Farewell to the Chief
After three weeks of mourning, Papua New Guinea’ founding father, Sir Michael Somare, was laid to rest at Kreer Heights in Wewak, East Sepik Province on March 16. In Port Moresby, a national Haus Krai saw thousands of
People
Who is Henry Puna?
Who is Henry Puna? One vote – and a hundred million, or so, in unaudited assets. Few candidates have as slim a mandate as the new Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum. Just one vote separated him from
Pacific People 2020: Bartering for betterment
Marlene Dutta is the brains, and the heart, behind Barter for Better Fiji. She is also our Pacific Community Champion for 2020. Early this year, as borders closed in response to the pandemic and Fiji’s tourism
InDepth with Greg Casagrande
South Pacific Business Development founder, Greg Casagrande is a “serial social entrepreneur”, founding not only the SPBD microfinance network 20 years ago, but also MicroDreams, a microfinance acceleration fund,
“It’s all about honesty” says Susana
“[For] us women, there are always ways to earn money,” says Susana Silikiwai, a SPBD member from Kalokolevu village on Viti Levu. Susana was one of the members who came to Suva to celebrate SPBD Fiji’s 10th
Remember me for nation building: Remengesau
Palau President Tommy Remengesau Jr. has earned plaudits at home and abroad. Known for his world-renowned environmental initiatives, including the famed Palau National Marine Sanctuary, the outgoing leader also passed
Fiame’s new chapter
“It’s very liberating. I haven’t felt this excited about politics for a long time,” says Samoa’s former Deputy Prime Minister, and now independent member, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa. In September, Fiame
Local competitors conquer Eco-Challenge Fiji
After paddling, hiking, sailing, biking and climbing as part of the World’s Toughest Race: Eco Challenge Fiji, how does it feel when you finally cross that finish line? “I was so thrilled. I was waiting for it for a
A rebel and a traditionalist: Apisai Vuniyayawa Tora 1934-2020
Apisai Tora, a scion of the old guard of Fiji’s politicians, who dominated Fiji’s political stage for almost five decades, passed away on August 6. Variously described as a political maverick, a chameleon and a
Back to farming Fiji goes
Fresh from a 10-day tour of Viti Levu – Fiji’s main island – our July cover story shares what we saw as Fijians adjust to the economic and social shocks brought about by the COVID19 pandemic. Employees of
Sir Toke Talagi: A Pacific icon
Former Niue Premier Sir Toke Talagi will be laid to rest on Monday 27 July. Sir Toke Talagi passed away after a prolonged illness, soon after arriving home on a private chartered flight from New Zealand where he
Coach Coffa looks to Japan 2021
When it comes the sport of weightlifting in the Pacific, outside of the star competitors, the other name that immediately comes to mind is coach Paul Coffa. In fact, his name resounds across the Pacific region,
Fiji resilience: Chef Shain
Seeing Shain hold and play with her daughter, and you can tell that 4-year-old Sarah is her world. Her job was another important part of her life at one time, until three months ago when that world came crashing around
Fiji Resilience: Losana
Sitting in the hot sun, Losana does not seem to mind the humidity and the busy carpark beside her as she stacks heaps of wild lemons and cucumbers. What do you do when it rains, we ask her. “Au dau vakaruru ikea
Fiji resilience: Shree Ram the Volunteer Cook
Volunteers like Shree Ram are ensuring 2,000 school children in Nadi are eating well in schools. He is one of about 20 men and women who are volunteering their time to provide vegetarian meals for children who attend
Fiji resilience: Sigatoka’s Masi Lady
From the masi (tapa) making island of Vatulele is Anareta Ketenilagi, pictured here at her stall inside Sigatoka’s main food market. She specialises in masi costumes for brides and bridegrooms. “Before the
Australia appoints its first Indigenous person as Consul-General
Australia first Indigenous Consul-General, Benson Saulo says he’s keen to share Australia’s Indigenous culture and connecting with First Nations businesses and leaders in the US as part of his trade and investment
InDepth: Life during the lockdown
For over two months, Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Satyendra Prasad has been largely confined to his home, He describes life during the COVID-19 induced lockdown in New York, and how it is
“It’s a wonderful place to be”: Meet Mel Kawa, Melbourne Rebels Captain
“I’ve been so fortunate that I’ve been able to chase a rugby ball around the world, so I’m hoping for the women’s competition it will follow the men’s and be equally successful,” says Mel Kawa, captain of
InDepth: Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Dame Meg Taylor
Around the region, Pacific governments are introducing border controls and health regulations to limit the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus. But regional organisations are also responding: a virtual meeting of Foreign
A tribute to Ratu Finau Mara
The death of Ratu Alifereti Finau Mara (June 9, 1957 – April 15, 2020) occurred in Suva after a short illness. He was a Fijian chief, lawyer, politician, and diplomat. Ratu Finau was the eldest son
FNU seeks to leap into first place
Fiji National University is celebrating its 10th anniversary as a national university, but 150th anniversary as an education provider. Talking to Islands Business just before his recent departure, FNU Vice-Chancellor
InDepth:COVID-19- Managing the myths and the virus
Does the coronavirus survive in hot, tropical climates? Should doctors treat younger patients first? Was the virus created in a laboratory? These and many other questions were put to one of Fiji and the Pacific’s