PINA

While both Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) have endorsed their new Compacts of Free Association with Washington, the Marshall Islands just launched its review process Thursday with the first of a series of public hearings to engage islanders living in Majuro and Ebeye, the two main urban centers. The Palau and Micronesia congresses passed legislation earlier adopting...

Papua New Guinea’s East Sepik Provincial Administration has declared a state of emergency, effective Monday, until further notice. Mother nature in the last few days had caused flooding and destruction in Middle-Sepik and on Sunday an earthquake with a magnitude 6.9 hit the province according to the United States Geological Survey. Samson Torovi, Chairman of the Provincial Disaster Committee and Provincial...

The majority of kava farmers in Fiji are facing issues with the dieback disease. This was highlighted during the Regional Kava Development Strategy and Geographical Indication (GI) for Kava meeting currently held in Nadi. Lami Kava General Manager Edward Hoerder explained the gravity of the situation, noting that dieback disease poses a significant challenge to local farmers, particularly those engaged in...

By Amy McLennan Fifty years ago, a diabetes survey in the Republic of Nauru concluded that a third of Nauruans had type 2 diabetes. It was the first time the relatively uncommon disease was found to be widespread in a national population, and it led researchers to raise the alarm about a potential “global diabetes epidemic”. At the time, there was...

Fijian Drua are not taking the Western Force lightly in their clash this weekend. The Force pulled off an upset 40-31 win over the Queensland Reds last week, which was their first win of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season. Coach Mick Byrne said despite being the last-ranked team on the points standings, the Western Force have sounded out a warning...

Fiji 7s coach Osea Kolinisau says with all eyes on the Paris Olympics in July, his focus still remains on the World Sevens Series. Kolinisau said the Hong Kong 7s next weekend is the perfect setting to gauge where his team is at and how to move forward. The former national 7s captain said he wants to do justice to Fiji’s...

Papua New Guinea have been beaten in their second match in the FIFA Series in Sri Lanka, suffering a 4-0 defeat to Central African Republic at the Race Course Ground in Colombo. Looking to build upon a promising 0-0 draw against the host nation last week, Papua New Guinea struggled to get into the game, as three first-half goals put...

Washington and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) have reaffirmed their defence and security ties, toasting a fresh economic package under the newly signed Compact of Free Association that cemented the United States' foothold in the Pacific island nation. Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III hosted FSM President Wesley Simina at the Pentagon last week to explore opportunities for...

Small island nations are another step closer to holding the world’s big polluters to account for the harm they cause from their emissions. Vanuatu made history last year when the UN General Assembly adopted the tiny island state's proposal to have the International Court of Justice (ICJ) clarify countries' legal obligations to protect people and the environment from the effects...

Nauru President David Adeang arrived in Beijing on Sunday, embarking on a six-day state visit to China from Sunday to 29 March. It marks the first visit by a Nauruan president after the two countries resumed diplomatic ties in January 2024. Experts believe the trip will enhance political mutual trust and understanding, which will serve as a springboard from which further...