PINA

A 45-day stopgap measure passed by the United States Congress to avert a government shutdown has left potential funding shortfalls for strategic Pacific island states, which analysts and former officials say makes the U.S allies economically vulnerable and possibly more receptive to Chinese approaches. The Biden administration had hoped to see Congress endorse by 30 September new 20-year funding programmes...

The signing of the successor to the Cotonou Agreement in Samoa next month is expected to boost diplomatic relations between the Pacific and the European Union, says EU High Representative/Vice-President, Joseph Borrell. He made the remarks at a meeting with leaders of the Pacific Small Island Development States (PSIDS) in New York. “I would like travel to this part of the...

Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles Thursday hosted Defence Minister Win Bakri Daki for the 2023 Australia-Papua New Guinea Defence Ministers' Meeting in Geelong, Victoria. The two ministers reaffirmed the deep and broad defence partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia, which forms a key part of our Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership. Ministers committed to continuing to support Bilateral Security...

The Police investigation file into the perjury charge against former Papua New Guinea Prime Minister and member for Ialibu Pangia Peter O’Neill has been completed by police. O’Neill was arrested and charged on 13 June 2023, for lying under oath during the inquiry into the 2014 UBS loan and was brought to court, however, police have been working to complete...

Fijian importers and exporters will have greater access to finance under a partnership between the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and HFC Bank that’s expected to boost trade and support economic growth and jobs in Fiji. Under an agreement announced today, IFC, a member of the World Bank Group and the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in...

Samoa coach Seilala Mapusua has made nine changes to his starting XV from the team that lost 28-22 against Japan, with only Theo McFarland, Fritz Lee, Steven Luatua, Jonathan Taumateine, Tumua Manu and Duncan Paia’aua retaining their places. Jonathan Taumateine will partner Lima Sopoaga in the halves for only the second time after they started alongside each other against Ireland...

Many rugby fans in Fiji go to great lengths to watch the Flying Fijians in action at the Rugby World Cup. The players know this and also notices the commitment by their fans back home. Pictures of Fijians watching a game out at sea or some crowding behind a mobilefone in the highlands always hit social media after a match. Halfback Frank...

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has released the team lists for the PNG LNG Kumuls and the PNG Orchids Thursday. In a statement, PNGRFL CEO, Stanley Hondina, together with PNG LNG Kumuls Chairman, Wapu Sonk and the newly appointed Chairlady for the Santos PNG Orchids, Celestine Ove announced the 21-person squads. PNG LNG KUMULS SQUAD 1 Alex Johnston 2 Benji...

The PNG Hunters head coach, Stanley Tepend has stepped down as head coach, due to personal reasons and no longer feels that he can give the role the attention it deserves. SP PNG Hunters Board and Management have reluctantly accepted the resignation. They expressed disappointment to see Tepend go but would like to thank him for his services over the past...

Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis and Table Tennis are among the first to kick off sports competitions at this year’s 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara. According to the recently released Games Sports Schedule, all five sports will start Thursday 17 November, two days prior to the Games Opening Ceremony. Football competitions will kick off at Lawson Tama and the new SIFF Academy...