In this bulletin:
1. PACIFIC — Pacific nations shaping future of seabed mining rules, International Seabed Authority chief says
2. PACIFIC — Radiation survivors advocate bats for CNMI ‘s inclusion in reparation bill
3. GUAM — No sensitive data taken in hack of GovGuam websites, security gaps exposed
4. PNG — Marape assumes Defence portfolio amid investigation, rejects nepotism claims
5. FIJI — FRCS intercepts 114kg of illicit drugs linked to Fiji
6. FIJI — FEO projects 750,000 voters for next General Election
7. FIJI — META removes controversial accounts
8. PACIFIC — NUV advances Pacific voice in global ocean research at Hong Kong summit
9. PACIFIC — Pair fundraising for Pacific climate change statue
10. PACNEWS BIZ — Ports upgrades tied to 2050 goal
11. PACNEWS BIZ — ADF supports Cook Islands and Pacific partners’ fight against illegal fishing
12. PACNEWS BIZ — Digicel PNG becomes Starlink’s first reseller in Papua New Guinea
13. PACNEWS BIZ — Government sets target of 30,000 workers for Australia Scheme by 2030
14. PACNEWS BIZ — Cook Islands engages in key PACER Plus meeting in Tonga
15. PACNEWS DIGEST — Pacific Leaders chart new course for Weather, Climate and Ocean Services in Honiara
16. PACNEWS DIGEST — Leading by action: Augustine’s journey as a Ni‑Vanuatu woman leader
PAC – SEABED MINING: RNZ PACIFIC PACNEWS 2: Thu 28 May 2026
Pacific nations shaping future of seabed mining rules, International Seabed Authority chief says
WELLINGTON, 28 MAY 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — The head of the UN body mandated to develop regulations for seabed mining in international waters says Pacific countries are playing a big role in shaping the regulations that will govern the future industry.
International Seabed Authority (ISA) secretary-general Leticia Carvalho was in Fiji last week conducting training for Pacific Island nations on what it means to be a sponsoring state of a potential seabed mining company.
There is great interest from the likes of China and the United States in polymetallic nodules found on the deep seabed in parts of the Pacific Ocean’s international waters.
These nodules are rich in minerals such as copper, cobalt and nickel. These metals are highly valued in modern tech – but it remains uncertain how damaging mining would be to the marine environment.
Carvalho told Pacific Waves the region is very important to the ISA process of developing rules for mining, given the strong country positions both for and against.
“Some of them are really close to the idea of mining in the deep sea outside of national jurisdiction. Others are very much attached to the environmental safeguards and cautious about this activity, therefore this region has a big role in shaping the regime.”
She said she respects the opposing views Pacific countries have on the potential future industry.
In Fiji, she met with representatives of Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) member countries and civil society organisations.
She said these are sovereign positions and her role is not to judge but rather to facilitate dialogue.
“And that is why I am here for capacity building, training, bringing my team to support these countries to better understand how they can make decisions internally and how they can sit at the table with others to find consensus in the multilateral space.”
She also acknowledged there were some civil society complaints about exclusion from the training but she clarified that the list of participants was constructed based on the relevance of the subject matter.
“So, this training was particularly formulated to get government officials more enlightened about the responsibilities and how to make deals with contractors and investors.”
Carvahlo said some representatives of civil society networks were present as observers but it was not possible to invite everyone.
Before she left Fiji, Carvahlo did meet with a group of civil society representatives. She says it was good for her to hear their concerns firsthand.
“They still see a big gap in their participation and their voices to be heard in the decision making.
“It was very enlightening for me to see that there is still work to be done in this region to make that communities can really engage and shape and influence decision making.”
The ISA boss encouraged all Pacific Island countries, regardless of their stance on deep sea mining, to participate fully in the International Seabed Authority meetings to make use of this historic opportunity to develop the proper regulations for an industry before it actually begins…. PACNEWS
PAC – REPARATION BILL: PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES PACNEWS 2: Thu 28 May 2026
Radiation survivors advocate bats for CNMI ‘s inclusion in reparation bill
SAIPAN, 28 MAY 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — The Pacific Association for Radiation Survivors has endorsed the Northern Mariana Islands’ inclusion in a fresh proposal to expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act programme.
The CNMI-based Matua Council for Native Chamorro Advancement thanked PARS for including the Northern Mariana Islands in its long fight for justice, saying it would ensure parity for all Pacific radiation survivors.
Robert Celestial, PARS president, wrote to Guam Del. James Moylan, proposing to add the CNMI in his H.R. 7672, the “Parity for Pacific Radiation Survivors Act,” which was introduced in February.
“Our ancestors have left us a legacy that we, the people of the Mariana Islands, are one family,” said Celestial, a U.S Army veteran.
The bill, the latest in a series of attempts to include Guam in the RECA programme, would expand the eligibility and extend the compensation to residents of the territory who were physically present on island for a period of at least one year from 1 July 1946, to 21 November 1992; or for the period beginning on 25 April 1962, and ending on 6 November 1962.
H.R. 7672 would also extend to eligible members of the U.S armed forces who participated on-site in the radiological cleanup of Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands between 1 May 1977 and 31 May 1980.
The RECA programme gives partial restitution to those whose health may have been harmed by their exposure to nuclear fallout and toxic waste.
Celestial had worked for decades with partners and friends from many states and toxic waste communities across the United States to have Guam included in RECA.
Guam’s inclusion in the RECA programme has repeatedly been introduced in the U.S Congress, but the proposal never reached the finish line.
RECA was reauthorised in July last year under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, but Guam was chopped off from the expanded list of eligible jurisdictions. The expanded programme includes New Mexico, Idaho and Utah.
PARS asked Moylan to amend his proposed bill to classify the CNMI as a “downwinder” and make it eligible to receive compensation. Downwinders are communities that were exposed to radioactive contamination or nuclear fallout from nuclear weapons testing.
In a letter to Celestial, the Matua Council claimed the CNMI was not included in Moylan’s original H.R. 7672 because of “non-responsiveness” from the CNMI delegate’s office.
CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds has not responded to the Pacific Island Times’ request for comment.
Celestial said including the CNMI in H.R. 7672 is another opportunity “to correct the injustice” made to the people of Guam and the CNMI.
Matua Council president Liana M.S. Hofschneider expressed hope for a positive response from Moylan’s office.
In 2005, Guam celebrated the National Research Council’s report declaring the territory’s eligibility for compensation under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments programme.
“Guam did receive measurable fallout from atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons in the Pacific between 1946 and 1958,” read the council’s report, which recommended that people living on island during that period be compensated under RECA “in a way similar to that of persons considered to be downwinders.” …. PACNEWS
GUAM – CYBER ATTACK: GUAM PDN PACNEWS 2: Thu 28 May 2026
No sensitive data taken in hack of GovGuam websites, security gaps exposed
HAGATNA, 28 MAY 2026 (GUAM PDN) — No sensitive information was lost in a recent cyberattack that resulted in a lockout from multiple government of Guam websites, acting Chief Technology Officer Bea Santos said, but the attack did reveal gaps in the government’s cybersecurity.
Santos talked about the attack during a Wednesday oversight hearing of the Office of Technology.
The cyber incident, acknowledged by Adelup on May 2, involved hackers targeting a “zero-day vulnerability” in the global cPanel web hosting service used by over 40 GovGuam websites.
Essentially, attackers found and exploited a security vulnerability that was unknown before the attack.
“The good news is that there’s no connection to our government of Guam data,” Santos said Wednesday.
Servers at the OTECH office in Hagåtña housed most of the sensitive data for the Department of Revenue and Taxation and Department of Public Health and Social Services, she said.
Financial data with the Department of Administration was also hosted by Microsoft cloud services, and were not affected by the attack, according to the chief technology officer.
OTECH was notified of the cyber threat shortly before it happened, she said.
“The notification came out for us on 29 April,” Santos said. “By 30 April, several websites were already taken down.”
Santos said that OTECH did not have dedicated cybersecurity personnel to respond in the moment and did not have a web developer on staff.
Months ahead of the attack, an OTECH vendor had also suggested a number of patches, or security fixes, for their system.
Santos said at the time of the attack, they were waiting on a purchase order to be cut so they could get support and apply those patches.
“Fortunately, the vendor was able to respond and contacted cPanel support to get the fix and applied that and was able to save a majority of the websites,” she said. “There are still a few, and it’s ongoing. The websites are still being restored.”
Attackers had made ransom requests for the locked-out websites, which OTECH ignored, according to Santos.
She said their vendor found backups of the websites and were able to restore them.
“Now, the lesson here is that we need to have even more backups and have even more security over these,” Santos said.
She said that OTECH wants to hire dedicated cybersecurity staff and is in the process of creating new positions.
They also want to outsource work to a 24/7 cybersecurity operations center, to act as a consultant and actively hunt for threats.
“The continuous cyberattacks that we experience, we do not have the skill set or the time to go through logs that have thousands of records per hour,” Santos said.
She also recommended that OTECH get a cyber emergency response procurement framework in place.
“We don’t currently have any expedited procurement if we have to respond within 24 hours to a cyberattack,” she said.
Emergency procurement would let them quickly bring on more technical expertise to respond to an attack and let them secure pre-negotiated contracts for cyber response vendors.
Besides the attack on GovGuam’s websites, hackers this year stole $1.8 million from the Judiciary through an email spoofing attack.
At least $1 million of that amount was recovered, DOA Director Ed Birn said earlier this month.
International cybersecurity experts have placed Guam at the forefront of potential targets, on par with Taiwan and Ukraine…. PACNEWS
PNG – POLITICS: NBC PNG PACNEWS 2: Thu 28 May 2026
Marape assumes defence portfolio amid investigation, rejects nepotism claims
PORT MORESBY, 28 MAY 2026 (NBC PNG) — Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape has assumed control of the Ministry of Defence following the voluntary stepping aside of Dr Billy Joseph, heavily defending the move against intense constitutional and governance scrutiny from the Opposition.
The parliamentary session grew heated as Opposition Leader James Nomane and Deputy Opposition Leader Keith Iduhu challenged the legal basis of a minister stepping aside and raised concerns over potential conflicts of interest within the state’s military leadership.
Opposition Leader James Nomane pressed the Prime Minister for clarity on the leadership vacuum within the Papua New Guinea Defence Force [PNGDF] following recent, unspecified scandals at Murray Barracks. Nomane further questioned the Prime Minister’s oversight given rumored ties to the bureaucracy.
“If the Prime Minister is the current Acting Defence Force Minister… and the Secretary for the Defence Force is also related to the Prime Minister, does that not raise serious allegations of conflict of interest and a lack of governance?” Nomane asked.
Marape flatly rejected any claims of nepotism regarding Defence Secretary Hari Akipe.
“I want to put it on record, he’s got no blood relation to me whatsoever,” Marape said. He clarified that the Secretary secured his position through merit on an open public tender during his first term. “He had his job on merit, and merit will maintain his job or send him out of a job.”
The session saw multiple points of order raised by senior opposition figures regarding parliamentary and constitutional procedures.
Dr Billy Joseph interjected early to clarify that his removal was not punitive.
“I stepped aside and the Prime Minister did not sideline me. This is something that is unprecedented,” Joseph told the house.
However, Deputy Opposition Leader Keith Iduhu quickly challenged the legal validity of the arrangement under PNG law.
“There is no such thing as stepping aside at law,” Iduhu stated in a point of order. “According to the Defence Act or the Constitution, there is no permission for a Minister to step aside. The Minister should resign or be terminated. Which is it? What is the legal basis?”
Former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill supported this view, arguing that a minister is sworn into the National Executive Council as a singular office and cannot have individual portfolios sliced away while remaining in Cabinet.
Marape dismissed the technical objections, arguing that a Prime Minister retains the executive authority to reallocate or absorb specific portfolios at any time. He clarified that Dr Joseph had only relinquished the Defence portfolio but remains a Minister of State overseeing his other gazetted responsibilities, including National Disaster, Fire Services, and the National Volunteer Service.
The Prime Minister confirmed that a comprehensive investigation into the recruitment process and lawlessness at Murray Barracks is nearing completion, backed by a high-ranking Brigadier General from the Australian Defence Force to ensure total impartiality.
The probe is scrutinising the state’s entire defense leadership structure including the Minister, Secretary and Commander of the Defence Force.
“This investigation started with no element of bias or preconception,” Marape assured Parliament. “We allow for the investigation to run its course, and when the report is complete, those who have offended the procedures of recruitment in the PNG Defence Force will be dealt with accordingly.”
The Prime Minister committed to making the full investigation report public in Parliament as early as next month to restore public credibility to the sovereign institution…. PACNEWS
FIJI – DRUG FIGHT: FIJI TIMES PACNEWS 2: Thu 28 May 2026
FRCS intercepts 114kg of illicit drugs linked to Fiji
SUVA, 28 MAY 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service says Fiji remains vulnerable as a transit hub for transnational crime, with around 114 kilograms of illicit drugs intercepted during 2023 and 2024.
In its submission to the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, FRCS revealed there were 18 illicit drug interception cases during the two-year period.
The interceptions included three cannabis cases involving 0.5388kg and 12 methamphetamine seizures totalling 19.749kg locally.
FRCS also revealed that three additional offshore detections in New Zealand and the United States uncovered a further 93.798kg of methamphetamine destined for Fiji.
“Altogether, the combined total reached approximately 114kg, highlighting Fiji’s vulnerability as a transit hub,” the submission stated.
The authority said only one seizure involved sea freight, while the remainder were intercepted through air freight operations.
FRCS said the interceptions highlighted both the growing threat of transnational organised crime and the effectiveness of enhanced border security operations.
“These interceptions demonstrate both the persistent threat of transnational crime and the effectiveness of Fiji’s enhanced border controls,” FRCS stated.
The revenue authority said it had strengthened operations through intelligence-led targeting, advanced screening technology, container scanning and the expanded use of canine units.
FRCS also confirmed closer collaboration with the Fiji Police Force, Fiji Navy, Immigration, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit and international enforcement agencies.
To further strengthen border security, FRCS is now advancing several major initiatives, including a dedicated container examination facility, expanded CCTV surveillance, a yacht management system, enhanced maritime enforcement partnerships and a new coastal maritime strategy.
The authority said Fiji’s response combined technology, intelligence and international cooperation to strengthen border protection and regional security…. PACNEWS
FIJI – ELECTION: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 2: Thu 28 May 2026
FEO projects 750,000 voters for next General Election
SUVA, 28 MAY 2026 (FIJI SUN) — The Fijian Elections Office is projecting around 750,000 registered voters for Fiji’s next General Election as nationwide voter registration and awareness campaigns continue across the country.
Speaking during a media briefing Wednesday, Supervisor of Election Ana Mataciwa said voter registration remains ongoing, with outreach teams currently operating across all four divisions.
“So, our projection for the upcoming General Election, we’re looking at 750,000 voters to be registered,” she said.
Mataciwa said the Elections Office would release updated figures for the National Register of Voters, including divisional and age group statistics, after local outreach activities conclude in June and overseas registration ends in July.
“We will provide the next update on our total registered number of voters after we round off our outreach,” she said.
She confirmed that teams are visiting villages, settlements, tertiary institutions and secondary schools to register eligible voters and assist people needing updates or replacements for their voter cards.
“The purpose of this outreach was to provide both voter registration and awareness,” Mataciwa said.
Between 1 May and 15 May, the Elections Office recorded more than 3,100 new voter registrations nationwide.
The office is also providing mobile voter registration services for elderly and sick voters who are unable to visit voter service centres.
“So, we provide mobile registration. They can just contact us through our usual communication channels,” she said.
Overseas voter registration is scheduled from 19 June to 11 July, with planned visits to the west coast of the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Papua New Guinea.
“These were the places requested by Fijians living abroad and if there are other requests we will facilitate,” Mataciwa said.
The Elections Office also confirmed that eight political parties are currently registered for the next General Election, while two proposed party applications remain pending.
The registered parties are the All-People Party, Fiji Labour Party, National Federation Party, SODELPA, People’s Alliance, Unity Fiji, We Unite Fiji Party and People First…. PACNEWS
FIJI – META: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 2: Thu 28 May 2026
META removes controversial accounts
SUVA, 28 MAY 2026 (FIJI SUN) — META has shut down the Facebook accounts of Alexandra Forwood and Ratu Ilaisa Sema as authorities intensify efforts to combat misinformation ahead of the 2026 General Election.
Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya confirmed the development during an interview today while urging Fijians to fact-check information shared online.
“Stick to facts,” Tabuya said.
“It is important to continue to fact-check any news or any information that you come across.”
She said the removal of the accounts demonstrated the proper process for dealing with complaints about misinformation.
“Pages like Ratu Ilaisa Sema as well as Alexandra Forwood that have been shut down by META, which is the proper process to follow if you have a complaint about fake news being circulated by individuals,” Tabuya said.
She urged members of the public to report concerns to the Online Safety Commission and the Cybercrime Unit of the Fiji Police Force.
“Please register that complaint with the Online Safety Commission as well as the Cybercrime Unit of the Fiji Police Force and they have been vigilant in their work and I congratulate them and I thank them for the speed and efficiency in the way that they work.”
Tabuya warned that spreading misinformation could cause serious personal harm.
“But it’s important to know that when you spread misinformation or you spread untruths, you’re not only damaging the reputation of a person, but you’re also hurting them or harming them personally as well,” she said.
“There’s a lot of mental health issues that comes with it and we must be very mindful, especially as we’re giving up to the general elections, that we give every candidate, no matter which side of the aisle, whether we’re government or opposition or not in Parliament, everyone deserves a fair shot to be a candidate in the elections and we must respect that by circulating facts and truth.”
Tabuya also issued a warning to individuals using fake online identities.
“My warning to those that try to create fake accounts or have fake aliases, you will be stopped and the law will come after you,” she said.
“So, choose wisely and really I discourage you from doing so because you are only spreading information that is not right and it’s not true and not factual, which only is intended to cause harm and not good for our nation,” she said…. PACNEWS
PAC – OCEAN SUMMIT: VANUATU DAILY POST PACNEWS 2: Thu 28 May 2026
NUV advances Pacific voice in global ocean research at Hong Kong summit
HONG KONG, 28 MAY 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST) — The National University of Vanuatu (NUV), alongside sister institutions across the Pacific, including Solomon Islands National University (SINU), Tonga National University, and the National University of Samoa, strengthened Pacific engagement in global ocean research through participation at the 4th Global Ocean Summit 2026 in Hong Kong from 18 to 21 May 2026.
NUV was represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Pascal Michon and Director of Policy Planning and Global Engagement, Anne-Sophie Vivier. Their participation reflects the University’s growing focus on regional cooperation, international partnerships, and leadership in ocean and climate research.
The summit brought together universities, policymakers, researchers, and international experts to advance dialogue and collaboration on ocean sustainability, marine science, and climate resilience. NUV’s participation aligns with its vision of becoming a leading higher education institution in the Asia-Pacific region while contributing to regional and global development priorities.
During a parallel session on China–Pacific Island Countries Marine Sci-Tech Cooperation, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor delivered a presentation on strengthening Pacific perspectives in global ocean research.
Speaking to an audience of international experts and institutional leaders, Professor Michon called for stronger inclusion of Pacific voices in global ocean research and policy discussions.
“Pacific researchers are too often excluded from global conversations about the ocean, even though the Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest ocean on Earth, covering roughly one-third of the planet’s surface,” he said.
He also outlined the deep relationship between Pacific Island nations and the ocean, noting that for countries such as Vanuatu, the ocean is central to identity, livelihoods, culture, and future prosperity.
Professor Michon outlined NUV’s efforts to expand its academic and research capacity in line with the Vanuatu Sustainable Development Plan 2016–2030 and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Since its establishment six years ago, NUV has expanded programmes through its School of Science and is working towards establishing new Schools in Maritime and Fisheries Affairs, fields seen as critical to Vanuatu and the wider Pacific.
He also reaffirmed NUV’s commitment to international collaboration through emerging initiatives such as the Global Ocean Research Union (GLORi), launched during the summit, aimed at strengthening marine science cooperation, resource sharing, and research partnerships.
“Institutions like the National University of Vanuatu must not only take part in global research networks but also contribute Pacific knowledge and perspectives to shape the future of ocean research,” he said.
His presentation also referred to Vanuatu’s growing role in climate justice advocacy and the importance of Pacific universities in linking scientific research, public policy, customary stewardship, and Indigenous knowledge systems.
Following participation in the Melanesian Ocean Summit in Port Moresby, NUV’s presence at the Global Ocean Summit 2026 reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen international engagement, expand strategic partnerships, and position the University as a key institution for research, innovation, and higher education in the Asia-Pacific region.
NUV remains committed to delivering quality, inclusive, and relevant higher education for Vanuatu and the wider region…. PACNEWS
PAC – CLIMATE FUNDRAISING: BBC PACNEWS 2: Thu 28 May 2026
Pair fundraising for Pacific climate change statue
LONDON, 28 MAY 2026 (BBC) — Two women from Shropshire are looking to raise £10,000 to get a sculpture installed on the Solomon Islands, highlighting climate change and rising sea levels.
Jane Cullen from Ludlow and Lorna Taylor from Church Stretton were inspired after hearing a talk by activist Gladys Bartlett, who spoke about about an island that had already vanished under the sea.
The sculpture has already been created and shipped to the Pacific and they said the money would be used to fix it into position in the ocean.
The pair are both members of Shropshire Climate Action and Cullen said: “We wanted to support this sense that we’re all in this together.”
Taylor said that after hearing Bartlett speaking about the Solomon Islands, they invited her to be a speaker at one of their events.
She said: “It was such a wake-up call for us both.”
They also saw a BBC interview by Ade Adepitan about the island of Kale, which has been lost to rising water levels, and wanted to do something to raise awareness.
The sea around the Solomon Islands is rising faster than the average for the rest of the world, due to global warming and regional changes.
A number of islands have already disappeared beneath the South Pacific.
Cullen said they heard Bartlett had approached a sculptor called Jason deCaires Taylor, who specialises in underwater art.
He created a 4m (13ft) tall sculpture of Bartlett leaning against a tree on a concrete base, which could be submerged in the water.
Taylor said the “Solomon Siren” would stand above the waves at first but also record how sea levels were rising.
By 2046, she said they expected the figure of Bartlett to be lost beneath the waves.
Cullen said: “This is such a different approach from just telling us about the statistics and things, it’s an artistic, creative approach.”
She said it was important for them to act to “give that sense of something that’s happening on the other side of the world but is also happening here”.
She pointed to extreme weather and flooding in Shropshire and said it was important to act on climate change.
The money raised will be used to pay for a barge to take the sculpture to the spot where it will be submerged and then assemble it in the water…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS BIZ
FIJI – PORTS: FBC NEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 28 May 2026
Ports upgrades tied to 2050 goal
SUVA, 28 MAY 2026 (FBC NEWS) — Fiji is positioning major port developments as part of its long-term plan to become a high-income nation by 2050.
The move is linked to the Quad countries’ broader initiative involving Australia, India, Japan and the United States, which focuses on strengthening infrastructure, improving critical supply chains, and enhancing energy and maritime security across the Indo-Pacific.
Speaking to FBC News, Foreign Affairs Minister Sakiasi Ditoka says infrastructure readiness is key to supporting future economic growth.
“We cannot have that happen if the actual infrastructure itself is not up to par.”
He says initial work will focus on Fiji’s main ports before expanding to other areas.
“Well, firstly, it’ll have to be the two major ones, Suva and Lautoka.”
On concerns about geopolitical rivalry, Ditoka says Fiji maintains an independent foreign policy and continues to work with all partners.
“We are friendly to both nations, and we don’t believe that it should have any impact on the decisions that we make.”
The government says the port upgrades are part of a wider national strategy aimed at lifting economic capacity and achieving high-income status by 2050…. PACNEWS
PAC – ILLEGAL FISHING: ADF/COOK ISLANDS NEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 28 May 2026
ADF supports Cook Islands and Pacific partners’ fight against illegal fishing
RAROTONGA, 28 MAY 2026 (ADF/COOK ISLANDS NEWS) — The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has joined a multinational effort to detect and deter illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) across the South-West Pacific this month including the Cook Islands.
Under Operation SOLANIA, a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-27J Spartan and supporting personnel deployed to the Cook Islands and Tonga, working alongside the Royal New Zealand Air Force, to support the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency’s (FFA) Operation TUI MOANA.
This comes at the back of ADF hosting a maritime surveillance outreach mission with Cook Islands partners earlier this month including Prime Minister Mark Brown, Commissioner of Police Teokotai Joseph, Australian High Commissioner Susannah Hodson, New Zealand High Commissioner Catherine Graham, and representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Marine Resources and Cook Islands Police.
The outreach mission provided an opportunity to share expertise, strengthen coordination and enhance collective capability in maritime security, while enabling participating agencies to undertake a short surveillance patrol across the Cook Islands’ Exclusive Economic Zone to detect potential threats to marine resources.
Australian High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, Susannah Hodson, expressed her appreciation for the Cook Islands Government’s strong support of this important initiative.
“The Cook Islands Government’s leadership on maritime security, in partnership with New Zealand and the wider Pacific, plays a vital role in protecting the ocean we all rely on,” said High Commissioner Hodson.
“The Royal Australian Air Force deployment complements the Te Kukupa II’s important work, with air-based capability. Countries in the Pacific lose hundreds of millions of dollars annually to illegal fishing, so we welcome the visit by the C-27J Spartan to help safeguard the Pacific Ocean, protecting natural resources and livelihoods.”
Operation TUI MOANA is one of four annual Pacific‑led maritime surveillance operations coordinated by the FFA and supported by the ADF and Pacific Maritime Security Programme (PMSP).
PMSP support includes funding for fuel to enable the participation of Guardian‑class patrol boats, as well as the secondment of Pacific surveillance officials to the FFA Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre in Honiara.
During Operation TUI MOANA, PMSP funding also enabled secondment of a qualified officer from the Republic of Fiji Navy to supplement Tuvalu’s Guardian‑class patrol boat Te Mataili III for operational duties.
The ADF’s contribution forms part of Australia’s broader commitment to regional security and its support to the Pacific Quadrilateral Defence Coordination Group (PQUAD).
ADF surveillance patrols covered 113,220 square kilometres, identifying potential threats to Pacific partners’ marine resources and countering transnational organised crime. These activities threaten the economies of Australia and Pacific nations, their food security and sovereignty.
Detachment Commander and C-27J Spartan captain, Flight Lieutenant Sean Joyce, said the No. 35 Squadron crew made an important contribution to the multinational effort.
“Australia worked closely with FFA members, including Royal New Zealand Air Force’s No. 42 Squadron in Cook Islands, and His Majesty’s Armed Forces in Tonga, identifying 12 vessels of interest suspected of illegal fishing in Tonga and Cook Islands’ exclusive economic zones,” Flight Lieutenant Joyce said.
Chief of Joint Operations, Vice Admiral Justin Jones, said supporting fisheries protection was essential to long-term sustainability.
“Australia continues to prioritise our region by deploying ADF assets to support Pacific-led arrangements that safeguard regional prosperity and security,” Vice Admiral Jones said.
“Working together to deliver Pacific-led, Australian-backed solutions to Pacific security challenges is essential to ensuring our region’s stability and protecting our sovereignty.”
ADF said Australia remains committed to working with Pacific partners to counter transnational crime and the illegal exploitation of natural resources, which undermines sovereignty and economic development…. PACNEWS
PNG – STARLINK: DEVELOPING TELECOMS PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 28 May 2026
Digicel PNG becomes Starlink’s first reseller in Papua New Guinea
PORT MORESBY, 28 MAY 2026 (DEVELOPING TELECOMS) — Digicel PNG announced on Wednesday it is now authorised to resell Starlink’s LEO satellite broadband services to businesses across Papua New Guinea, a month after a government ban on Starlink operations was rescinded.
Under an agreement signed by Starlink and Digicel PNG’s parent company Telstra, Digicel PNG will distribute Starlink connectivity to enterprises, providing them with additional connectivity options – particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas where traditional infrastructure is limited.
Digicel PNG acting CEO Brett Goschen said the telco has completed initial testing of Starlink and is pleased with the network’s performance.
“The results from our Starlink testing have been very positive, particularly for businesses operating outside traditional fixed and mobile network coverage areas,” Goschen said. “Reliable connectivity is critical for businesses today. By expanding our portfolio, we are better positioned to support our customers wherever they operate across the country.”
Digicel PNG expects to start offering Starlink services later this year.
Starlink has a convoluted history in Papua New Guinea, where it received a five-year licence from the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) to operate in the country at the start of 2024. Two months later, the Ombudsman Commission blocked the licence, arguing that existing regulations didn’t address potential reliability issues with Starlink’s service.
NICTA spent the next two years fighting the Commission’s ruling in court. During that time, Starlink terminals were still being illegally imported and used, prompting NICTA to order Starlink to switch off its service in PNG, which it did in mid-December 2025.
The PNG National Court ruled in NICTA’s favour last month, overturning the Commission’s Starlink ban and paving the way for NICTA to approve Starlink’s operator license.
The decision was widely welcomed, partly because of the impact of Tropical Cyclone Maila that hit PNG earlier that month, killing at least 22 people and highlighting the limitations of terrestrial telecoms infrastructure in PNG to support rescue and recovery efforts…. PACNEWS
PNG – PALM LABOUR: NBC PNG PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 28 May 2026
Government sets target of 30,000 workers for Australia Scheme by 2030
PORT MORESBY, 28 MAY 2026 (NBC PNG) — The second PNG-Australia Approved Employers Expo officially opened at APEC Haus on Monday, highlighting the rapid growth and big future plans for the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility [PALM] scheme.
This is only the second time this major event has been held since it was first launched in 2024. The week-long event, which runs from 24 to 29 May, has brought together 27 Australian employers who arrived in Port Moresby, out of 29 that were expected. They are meeting with government ministers, local leaders, and international partners to find ways to expand the programme safely and professionally.
In his keynote address, PNG Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey shared the incredible progress of the labor programme. He explained that the initiative has grown very fast since the first group of employers met two years ago.
“In 2019, Papua New Guinea had only 55 workers in these Australian labor programmes,” Treasurer Ling-Stuckey said. “Through policy changes and better coordination by our Labor Mobility Unit [LMU], we turned that around. As of March 2026, I am proud to report that we have surpassed two thousand plus active, skilled Papua New Guinean workers currently employed in Australia.”
The Treasurer pointed out that PNG has a massive advantage because of its young population, with about six million citizens under the age of 25.
To make the most of this young workforce, the Ling-Stuckey confirmed that the government has set a firm target of sending 30,000 PNG workers to Australia by 2030.
However, he warned that reaching this goal will require better organisation at the local level. He challenged provincial administrators and district leaders to step up and create clean, fair, and transparent recruitment pools so that every region can benefit.
The Director of the PNG Labor Mobility Unit, Hakaua Harry, emphasised that the expo is not just about paperwork, but also about building cultural understanding. Harry explained that the expo gives Australian employers a real chance to see what PNG has to offer.
“The programme will give employers the opportunity to see what we have,” she said. “We are trying to help them appreciate what we offer as a country, not only in terms of our processes, but also our diversity and the challenges we face.”
To give employers a firsthand look at life in PNG, the delegation will travel outside Port Moresby later this week. They will visit East New Britain and East Sepik provinces to see how workers are recruited, trained, and prepared before they travel to Australia.
Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Ewen McDonald, spoke about the positive impact the programme is having back home in local communities. According to McDonald, the benefits of the programme do not end when a worker’s contract in Australia finishes.
“The data shows that 70 percent of returning PALM workers have used their savings and skills to start their own small-and-medium businesses right here in Papua New Guinea,” he said. “These local businesses help support families by paying school fees and funding community projects in rural villages.”
The High Commissioner also announced that the programme is expanding into new, highly skilled areas. A pilot programme in Darwin is already training PNG workers to work in aged care and nursing. To support this, fully funded training programmes will launch in June 2026 to prepare future healthcare workers before they depart.
World Bank Country Director Han Fraeters also spoke at the event, emphasising that the programme works best when training is matched directly with the actual jobs available in Australia. This demand for PNG workers remains very strong. According to Stephen Burdette from the Approved Employers of Australia [AEA], Australian businesses highly value PNG workers.
Although bringing in international workers costs about 30 percent more due to travel and visa logistics, PALM workers make up for this cost with outstanding performance. Data shows that PALM workers have a 20 percent higher productivity rate compared to working holiday visa holders, making them a preferred choice for many Australian businesses.
Since joining the scheme in 2019, PNG has recorded over 5,300 total historical placements in Australia, contributing to a total of over 7,200 overseas jobs across both Australia and New Zealand.
Currently, PNG’s PALM workforce is balanced between short-term seasonal work [48 percent] and long-term contracts [52 percent]. Most of these workers are employed in horticulture [56 percent] and meat processing [36 percent], with 4 percent in healthcare and aged care, and another 4 percent in other industries.
With the opening sessions completed, both governments are focused on building a larger, smoother system to help PNG reach its 30,000-worker target and strengthen economic ties between the two countries…. PACNEWS
PAC – PACER PLUS: COOK ISLANDS NEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 28 May 2026
Cook Islands engages in key PACER Plus meeting in Tonga
RAROTONGA, 28 MAY 2026 (COOK ISLANDS NEWS) — The Cook Islands took part in the PACER Plus Budget Committee and Joint Committee Meetings held in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, from 18 to 22 May, contributing to key discussions on the implementation of the Agreement and the future direction of cooperation under PACER Plus.
The Cook Islands delegation was led by Jim Armistead, Director of the International and Trade Affairs Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI).
The delegation also included Charity Malaga, Trade Policy Advisor, Business Trade and Investment Board, and Teremoana Fukofuka, Foreign Service Officer, International and Trade Affairs Division, MFAI.
For the Cook Islands, the meetings marked the culmination of several months of national and regional engagement under PACER Plus.
This included in-country consultations with government agencies, participation in technical and subsidiary body meetings in Samoa, and ongoing coordination across Ministries to identify national trade and development priorities and implementation needs.
These engagements have helped shape several Cook Islands-led project proposals aimed at strengthening areas such as trade facilitation, customs processes, standards and biosecurity systems, private sector development, and broader economic resilience.
Through PACER Plus, funding and technical support from Australia, New Zealand, and external partners helps translate regional cooperation into practical support and capacity building at the national level.
The meetings also gave the Cook Islands an opportunity to raise national priorities directly in regional discussions and contribute to ongoing conversations on how PACER Plus can continue responding to the needs and realities of Pacific countries, including small island states.
“The Cook Islands welcomes the practical and country-driven approach under PACER Plus, ensuring regional cooperation translates into tangible outcomes and support for our people. Through this work, we are continuing to strengthen the foundations of our trade landscape and build capability in areas important to our long-term economic development,” said Director Jim Armistead.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration acknowledges the continued collaboration of Government agencies and regional partners in advancing the Cook Islands’ engagement under PACER Plus and supporting the country’s broader trade and development priorities. Implementation of the Cook Islands’ approved PACER Plus activities and projects under Phase II of the Development and Economic Cooperation (DEC) Work Programme is expected to commence from July 2026. The Cook Islands looks forward to sharing experiences with other Pacific countries at the next Joint Committee Meeting in 2027…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Pacific Leaders chart new course for Weather, Climate and Ocean Services in Honiara
HONIARA, 28 MAY 2026 (SPREP) — Directors of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) from across the Pacific have converged on Honiara this week for a landmark workshop to review the Pacific Islands Meteorological Strategy (PIMS) 2017–2026 and begin drafting the region’s successor strategy through to 2036.
The PIMS Review and Drafting Workshop, held from 26-30 May at the Heritage Park Hotel, brings together meteorological directors, UN and regional organisations including the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), Pacific Disability Forum, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), the Pacific Community (SPC), and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), alongside development partners and technical agencies. The workshop is funded by the European Union through the Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications (ClimSA) Programme, with the review led by international consultancy Varysian Limited.
The current PIMS, structured around eleven Performance Key Outcomes (PKOs), has served as the primary regional framework for sustaining and strengthening weather, climate, water and ocean services across the 25 Pacific Island Countries and Territories. As the strategy reaches its final year, this workshop marks a decisive step in shaping what comes next.
Desk Review Reveals Strengths and Structural Gaps
An independent desk review evaluation of the PIMS (2017–2026), completed by Varysian Limited in May 2026, provides the analytical foundation for the workshop’s deliberations. The evaluation examined the full ecosystem of regional programmes, projects, frameworks and coordination mechanisms that have contributed to PIMS implementation over the past decade.
The review finds that PIMS has been effective as a regional strategic anchor, providing a shared language for NMHS strengthening across the Pacific. The strongest areas of visible progress include multi-hazard early warning systems, climate services, ocean-climate information, observational infrastructure and regional technical cooperation. Flagship programmes such as Weather Ready Pacific (WRP), the Climate and Oceans Support Programme for the Pacific (COSPPac), the ClimSA Pacific programme and CREWS Pacific have collectively driven significant technical and service gains.
Simultaneously, the evaluation identifies persistent structural gaps. Hydrological services remain less developed than meteorology, climate services and early warning systems across the region. Institutional sustainability, particularly around staffing, maintenance capacity, operational financing and clear mandates, remains a central concern.
Evidence on last-mile delivery, end-user satisfaction and the uptake of services by communities and sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, health and tourism is uneven. The review also points to fragmented implementation, with many programmes operating through separate governance arrangements, workplans and reporting systems rather than through a consolidated PIMS framework.
The evaluation concludes that PIMS has been most effective where it has acted as a convening and alignment framework, and least effective where stronger implementation tracking, evidence generation and accountability were required. The strategy to succeed the current one must evolve from a primarily strategic document into a results-driven operational framework.
From Review to Action
Over three working days, participants will synthesise findings from national and regional stakeholder consultations conducted during early 2026, review the existing eleven PKOs and identify emerging priorities, and begin drafting the core PIMS 2027–2036 strategy document.
In opening the workshop, Solomon Islands Deputy Secretary Technical for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Agnetha Vare Karamui, called on delegates to think beyond business-as-usual.
“We are not here merely to edit a document; we are here to architect the future of the Blue Pacific Continent,” Karamui said. “Let us work with the urgency that our climate reality demands and the solidarity that our Pacific culture provides.”
Technical sessions will also focus on developing an implementation plan and associated budget, a monitoring and evaluation framework with measurable indicators, and a sustainability and resource mobilisation strategy. A dedicated session on communications and outreach will address the critical challenge of delivering weather and climate information to the last mile, the most vulnerable communities across the Pacific’s dispersed islands.
The workshop will also ensure the successor strategy is aligned with the WMO and SPREP Strategic Plans, the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, the Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific, Weather Ready Pacific and the global Early Warnings for All initiative.
The Road to PMC-8
Pacific Meteorological Council Chair, Levu Antfalo, reinforced the stakes for the region’s meteorological community.
“Our goal is to build the institutional resilience and service quality that our Pacific communities deserve. The strategy we draft here must reflect the unique vulnerabilities of our dispersed island nations and the technical needs of your individual services,” Antfalo said.
The draft strategy produced in Honiara will proceed through a regional validation process before being presented for endorsement at the 8th Pacific Meteorological Council (PMC-8) in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. The workshop reflects the Pacific’s determination to move from fragmented, project-driven implementation towards an integrated, investment-oriented approach to weather, climate, water, ocean and early warning services, one that strengthens national institutions, reaches every community, and builds lasting resilience across the Blue Pacific…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Leading by action: Augustine’s journey as a Ni‑Vanuatu woman leader
PORT VILA, 28 MAY 2026 (SPC) — Meet Augustine Yalou, an inspiring young woman leader who wears more than one leadership hat. A youth social worker, a Badminton Coordinator, and a secondary language teacher, Augustine’s leadership journey begins not in a boardroom or formal institution, but in community spaces on sports fields, in church halls, and in classrooms where young people gather, learn, and search for direction. Rooted in her Tanna heritage and shaped by growing up in Port Vila, Augustine learned early that leadership is not about status, but about service.
She grew up alongside many young people who did not complete formal education yet found purpose and belonging through sport. Hockey became her first leadership training ground, followed by basketball, netball, martial arts and Badminton. Sport connected her to youths across communities and taught her discipline, teamwork, and responsibility. Even when selected for overseas competitions, her parents prioritised education, reinforcing a lesson that would stay with her: opportunity means little without preparation.
Augustine formally began her teaching career in 2018, though her leadership started much earlier through church youth programmes. By 17, she was already leading children through songs, skits, and activities. “When you become a leader, there is power in the words you speak, and young people act on what you say,” she says. As a teacher, she focused on building students’ confidence, particularly in communication, recognising how many struggled to express themselves. “Language gives young people confidence. Without confidence, their voices remain unheard.”
In 2021, at just 21, Augustine stepped into youth governance through the Vanuatu National Youth Council, becoming Northern Ward Youth President and leading youths aged 12 to 32. The challenges came quickly. “As a woman, the word ‘woman’ already is a challenge, especially when you lead men,” she explains. Rather than arguing for authority, she led through consistency and action. “Some people can speak a lot, but very few lead by action. I find it best to lead through action and not too much speaking.” Over time, trust replaced doubt, and participation grew. “When people see what you do, they will follow.”
In 2024, Augustine further expanded her impact as the Badminton Coordinator for Vanuatu, working to introduce and grow the sport in schools and communities. From Port Vila to the outer islands, she is creating new opportunities for young people to engage, build discipline, and develop through sport.
Through her work, she has challenged a key gap in youth development. “Training alone is not enough. After the training, what happens?” she asks. She has supported young people in moving beyond participation by leading projects, organising events, and applying their skills in real community settings. Under her leadership, the Northern Ward Youth Council has become one of the most active youth groups in Vanuatu.
The challenges were immediate. “As a woman, the word ‘woman’ already is a challenge, especially when you lead men,” Augustine says. Cultural norms often questioned her authority, and resistance was not uncommon. Rather than arguing her position, she chose consistency. “Some people can speak a lot, but very few lead by action. I find it best to lead through action and not too much speaking.”
That philosophy became her trademark. Over time, trust replaced doubt. Youths showed up, supported initiatives, and followed through, not because they were told to, but because they believed in her leadership. “When people see what you do, they will follow,” she explains. Today, many of her strongest supporters are men who once doubted her leadership, now standing beside her in youth initiatives and community action.
One of Augustine’s strongest advocacies is for moving beyond youth trainings without outcomes. She has seen too many young people attend workshops only to return home without support, resources, or pathways to apply their skills. “Training alone is not enough. After the training, what happens?” she asks. Under her leadership, youth initiatives shifted toward implementing community projects, youth‑led events, grant applications, and practical exposure.
This approach has delivered tangible impact. Young people have successfully led National Youth Day events, coordinated major community celebrations such as the Chief’s Day in 2024, supported disaster‑affected communities, and implemented faith‑based and social initiatives through youth community grants in 2023. Today, the Northern Ward Youth Council is recognised as one of the most active youth groups in Efate, an outcome of sustained leadership and trust.
At the heart of Augustine’s leadership is humility shaped by culture and family. She credits her mother as her greatest influence. “My mother speaks less and acts more, and that is how I learned to lead,” she shares. Raised with strong values of respect and responsibility, Augustine carries these into every space she enters. “Respect is something I learned at home. As a leader, you must respect everyone, whether they are right or wrong.”
Looking ahead, Augustine holds a clear vision for the next five years. She hopes to see more youth-led community projects, supported by mentoring rather than control. She wants young people, both women and men, to lead initiatives, businesses, and social enterprises that address real community needs. “Young people have the talent and skills to lead, they just need someone to guide them and then let them lead”, she says.
She also hopes to see stronger community structures that actively encourage women and girls to take leadership roles, rather than underestimating their potential. This includes creating spaces where women can participate meaningfully in decision‑making at the community level, building a pathway toward national leadership. At the same time, she envisions more young people becoming entrepreneurs, using their skills to build livelihoods and contribute to the economy.
For Augustine, International Women’s Day is both a celebration and a call to action. She strongly believes that women’s leadership brings balance to families, communities, and systems. “If a man can lead with action, then so can a woman,” she says. She reminds women and girls that leadership does not begin at the national level. “Leadership starts at home, then in the community, and only after that at the national level.”
Her message is grounded and empowering: “Know who you are, start where you are, and use that as your foundation.” Through her journey, Augustine demonstrates that leadership is not inherited or granted; it is built through action, consistency, and courage.
As she continues to mentor young people and advocate for women’s participation in leadership, Augustine hopes her story reaches those still doubting their potential. “I hope my story inspires a young girl who is still doubting her potential to step forward and lead.”
Her journey shows that leadership is not something you wait for; it is something you build, one action at a time…. PACNEWS
