MPs seek regional dialogue on deep sea mining
A new alliance of parliamentarians from across the Pacific has called for a regional dialogue on the potential impacts of deep sea mining. The public launch of the Pacific Parliamentarians’ Alliance on Deep Sea Mining
Briefs
American Samoa Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga has signed a Bill into law which will establish a Samoan Language Commission and recognise both Samoan and English as the official languages in the Territory to “preserve our
Movers and Shakers
Tuvalu national Ian Fry is the first United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Climate Change for the next three years. Fiji’s Sefanaia Nawadra has commenced his new role as Director-General (D-G) at SPREP
Australia election: Climate the most important security issue, say military and political leaders
As voters in Australia head to the polls on 21 May, there is increasing debate over the link between climate change and security. Capitalising on the heated debate around the China-Solomon Islands security agreement, a
ATH launches new PNG broadband telecommunications network
Vodafone PNG is now live following the rollout of its 4G+ mobile broadband network. Fiji’s Amalgamated Telecom Holdings Limited (ATH) and Vodafone Fiji were the primary investors in the new network construction
Australian support for Pacific Commonwealth Games athletes
Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) is partnering with the Australian Government to support athletes and para-athletes from eleven Pacific nations to prepare for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. CGA President Ben
UniFiji Launches New Postgraduate Institute
The University of Fiji yesterday (Wed 6 Apr 2022) launched its new postgraduate Institute of Strategic and Defence Studies (ISDS) by hosting an international webinar on Climate Change and Asymmetrical Security Issues
ANZ to close American Samoa, sell Guam businesses
ANZ is closing its banking operations in American Samoa and is looking for buyers for its Guam business. ANZ Country Head, American Territories, Clarke Schaumann, said: “This was not a decision we made lightly but we
Whispers
Samoan style Samoa’s former PM, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has been found guilty of contempt of court in relation to last year’s contentious election. But in a judgement that reflects the extraordinary way Samoans
Tonga health ministry confirms six COVID-19 deaths
Six deaths from COVID-19 in Tonga have been confirmed, while another five people with the virus died from underlying illnesses, Tonga’s Minister for Health, Dr Saia Piukala said. The confirmation comes after
Pacific losing ground on water and sanitation
n the Pacific region, access to clean water and sanitation has gone backwards since 2015 according to the latest Sustainable Development Goals 2002 progress
