Pacific Islands Economic Outlook 2023
After two long years of COVID-19 and the tourniquet it applied to the lifeblood of Pacific economies— connectivity and tourism — what can our region expect in 2023? The United Nations predicts the global economy
Briefs
American SamoaAmerican Samoa’s Commerce Department has awarded Rescue Plan Act funds to support preparations for future public health emergencies. The American Samoa Telecommunications Authority was awarded US$2.8m
Movers and Shakers
Fijian national, jurist and lawyer Imrana Jalal is the first woman from the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Islands region to be awarded the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Medal of Honour by the World Jurists Association.
Briefs
American SamoaA new submarine cable between Samoa and American Samoa has been agreed, to further enhance Internet and communications connectivity. The MOU states that the cable will run between Upolu and Tutuila and
Movers and Shakers
Dr Amelia Latu Afuhaamango Tuipulotu is the World Health Organisation’s new Chief Nursing Officer. In 2019, Dr Tuipulotu became Tonga’s first female Minister for Health, and has been a member of the WHO Executive
Briefs
American SamoaThe population of American Samoa has decreased below 50,000. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s October update, the population count came to 49,710, far less than 56,084 recorded in 2010. The
Movers and Shakers
Vanuatu has sworn in its 13th parliament. Ishmael Kalsakau is the country’s newly elected Prime Minister with Sato Kilman appointed as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Lands. Other cabinet ministers include: John
‘More smoke than fire’: China’s Pacific aid falls short of pledges
Beijing’s development spending has fallen despite efforts to build influence in the region. In 2017, Papua New Guinea’s government announced a long-awaited AUD$4.1bn (US$2.6bn) upgrade of the nation’s potholed
Resilience and Water Security for the Blue Pacific Continent
As the Pacific Water and Wastewater Association annual conference approaches once again, we reflect on water as one of the most critical issues surrounding climate change in the Blue Pacific Continent. A secure future
SPBD Microfinance Vanuatu Reached the Milestone of 1 Billion Vatu Disbursed In Loans
SPBD Microfinance Vanuatu is a member of the SPBD network of microfinance institutions operating in Tonga, Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. SPBD is dedicated to eradicating poverty by empowering women in poor
The Pandemic, War and the Effect on Island Travel
It’s an early Tuesday morning in the seaside town of Levuka. A fish salesman is busy opening his doors to suppliers as they bring in their catch after the night’s fishing. A shop owner scurries around preparing to
