PINA

Lines of party and political allegiances in Tonga's parliament appear to have shifted in the wake of a failed vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni. The motion, submitted by MP 'Aisake Eke, made 46 allegations against the prime minister accusing him of corruption, mismanagement and not fulfilling development promises. The government's relationship with Tonga's only domestic airline...

By Kalia Ruth Barkai Despite the rejection of the term “climate refugee” by the United Nations refugee agency, and the International Organisation on Migration (IOM), the term persists in popular media. On Wednesday, the phrase was even added to Dictionary.com. At first glance, the growing informal use of the term might look like a shift towards recognising and protecting populations displaced...

“Hold your heads high”. This was the message by the President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere to the Flying Fijians team after their 32-26 loss to Wales in the Rugby World Cup 2023 group stages. President Katonivere said the team played a hard fought game and he was proud of their performance. “This is just the first game, do not give up, because...

The Flying Fijians were met with a challenging and high-intensity game in their first Rugby World Cup pool match that could potentially benefit their team. Coach Simon Raiwalui shared in a post-match press conference that games like the one against Wales can enhance the team’s overall performance. Raiwalui emphasises the physicality, demand, and intensity of competing against top-tier teams at the...

English referee Matthew Carley has been slammed for his performance during Wales' Rugby World Cup win over Fiji, with the Pacific Islanders told they are owed an apology. Wales claimed a thrilling bonus-point 32-26 win over Fiji to go second in Pool C, putting themselves in position to qualify for the quarter-finals. But that win came as the result of...

The Pacific Community’s (SPC) Pacific Islands Conference on Ocean Science and Ocean Management, begins today in Fiji with more than 200 delegates from across the region and the world. The first of its kind in the Pacific, this conference brings together ocean scientists, technical experts, policymakers, young people, and custodians of traditional knowledge to address vital issues concerning the Pacific...

Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Henry Puna has highlighted the 2050 Strategy and its implementation plan as the collective vision of the Blue Pacific at the Smaller Island States (SIS) officials meeting today in Suva. “Your meeting today is a valuable opportunity for you to discuss how you wish to position the SIS Grouping moving forward, recognising the evolving regional...

The Indo-Pacific tug-of-war has already begun to fray the mat of our Pasifika Household, warns the Pacific Conference of Churches. Speaking at the Synod of the Etaretia Porotetani Maohi (Maohi Protestant Church) on Moorea, Ma’ohi Nui (French Polynesia) last week, PCC General Secretary called churches to be vigilant of the use of terms such as “regional security” as an excuse...

Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has reaffirmed his commitment to closely monitor expert analysis of treated wastewater discharge from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant and to engage in ongoing dialogue with Japan. The PM’s statement in Parliament this morning comes as Fiji grapples with divergent opinions concerning this matter. Rabuka acknowledged the initial stance of former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, who initially...

In a landmark hearing, small island nations disproportionately affected by the climate crisis will take on high-emitting countries in a court in Hamburg, Germany, on 11 September, in what is being seen as the first climate justice case aimed at protecting the ocean. During the two-day hearing, the nations – including the Bahamas, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Antigua and Barbuda among others...