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
Politics
Partner of choice?
AUSTRALIA and Vanuatu are slowly moving towards a bilateral security treaty after a series of meetings between the Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers of both countries. Welcoming his counterpart Scott
Canberra ramps up Pacific policy as election looms
BOTH government and opposition parties in Australia have outlined a renewed commitment to the Pacific, as voters prepare to go to the polls. In recent months, the Coalition government led by Prime Minister Scott
A Forum in Limbo?
Eleven days after the Nauru PIF Leaders’ Meeting last September, the Premier of Niue, Sir Toke Talagi, said on Radio New Zealand that “the Pacific Islands Forum is stuck in limbo and making little progress.”
New Caledonians vote no to independence, but the FLNKS are still smiling
In a crucial referendum on self-determination, more than 141,000 New Caledonians went to the polls on 4 November to determine the political status of the French Pacific dependency. After twenty years transition under
APEC’s dramas and theatrics
What was supposed to be the summit that showcases Papua New Guinea to some of the world’s powerful economies ended up being the show ground for a US-China power struggle in the largest island in the South Pacific. It
France prepares for New Caledonia referendum
A month before New Caledonia’s referendum on self-determination, local mayors from around the country gathered on 4 October at the French High Commission in the capital Noumea. Hosted by French High
Marching and singing for independence
By Nic Maclellan in Noumea, New Caledonia A small but vibrant group of women marched through the streets of downtown Noumea on Saturday, calling for a ‘Yes’ vote in New Caledonia’s referendum on
‘New Chinese’ a threat to Pacific stability: report
The acquisition of land on a large scale by ‘new’ Chinese in the Pacific region could potentially be a trigger for instability in the future, a new report has suggested. Authored by Dr. Stewart
Kanak leader lobbies for regional support
As New Caledonia moves closer to a referendum on self-determination on 4 November, Kanak leader Daniel Goa has been touring the Pacific, seeking regional support to monitor the decolonisation process. At the end of
Nauru’s legal wrangle
A huge legal battle looms in Nauru over the trial of 19 people some of whom former opposition parliamentarians with the Baron Waqa Government opting to appeal its Supreme Court ruling that the republic should foot the
Tonga’s Dr Tupou-Roosen is new FFA Boss
DOCTOR Manu Tupou-Roosen, Director General-designate of the Pacific Forum Fisheries Agency plans to bring to the role a strong commitment to empower the Pacific people through greater cooperation. And this she
‘At the dawn of a new day’
FLNKS Congress calls for “full sovereignty” AS New Caledonia’s FLNKS independence movement met in congress last month near the northern town of Poum, the theme highlighted the importance of the coming year: “Yet
The new Aussie assertiveness
A diplomatic spat between Beijing and Canberra has highlighted the Turnbull government’s new assertiveness in the Pacific islands as it pushes back against the growing regional influence of “nontraditional”
Fiji Supreme Court to hear election office appeal
By Anish Chand In this election year, the Fijian Supreme Court is set to hand down a judgement that will clearly define the role of the Supervisor of the Elections when it comes to following directives of the
Budget is PM Hou’s priority
Former banker promises cuts in government spending Two months in the hottest seat of Solomon Islands politics, Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela is already geared up to steering his country to a new direction with the
Turnbull reshuffles Cabinet
Canberra, Australia – Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull revealed a new cabinet line-up on the eve of 2018 by announcing a reshuffle that saw five new cabinet members and the axing of infrastructure minister, Darren
Stage set for 2018 Fiji vote
Personalities will clash as Fijians prepare to go to the ballot THE personality of Fiji’s Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama ensured that his Fiji First party won an outright majority in the 2014 polls, but that could
Former banker aims to unite Fiji
ONE of Fiji’s newest political parties has not ruled out contesting Fiji’s general elections due to be held in 2018 in coalition with other parties that are opposed to the ruling Fiji First Party of Prime Minister
Pohiva storms back
Tongan Parliament votes VETERAN politician and long-time democracy fighter Samiuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva has his job cut out for him after he was re-elected as Tonga’s Prime Minister with a 14-12 vote in the Tongan
Social media way to campaign in Fiji
WITH less than a year left for Fiji’s 2018 general election, registered political parties are whole-heartedly embracing a new weapon to take their message to voters – the social media platforms of Facebook, Twitter
Independence movement prepares for referendum
Remembrance Day, November 11. French soldiers, sailors and police stand in ranks near Noumea’s war memorial at Bir Hakiem, to remember the fallen. Across town, at Ko We Kara, members of the Union Calédonienne Party
Manus under siege
Asylum seekers fight for survival at former refugee centre “THE situation in Manus is critical. We are thirsty and have been waiting for rain in past few days. We have some water we’re rationing but it’s not