In this bulletin:
1. SOL — South Pacific islanders strive to rescue their home from toxic legacy
2. CNMI — Major disaster declaration granted for CNMI as Sinlaku recovery begins
3. PACIFIC — Women seek brighter way forward for equality at summit
4. PACIFIC — Fiji Foreign minister Ditoka calls for stronger MSG unity to face global shocks
5. PACIFIC — Governments must prioritise response to hybrid threats, says expert
6. GUAM — Tenorio-Muña Barnes team promises more homes, more jobs, a new high school
7. FIJI — Qereqeretabua opposes ‘Christian State’ proposal
8. KIRIBATI — U.S Government provides Health Assistance to Kiribati to combat ongoing rotavirus outbreak
9. TONGA — Niua MP keeps parliamentary seat pending Appeal Court decision
10. PACNEWS BIZ — Pacific stake grows as new rules for North Pacific swordfish take shape
11. PACNEWS BIZ — Mixed reactions as Fiji govt backs Vuda plan
12. PACNEWS BIZ — Tonga Govt’s subsea geothermal pilot to cut diesel reliance underway
13. PACNEWS DIGEST — Chokepoints and conflict: How the Hormuz crisis is exposing global shipping vulnerabilities
SOL – MINES/TOXIC LEGACY: UN NEWS CENTRE PACNEWS 2: Mon 27 Apr 2026
South Pacific islanders strive to rescue their home from toxic legacy
HONIARA/GENEVA, 27 APRUL 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) —More than 80 years after World War Two, the Solomon Islands remain one of the most heavily mine-contaminated places in the Pacific.
Today, the UN is supporting the process of making the land safe to walk and build on again, but the risk to public health from corroding munitions is growing.
For many years, islanders have suspected that this toxic legacy has been harming them and their children, and now a UN-partnered study has found strong evidence to back this up, by confirming the presence of heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium and explosive residues.
Leading the study – funded by the Government of Japan and supported by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) – Dr Stacey Pizzino from the University of Queensland explained that the risk for islanders is growing as unexploded ordnance – known as UXO – is part of daily life there.
“You can see UXO in the reefs when you’re travelling, when you look down off a boat,” she told journalists in Geneva. “Unexploded ordnance are used as anchors in the canoes and children are interacting with devices on a regular basis.
“In one area that we were in, we were hearing explosions on a fairly regular basis and the children were playing with the devices and harvesting the explosives out of them to create bangers, to blow up coconuts.”
Dr Pizzino noted reports of sore eyes, rashes and breastfeeding babies developing mouth ulcers, boils and rashes, after their mothers had eaten suspected contaminated seafoods.
In another case, she described how a mother brought a bag of munitions confiscated from children that they had found under water, on a reef.
Testing of the dust in the bag containing the devices showed “incredibly high levels of lead…There’s no safe level of lead for children,” said Dr Pizzino. “It has health impacts in terms of brain development.”
The UN study’s findings are the first of their kind in the Pacific.
At Lever’s Point and other sites, soil samples revealed elevated levels of heavy metals. The highly explosive compounds TNT and PETN were also detected. In some locations, traces were found in marine life, including shellfish.
The episode highlights the long-term consequences of unexploded ordinance and the need to protect public health, urgently.
Making areas safe is a slow and complex operation because the contamination threat is vast.
But it changes everything.
“The Explosive Ordnance Device unit comes and blasts lots of bombs,” said Fred, a farmer from Gavatu island. “When we know the area is clear, we can relax. We can plant crops. We don’t worry for the children.”
For UNDP, making the land and reefs safe is central to development.
“Unexploded ordnance had always been an important issue,” says UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Raluca Eddon.
“Time is running out as more hazardous chemicals leak into the environment, harming reefs, sea life and coastal communities.”
Another islander, Billy, who’s a farmer and fisherman, agrees. “Now we understand there might be an even greater risk,” he says. “We want the bombs to be removed. We want to live in safety.”
While UNDP’s research does not claim to represent the entire country nor establish a definitive causal link, the combined environmental evidence, community reports and observed health patterns point to a “credible and growing risk”, the agency says….PACNEWS
CNMI – TYPHOON DAMAGE RESPONSE: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 2: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Major disaster declaration granted for CNMI as Sinlaku recovery begins
SAIPAN, 27 APRIL 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES)—A major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands was approved Friday morning, unlocking expanded federal aid as Saipan, Tinian and Rota begin the long recovery from Super Typhoon Sinlaku’s island‑wide destruction.
CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King‑Hinds confirmed the approval, saying the declaration followed urgent coordination with federal partners to accelerate the CNMI government’s request.
“President Trump has just signed the major disaster declaration that we have been working to expedite on behalf of the CNMI government,” she said.
CNMI Governor David Apatang specifically requested individual assistance, public assistance, including direct federal assistance for residents who are the hardest hit by typhoons and need it.
“And so this is the first major step to be able to unlock and open up federal support for the people in the CNMI who desperately need it at this very critical time. And we will get out more information to our community through various media outlets as soon as we get them,” King-Hinds said.
Apatang’s formal request to the White House earlier this week sought the full suite of federal disaster programs: Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Direct Federal Assistance. He also asked for a 100 percent federal cost share for emergency work and debris removal during the initial recovery period.
Under standard FEMA rules, the federal government typically covers 75 percent of eligible disaster costs, with the state or territory responsible for the remaining 25 percent.
A 100 percent cost share would temporarily shift all eligible costs to the federal government, relieving the CNMI of its local match requirement. For the commonwealth, already facing strained finances, widespread utility damage, and significant recovery expenses, the waiver would allow the government to focus its limited resources on immediate community needs rather than scrambling to meet matching‑fund obligations.
Apatang said the request reflects the scale of Sinlaku’s destruction and the Commonwealth’s limited capacity to absorb recovery costs without federal relief.
Super Typhoon Sinlaku battered the CNMI with destructive winds, torrential rain, and prolonged island‑wide outages. Early assessments show extensive impacts to homes, power systems, water production, ports, and road networks.
The Apatang administration and FEMA officials have yet to provide the full extent of devastation or the estimated dollar amount of damages, noting that assessments are still underway.
On Saipan, widespread damage to power lines and well fields continues to slow restoration. According to the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation’s April 23 situational report, Feeder 1 is partially online and has energised the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp.
A total of 15,624 power customers remain affected, including 11,769 residential homes. Water service has reached about 33 percent of customers, or 2,909 households, while 11,637 customers, including 5,849 homes, still lack running water.
Tinian remains without grid power, with all feeders offline and 1,059 customers affected, including 739 homes. Despite the power outage, Tinian’s water system is operating at 98 percent capacity, though some residents may experience low pressure.
Rota has made the most progress in restoring utilities. Feeder 1 is fully online and Feeder 2 is operating at 98 percent capacity. Water service on the island is fully restored.
Sinlaku also destroyed several emergency communication towers and cell towers across the islands, severely disrupting phone and data service.
The loss of these towers also knocked out land‑mobile radio systems used by police, firefighters and emergency responders, forcing agencies to rely on limited backup radios and in‑person relays during the height of the storm. Officials said the communications failure significantly complicated early rescue efforts and slowed coordination between agencies.
Even before the government issued the all‑clear, the Saipan Mayor’s Office, led by Mayor Ramon Camacho, began clearing major roadways to reopen access for emergency responders. Mayor’s Office staff continued debris removal through the week, focusing on heavily impacted routes and residential areas.
Other agencies, including the Department of Public Works, Parks and Recreation, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, and the Department of Corrections, also mobilized crews. Corrections officers and inmate work details joined the effort, helping clear fallen trees, metal roofing, and other debris across the islands. Officials said the early clearing work was essential to restoring mobility and allowing utility crews to reach damaged infrastructure.
Alongside local and federal efforts, international relief organisations have begun mobilising to support CNMI residents. Samaritan’s Purse has deployed medical teams, generators, and emergency supplies, while World Central Kitchen is distributing thousands of hot meals daily across Saipan, Tinian and Rota. Both organisations are working closely with local volunteers and municipal governments to reach isolated communities and vulnerable residents.
Officials say additional NGOs are expected to arrive as assessments continue and needs become clearer.
Across the CNMI, businesses large and small are struggling to reopen as the islands operate on a patchwork of generator power.
Many grocery stores, fuel stations, restaurants, and hardware suppliers are operating on limited hours due to fuel shortages and the high cost of keeping generators running. Some establishments have reopened only partially, offering reduced services or cash‑only transactions due to unstable connectivity.
Tourism, the Commonwealth’s primary economic driver, has also been severely disrupted. Hotels are relying on generators to maintain basic operations, and many have suspended new bookings while they assess structural damage and wait for stable power and water.
With Saipan International Airport open only for emergency and humanitarian flights, visitor arrivals have effectively halted, and tour operators, transportation companies and small vendors are reporting significant losses.
Other essential services, including clinics, dialysis centres, and elder‑care facilities, are also dependent on generator power. Operators say fuel consumption is high and supply remains uncertain, raising concerns about continuity of care if outages persist.
Government offices remain closed or partially staffed, and many agencies are operating from temporary locations while their buildings undergo safety inspections.
With the major disaster declaration now approved, FEMA is expected to expand its presence in the CNMI, begin intake for Individual Assistance programmes, and coordinate with local agencies on long‑term recovery planning.
The White House has not yet announced whether the governor’s request for a 100 percent federal cost share will be granted…PACNEWS
PAC – WOMEN SUMMIT: AAP PACNEWS 2: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Women seek brighter way forward for equality at summit
MELBOURNE, 27 APRIL 2026 (AAP)—Thousands of feminists – among them former political leaders, current policymakers, advocates and grassroots organisers – will gather for a major gender-equality conference to discuss priorities, plans and challenges for the future of the movement.
Women Deliver, a global organisation advocating for gender equality, will host its 2026 conference in Melbourne this week, the first time the event is being held in the Oceanic Pacific region.
More than 5000 delegates from 185 countries are signed up to attend conference, which was last held in Rwanda in 2023.
The organisation was founded in 2007, but Women Deliver president Maliha Khan told AAP there has never been a more timely convening than in 2026.
“If there’s ever a time for people who believe in equality, in justice, in peace, security and resolving conflict, in democracy and who believe that the climate crisis is the biggest crisis that’s facing humanity, it is now,” she said.
“This is the time for everybody to get together to say that we are not going to be pessimistic … we actually believe there is an optimistic future.
“The only way we’re going to achieve that is for like-minded people who agree on these issues to come together and chart a new way forward.”
The conference comes at a time when the rights of women and girls are under threat around the globe, while gender-equality organisations have had their funding rolled back.
In 2025, the United Nations reported that nearly half of all organisations aiding women in crises faced closure within six months, and 90 per cent of those surveyed had reached “breaking point”.
The five-day Women Deliver schedule is packed with notable speakers from the political sphere including three former prime ministers – Australia’s Julia Gillard, New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern, and Canada’s Justin Trudeau.
Attendees will also have the chance to hear from other global leaders and advocates for gender equality including eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, United Nations deputy secretary-general Amina J. Mohammed, and Olympic gold medallist Emma McKeon.
Topics like climate justice, gender-based violence, increasing representation in leadership and advancing women’s health will be tackled across hundreds of pre-conference, plenary and side sessions.
Coinciding with the conference, an open letter calling for immediate action to end gender-based violence has been released, signed by global leaders across politics, civil society, philanthropy, culture and sport.
Signatories include Me Too founder Tarana Burke, United Kingdom Special Envoy for Women and Girls Harriet Harman, and former New Zealand cricket captain Ross Taylor.
The letter was facilitated by All In, an organisation that unites leaders to accelerate progress on ending gender-based violence.
“At Women Deliver, where global leaders gather to shape the future of gender equality, we face a defining test: whether we will match decades of evidence and advocacy with the scale of action required to forge a future free of gender-based violence,” the letter said.
“With sustained leadership and investment, we know that violence can be prevented.
“And yet, the global response continues to fall dramatically short … accountability is weak, efforts are fragmented, and survivors are too often left out of decision-making processes that impact their daily lives.”
The letter calls for Women Deliver to set concrete actions for policymakers around the world to change the trajectory of gender-based violence.
“There is no neutral position, we either contribute to systems that enable violence, or we help build those that prevent it,” the letter said.
The conference will also focus on the next generation of gender-equality advocates, spotlighting young people working in the sector to improve the lives of young women and girls.
While there are strong and positive commitments globally to protect the rights of adolescent girls, too many of those had not been delivered, Women Deliver Collective Action director Julia Fan said.
“We’ve seen progress on issues like girls’ education in the last 10 or 15 years, but in other areas like adolescent pregnancy, it still remains a really critical issue,” she said.
The conference would help launch a manifesto calling for a new narrative for adolescent girls globally, Ms Fan said.
“Girls are leaders, they’re rights holders, they are a diverse constituency and they need to be in positions of power to really set the direction and to advocate for themselves,” Fan said.
“When we have these strategic moments to convene, it allows us to accelerate the pace and progress of our work and to be more effective.
“The scale and scope of the challenges we face are not something that any one organisation can address on their own, we have to work collectively.”
According to Dr Khan, each speaker and attendee would bring their own perspectives and solutions to gender-equality challenges faced around the world.
“It’s more important than ever that all of us come together, have solidarity, have disagreements, talk through those disagreements and then forge a new way forward,” she said.
The final day of the conference will launch the Women Deliver declaration, which will aim to provide a unifying road map towards gender equality that is rooted in care, solidarity and intersectional justice.
The declaration will be the result of more than 650 consultations with people from every continent in the lead up to Women Deliver, along with hundreds of additional conversations during the conference itself.
“One of the outcomes I would like to emerge from Women Deliver and I would consider it a success is if we no longer allow people to have the same conversations they had five years ago,” Dr Khan said.
“This (declaration) will be one of the deep, contentious discussions that we should be having as a movement before we can decide where we move forward to,” she said…PACNEWS
PAC – DIPLOMACY: FIJI GOVT/PIFS PACNEWS 2: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Fiji Foreign minister Ditoka calls for stronger MSG unity to face global shocks
SUVA, 27 APRIL 2026 (FIJI GOVT/PIFS) — Fiji’s Foreign Affairs Minister Sakiasi Ditoka has called for stronger regional cooperation and integration, warning that unity is key to protecting the Pacific from external shocks.
He opened and chaired the Melanesian Spearhead Group Foreign Ministers Meeting in Suva last week,
Ditoka said the region must sharpen its approach when dealing with partners.
He stressed the need for better alignment between national priorities and external engagement.
A major focus of the meeting was the MSG Trade Agreement, which Ditoka described as central to unlocking economic gains across member countries.
“It is imperative that we progress this work so that our economies can weather any challenge that will come our way.”
Ditoka also pushed for reforms within the MSG Secretariat, calling for a more efficient and results-driven institution.
He said a “fit for purpose” Secretariat must improve operational efficiency and adopt innovative approaches to deliver results.
“Given the constrained environment we operate in, it is imperative we make the best use of what is available for us,” he said.
The meeting also heard from key regional and international partners, including Australia High Commissioner to Fiji Peter Roberts and Forum deputy secretary general Esala Nayasi, who outlined growing geopolitical, economic, security and climate pressures facing the region.
They highlighted the need for closer collaboration to manage these overlapping challenges.
The MSG Governing Body Meeting brought together Foreign Ministers and senior officials from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, the FLNKS, and Indonesia as an Associate Member.
In his address, Nayasi reinforced the urgency of coordinated regional action.
He highlighted the convergence of geopolitical, economic, security and climate pressures and stressed the importance of stronger political alignment and collective responses.
Nayasi said emerging challenges such as the energy crisis and supply chain disruptions require deeper cooperation at both regional and sub-regional levels.
He also reaffirmed Melanesia’s leadership role in shaping Pacific priorities under the 2050 Strategy, and noted ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation between the Pacific Islands Forum and the MSG Secretariat.
The meeting in Suva underscored growing calls for unity as Pacific nations navigate an increasingly complex global environment…. PACNEWS
PAC – HYBRID WARFARE: ISLANDS BUSINESS PACNEWS 2: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Governments must prioritise response to hybrid threats, says expert
NADI, 27 APRIL 2026 (ISLANDS BUSINESS)—Hybrid threats are deliberate campaigns aimed at weakening governments through misinformation, cyberattacks, and disruptions to critical infrastructure.
It is a standalone national security risks that use disinformation and cyberattacks to undermine government trust and operations.
“These campaigns spread false information rapidly through social media and digital platforms. Unlikne Cold War disinformation, current campaigns unfold globally within seconds,” said Professor Dr Carlo Masala, Conference Chair, Centre for Intelligence and Security Studies (CISS), Bundeswehr at the University of Munich, Federal Republic of Germany.
“Hybrid threats operate independently and are not just preludes to military actions, and Governments must treat them as seriously as traditional military threats to national security.”
He warned that misinformation was the most significant hybrid threat, with long-lasting effects, which spreads quickly and is difficult for governments to counter effectively after the fact.
“Cyberattacks during natural disasters, such as jamming GPS or disrupting power to hospitals, pose critical risks. Such attacks can delay humanitarian aid and cause direct harm to civilians.”
Common government mistakes include a lack of preparedness, slow responses, and underestimating impacts.
Masala said governments often do not include hybrid threat scenarios in planning.
“Response times of 48 to 72 hours are too slow to counter misinformation effectively. This delay allows false information to persist and influence public opinion.”
Speaking to Islands Business, he emphasised that hybrid threats require integrated national security responses equal to military threats.
He also said hybrid threats must be fully integrated into national security planning and emergency response frameworks.
“These threats are independent forms of operations that require dedicated resources and attention,’’ Masala said.
“Governments need to abandon any notion that hybrid campaigns are secondary to physical military conflicts.”
Masala added national security strategies should include rapid detection and countermeasures for digital misinformation and cyberattacks.
“A shift toward a ‘hybrid’ response model is necessary to match the speed of attacks.”
He noted that speed and integration were critical to effective threat response, and officials need tools and processes to respond within seconds or minutes, not days.
“Integrated planning must consider hybrid threats alongside natural disaster responses. This approach helps prevent misinformation from taking hold during crises,” said Masala…..PACNEWS
GUAM – POLITICS: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 2: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Tenorio-Muña Barnes team promises more homes, more jobs, a new high school
HAGATNA, 27 APRIL 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES)—Guam Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio and Senator Tina Muña-Barnes, who are seeking to be the Democratic Party’s standard bearer, have collected over 4,500 signatures to secure their ballot placement in the 01 August primary, the Let’s Go Guam campaign said.
The campaign said the Tenorio-Muna Barnes team submitted the signatures on their nomination petitions to the Guam Election Commission on Friday afternoon.
“The team’s submission is more than nine times above the required 500-signature minimum to be an official candidate for the 2026 election and also higher than all other gubernatorial tickets that have filed so far,” according to a statement from the campaign.
Tenorio and Muna Barnes promise to “expand efforts to bring renewable energy online, build more homes for low- and middle-income families, open a new vocational high school, increase training for technology sector jobs like advanced manufacturing and communications and leverage military investments into civilian infrastructure.”
The Tenorio-Muna Barnes team is in a three-way race for the party’s gubernatorial nomination. Senator Therese Terlaje and her running mate, Senator Sabina Perez, filed their candidacy on Friday. Senator Joe San Agustin and his running mate, former Senator Dwayne San Nicolas, were the first to file in February.
Speaking to friends and family after filing their nominating petitions, Tenorio and Muña-Barnes said their campaign envisions “a prosperous future—rooted in the values of faith, hope and charity.”
“I’ve been reflecting on the hardworking people who raised Tina and me through our lives and careers,” Tenorio said.
“People who showed us that dignity comes from working with purpose each and every day. They showed us that faith is about much more than what you preach — it’s about what you do for others, especially those who have been given a harder path,” he added.
According to the campaign, the Tenorio Muña-Barnes team’s platform centres on “affordability” and making Guam “a more viable place to build a career and raise a family.”
“I believe in Josh Tenorio. I believe in his character. I believe in his judgment. I believe in his leadership in the moments that matter most.
“Josh understands something simple: complaining identifies a problem, but only cooperation solves one. And Guam does not need more noise. Guam needs leaders who can bring people together and move real work forward,” Muña-Barnes said…PACNEWS
FIJI – POLITICS: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 2: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Qereqeretabua opposes ‘Christian State’ proposal
SUVA, 27 APRIL 2026 (FIJI TIMES)—Fiji deputy Speaker of Parliament and National Federation Party MP Lenora Qereqeretabua has spoken out against calls to declare Fiji a “Christian State” in the Constitution, warning it would undermine equality and ignore the country’s history.
In a statement shared on social media, Qereqeretabua said such a move fails to reflect Fiji’s diverse identity.
“Calling Fiji a ‘Christian State’ in the Constitution ignores our own history,” she said.
She pointed to the country’s political past, including the coups since 1987, as a reminder of the dangers of using identity to define belonging.
“The coups from 1987 and onward showed us what happens when identity is used to decide who belongs. We should have learnt that lesson,” she said.
Qereqeretabua emphasised that Fiji is a multi-religious society and that constitutional changes would not alter people’s beliefs.
“Fiji is not one religion. Yes, many of us are Christian — but changing a clause in our supreme law does not change our psyche, nor our ‘Christianity’,” she said.
She warned that elevating one religion above others risks eroding democratic principles.
“The moment we elevate one religion, we move away from equality and democracy,” she added.
Qereqeretabua reaffirmed her support for maintaining Fiji as a secular state, advocating for mutual respect among all communities.
“I vote for a secular state and ‘you do you’, with all our blessings continuing to celebrate each other without prejudice as we have done for decades,” she said…..PACNEWS
KIRIBATI – HEALTH ASSISTANCE: US EMBASSY PACNEWS 2: Mon 27 Apr 2026
U.S Government provides Health Assistance to Kiribati to combat ongoing rotavirus outbreak
TARAWA, 27 APRIL 2026 (US EMBASSY)—In response to the on-going rotavirus outbreak in Kiribati, the United States is providing essential disinfectants and health supplies, as well as strengthening risk communication within local communities to promote hygiene practices, safe water use, and seeking care early to stop the outbreak and protect public health.
Recognising the high toll of this outbreak on the i-Kiribati people, especially young children, the United States is committed to working with the Government of Kiribati to respond to this outbreak, build self-reliant health systems, and prevent the spread of disease before it reaches U.S shores, ensuring the safety and security of Kiribati, the Pacific, and the United States.
U.S life-saving health assistance is being closely coordinated with the Government of Kiribati via UNICEF to ensure timely and effective relief for those most in need.
As families grapple with the toll of this serious outbreak, this U.S assistance is a testament to the longstanding bonds between the United States and Kiribati….PACNEWS
TONGA – POLITICS: TALANOAOTONGA PACNEWS 2: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Niua MP keeps parliamentary seat pending Appeal Court decision
NUKU’ALOFA, 27 APRIL 2026 (TALANOAOTONGA)—The People’s Representative for Niua 17,Lataifaingata’a Tangimana, will remain a member of Tonga’s Legislative Assembly while the Court of Appeal considers an election dispute over his seat.
The Legislative Assembly confirmed that a special sitting planned for 27 April, which was expected to formally unseat Tangimana, has been cancelled after the Supreme Court granted a stay of execution on an earlier ruling.
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly had received a certificate on 09 April from Hon. Justice Garlick KC confirming that the Supreme Court had declared Tangimana’s 2025 election void following an election petition, Finau v Tangimana (CV54/2025).
That certification triggered parliamentary procedures for the Niua 17 representative to lose his seat, with MPs notified on 13 April of a meeting scheduled solely for that purpose.
However, a further letter from Justice Garlick, received on 20 April, advised that the court had issued a ruling on 11 April granting a stay of execution of the certificate while an appeal is heard.
This means Parliament must pause any move to removeTangimana until the Court of Appeal delivers its decision. The appeal hearing is expected when the Court of Appeal convenes in July 2026.
The Legislative Assembly said the stay applies specifically to the enforcement of the court certificate and does not reverse the original declaration while the appeal remains before the court.
Election petitions are a significant part of Tonga’s post-election legal process and can determine whether by-elections are required. For remote constituencies such as Niua 17, representation in Parliament carries particular weight given transport challenges and limited direct access to central government services….PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
PAC – FISHERIES: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Pacific stake grows as new rules for North Pacific swordfish take shape
HONOLULU, 27 APRIL 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES)—Efforts to update the management of North Pacific swordfish are bringing renewed focus to the Pacific islands, where fishing supports both local economies and daily food needs.
U.S fisheries officials are working with international partners to refine long-term rules for the stock under the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) and the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, the two bodies that oversee highly migratory species across the Pacific Ocean.
The push comes as scientists say the stock remains in strong condition. Recent assessments found that North Pacific swordfish is not overfished, and fishing pressure is below levels associated with maximum sustainable yield, a benchmark commonly used to measure sustainability.
Still, regulators say the current framework guiding the fishery lacks detail and needs improvement to better guide future decisions.
“We would characterize this adopted harvest strategy as recognising that there were good intentions in its development, but it is fairly nondescript in several sections,” said Emily Reynolds, fishery policy analyst at NOAA Fisheries.
That gap has led to new work on a more structured approach known as a management strategy evaluation, or MSE. The process uses simulations to test how different management rules could affect both fish populations and fishing industries over time, especially under changing ocean conditions.
Officials say the effort is also linked to maintaining international sustainability standards.
“For full transparency, some of this interest may also be driven by an interest to maintain a Marine Stewardship Council certification,” Reynolds said.
For Pacific island regions, including Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, the outcome carries broader implications. Fisheries remain central to food security and income, yet many decisions are made through international negotiations that can feel distant from island communities.
U.S officials say stakeholder input will shape the country’s approach as new rules are developed.
“The inputs that you provide today are going to help shape our proposals and our positions this year at IATTC and WCPFC,” said Drew Lawler, principal deputy assistant secretary for international fisheries.
At the same time, industry representatives say the conversation should go beyond overall stock health.
“We’ve seen a decline in CPUE while the stock is assessed at maybe its all-time high levels,” said Eric Kingma, a Fisheries Science Community or relevant fishery management council representative for Region 1, referring to catch per unit effort, a measure of how many fish are caught per unit of fishing effort.
That disconnect has raised questions about how swordfish are distributed across the Pacific and how accessible they are to different fleets. Some scientists point to environmental changes that may be shifting fish farther from traditional fishing grounds. Others highlight economic factors such as rising fuel and bait costs that limit how far vessels can travel.
The issue is further complicated by the nature of the fishery. While some fleets directly target swordfish, a significant portion of the catch is incidental to vessels targeting tuna species, making it harder to manage fishing pressure in a straightforward way.
For island communities, those dynamics matter. Access to fisheries, stability of supply and participation in regional decision-making all influence how benefits from the resource are shared.
As discussions continue, officials say the goal is to build clearer, more measurable rules that balance conservation with economic opportunity….PACNEWS
FIJI – INCENRATOR PROJECT: FBC NEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Mixed reactions as Fiji govt backs Vuda plan
SUVA, 27 APRIL 2026 (FIJI GOVT) —Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has reaffirmed the government’s support for the proposed waste-to-energy project in Viseisei, Vuda.
Speaking on the Radio Fiji One programme Voqa ni Davui, he said the government remains committed to progressing the project.
However, Rabuka stressed that proper processes will be followed, including a thorough review of concerns raised during public consultations.
The proposed development has attracted mixed reactions, with more than 1,000 petition signatures and over 3,000 written and online submissions, as the government continues to pursue its implementation.
“There has been a delay in discussions, but as a government, we support the project. If you look at it, a waste-to-energy plant can help supply electricity to more communities, while allowing the government to redirect resources to areas that still need power.”
Rabuka also made it clear that the government will not rush its decision.
“Because of the objections raised, we will allow the proper processes to take place before it is taken to the government for final consideration.”
According to the TNG Group, if approved, the project, estimated at $1.4 billion(US$630 million), is expected to be completed by 2029. It is projected to create more than 500 jobs and will source waste both locally and internationally….PACNEWS
TONGA- GEOTHERMAL POWER: TALANOAOTONGA PACNEWS BIZ: Mon 27 Apr 2026
Tonga Govt’s subsea geothermal pilot to cut diesel reliance underway
NUKU’ALOFA, 27 APRIL 2026 (TALANOAOTONGA)—The Tonga government has begun testing subsea geothermal technology in a move the government says could transform the country’s long-term energy security and reduce dependence on imported diesel.
The pilot deployment, launched last Wednesday in partnership with United States-based developer Endurance Energy, marks the first stage of a project aimed at harnessing geothermal heat generated by subsea volcanic activity around the kingdom.
The government said around 80 percent of the country’s electricity generation still relies on imported diesel, leaving households and businesses exposed to global fuel price shocks and supply disruptions.
A Memorandum of Understanding between Tonga and Endurance Energy was formalised in February 2026 during the Pacific Agenda Summit in Honolulu, where Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua signed the agreement.
“We are very excited to have the CEO of Endurance Energy, Andrew Redd, and his team launch their subsea geothermal testing in Tonga,” Lord Fakafanua said in a government statement.
He said geothermal power could replace much of Tonga’s diesel base-load generation, helping lower electricity costs and reduce pressure from external shocks linked to geopolitical conflicts and global economic instability.
Recent regional reporting has also highlighted Pacific concerns over energy security and resource sovereignty as countries weigh new energy pathways alongside wider economic pressures.
Endurance Energy chief executive Andrew Redd said Tonga’s environmental standards and willingness to pursue clean energy aligned with the company’s values.
The initial phase will test system performance and operational logistics in Tonga’s marine environment. Results from the pilot will determine whether the project moves to larger-scale development, with the long-term goal of lowering electricity prices and strengthening domestic energy resilience…. PACNEWS
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Chokepoints and conflict: How the Hormuz crisis is exposing global shipping vulnerabilities
LONDON/TEHRAN/NEW YORK, 27 APRIL 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) —The blockading of ships in the Strait of Hormuz as a result of the conflict between the United States and Iran has demonstrated how ships and seafarers have become “leverage in geopolitical disputes,” according to the head of the UN’s International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Since conflict began with the U.S-Israeli bombing of Iran in late February, up to 20,000 seafarers have been stranded on some 2,000 vessels in the Persian Gulf, which is bordered by Iran to the north, unable to pass safely through the narrow waterway.
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the IMO spoke to UN News ahead of a key meeting about maritime security due to take place in the Security Council on Monday.
UN News: What is maritime security?
Arsenio Dominguez: Maritime security covers the protection of ships, ports, seafarers, and maritime infrastructure from any type of security threat, such as piracy, terrorism and cyberattacks.
For States with a coastline, it encompasses, in addition, a wide range of illicit activities that may involve the sea, ships, ports or coasts, including arms and drug trafficking, the illegal trade in wildlife, crude oil theft, human trafficking and smuggling and the illegal dumping of toxic waste.
UN News: Why is maritime security so important?
Arsenio Dominguez: Maritime security is essential because it protects global trade, ensures the safety of seafarers, and keeps supply chains functioning. Without maritime security, maritime development stalls – and without maritime development, sustainable development becomes impossible.
UN News: What has the current crisis in the Strait of Hormuz told us about the threat to shipping and seafarers in conflict situations?
Arsenio Dominguez: It shows that ships and crews are highly exposed in conflict zones, often becoming leverage in geopolitical disputes.
Commercial shipping has been unjustifiably targeted, detained, or attacked, highlighting how fragile freedom of navigation can be.
UN News: What mechanisms can realistically protect seafarers caught in geopolitical conflicts?
Arsenio Dominguez: Information sharing is crucial. Dis-information and misinformation can make it extremely challenging for risk-based voyage planning.
Ship operators and companies must ensure risk assessments are taken before any voyage through or in a conflict area.
Diplomacy and de-escalation of conflict is essential, while the case for naval escorts is limited. Naval escorts are never a sustainable solution.
UN News: How have the threats to maritime security evolved over the past few years?
Arsenio Dominguez: Looking back at maritime security historically, the hijacking of the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro, in October 1985, was a significant terrorist act.
The events of September 11 (2001) in the United States of America raised the question of the vulnerability of ships and, in particular, the possibility of shipping being used as a vector of terrorist activity.
Incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were first highlighted at IMO in the late 1980s, with a surge of reported incidents in Asia.
With the rise of Somalia-based piracy in the early 2010s, focus turned to piracy and armed robbery at sea in the Gulf of Aden and the wider Western Indian Ocean, as well as on the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa.
The need for cooperation, capacity building and information sharing is more important than ever.
UN News: What are the new emerging challenges and how vulnerable is the shipping industry?
Arsenio Dominguez: There are a number of new challenges including cyberattacks on navigation, cargo systems, and port operations, the sabotage of undersea cables, pipelines, and port infrastructure, drone attacks on vessels and vulnerabilities related to autonomous vessels.
Increasing sophistication by criminals operating in the supply chain continues to present unique challenges to the global maritime trading environment.
UN News: To what extent is it becoming more challenging to protect ships and seafarers?
Arsenio Dominguez: More recently, international shipping and seafarers have become caught up in geopolitical conflicts which are not their responsibility.
Ships of different flags and seafarers of many different nationalities have been caught up.
Ships have been subject to uncrewed aerial and surface projectiles. These are civilian merchant vessels without the capabilities to defend themselves from these attacks.
Civilian seafarers are not combatants and should never be a target.
UN News: What are the other potential maritime chokepoints, globally, that could be vulnerable in a time of conflict?
Arsenio Dominguez: Key global waterways for international shipping include:
*Suez Canal
*Bab el‑Mandeb Strait
*Strait of Hormuz
*Straits of Malacca and Singapore
*The Strait of Istanbul, the Strait of Çanakkale and the Marmara Sea
*Panama Canal
Any disruption in these areas would have major global consequences for trade and for food security for populations worldwide.
UN News: What role is the UN playing?
Arsenio Dominguez: IMO works with international partners to support States to build their capacity to prepare for, counter and respond to security threats.
This work focuses on the meaningful implementation of relevant IMO security instruments, effective information sharing, regional cooperation/coordination and legal/legislative reform (such as national legislation to prosecute criminal acts).
More generally, IMO works to promote freedom of navigation through international law (UNCLOS), facilitate diplomatic responses to maritime crises, advocate for seafarer safety and humanitarian protections and to support maritime capacity‑building for vulnerable States…..PACNEWS
