In this bulletin:
1. SOL — Opposition MP Kenilorea says Solomon Islands facing ‘Constitutional impasse’ as PM loses numbers
2. PACIFIC — Pacific countries declare fuel emergency as households worldwide pay trillions in hidden fossil fuel costs
3. FIJI — New counter terrorism strategy aims to keep Fiji ahead of threats
4. FIJI — FICAC seeks removal off Attorney-General as reporting authority
5. FIJI — Call to review arms, ammunition security systems: Fiji Defence Minister
6. PACNEWS BIZ — Pacific could use region’s strategic value in fuel negotiations
7. PACNEWS BIZ — Opening Panguna mine seen as key to AROB’s self-reliance: President Toroama
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji tightens company ownership rules, moves to strengthen public finance controls
9. PACNEWS BIZ — Bank of PNG warns citizens not to involve in crypto
10. PACNEWS IN FOCUS — Pacific leaders declared a fuel emergency but some didn’t know about it. It’s not clear what happens next
11. PACNEWS DIGEST — Fiji strengthens Environmental Governance as new law takes effect
12. PACNEWS DIGEST — Inclusion at the Heart of 14 new Community Projects under Samoa CARES
SOL – POLITICS: PACNEWS PACNEWS 2: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Opposition MP Kenilorea says Solomon Islands facing ‘Constitutional impasse’ as PM loses numbers
HONIARA, 23 APRIL 2026 (PACNEWS) — Solomon Islands Opposition MP Peter Kenilorea says the government is now operating without majority support, warning the country is in a “constitutional impasse” that must be resolved in Parliament.
In a statement on the current political situation, Kenilorea said Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele had originally secured strong backing.
“On 2nd May 2024, Jeremiah Manele was voted in as Solomon Islands’ PM by the 13th Parliament in accordance to schedule 2 of the National Constitution of Solomon Islands. 31 MPs voted for him. He got more than ‘absolute majority’ of the vote.”
He said that support has since shifted.
“Last month, some 19 MPs from GNUT withdrew their support from the coalition. The net result is that GNUT now has 22. While the new coalition has 28.”
Kenilorea said the Prime Minister Manele no longer commands the numbers.
“The PM has effectively lost the support he once commanded. Parliament just needs to confirm that he has indeed lost the support he had commanded in May of 2024.”
He stressed that the test must happen in Parliament however, he accused the government of delaying the process.
“We all know the real place to test these numbers is on the floor of parliament. The motion of no confidence against the PM was filed and has now matured and is ripe and ready to be tabled, debated and voted on.”
“But it is clear to me that GNUT is utilising delaying tactics to buy themselves some time to lure MPs from the group of new coalition of 28 back to GNUT.”
Kenilorea alleged attempts to win back support.
“Despite offers being made for ministerial portfolios and promises of cash made, even in writing, to MPs in the group of 28, the group remains solid.”
“Despite false rumours swirling that a number of MPs in the 28 were awaiting to be sworn in with GNUT with instruments already prepared by the PMO for their signature GNUT still remains at 22.”
Kenilorea said pressure tactics have also been used but claimed they have failed.
“Even as the use of provincial politics to pressure us, national leaders, to join GNUT continues, the resolve of the 28 remains unshaken. ‘This is Solomon politics’, some might say.”
He warned the situation has wider constitutional implications.
“But here is the crux of the issue we face as a nation. We are now in a constitutional impasse with GNUT now governing by minority, an affront to the representative government system that is enshrined in the constitution of Solomon Islands.”
Kenilorea also questioned the functioning of Parliament and called for majority rule to be restored.
“Further, we have a Parliament that is now defunct.”
“Let us allow majority rule to once again be reinstated by parliament. Majority rule is the foundation of our governance system.”
He warned of risks to legitimacy if the issue is not resolved.
“Otherwise, questions of legitimacy start to arise, questions surrounding mandate come to the fore.”
Kenilorea said the delay has stretched for weeks despite the numbers holding.
“It has now been five weeks, and yet the new coalition to which I belong remain 28 strong.”
Kenilorea said efforts are underway through different arms of government but insisted Parliament must decide.
“We, the 28, continue to stand for the reinstatement of majority rule.”
“But ultimately, we, and we hope most of Solomon Islands, know that it’s on the floor of parliament that the real test can be carried out,” he said…. PACNEWS
PAC – IRAN CRISIS/FUEL PRICE: 350.ORG PACNEWS 2: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Pacific countries declare fuel emergency as households worldwide pay trillions in hidden fossil fuel costs
SANTA MARTA, 23 APRIL 2026 (350.ORG) — Pacific leaders have declared an emergency over the looming threat of fuel shortages, as fossil fuel dependence and global instability have placed many remote countries at a significant loss.
In addition to the short-term spike in oil prices, new research shows that the total cost of fossil fuels goes much deeper than the current energy crisis.
New research by 350.org shows that on top of soaring energy bills, fossil fuels cost households an additional US$12 trillion in taxpayer handouts, health impacts and extreme weather damage – equivalent to a US$23 million a minute “gift to Big Oil” that costs each person on Earth an additional US$1,400 a year.
That means that consumers worldwide are paying an estimated US$2.50 more per gallon of gasoline through taxes and out of pocket payments subsidising the “hidden costs” of fossil fuels.
In the report “Out of Pocket: How Fossil Fuels are Draining Households and Economies,” recalculated IMF estimates on direct and indirect fossil fuel subsidies. These hidden fossil fuel costs are “silently siphoning trillions away from household budgets and draining state coffers” while a handful of big corporations make windfall profits from the war in South West Asia.
The report highlights that:
*Fossil fuels cause at least US$9.3 trillion per year in extreme weather damage and air pollution deaths, higher than IMF estimates. These are social costs that the fossil fuel industry should be charged with but pay nothing for, and which the public shoulders instead.
*The US$12 trillion owed by the fossil fuel industry annually in avoided costs is more than 100 times total global climate finance — or the money the world has committed to help countries respond to the climate crisis.
*Carbon revenues – or what fossil fuel companies do pay – raised just over US$100 billion in 2024 or less than 2 percent of the US$4.1 trillion annual climate undervaluation in this analysis.
*In the first 50 days of the war, over US$150 billion has been siphoned from ordinary people to oil and gas companies due to soaring energy prices alone.
As decision-makers from over 50 countries gather for the first international conference on a fossil fuel phase-out in Santa Marta, Colombia this week, said that leaders have an unprecedented opportunity to put the world on the right path.
“Decades of delay have turned every oil price spike into a household emergency and every climate‑fuelled disaster into another withdrawal from the savings of the world’s poorest communities,” the group said.
350.org is calling on governments to introduce permanent windfall taxes on fossil fuel profits and other mechanisms to make polluters pay; replace fossil fuel subsidies with targeted support for the world’s poorest; and redirect public finance from fossil fuel expansion towards accelerating renewables for climate resilience and inclusive green industrialisation.
Fenton Lutunatabua, 350.org Pacific and Caribbean Team Lead said: “It has never been more clear that fossil fuels hurt us way more than they are worth. In the Pacific, they have cost us our shorelines, our coral reefs, our cultures and our livelihoods – now the rest of the world can see the hidden cost on their pockets. The war has shown us how fragile a system we’ve built by relying on these polluters to fuel our economies. It’s time we act on this information and shift to a fossil free Pacific.”
Bill McKibben, climate activist 350.org founder said: “A building El Niño means 2026 and 2027 will set new global temperature records, and that will offer yet more chaos, and yet more reminders that it is the poorest people on earth who must bear most of the cost of this ongoing tragedy. We have a narrow path out of these crises, and that path has been illuminated by the bombs from this misbegotten war. It would be a waste and a sin not to seize this moment.”
Anne Jellema, 350.org Chief Executive said: “The economic case for fossil fuels has not just weakened, it has collapsed. Climate chaos and volatile oil prices have pushed ordinary people to a breaking point: unable to afford food, transport, housing or healthcare. Leaders must acknowledge the real costs of fossil fuels and redirect public money where it belongs — into making clean energy a right, not a privilege…. PACNEWS
FIJI – COUNTER TERRORISM STRATEGY: FBC NEWS PACNEWS 2: Thu 23 Apr 2026
New counter terrorism strategy aims to keep Fiji ahead of threats
SUVA, 23 APRIL 2026 (FBC NEWS) — Fiji is moving to stay ahead of emerging security threats, with the Cabinet endorsing a new Counter Terrorism Strategy for 2026 to 2030 aimed at strengthening national preparedness and response.
While the country’s current terrorism threat level remains low, the strategy signals growing concern over evolving risks, including online radicalisation, lone-actor attacks, and rising geopolitical tensions.
The government said the plan takes a proactive approach, ensuring Fiji is not caught off guard as global security challenges become more complex.
The strategy sets out key actions across prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery, while strengthening partnerships between government agencies, communities, and international allies.
Authorities say implementation will be driven through a national action plan, backed by government funding and support from development partners.
The move underscores Fiji’s commitment to safeguarding national security and maintaining stability in an increasingly uncertain global environment…. PACNEWS
SAMOA – CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW: SAMOA OBSERVER PACNEWS 2: Thu 23 Apr 2026
FIJI – ANTI CORRUPTION: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 2: Thu 23 Apr 2026
FICAC seeks removal off Attorney-General as reporting authority
SUVA, 23 APRIL 2026 (FIJI SUN) — Acting FICAC Commissioner Lavi Rokoika has proposed removing the Attorney-General as the reporting authority for the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Making submissions to the Constitution Review Commission, Rokoika said the current requirement for mandatory reporting to the Attorney-General weakened FICAC’s independence.
She said references to the Attorney-General had been removed in their submission, citing concerns that investigations involving members of the Executive, including the Attorney-General, could create conflicts for the Commission.
Rokoika proposed that FICAC report directly to Parliament as a whole, rather than to a specific office holder, to safeguard its independence.
She also submitted that appointments or recommendations by the Judicial Services Commission or the Constitution Offices Commission should require confirmation by Parliament.
She said Parliament would be the best institution to scrutinise the appointment of the Commissioner, as parliamentarians are elected representatives.
When questioned by Commission Chair Sevuloni Valenitabua on why FICAC required parliamentary oversight unlike other commissions, Rokoika said this was to avoid issues similar to the current court case regarding the validity of the Acting Commissioner’s appointment.
Responding to a question by Commissioner John Fatiaki on whether FICAC is weaponised, Rokoika said the issue was one of public perception.
She said concerns about perception affected accountability and international ratings.
Rokoika said FICAC has mechanisms in place to safeguard its operations, including how complaints are handled and processed through to investigations.
She also proposed that whistleblower protection be explicitly included in the Constitution to strengthen safeguards for informants.
In her submission, she recommended that the Commissioner be a qualified judge, with removal processes similar to those for judges in cases of misbehaviour.
Rokoika also said the Commissioner’s tenure should be reduced to three years from the current seven.
On accountability, she said FICAC should submit annual and special reports to Parliament and ensure they are made publicly available.
When asked whether FICAC’s powers should be transferred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Rokoika said the Commission should remain a specialised body focused on anti-corruption, with some responsibilities extending to electoral offences.
The Constitution Review Commission continues to receive submissions this week and is expected to begin public consultations in May…. PACNEWS
FIJI – DEFENCE: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 2: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Call to review arms, ammunition security systems: Fiji Defence Minister
SUVA, 23 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — The Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua says the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) needs to strengthen its security systems following the revelation of unauthorised arms in Fiji.
Tikoduadua was responding to questions regarding the RFMF’s recent confirmation regarding the presence of arms and weaponry in the country that do not belong to the military.
In a statement released recently, the RFMF Commander Ro Jone Kalouniwai said joint intelligence operations have identified an organised criminal network attempting to destabilise the country.
Kalouniwai said documentation gathered during investigations suggests the group has ongoing intentions to target key State infrastructure.
“Fiji a porous nation, we’re an archipelagic State. It’s a porous border, there’s boats and I think over the years people have been able to have the presence of these arms around,” Tikoduadua said.
“In the past, in our short history, we’ve discovered a lot of those, at least the organised ones, the unorganised one are pretty hard to get but I think the onus is on us the people to be aware and conscious of our security and if there’s any information, they know that is important to the recovery of these unauthorised weapons, that they will inform the police or the authorities accordingly.”
Tikoduadua said systems are in place that made the security of the weapons and the arms the way they are to stop people from successfully penetrating these areas.
“People have their own intentions, but the idea is to have systems that discourage them from doing that.
“So, we are glad at this time, when the attempts were made, that they were unsuccessful to do that,” he said…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
PAC – IRAN CRISIS/FUEL PRICE: ABC PACIFIC PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Pacific could use region’s strategic value in fuel negotiations
SYDNEY, 23 APRIL 2026 (ABC PACIFIC) — It’s become increasingly apparent that the Pacific is particularly vulnerable to the global fuel crisis, with fuel accounting for about 20 per cent of total imports in several Pacific nations.
Unlike Australia, Pacific nations can’t rely on mineral exports to bargain for more fuel from Asia, meaning they would likely have to depend heavily on external partners like Australia and potentially China to boost their supplies.
But in a time when the region’s strategic value has already attracted heightened attention from these powers, could the crisis heighten geopolitical competition?
Co-founder of Pacific Economics, Jake Hamstra, says that Pacific states have understood their own strategic importance for a long time.
“They know how to use that importance to secure support. They are practised at diversifying partnerships, at pushing for better terms around aid and grants and so on … But I think they’ll continue to make clear that assistance should align with their priorities rather than outside agendas,” he said…. PACNEWS
B/VILLE – MINING: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Opening Panguna mine seen as key to Arob’s self-reliance: President Toroama
BUKA, 23 APRIL 2026 (THE NATIONAL) — Bougainville’s priority is to re-open Panguna to become economically self-reliant, according to Autonomous Region of Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama.
Toroama said the Autonomous Bougainville Government would need to conduct consultations with Panguna landowners and authorities to help them fully understand the agreement between the Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) and Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited (LMEL).
Awareness and other activities relating to the Panguna Exploration License area one have started after their suspension because of Cyclone Maila.
“There are differing views in the community regarding developments at Panguna,” he said.
“Therefore, representatives from BCL and LMEL will participate in the engagement programme to provide further clarification on their respective roles and responsibilities under the Cooperation Agreement.”
In 2025, ABG signed a memorandum of understanding to partner with LMEL but work in partnership with BCL which has the exploration licence and holds 72.9 percent shares in Panguna.
Since then, two agreements have been put in place.
The first is the non-disclosure agreement where BCL is to provide Panguna assessment reports to LMEL to start its pre-feasibility studies.
In March, both companies signed a cooperation agreement where BCL would allow access to Lloyds Metals to conduct its due diligence.
This to obtain its social licence to engage with the people inside Panguna on how it would conduct its studies in relation to the environment, mineralisation, social and technical assessments.
Toroama said: “A key priority of this key engagement process is to promote inclusive participation, including constructive engagement with individuals and groups who may have concerns or oppose aspects of the current process.”
Bougainville chief secretary Kearnneth Nanei said ABG’s agenda was to ensure that Bougainville become self-reliant as it moved towards independence.
Nanei said Panguna was now at the exploration stage and for landowners to be prepared to stand with ABG to develop Panguna…. PACNEWS
FIJI – COMPANY REGULATIONS: PACNEWS/FIJI GOVT PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Fiji tightens company ownership rules, moves to strengthen public finance controls
SUVA, 23 APRIL 2026 (PACNEWS/FIJI GOVT) — The Fiji Government has approved changes to company regulations and public finance rules, saying the reforms will improve transparency, accountability and compliance with international standards.
In a statement, the Government said Cabinet “endorsed amendments to the Companies Regulations 2015 to strengthen Fiji’s compliance with international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards.”
It said the changes will tighten disclosure requirements, adding the amendments “introduce clearer requirements for identifying and disclosing the true owners of companies, improving transparency and supporting regulatory oversight.”
The Government said the move addresses gaps flagged in international reviews, describing it as “an important step in addressing gaps identified in international assessments and enhancing Fiji’s financial integrity.”
It added the reforms are part of broader efforts to strengthen oversight, stating they will ensure “greater accountability, improved compliance, and continued confidence in the country’s financial system.”
Cabinet also approved the first phase of updates to government financial rules, saying it “endorsed the Phase 1 proposed amendments to the Finance Instructions 2010, aimed at modernising and strengthening Fiji’s public financial management framework.”
According to the statement, the changes align with recent legal updates and system upgrades, noting they are part of reforms “to align financial management practices with the Financial Management (Amendments) Act 2021 and evolving Government systems, including the introduction of updated financial management information systems.”
The Government said the first phase focuses on tightening controls and improving oversight, adding the amendments aim at “enhancing financial controls, strengthening governance and accountability, and increasing the use of digital systems in managing public finances.”
It confirmed more changes are planned, stating: “Further amendments will be introduced in phases to support continuous improvement and ensure effective implementation across Government…. PACNEWS
PNG – CRYPTO: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 23 Apr 2026
Bank of PNG warns citizens not to involve in crypto
PORT MORESBY, 23 APRIL 2026 (THE NATIONAL) — The Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) is warning members of the public to stop being involved in crypto or fast-money schemes.
“BPNG does not license any Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), cryptocurrency-based investment platforms, or fast-money schemes,” bank governor Elizabeth Genia said.
“Scams often promise extremely high returns in short timeframes, such as turning K30,000(US$6,911 into K270,000 (US$62,202) in 28 hours or offering 400 percent returns.
“These entities are not authorised or supervised by the BPNG, meaning participants have no recourse if they lose money.
“Fraudsters often use forged documents, forged signatures of the BPNG governor, and the bank’s official letterhead to claim they are transferring funds held in ‘offshore-accounts’ or from pre-independence holdings.
“Scammers commonly request upfront fees or payments to release or verify funds.”
The recent complaint was about an alleged scammer who has been on the run after taking millions of Kina from more than 5,000 individuals he had lured into investing in a company called BidAsk/Tanglik Finance Investment Company.
The person identified by the Bank of South Pacific Financial Group Limited and police was using the name “Job Piner”, operating out of Jup Centre Building in Port Moresby.
He allegedly promised 400 per cent interest per month on members’ investment money.
Complainant Isaac Kipoi claimed that he invested more than K9,000 and had been waiting for the return on his investment.
The bank has advised that the company account number under the name of Joe Piner has only K26 in it and still active…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS In Focus
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Pacific leaders declared a fuel emergency, but some didn’t know about it. It’s not clear what happens next
By Stephen Dziedzic
SUVA/SYDNEY, 23 APRIL 2026 (ABC PACIFIC) — On Friday last week Pacific leaders declared an emergency over looming fuel shortages.
Or did they?
That’s certainly what looked like, with Solomon Islands Prime Minister and current Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) chair Jeremiah Manele declaring they’d invoked the Biketawa Declaration, the Pacific’s major emergency response mechanism.
But five days after Mr Manele’s statement it’s still not clear who endorsed the move, whether the Pacific has moved to an emergency footing, and exactly what work is underway to help prepare the region for what could be a monumental challenge caused by the chaos in the Middle East.
So, what exactly happened?
Last Thursday the so-called “PIF Troika” (basically the three Pacific leaders who are the past, current and future chairs of the Pacific Islands Forum) met in Nadi, along with the PIF Secretary General Baron Waqa and Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
On Friday afternoon Manele issued a statement declaring that the troika had decided to invoke the Biketawa Declaration to help regional leaders pull together a plan to deal with looming oil shortages.
Unsurprisingly, this generated a few headlines, including on the ABC.
The Biketawa Declaration is the framework which has been used to guide the Pacific’s response to genuine crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and when Australia led a regional effort to restore order in Solomon Islands.
Most of the Pacific might not yet be facing significant fuel shortages, but if Pacific leaders were invoking the declaration, then it looked like a clear sign, they were deeply worried, they could soon be facing supply shocks or shortfalls, with potentially catastrophic consequences.
It would also likely trigger a more concerted regional response to looming supply shocks.
Why are some other Pacific leaders annoyed?
The main problem is that Manele might have jumped the gun.
PIF’s wheels tend to turn quite slowly, and it soon became obvious that Pacific nations which weren’t represented at the meeting (in this case, ten of its 14 members) hadn’t been consulted about the declaration.
On Saturday the PIF Secretariat issued its own statement on the meeting.
It said the three troika leaders recognised the “increasing risks to health fuel and food security” posed by the Middle East crisis and committed to begin work on a “coordinated regional position”.
But it didn’t include a single mention of the Biketawa Declaration.
The statement also concluded with a pretty pointed line which said that ‘consistent with established practice, all forum leaders are consulted on the outcomes of the forum troika’s discussions” — seemingly confirming Manele had moved prematurely.
One government source from a PIF nation said they weren’t necessarily opposed to invoking Biketawa, but said he’d been “totally blindsided” by Manele’s statement.
“There is a requirement for consultation, [and] the troika did not consult,” he said.
It’s not even clear whether Manele secured agreement from troika leaders for his declaration, with at least one of the countries in the room suggesting they’d only agreed to kickstart a consultation process to trigger Biketawa, rather than a full declaration.
Some other PIF members are also a tad suspicious that Manele — who is in a deeply precarious position at home — might be keen to use the crisis to try and bolster his domestic political position.
That suspicion probably wasn’t allayed by the statement which declared that Manele’s “leadership” was “recognised as central to advancing coordinated regional responses at a time of unprecedented global energy challenges” while “ensuring Solomon Islands’ priorities remain firmly represented at the regional level”.
For its part, Australia is steering well clear of any potential controversy, with Pacific Minister Pat Conroy saying earlier this week that was a “question for the PIF Secretariat and the PIF Troika” — not for Canberra.
Why might this be a problem?
There are a couple of possible problems here.
First, the premature declaration risks creating confusion, which could delay the important work which needs to be done on the crisis response itself.
Multiple Pacific officials have spent the last few days trying to work out exactly what the status of the Biketawa Declaration is and whether Manele overstepped the bounds by making his public statement.
Manele also risks putting other PIF members off side, particularly those who have might be irritated that they weren’t consulted, or those who might feel like it’s not yet time to declare a crisis.
While some Pacific leaders have quickly moved into crisis management mode, particularly in smaller Pacific nations at the very end of the supply chain, others are trying to project a sense of calm and normalcy.
Around the same time Manele issued his statement on Friday, Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Jotham Napat was giving a press conference trying to reassure his citizens there was no need for panic buying of fuel.
“The public is advised that there is no current need for concern regarding fuel availability,” he said in a statement.
In private, Vanuatu’s government isn’t so sanguine. In a separate interview its climate minister admitted they weren’t really sure what would happen with fuel supplies beyond June.
But you’d imagine that if the Pacific was going to declare a fuel emergency, then countries involved in the delicate dance of balancing public anxieties and crisis management would prefer to have been looped in before, not after.
It also means that the Pacific’s institutional response to the looming crisis starts off on perhaps the worst possible note — with an internal scramble for clarity, contradictory public messages and uncertainty about the status quo.
The ABC has asked the PIF Secretariat multiple times in recent days whether the Biketawa Declaration has now been invoked, and whether they’d formally begun a region-wide response.
As of Wednesday evening, they hadn’t responded.
So, what happens now?
All that said, not everyone is convinced that Manele’s premature declaration is going to cause serious problems or significantly disrupt its response to the problem.
One Pacific government source pointed out that it’s very likely other Pacific leaders will swing behind Manele’s invocation, even if they were a little blindsided by it.
That’s partly because they won’t want to leave the prime minister exposed or humiliated, but largely because they also see possible fuel shortages as a genuinely existential risk which merits a region-wide response.
A second Pacific source says that it might prove to be just the sort of forcing mechanism that Pacific nations need to start getting to grips with the problem.
Some analysts agree, at least broadly.
University of Canterbury Pacific Regional Security Hub head José Sousa-Santos said while it was obvious that Prime Minister Manele “moved faster than the process necessarily permitted” it “doesn’t mean there wasn’t tacit agreement amongst the troika leaders” about the need to start urgent planning
He said PIF members and regional organisations needed to ratchet up their response and begin to pull together a genuinely Pacific response, regardless of whether Biketawa has been officially triggered.
“The planning for a coordinated regional response should already be underway given the urgent need to address the crisis, and the Biketawa, when or if invoked, will provide the collective framework,” Sousa-Santos said.
And there are plenty of different ideas on the table.
Australia and the U.S have been contemplating a plan that would see fuel redirected from the U.S military to Pacific nations, while Manele has said Australia and New Zealand, along with Pacific nations, should form a single buying bloc in order to maximise their chances of securing oil on an increasingly tight international market.
Sousa-Santos said he saw the logic behind that idea too.
“Australia and New Zealand can strengthen the Pacific fuel buying bloc through leveraging their own influence,” he said.
Australia has vowed not to abandon the Pacific, but for now Canberra isn’t saying exactly what it’s willing to do.
Pacific Minister Pat Conroy told the ABC earlier this week that there would be a “range of possible solutions canvassed” and that Australia would keep in constant communication with the Pacific as they tackled the “huge fuel security challenge” ahead of them…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Fiji strengthens Environmental Governance as new law takes effect
SUVA, 23 APRIL 2026 (SPREP) — Fiji’s Environment Management (Amendment) Act 2025 aims to protect and sustain Fiji’s environment when it comes to development.
Under the current legislation there is a process in place the screens, assesses and approves development proposals across the regulating and licensing agencies with Department of Environment having the final responsibility for decision making.
The 2025 Amendment introduces binding timelines, clarifying that no licence or approval can be issued without the completion of the environmental assessment process.
A three-day workshop was convened by the Ministry of Climate change (MECC) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) to strengthen processes under the 2025 Amendments.
“This moment is a turning point for Fiji’s environmental governance. This is not just about understanding a new law,” said Dr Sivendra Michael, Permanent Secretary of MECC. “It is about how we work together, consistently and accountably, to make sure that development in Fiji does not come at the cost of our environment or our communities.”
He further acknowledged the legislative reform creates both an opportunity and an obligation to build the internal capacity and cross-agency relationship that the new framework demands.
The 2025 amendments respond to emerging gaps in environmental governance by establishing the Department of Environment as the lead government agency responsible for development proposal assessment, guided by licensing authorities who retain their mandates but must now align with the reformed EIA governance framework.
The changes introduce new requirements relating to management of proposals and formalises the full EIA process from screening through to decision-making, public consultation and enforcement.
“SPREP stands by, committed to support our Pacific Islands in translating legislation, regulations and policy into practice,” said Jope Davetanivalu, Director of Environmental Governance of SPREP.
“Fiji’s work towards navigating the balance between development pressure and environmental responsibility holds valuable lessons for many of our islands across the Pacific.”
The workshop spanned the practical mechanics of the amendments as well as building an understanding of the revised EIA workflow. This was also the opportunity to learn of the mandates of the different licensing authorities, and the coordination of all under the new framework.
Embedding gender equality and social inclusion within environmental assessments in Fiji is a key factor under this amended act. Special sessions were held during the workshop to ensure this is strengthened.
Sera Taoi, Senior Environment Officer with the Department of Environment, noted “For the first time, we are having this conversation inside the EIA process itself,” she said. “Not as a separate gender workshop, but as part of how we do our jobs.”
The outcomes of the three-day workshop will feed directly into SPREP’s review of its Regional EIA Guidelines developed in 2016. These will be updated to incorporate a strengthened GESI framework informed by the practical experience and recommendations generated at the Suva workshop.
For Fiji, the immediate next steps are grounded: ensuring that Department of Environment staff apply the new EIA procedures consistently; strengthening the interface between the DOE and licensing authorities under the centralised model; and beginning to integrate GESI screening questions and review criteria into the operational tools that the amended Act requires.
For us, this workshop was also a reminder that environmental governance, at its best, is a collective undertaking. As we heard, Fiji’s forests, coastlines, rivers and communities are not managed by any single agency,” said Davetanivalu.
“Feedback from participants highlighted their increased understanding of the risks of assessing development without considering the different needs of the people impacted and the risks involved, and possible ways to mitigate these based on the reformed legislation. This was very encouraging.”
The Fiji EIA and GESI National Workshop in Suva, Fiji from 12 – 14 April 2026 was convened by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change with technical support from SPREP. It brought together over 30 participants across Fiji’s environmental, regulatory and gender equality and social inclusion landscape, officers from the Department of Environment, licensing authorities including the Departments of Lands, Waterways, Forestry, Fisheries, Town and Country Planning and the iTaukei Land Trust Board, EIA consultants, and representatives from the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection and the Fiji Environmental Law Association (FELA)…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Inclusion at the Heart of 14 new Community Projects under Samoa CARES
APIA, 23 APRIL 2026 (UNDP) — Fourteen new community projects have been announced under the Samoa CARES initiative, supported by the United Nations Development Programme’s Global Environmental Facility Small Grants Program (UNDP GEF-SGP), in partnership with the Australian High Commission and Samoa’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
The successful projects include solar light installation, restoration of freshwater pools, biogas projects, water management and sustainable fisheries and agriculture, empowering communities to build their resilience to climate change through environmental protection and sustainable livelihoods.
Grant awards ceremonies were held in Upolu and Savai’i on 01 and 07 April 2026, and incorporated first-of-their kind Samoa CARES Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Workshops, bringing together successful grantees to build their awareness of GEDSI and share ideas for ensuring all community members are empowered to participate in, and benefit from, their climate adaptation projects.
Samoa already protects social wellbeing through cultural foundations – as the saying goes, ‘O Samoa ua uma ona tofi’. GEDSI facilitator Ofusina Toamua drew upon this concept to emphasise the importance of applying locally led GEDSI principles – which are embedded in fa’asamoa – into community programming and dialogue. Grantees utilised practical tools for understanding the needs of all community members and developed action plans to support inclusion during project implementation.
Australian High Commissioner, Will Robinson, acknowledged the importance of inclusive climate action:
“We know that climate change does not affect everyone equally. Women, people with disabilities, older persons and youth often experience its impacts first and most severely. These groups also have deep knowledge, skills and leadership that, when included from the beginning, make our communities safer and more innovative”
Reflecting on the collaborative efforts of the UNDP and Australian and Samoan governments, Deputy Resident Representative of the UNDP Multi Country Office for Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tokelau, Paolo Dalla Stella, highlighted the importance of the financial grants for Samoa:
“I am pleased to note that these financial grants will play a vital role in delivering much-needed support to our most fragile and vulnerable communities, while also making an important contribution to strengthening the Samoan economy.”
The UNDP GEF Small Grants Program has had a strong impact over more than two decades in Samoa, providing financial support and technical assistance to local communities…. PACNEWS
