PINA

U.S Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland wrapped a weeklong trip to the Pacific Islands today, including visits to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia. Secretary Haaland led the U.S delegation for the inauguration of the 10th President of the Federated States of Micronesia, Wesley W. Simina. Vice President Aaron Palik...

Pacific health researchers are starting clinical trials in early 2024 to explore kava as an alternate treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study is undertaken by researchers from University of Waikato, New Zealand on how kava use in the traditional kava setting could facilitate trauma therapy. Its co-lead and Pacific health researcher Dr Apo Aporosa told NutraIngredients-Asia that the study...

As tensions grow over security in the Indo-Pacific region amid an increasingly assertive China, Tonga and the United States agreed that working together, guided by strategies such as the Pacific 2050 Strategy, would be key to ensuring that – the Pacific remain a region of peace, security, and prosperity, says Tongan Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni. PM Sovaleni made the statement...

French President Emmanuel Macron warned Wednesday that separatism could lead to violence in the Pacific territory of New Caledonia, as he urged the pro-independence camp to accept a string of votes to stay part of France. On a landmark visit following three referendums that have rejected secession, Macron insisted the archipelago's future was within France. “Taking refuge in separatism actually means...

Lloyd Austin’s arrival in Papua New Guinea on Wednesday marked the first time that an American Defence Secretary has visited the island nation reflecting its growing strategic importance as the U.S tries to rein in China’s growing influence in the South Pacific. That competition with China has escalated American efforts to increase security cooperation with Papua New Guinea (PNG) as...

A planned missile defence system on the island of Guam could turn the U.S Pacific territory into a “target,” local residents have said, as opposition to the plans grow. The Pentagon plans to invest US$1.5bn in a 360-degree, air and missile defence architecture on Guam. It aims to complete the system by 2027. In January, the Missile Defence Agency (MDA), a...

Fiji's Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga has revealed that the Climate Change Act of 2021 remains ineffective as it stands – basically a toothless piece of legislation. Speaking at the Lomaiviti Provincial Council Meeting, the Attorney-General said this piece of legislation is currently under the purview of the Office of the Prime Minister and is being looked at...

By Diego A. Cerdeiro, Roman D. Merga and Chris Redl Domestic policies can help support growth in coming years, but long-term prospects also depend on the global community’s ability to prevent destructive global warming outcomes Tuvalu’s population of 11,000 is spread across nine Pacific islands that rise less than five meters above sea level, underscoring its extraordinary challenges from climate change. Tuvalu...

The hangover of the victory against Japan is now over and the Manu Samoa players are under no illusion of the challenge ahead of them this Saturday at Apia Park. The focus has shifted to the Flying Fijians and head coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua knows that this will be one of their toughest games yet. Samoa nipped Fiji 23-20 in July...

Flying Fijians Head Coach Simon Raiwalui said a decision would be made in regard to star flanker Peceli Yato and the situation surrounding his surprise exit from the Rugby World Cup squad later this week. Raiwalui said he had met with Yato and talks were on-going. “I had a chance to meet with Peceli we will go through that and make...