U.S. set to open new embassy in Tonga this month
The United States is on track to open a new embassy in Tonga this month, the top U.S. diplomat for East Asia said on Tuesday, part of efforts to step up its diplomatic presence in the Pacific region to counter China.
MSG Marks 35th Anniversary: Melanesia, Storian blo Yumi
The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) has evolved substantially from its low-key inception way back in 1988, reaching 35 years of existence this year on the 14th of March. From its humble beginnings as a pressure group
Vanuatu chief urges countries to clean up climate change mess
“My people have not caused this climate change and we challenge those (countries) that have caused it to clean it up. “I thank Denmark for standing with Vanuatu at the United Nations General Assembly on its
UN resolution a victory for Pacific youth
The United Nations’ adoption of a resolution calling for an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the obligations of States on climate change, is a victory for the Pacific, and for a group
Vanuatu ransomware attack a lesson for others
On 06 November 2022, a new government started its first official day in office on the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu – just as a debilitating ransomware attack shut it out of all state-run computer systems. Unable
Solomon Airlines and Air Vanuatu strengthen partnership
Solomon Airlines has confirmed the next phase of partnership cooperation with next-door neighbour Air Vanuatu, establishing a wet lease (ACMI) agreement as the carriers take an important step in improving synergies and
How Vanuatu allegedly lost its mackerel rights — and fought back
A Vanuatu government envoy was at a fishing summit in Ecuador this year when he claims to have had a surprising encounter: two men linked with an obscure Panamanian company who said they represented his country. Saade
UN court gets request for advisory opinion on climate change
The United Nations’ highest court confirmed Wednesday that the General Assembly has asked for it to issue an advisory opinion on “the obligations of States in respect of climate change.” UN nations led by the
South Africa’s wanted fugitives Guptas are now citizens of Vanuatu
South Africa’s Director-General of the justice department advocate Dr Mashabane said on Friday they only just learnt that the Guptas are citizens of Vanuatu in the Pacific islands. “In the communication we
Solomon Airlines assists cyclone recovery, Fiji Airways’ advanced aircraft
Solomon Airlines Chief Executive Officer Gus Kraus has confirmed the national carrier has sent a De Havilland Twin Otter aircraft and operating crew, to assist Vanuatu’s recovery efforts following the devastation
Low supply, food aid delays in Vanuatu
The low supply of certain dry ration items from suppliers in the country is still hampering food distribution to Vanuatu cyclone-affected households. The Food Security and Agriculture Cluster (FSAC) is distributing
How Vanuatu’s climate campaign could save the world
The tiny island country has pushed the UN and the International Court of Justice to take unprecedented action that could help avert planetary catastrophe. A small miracle happened in New York on 29 March. A humble
Blockchain technology a game changer for Vanuatu, report shows
A recently released report by Pacific Advisory, funded by Oxfam International and Australian Aid, has identified blockchain technology as a game-changer for Vanuatu. The report provides a path forward to achieve the
USA disagrees with Vanuatu-led climate resolution
The United States one of the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has disagreed with the Vanuatu-led resolution of seeking an Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the states’
Vanuatu ‘still struggling’ with cyclone aftermath
Save the Children says about half of Vanuatu’s population is still struggling to access safe drinking water and nutritious food in the wake of the Category Four cyclones Judy and Kevin, which hit the island nation in
Tourism is a vital sector of Vanuatu’s economy: Seremaiah
Vanuatu’s Minister of Tourism, Trade, Commerce and Ni-Vanuatu Business, Matai Seremaiah, has welcomed the reinstatement of Virgin Australia Airline’s scheduled services to Vanuatu after its last flight on 15
Vanuatu reviews immigration and labour policies
Vanuatu’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MOIA) is undertaking a comprehensive review of immigration and labour policies and legislation to create a system that is attractive to investors and benefits the private
Deep-sea mining meeting closes without consensus
As meetings to oversee deep-sea mining on the high seas draw to a close, it remains unclear whether regulators will allow it to commence in the near future. At the 07-31 March meetings in Kingston, Jamaica, of the
USP graduation exemplifies excellence
Regional students share their experiences Over 1,786 tertiary students received their accreditation at the University of the South Pacific’s (USP) first graduation ceremony for 2023, with 61% of those graduating being
UN backs landmark Pacific-led climate resolution
The United Nations has adopted a landmark resolution asking the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to deliver an opinion on climate change and the legal consequences countries face for harming the environment. It is
Fisheries, health and an embassy for Vanuatu feature in U.S.-Pacific talks
The White House says a high-level U.S. delegation visit to Pacific Island nations this month was a demonstration of its commitment towards a free, open and resilient Indo-Pacific. The visits came amid concerns over
A sacred crop affected by climate change
The jarring sound of men hocking spit contrasts sharply with the quiet conversation and humming cicadas at Port Vila’s waterside Nagotambo Nakamal at dusk. "It's like, [the] nectar of the gods. It's sacred,”
Growing insurance in the Pacific
A vibrant ‘insurance movement’ is “disrupting the historical status quo of insurance coverage access being largely confined to medium to high income urbanites,” says the General Secretary of the United Nations