President Whipps: U.S. radar makes Palau a ‘target’
The U.S. military’s plan to install a warning radar in Palau makes the Pacific country a “target” for potential foreign aggressors, President Surangel Whipps Jr said, stressing that the risk must be worth it. And
Palau president says U.S. ‘reactivating’ WWII airstrips in country
The president of Palau said the U.S. military is “reactivating” Palauan airstrips built by the Japanese during World War II, after being asked at a speaking event on Monday if America would have full access to his
Briefs
American SamoaThe American Samoa government ordered the closure of all day care centres in the territory on June 14, until further notice to curb the spread of a respiratory virus. The closure was approved by Lt. Gov.
Movers and Shakers
Fiji’s Esala Nayasi is the new Deputy Secretary General – Strategic Policy & Programming at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. He joins the Forum from Fiji’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he was
Palau’s 2nd Submarine Cable to activate in 2025
The 2nd Submarine Cable connecting Palau to the rest of the world is now projected to be ready for service by the first quarter of 2025, according to Robin Russell, CEO of Belau Submarine Cable Corporation. The
Amata, Kilili named co-chairs of bipartisan task force combatting Chinese government influence in Indo-Pacific
U.S. Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata of American Samoa and U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan of the CNMI have been named co-chairs of a bipartisan task force officially announced Wednesday at the U.S.
Moylan investigating possible airfare price gouging by United Airlines
Guam Attorney General Douglas Moylan has opened an investigation against United Airlines for possible price gouging on airfare to Guam in the aftermath of Typhoon Mawar. Officials from the company are saying that higher
ASPA’s new broom
But regional airline challenges remain David Tohi is a new broom at the Association of South Pacific Airlines (ASPA). While he takes over from Fiji’s George Faktaufon, who spent more than 30 years as ASPA Chief
Pacific regionalism: To Hell with Drowning
Julian Aguon is from Guam and is a human rights lawyer, and founder of Blue Ocean Law, a progressive firm that works at the intersection of indigenous rights and environmental justice. He is also a writer. He wrote his
Briefs
American SamoaAmerican Samoa wants associate member status of the Pacific Islands Forum, after being an observer since 2011. Governor Lemanu Peleti Maunga said it was crucial for American Samoa to push for greater
Movers and Shakers
Viranria Brown is the first woman to be appointed as Vanuatu’s High Commissioner to Fiji since independence. She previously served as the First Secretary to the Vanuatu High Commission in Suva from 2020 to 2023. Fiji
