U.S. nears new cooperation deals with Pacific Island nations
The Biden administration is nearing deals with two Pacific Island nations to extend ties that are considered critical to maintaining balance in the U.S-China rivalry for influence in a region where the Chinese are
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
FSM reiterates plea for lifting ban on Philippine labour deployment
Micronesian officials have renewed their appeal for the Philippine government to rescind its four-year-old ban on deployment of Filipino workers to the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Last week, FSM Justice
EU adding tax-haven blacklist unfair: Chikoti
The European Union (EU) blacklisting member states of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific (OACPS) has been described as a “fig leaf” exercise. OACPS Secretary General, Georges Rebelo Chikoti told
Palau businesses likely to participate in military tourism
For the first time, the U.S. MWR (Military Morale Welfare & Recreational Centre) has reached out to Palau businesses to discuss opportunities to participate in military tourism. The Joint Region Marianas Warfighter
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
Remote undersea Volcano likely erupting near CNMI
A volcano is likely erupting deep beneath the Pacific Ocean in the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, but scientists don’t know for sure because it’s so inaccessible. All indications are that
Whispers
PNG’s big bills Papua New Guinea government offices have been able to move back into their premises after temporarily being locked out over non-payment of rent, but the matter had to go to court for that to happen.
Briefs
American SamoaA U.S. Supreme Court on October 17 declined to consider whether American Samoans have full U.S citizenship at birth. American Samoans challenging the current law, in which they are considered U.S.
Movers and Shakers
Nauru has sworn in its new President, Russ Joseph Kun, for the next three years, replacing former president and new Deputy Speaker of parliament, Lionel Aingimea. Other new cabinet ministers are: Martin Hunt as Minister
Fiji and New Caledonia win gold at FIBA Melanesia Cup
Fiji and New Caledonia each took home gold in the 2022 FIBA Melanesian Cup. New Caledonia was crowned winner in the men’s category after defeating Papua New Guinea at Vodafone Arena, Suva. New Caledonia flew out
