PINA

Portugal's sensational last-gasp victory over Fiji for their first World Cup win on Sunday was one of the moments of the tournament but the economic realities of the game mean such upsets are destined to remain a rarity. For all the delights that Portugal, Uruguay and Chile served up over the pool stage with their expansive rugby, eight usual suspects...

Samoa's Rugby World Cup campaign ended in Lille last Saturday following a heart-breaking 18-17 defeat to England as they failed to live up to pre-tournament expectations. Rubbing salt into the wounds is that the Pacific Islanders are unsure when their next match will be, unlike England who have the Six Nations starting in February and a reported July tour to...

The Vanuatu Member of Parliament representing Luganville Constituency, Matai Seremaiah, has assumed the role of Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) within the newly elected coalition government led by Prime Minister Charlot Salwai. PM Salwai announced Seremaiah’s appointment Monday, following his election by parliament last Friday. During the appointment of the 12 new ministers, the PM had indicated his intention to select his...

Papua New Guinea Minister for Justice and Attorney-General Pila Niningi says there is ‘no warrant of arrest’ for Prime Minister James Marape. As the Government’s legal advisor, he said this over the weekend to clarify misconceptions which led to Members of Parliament raising questions on the floor based on speculations on social media. As Parliament resumes today, Niningi urged his colleague...

Oped by Kanni Wignaraja and Munkhtuya Altangerel A drive from Suva to the village of Tavuya, in Fiji, gives the onlooker a front row seat to climate adaptation works in action. Less than an hour's journey from the bustling capital city of Suva, Tavuya still feels like a world away. For residents here, marine transport represents a lifeline, connecting its...

The damage caused by the climate crisis through extreme weather has cost US$16m (£13m) an hour for the past 20 years, according to a new estimate. Storms, floods, heatwaves and droughts have taken many lives and destroyed swathes of property in recent decades, with global heating making the events more frequent and intense. The study is the first to calculate...

Fiji President Ratu Williame Katonivere has expressed gratitude for the contributions that have shaped Fiji’s progress and modernisation. He highlights the pivotal decision to embrace Christianity as a guiding light and the enduring commitment to multiculturalism and diverse cultures and religions. He said Fiji, known as a progressive economy and a hub in the Pacific, is dedicated to fostering regional unity...

About 20 foreign police officers will be recruited to take up leadership responsibilities in PNG Royal Constabulary at headquarters and in the province, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape said. He said this when debating on the country’s law and order report presented to Parliament by Internal Securities Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr who said that they asked the Australian...

As Fiji marks its 53 years of independence today, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has commended the journey of resilience, unity and the unwavering spirit of Fijians. He says this year’s Fiji Day theme, “Rebuilding Fiji Together,” reflects not only aspirations but also the indomitable spirit that has guided people all through the years. Rabuka also states that as the Pacific continues...

The President of Timor-Leste José Ramos-Horta has suggested that Chinese diplomats turned down requests to develop police and military infrastructure in his country because they were worried about drawing an "overreaction" from Australia. Some Australian politicians expressed alarm when China and Timor-Leste struck a new comprehensive strategic partnership during a visit to Hangzhou by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao last month. The...