PINA

Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) vice-president Patrick Nisira has called on the Government to consider the politically sensitive environment of the region when voting for the ratification and endorsement of the referendum result in Parliament. Nisira said that no one could have predicted the result of the referendum. “But when the results were announced on 11 December 2019, people cried with joy...

As Pacific nations, Fiji and Samoa are determined to advance cooperation for sustainable economic growth and development. This was articulated at an introductory call received by the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr Lesikimacuata Korovavala from the Samoan High Commissioner to Fiji,Aliioaiga Feturi Elisaia. The meeting highlighted that the enduring and multifaceted, Fiji and Samoa relationship is based on trust and...

Pacific anti-nuclear advocacy groups and campaigners have condemned the Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's backing of Japan's plans release over one million tonnes of treated nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean. Last Thursday, Rabuka announced he was “satisfied” with Japan's efforts to demonstrate that the release will be safe. He said he had read the International Atomic Energy Agency's report which...

Vanuatu Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau has made a cabinet reshuffle. MP for Santo Rural Samson Samsen has been appointed new Minister for Trade. Matai Seremaiah is now Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister replacing Jotham Napat. A motion of no confidence bearing the signatures of 29 Members of Parliament was lodged and received by the office of the Vanuatu Speaker...

Cook Islands Prime Minister of the Cook Islands Mark Brown has arrived in Fiji for a series of bilateral and regional engagements focused on the Cook Islands and the Pacific economic resilience and partnerships for prosperity priorities. On Monday, Prime Minister Brown's schedule of engagements starts with a meeting with Fiji Airways Chief Executive and Managing Director Andre Viljoen and...

A bipartisan group of U.S senators has proposed legislation to support establishment of national security councils in strategic Pacific island states that are home to key U.S military installations and at risk of espionage and coercion by China. The provisions are contained in the sweeping National Defence Authorisation Act, which was passed by the Senate last month but is still...

The Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM) will convene at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Fiji for their annual meeting, this week to discuss the region's economic performance in the last year. The 2023 FEMM is a critical opportunity for Pacific Finance and Economic Ministers to collectively discuss the key economic challenges facing the region given the current global volatility and...

Brisbane-based Nauru Airlines has marked the beginning of a new chapter as a growing freight carrier with the addition of Australia's first Boeing 737-800F to its fleet. Although the airline is headquartered on Nauru, the country's flag carrier has been based out of Brisbane Airport for 20 years and is registered under Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority and local aviation...

In a landmark declaration, the communities of Nadogo District representing 22 traditional tribes (yavusas), united to declare Nukuvadra and Katawaqa islands as community protected areas and turtle sanctuaries. This declaration marks a significant boost for sea turtle populations, particularly the critically endangered hawksbill turtles, as these islands are well-known nesting sites for these ancient mariners. The move comes as an...

Manu Samoa head coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua has announced a 32 men squad for the Rugby World Cup which includes Ben Lam and Lima Sopoaga. Michael Ala’alatoa and Chris Vui have been named as co-captains with youngster Miracle Fai’ilagi forcing his way into the squad. Melani Matavao and Theodore McFarland have also been included in the squad which boasts a strong...