PINA

Journalists and civil society actors from Southeast Asia and the Pacific made strong advocacy contributions at the International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC), a global biennial gathering billed as the world’s biggest gathering of predominately non-State actors fighting corruption, hosted in Vilnius, Lithuania on 18-21 June. UNODC supported their participation, which enabled the sharing of insights and the showcasing of regional anti-corruption...

The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) had its Constitution passed Saturday after a unanimous vote by Union members at the FRU Special General Meeting which was held at the Novotel Convention Centre at Lami. Earlier last month, representatives from the Fiji Rugby Union held consultations in Suva, Nadi and Savusavu regarding the constitution where Union representatives had the chance to share...

Fiji Rugby has announced a strong squad for Team Fiji’s campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The squad, under the guidance of Head Coach Osea Kolinisau, is set to aim for Olympic glory later this month. Head coach Osea Kolinisau has finalised the 15-member squad. Kolinisau commented, “The Olympic Games are a unique event, and our biggest challenge will be adjusting...

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) has made history by electing Mrs Emma Waiwai as its first female President during the 2024 Annual General Assembly held in Port Moresby. This landmark election marks a significant milestone in the organization’s history and reflects its commitment to gender equality and progressive leadership. Waiwai, who has been an active member of the PNGOC...

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka confirmed Friday that Kalaveti Ravu has resigned as Minister for Fisheries and Forests. Ravu was charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for abuse of office and appeared in the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. “In keeping with the conventions of Cabinet, Ravu has tendered his resignation as Minister for Fisheries & Forests to comply...

On the vivid coastlines of Suva an unexpected sight often catches the eye: the traces of human activity washed ashore. Amidst this litter, Suzanne Turaganiwai sees not just debris, but the raw materials for art and the seeds of environmental activism. For the past three years, Turaganiwai, a marine science graduate turned "artivist," has dedicated herself to the fight against plastic...

Fiji’s longest workers dispute – at the Vatukoula Gold Mine, which has lasted 33 years, is expected to be finally settled, with a promised pay-out of FJD$9.2 million (US$4.6 million) by the country’s coalition government. The settlement was announced in Suva today by the Minister of Finance, Biman Prasad in his 2024-2025 budget allocation. “The 365 mining workers went on strike...

Fiji’s Supreme Court has ruled that John Rabuku is not qualified to hold the office of Fiji's Director of Public Prosecution(DPP) as he is not qualified to be a judge as required by section 117(2) of the constitution. The Supreme Court gave its opinion that Rabuku is not eligible for judicial appointment by virtue of disciplinary proceedings disqualification in Section...

The increase in salaries for Fiji Members of Parliament will cost $4.1 million (US$2.05 million). This has been confirmed by the Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad. Prasad said the increase in salary for parliamentarians is the first-ever undertaken over eight years, and represents only one percent increment for most ministers or three percent for the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime...

The Pacific Regional and National Security Conference (PRNSC), this week dedicated session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) brought to the forefront the transformative potential of AI and the need for careful governance. Speakers delved into AI’s vast opportunities alongside its inherent risks, particularly for the Pacific Islands and beyond. There was emphasis on the need for sustainable, culturally sensitive, and inclusive approaches. This...