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
Vanuatu’s PM puts faith at the centre
Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Bob Loughman prompted the congregation of Malasitapu Presbyterian Church in the suburbs of Port Vila to clap with joy recently when his new government’s cabinet was commissioned by the
Island readies to bury favourite son
Some 400 people have arrived on Vanuabalavu – a remote island on Fiji’s eastern sea borders – as they prepare to bury one of their favourite sons who became the country’s sixth prime minister. They are
Pacific children take centre stage
“It’s within our culture and religion to discipline our children physically, but sometimes we don’t know the line between discipline and abuse, so usually its confusing for us to find that line.” “Physical
Gaining credits for Kyoto
The global coronavirus pandemic has pushed climate change off the front pages, but the challenge of responding to the climate emergency has not disappeared. Global emissions of greenhouse gases will likely
Smart Aid Not More Aid
An honest and critical appraisal by donors, recipient nations and other stakeholders is critical if the region is to take advantage of every donor dollar and show growth that truly impacts Pacific people’s daily lives
2020: The year for a PNG anti-corruption commission
The Chairman of Transparency International PNG, Peter Aitsi, expects the Marape government to establish an oft-promised anti-corruption commission to be set up by the end of 2020, paving the way for an improvement in
Kiribati plods on against ‘Tsunami’ of Opposition
Kiribati faces uncertain times ahead as the Government rules with a minority support in parliament for the first time in the history of the country, the coalition Opposition goes to court twice against the Speaker of
Massacre, memory and music
Yudha Korwa was just 17 years old when he was attacked by Indonesian soldiers during the Biak massacre on 6 July 1998. “A soldier used a big gun and hit me hard on the head. I saw them kick my friend,”
Taiwan trials mega changes as China watches
As the world’s first transgender government minister, Audrey Tang is probably resigned to the different kind of reactions she receives when she meets strangers. Like last month when a group of international
Tuvalu’s 100-day splurge
An across-the-board pay rise for all government employees including cabinet ministers and parliamentarians, an incentive payment for senior citizens plus an A$10,000 pay out to island communities top the first 100-day
Nauru judge orders retrial
It is back to square one—and the attendant frustrations, fear of political persecutions and absence of legal representation at trial for the so called Nauru- 19 following a judgement on the island this month. The
PNG political tussle continues
Anti-corruption campaigner and now minister of police in Papua New Guinea, Bryan Kramer, has taken to social media to expose the challenges in getting former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to answer to corruption
Kiribati government loses majority
Will Kiribati have a new government by December? That is the million-dollar question with the split in the ruling government of President Taneti Mamau that has seen the defection of 14 party members and with it, the
ANOTHER REFERENDUM FOR NEW CALEDONIA
New Caledonia will hold a second referendum on self-determination in early September 2020. On 10 October, the annual Committee of Signatories to the Noumea Accord brought together representatives of the
Death of Pacific Regionalism?
THE theme going into Tuvalu’s Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ meeting from 12-16 August 2019 was: ‘Securing our Future in the Pacific.’ This was to be uniquely focussed and framed around climate change. Even the
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
Hope on Nauru
Human rights lawyer takes the helm Hope it seems was what the voters of Nauru took with them to the polls on 24 August and hope was what they got in return. Out went age and experience, as Nauru’s 7,000 voters
Roadblocks on the path to a post-Cotonou deal
THERE are many suitors currently wooing the Pacific islands. Australia is “stepping up” and New Zealand “resetting” its relationship. China comes bearing gifts, India wants to be an
Sopoaga is saved by the bell
A mere technicality in parliamentary rules saved the government of Tuvalu Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga, from facing a confidence motion last month. News of the motion of no confidence against the Sopoaga Government
More notches in the belt
China’s BRI gains momentum PACIFIC leaders are embracing China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with renewed enthusiasm following China’s hosting of the second BRI Forum in April. 5000 participants from over
Picking up the anti-nuclear torch
AFTER more than 310 nuclear detonations across the region, the era of nuclear testing in the Pacific ended in 1996. Since then, the nuclear issue has dropped off the agenda for many people, with attention
Electing the Prime Minister
ON April 24 Manasseh Sogavare was elected as Prime Minister of Solomon Islands. However the elections sparked not only a legal challenge, but also rioting in the streets of Honiara. In this