Whispers

Kava questionsFiji is taking the battle for the kava market to the United States, of all places. A large delegation led by Assistant Minister Tomasi Tunabuna visited the US, apparently in response to the growing of kava

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The tide turns: Fresh approach to regional education

On a bush track in the interior of Fiji’s mani island, Viti Levu, three weary colleagues trudge toward a village, barely visible through the mist. The team from the Regional Institute for Leadership Development is on

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Trump’s foreign aid freeze: Who will step in for the Pacific

Programs addressing domestic violence, renewable energy, literacy, hospital infrastructure, fisheries management, media capacity building, transport and infrastructure, and health procurement are amongst the many

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Briefs

American SamoaThe Department of Human and Social Services (DHSS) in American Samoa is investigating Samoans who have returned to Samoa but continue to receive food stamp benefits. DHSS Director Panisia Neueli told a

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Movers and Shakers

Jotham Napat has been elected as Vanuatu’s new Prime Minister, securing the top post unopposed. Former Prime Minister Charlot Salwai, leader of the Reunification Movement for Change, nominated Napat, the MP for Tanna.

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Pacific ‘not a chessboard for global competition’: Dr Aqorau

A proliferation of security deals in the Pacific may be harming rather than helping the region and increasing the risk of conflict, observers have warned. Geopolitical tensions were among the most hotly debated topics

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Welkam fren’: New Vanuatu PM sets homegrown tone for US relations

Jotham Napat wants the US to step up, rather than step away, despite Trump’s rejection of the ParisAgreement and aid freeze. Vanuatu’s newly elected Prime Minister Jotham Napat is known as a sharp and media-savvy

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Opinion: What will US aid cuts mean for Papua New Guinea and the Pacific?

The Trump Administration’s freeze on foreign aid will be felt around the world, including in Papua NewGuinea. While the Trump Administration’s freeze on foreign aid will have an impact around the world, the decision

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Pacific demographics, economies, education and more

Practical Knowledge for Free Downloads By Professor Wadan Narsey Professor Narsey has worked at USP for some four decades and has also been a Fiji Member of Parliament. He had taught thousands of Pacific students at USP

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New aviation complex sets to transform image of Honiara International Airport

A new Aviation Complex Building will be built near Honiara International Airport in Solomon Islands. Indepth Solomons reports that this new facility, which will enhance aviation safety and operational capacity, is part

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Opinion: Whose canoe? ‘Moana 2’ debate exposes AI threat to Pacific languages

As Moana sailed the Pacific late last year in her traditional canoe on the big screen, a heated debate raged online over the ownership of this potent symbol that unites Pacific islanders. The discussion of her canoe in

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Eyes on the prize: Will Trump take Toroama’s bait?

Under the rich, black soil of Bougainville lie copper deposits worth close to US$60 billion. It’s enough copper to create over 4000 jobs in an economy desperate to be free of Papua New Guinea and propel the world’s

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