Opinion: Micronesia in the Headlines
The rise of China and its role in the region is driving U.S. “re-engagement” with the island Pacific. In the case of those Micronesian states who have Compacts of Free Association with the United States (COFA), the
Study finds Pacific accounts for nine of the 10 most obese countries in the world, Cook Islands grapples with highest childhood obesity rates in the world
Study finds Pacific accounts for nine of the 10 most obese countries in the world New analysis published in the Lancet has found that Pacific island countries account for nine out of 10 of the top countries in the world
RMI President questions US commitment on COFA funding
Republic of Marshall Islands President, Hilda Heine, has questioned whether the Marshalls have reached a crossroads in its relationship with the United States. As Marshallese gathered to commemorate Nuclear Victims
UOG Professor Leads Efforts to Uncover Chuuk Lagoon’s Wartime History
A little-known chapter of World War II history is being meticulously unearthed in Chuuk Lagoon, in research spearheaded by Dr William Jeffery, Associate Professor of Archaeology and Micronesian Studies at the University
China lures Palau with economic incentives to break ties with Taiwan
China has promised Palau economic benefits in exchange for the latter severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan, a letter the Palauan president wrote to an unnamed United States senator revealed. President Surangel Whipps
Briefs
American Samoa American Samoa’s government has passed a bill that will prohibit the use of polystyrene foam containers, with fines of up to US$1000 for its importing, sale, and use. In 2019, a bill was drafted to
Movers and Shakers
Si'alei Van Toor is New Zealand's new High Commissioner to Samoa. She is the first person of Samoan heritage to take up the role and is accredited as New Zealand's Consul-General to American Samoa. Elizabeth Genia
The 2024 Pacific Forecast: A Turn for the Worse?
It’s 2024. Heading towards the halfway mark of this decade, the Pacific’s landscape is vastly different from four years ago, gripped in a steadily escalating set of challenges that may well define what the next
Briefs
American SamoaThe American Samoa government has announced that foreigners can now acquire or start a new limited liability company (LLC) in the territory. The announcement opens up opportunities for foreign
‘PNG Marine Salvor’s Capacity’
In addition to its core business of harbour towage, marine services company Pacific Towing (PacTow), provides salvage, emergency response, and spill response services at home in PNG and throughout the broader region.
PNG expands Visa on Arrival to all Pacific Islands
Papua New Guinea has announced the extension of Visa on Arrival (VOA) privileges to all Pacific Island States and Territories. Loop PNG reports Chief Migration Officer Stanis Hulahau, as making the official
