PINA

Papua New Guinea Members of Parliament (MPs) agreed Wednesday to increase the penalty for anyone breaching the Leadership Code from a three-year to a five-year suspension. The three-year ban had been in place since Independence in 1975. All MPs in the House voted in favour of the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership (Amendment) Act 2023. Prime Minister James...

Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka was at the Nadi International Airport early this morning to welcome home 255 pilgrims who returned from the annual Feast of the Tabernacle in Israel. Rabuka said their safe return is a testament to the resilience of our nation and the Fijian spirit that binds us together. He highlighted the country’s strength in times of need...

By Jioji Ravulo, University of Sydney Australia’s Indigenous Voice referendum could also be seen as a referendum on how the nation will be perceived by its Pacific neighbours. Pacific nations have put Australia on notice as it prepares to vote in the Indigenous Voice referendum after witnessing the bruising and often ugly campaign. They believe Australia’s image in the Pacific is on...

Officials gathering in Samoa for the Pacific Small Islands States (PSIDS) preparatory meeting for the 28th UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) are adamant. They say the big greenhouse gas emitting countries must be held accountable and pay for the impacts climate change continues to inflict on lives in Pacific countries that are least responsible...

Dozens of island nations signed a declaration in Indonesia on Wednesday to boost solidarity and cooperation on fighting climate threats, including rising sea levels. Smaller nations at risk of the effects of climate change have sounded the alarm about the threat posed to their existence, seeking a bigger voice on climate diplomacy and issues that may decide their fate. Thirty-two island...

Close to 200 Fijians including Fijian students studying in Israel were successfully repatriated by a Fiji Airways charted flight from Tel Aviv Wednesday. In a media conference, Minister for Immigration Pio Tikoduadua said flight 2394 not only brought back 198 Fijians but also a diverse group of international travellers including 13 Australians, 16 New Zealanders, eight Samoans, two Canadians, two...

Hundreds of Pacific Islanders were on the trip of a lifetime in Israel when war suddenly broke out. Pesi Sikalu is one of many who were on religious trips to the country but are now stuck in the war zone after their flights home were cancelled. They are all safe, but scared, telling 1News: “When we were outdoors the siren alarmed....

Banning new mercury mines is among milestones achieved under the Minamata Convention, which is now 10 years old. To help understand why this international treaty is important, UN News has put together a quick guide on global efforts to eradicate exposure to quicksilver, as mercury is also known. Making waves The landmark Convention is named after the Japanese coastal city where residents...

Fiji’s hooker Sam Matavesi is still expected to face England this weekend despite having dashed back to Cornwall to be with his family following the death of his father, Sireli. Matavesi, who plays his club rugby for Northampton, is a key member of his country’s pack and his absence would be an untimely setback ahead of Fiji’s first Rugby World...

Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui has replaced injured second-row Temo Mayanavanua with Apisalome Ratuniyarawa in his Rugby World Cup 2023 squad ahead of the quarter-final against England on Sunday, 15 October. This comes after prop Jone Koroiduadua was replaced by Emosi Tuqiri following injury. Forwards Prop Eroni Mawi (Saracens) Peni Ravai (Queensland Reds) Emosi Tuqiri (Fijian Drua) Mesake Doge (Dragons) Luke Tagi (Provence Rugby) Samu Tawake (Fijian...