Islands, Cuba, Denmark (in respect of the Faroe Islands), Ecuador, European Union, Korea, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, Russian Federation, United States and Vanuatu.
There are two Cooperating non-Contracting Parties (Curaçao and Liberia). The organisation was formed to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable use of the fishery resources of the South Pacific Ocean and to safeguard their marine ecosystems.
The SPRFMO Convention applies to non-tuna fisheries (including jack mackerel, orange roughy, and jumbo flying squid) in the high seas of the South Pacific…. PACNEWS
GUAM – IRAN CRISIS: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 16 Mar 2026
Trump administration considering Jones Act waiver amid rising fuel prices
WASHINGTON/HAGATNA, 16 MARCH 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — The Trump administration is looking into easing restrictions imposed by the Jones Act amid escalating war in Iran that threatens the global fuel supply.
The 100-year-old statute requires goods shipped between U.S ports to be carried on ships that are U.S-built, U.S-flagged and U.S-crewed. It limits the number of tankers domestic shippers can use.
“In the interest of national defence, the White House is considering waiving the Jones Act for a limited period of time to ensure vital energy products and agricultural necessities are flowing freely to U.S. ports,” White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.
Leavitt said the action has not been finalised.
In Guam, lawmakers welcomed the White House’s announcement, which came as countries around the world grapple with a fuel crisis triggered by the ongoing war and rising tensions across key energy routes.
The conflict has cut supply chains and raised concerns over global oil and gas flows.
“President Trump’s consideration of a temporary Jones Act waiver is the right move for American energy and national security,” said Sen. Jesse Lujan, who earlier wrote to Trump, seeking a Jone Act waiver.
“For too long, Guam has been ‘America Last’ in the Pacific, forced to rely on foreign fuel while being trapped by outdated shipping regulations,” he added.
Lujan said a Jones Act waiver could lower gas prices and electricity costs for Guam families.
“I urge the administration to finalize this relief now to protect our economy and our frontline role in the Indo-Pacific,” Lujan said. “While it may be temporary in nature, the realisation of positive results may be beneficial in Guam’s advocacy toward a more permanent waiver.”
Vice Speaker Tony Ada said the Trump administration’s consideration of a temporary Jones Act waiver marks an important step forward for Guam.
“With gas and power prices at crisis levels, this relief is crucial to shielding our families from the overwhelming cost of living,” said Adam, a gubernatorial candidate.
“America’s frontline in the Pacific, Guam should remain a priority in maritime policy decisions,” he said.
Describing the Jones Act as “outdated,” Ada said the shipping restrictions have stifled Guam’s economic growth.
“By strengthening our federal partnership, we can ensure that Guam’s unique geographic realities are respected. This waiver would enable affordable American energy to reach our shores more directly, supporting our local stability and bolstering our role in national security,” Ada said.
There are several pending bills in the U.S House of Representatives, introduced by Rep. Ed Case of Hawaii and co-authored by Guam Delegate James Moylan, seeking to mitigate the effects of the Jones Act on certain U.S jurisdictions.
The Noncontiguous Energy Relief and Access Bill would exempt energy shipments to Guam, Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico from Jones Act restrictions to lower fuel and energy costs.
The Noncontiguous Shipping Relief Act proposes to grant a limited exemption from the Jones Act to Guam and other U.S territories, allowing more competitive shipping.
“The Jones Act inflicts significant economic disadvantages on non-contiguous regions of the United States,” Moylan said in his remarks before a forum hosted by the Cato Institute late last year.
“For Guam, these outdated restrictions translate to inflated prices on essential goods, hindering economic growth and negatively impacting the daily lives of our families. A US$12 gallon of milk is just one glaring example of how these outdated restrictions drive up the price of basic necessities for our people,” he added.
Another bill, the Noncontiguous Shipping Reasonable Rate Act, would cap domestic shipping charges for non-contiguous routes at 10 percent above comparable international rates…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
New Savai‘i emergency operations centre breaks ground to strengthen island wide disaster response
MAOTA, 16 MARCH 2026 (SPC) — Samoa has begun construction of the Savai ‘i Sub-National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), marked by a groundbreaking ceremony.
Designed to be a central coordination hub, the facility will strengthen how emergencies are coordinated on the island and will support preparedness, early actions and response for communities across Samoa’s largest island.
The centre will provide a dedicated space where national and local agencies can work together during emergencies. It is designed to support real-time information gathering, analysis and communication so that responders can make decisions based on accurate and timely updates. This includes coordinating warnings, mapping needs, allocating resources, and ensuring that information reaches communities and decision-makers without delay.
The facility will also include a storage unit and prepositioned humanitarian emergency response supplies (HERS) for Savai‘i. Having HERS on the island is intended to shorten response times by reducing reliance on transport from Upolu during the first hours and days of an emergency. This helps responders deliver support more quickly to families, villages and service providers when movements are restricted or when weather conditions disrupt travel.
The Prime Minister of Samoa, La‘auli Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, highlighted that the investment enhances the capacity of the government and communities to effectively manage the impacts of disasters and emergencies. The Prime Minister noted that Samoa’s recent experiences from cyclones to public health emergencies reinforce the importance of reliable systems on both Upolu and Savai‘i.
“For many years, our people practiced preparedness as part and parcel of Fa’a Samoa, strong leadership and resilient communities, said Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa.
He added, “Today’s groundbreaking is part of a much wider effort led by the Government of Samoa with our partners to contribute to community resilience. A key priority of this work is strengthening early warning and preparedness capabilities across the country. Our partnership with national agencies and development partners is helping us ensure that all Samoan at-risk communities are protected by early warning systems and are prepared to respond to the impacts of disasters and climate change.”
The Acting Deputy Director General Science and Capability and Director of the Geoscience, Energy and Maritime (GEM) Division for the Pacific Community (SPC), Ms Rhonda Robinson, acknowledged the centre’s role in strengthening Samoa’s disaster management arrangements.
“This facility supports Samoa’s ongoing work to strengthen the systems that guide preparedness and response. Emergency Operations Centres bring people together, organise information, and create the environment needed for coordinated decision-making. This is a practical investment that will help responders on Savai‘i carry out their work more effectively,” she said.
European Union (EU) Ambassador to the Pacific, Her Excellency Barbara Plinkert, said the project reflects the value of long-term partnerships focused on community resilience. “The EU is committed to supporting Samoa’s efforts to improve how emergencies are managed. By strengthening coordination and ensuring essential supplies are close to the communities that need them, this centre will help reduce delays and support more effective responses. We are pleased to work with the Government of Samoa and SPC on initiatives that have a direct benefit to people at the local level.”
The construction of the Savai’I NEOC is funded through the European Union’s EDF11 and delivered through the Pacific Community’s Building Safety and Resilience in the Pacific Phase Two project. Support is being provided to the Disaster Management Office, the National Emergency Operations Centre and partners across government, civil society and the private sector to strengthen procedures, equipment, communications and overall preparedness. The Savai‘i centre, the storage facility and the pre‑positioned supplies contribute directly to these national objectives.
For Savai‘i communities, the groundbreaking marked the official start of a facility intended to improve how assistance reaches families during disasters. Community representatives, the Government of Samoa, the European Union, and SPC attended the event.
The Building Safety and Resilience in the Pacific (BSRP) project is an ACP-EU Natural Disaster Risk Reduction Programme initiative funded by the European Union and implemented by SPC in 15 countries across the Pacific and Timor Leste….PACNEWS