US provides seed fund to establish Micronesian Islands Forum Secretariat in Palau
The US Department of the Interior has announced a grant to fund the establishment of the Micronesian Islands Forum (MIF) Secretariat office in Palau. Carmen Cantor, assistant secretary for Insular and International
Indo-Pacific Trumps Blue Pacific
On 20 January, US President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn into office. The US Republican leader has pledged engagement with island states, particularly in the northern Pacific. But at a time of heightened US-China
Movers and Shakers
Alex Herman, the Seabed Minerals Commissioner at the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority has resigned. Herman will take up a regional role with the Pacific Community (SPC) in early 2025. Under Herman’s five-year
Opinion: Trump’s relations with the Blue Pacific
The second Trump administration will find a region different from when last in office. Pacific Islands countries view Donald Trump’s impending return as US president with hope and apprehension. Trump’s attention on
Opinion: Another ‘small death’ for local journalism
Seven years ago, one of Saipan Tribune’s contributors asked me if there was some sort of collusion between the Saipan Tribune and its competitor, the Marianas Variety. Did the two newspapers share information and have
SSC to Review Fisheries Data and Management Strategies
The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will meet Dec. 12-13, 2024, to address key issues affecting fisheries management in the Pacific Islands. Electronic
What’s in store for Pacific Island nations under Trump 2
Depending on who you ask, Donald Trump’s impending return to the White House holds a promise or poses a threat. Trump is one of the world’s most polarizing figures. He can bring excitement; he can trigger anxiety.
Movers and Shakers
Kiribati’s Taneti Maamau has been elected as President for the third-term in a row. As we went to press, unofficial results had Pulaalii Nikolao Pula successfully elected as the new Governor for American Samoa, and
Music and politics: A Pacific story of power and passion
Since the dawn of time, music and politics have long held many things in common. Both rely on harmony and disharmony to create tension. In music, tension creates an atmosphere that yearns for resolution. And when the
Briefs
American Samoa A runoff election is set for the American Samoa gubernatorial race after no candidate secured the required 50% majority. The team of Pulaalii Nikolao Pula and Pulu Ae Ae Jr led with 42.4% of votes (4284),
Vanuatu to launch ICJ hearings on climate and human right
It began five years ago, as an exercise amongst law students at the Emalus campus of the University of the South Pacific in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Now, in the Netherlands, the Republic of Vanuatu will open presentations
