Pacific predictions: 2020
As we enter not only a new year but a new decade, there is much to anticipate in the Pacific islands region. Elections and domestic politics A number of countries in the region will have elections during 2020: Kiribati,
FEW NON-SEASONAL WORK OPPORTUNITIES IN AUSTRALIA FOR THE PACIFIC
Australia’s Pacific Step Up, announced in September 2017, has made much of providing more access to work opportunities in Australia. The Foreign Policy White paper noted, ‘Australia will work to improve
Small states push for climate change resolution at fisheries meet
By NETANI RIKA in Port Moresby THE world has gathered in Madrid, Spain to discuss the existential threat which climate change presents to the environment through rising temperatures and melting ice. Halfway across the
Movers and shakers
Professor Sushila Chang is the new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Fiji. Professor Chang came from Cardiff Metropolitan University where she was Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic. Ilalegagana Kenesareta
Unseaworthy and reckless
Inquiry into Butiraoi sinking is damning The release of a Commission of Inquiry report into the tragic sinking of the MV Butiraoi in Kiribati last year has brought fresh grief to the nation, as it has described a
We say – ‘We’re no pawns in your chess game’
There was no joy for Taiwan in September, as it lost the support of two of its Pacific island supporters in quick succession in Solomon Islands and Kiribati. The Solomons, under the leadership of newly-elected Prime
Movers and shakers
Leo A. Falcam Jr. has been named as the Federated States of Micronesia’s Chief Negotiator for the upcoming Compact negotiations. Falcam is Chief of Staff to President David W. Panuelo and has now served in that
Trouble in the family
Climate divides Forum….again JUST before the 50th Pacific Islands Forum, the Wallabies thrashed the All Blacks 47-26 in the first game of the Bledisloe Cup. As a rugby fan, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison
Vanuatu calls Fiji ‘recalcitrant’ over disputed islands
(Pacnews) Vanuatu is ready to meet with Fiji to discuss a long standing maritime border treaty agreement that Fiji signed with France just after Vanuatu gained independence in 1980. Foreign Affairs Minister Ralph
Forum marathon reveals tensions over climate policy
By Nic Maclellan in Funafuti, Tuvalu In a marathon leaders’ retreat that continued well into the night, with often heated debate, the Pacific Islands Forum has issued a joint communique and a new declaration on
Pacific leaders want action on West Papua human rights issues
By Nic Maclellan in Funafuti, Tuvalu Members of the Pacific Islands Forum have urged Indonesia to take action on human rights violations in West Papua, and strongly encouraged Jakarta to facilitate a long-mooted visit
