PINA

The Pacific islanders who carved the haunting stone statues of Rapa Nui appear to have avoided “ecological suicide”, according to genomics research that adds to evidence against a popular theory about their fate. DNA analysis of human remains suggests the population of the remote volcanic outcrop also known as Easter Island kept growing until the mid-19th century rather than succumbing...

Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne has expressed confidence in his squad’s defensive capabilities as they prepare to face the USA in the Pacific Nations Cup semifinal. Reflecting on their performance against Tonga, where they prevented any second-half points, Byrne commended the team’s resilience and fitness. He believes these factors have been instrumental in their ability to maintain pressure and close out...

After three compelling rounds of pool action played in six different countries, the concluding two weekends of the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2024 will be hosted by Japan. Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo will host all three matches this weekend, with two taking place on Saturday and one on Sunday, as the Finals Series gets underway. Tonga and...

The U.S House of representatives passed a measure aimed at increasing U.S engagement with Pacific partners on Monday. The House Resolution 7159, also known as the Pacific Partnership Act, was sponsored by U.S representative Ed Case, D-Hawaii, who served as co-chair and founding member of the Congressional Pacific Islands Caucus. Case co-introduced the measure with 25 other bipartisan colleagues. “Our country’s...

The draft Solomon Islands ‘Citizenship by Investment’ bill is complete and is subject to further review before it is submitted to Cabinet for consideration. Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele revealed in Parliament, this is a priority under the Government for National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT)100- days programme. “I am happy to inform parliament that the first draft of the bill for...

King Charles III has announced plans to visit Australia and Samoa next month on a trip that will span a dozen time zones and test the monarch’s stamina as he recovers from cancer treatment. The 18-26 October tour, which Buckingham Palace outlined Tuesday, marks a watershed moment for the 75-year-old king. King Charles is slowly returning to public duties after taking...

The 51st Conference of Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police (PICP) in Tonga last week underscored growing concerns about increasing geopolitical competition and the emergence of new actors in the Pacific region. Police Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo, who recently attended the conference, brought these pressing issues to the forefront during the launch of a new law enforcement training programme on Monday. In...

If Australia succeeds in its bid to co-host global climate talks with Pacific nations in 2026, it could deliver a direct $100-$200 million (US$66 million- US$133 million) economic boost to the host city, according to a new analysis of the federal government's plan. But the federal government is still facing a competing bid from Türkiye for the right to host...

World Bank Group President Ajay Banga Tuesday laid out an ambitious vision for the institution, calling for fast and bold reforms to address intertwined global challenges like climate change, inequality, and economic fragility. “Our mission is clear: to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet,” Banga said at the Lowy Institute in Sydney. He emphasised that the World...

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama have jointly appointed Sir Jerry Mateparae as the independent moderator to help resolve the ongoing discussions about Bougainville’s future. “After thorough consideration and consultation, we have asked Sir Jerry Mateparae to take up the independent moderator role to support our two governments,” Marape and Toroama said in a...