PINA

UNICEF is increasingly concerned for children’s wellbeing in the upcoming cyclone season. Following the recent out of season Tropical Cyclone Lola, many children have already experienced three Category 4 cyclones in 2023, and four severe cyclones (including a Category 5) in three years. Current predictions suggest from 8 to 14 cyclones could be on their way across the Pacific countries,...

The Commander of the Republic of Military Forces, Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai says the RFMF is deeply concerned with the non-consultative approach taken by the Government of Fiji in its recent decision to disapprove the United Nations resolution on Gaza. In a statement, Major General Kalouniwai said it is disheartening to see a decision taken without due consideration for...

The Fijian Elections Office has referred the Minister for Sugar and Multi Ethnic Affairs, Charan Jeath Singh to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for probable breach of Section 114(1) of the Electoral Act 2014. Acting Supervisor of Elections, Ana Mataiciwa said a complaint was received on 24 October 2023 from a member of the public regarding the Facebook...

Tropical Cyclone Lola has destroyed or damaged 148 houses out of 198 on the remote Solomon Island of Tikopia, community group says. Solomon Islands medical doctor and Tikopian community spokesperson based in Honiara Dr Jackson Rakei told RNZ Pacific that food and medical supplies were also in short supply on the island. "Urgently the people need food supplies and medical supplies,...

A Samoa Parliamentary Committee is seeking to make it illegal for an election-winning candidate to resign after an opponent filed a court petition questioning his or her victory. The Standing Orders, Electoral, Petitions and Constitutional Offices Committee made the recommendation in its report after it reviewed the findings of a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into electoral matters arising from the...

Fiji's Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management is urging all Fijians to consistently heed weather warnings provided by relevant authorities. With the cyclone season commencing, Minister Sakiasi Ditoka has emphasised the importance of being prepared and attentive to weather advisories from the Fiji Meteorological Service. The Fiji Meteorological Service predicts that Fiji can expect two to three cyclones...

The Acting Assistant Secretary for the U.S Department of State’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) ennifer Littlejohn Tuesday joined Pacific Community (SPC) Deputy Director General Paula Vivili to sign a USD$1.5 million Gender Equity and Equality Action grant. The grant will support implementation of SPC’s Pacific Energy and Gender Strategic Action Plan (PEGSAP), launched at...

Marking World Cities Day on Tuesday, the UN Secretary-General emphasised the vital role cities play in sustainable development as catalysts for economic growth and innovation. “World Cities Day is a time to consider the pivotal role cities play in sustainable development,” said António Guterres, setting the stage for a global call to action. Cities, he noted, are not only engines of...

Pacific Partnership has returned to Fiji to conduct the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific, 31 October Returning to Fiji for the second time during the 2023 mission, Pacific Partnership enables participants to work together to enhance disaster response capabilities and foster new and enduring friendships in Fiji. Engagements for this year’s...

Flying Fijian coach Simon Raiwalui talked through his 2023 Rugby World Cup memories and moments with Planet Rugby, reflecting on the future of the game for Fiji and the world. The need for a Fiji/Pacific Island-Lions Test “I think there would be a huge appetite but I think it all comes down to the host country, as it’s their...