Conference of Pacific Education Ministers aims to strengthen regionalism among PICs Education sectors
The University of the South Pacific’s (USP) Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, is counting on Pacific Island Countries (PICs) education ministers and leaders to focus attention on providing
Compact impact aid expiring this year but discussion remains in the air
Washington has completed its negotiations with the freely associated states, pledging the renewal of U.S. economic provisions under the Compacts of Free Association. Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and the
Forum reunited, now to work
The next Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Baron Waqa says, “The Forum is still developing in its form, regionalism and all these plans to strengthen and unite members and I think what’s going on at
Tide turns for West Papua
The recent visit to Fiji by West Papuan freedom fighter, Benny Wenda, signals a shift which may just end in a new member of the Melanesian Spearhead Group. Since 2011, Fiji has been Indonesia’s closest ally in the
Whispers
China Centre curiousity Questions are being asked about the mandate and work of the newly-launched China-Pacific Island Countries Center for Disaster Risk Reduction and Cooperation. Hosted in Jiangmen City, Guangdong
Calls for USP to return to glory days
Fiji Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Economy, Professor Biman Prasad, says he expects the University of the South Pacific to exercise its academic freedom and role as a regional leader now that relations have
Can Washington fund its Pacific pledges?
“We have not been sufficiently engaged at a critical time in the Pacific islands. Not only do the Pacific islands face existential threats like climate change and economic dislocation, but clearly they’re being
Physicality, comradery and challenge: Liz Patu
Liz Patu is a former Australia Wallaroos captain and the most- capped Test player in the team’s history, with 33 international Test matches. The tight-head prop shares some highlights of her journey as she paved the
Briefs
American SamoaAmerican Samoa’s criminal justice planning agency has been awarded US$431,794 in federal funds for crisis intervention and drug control efforts. Earlier this month, Deputy Secretary of Samoan Affairs,
Movers and Shakers
The Oceania Customs Organisation has appointed Nancy Tati Oraka-Pomoso to be its Head of Secretariat, who becomes the first female Papua New Guinean to lead the organisation in its 24-year history. She replaces Richard
Establishment of Cook Islands Human Rights Institute gains momentum
Cook Islands Ombudsman Niki Rattle has returned from a conference in Fiji with fresh ideas as the office looks to establish a Human Rights Institute for the Cook Islands. The Pacific Regional Forum on National Human
