PINA

A new report says small island developing states (SIDS) are particularly susceptible to the health consequences of climate change. The report, for the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change, lists almost all Pacific island countries and territories as SIDS. “Climate change is already deeply affecting the health of people living in SIDS,” the report said. “Data from the past 70 years...

Fiji's deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka remains optimistic that the recent suspected alcohol poisoning incident at the Warwick Fiji Resort will not have a negative impact on Fiji’s tourism industry. Gavoka reassures travelers that Fiji continues to be a safe and welcoming destination for visitors, emphasising that the investigation into the incident is ongoing and authorities are...

By Marjorie Cohn The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has just completed hearings on the climate crisis in a case that could have critical consequences for the survival of future generations. From 02-13 December, more than 100 states and organisations argued before the ICJ in landmark litigation that began five years ago when Pacific Islander law students initiated a grassroots...

The U.S is advancing the fortification of its territory closest to China with the arrival of the first Marines from Okinawa and its first interceptor missile test in Guam last week. About 100 Marines from Japan landed on Saturday, the vanguard of about 5,000 due to be relocated to Guam under a security treaty with the U.S. The U.S successfully downed...

Solomon Islands MP for Central Honiara, Gordon Darcy Lilo, Monday withdrawn his Motion of No Confidence against Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, citing insufficient support from fellow Parliamentarians. Lilo acknowledged his inability to secure the numbers needed to challenge the Prime Minister’s leadership during a parliamentary session. “I don’t have the number. The number has retracted. But the number out there are...

Samoa called for “immediate cessation of wrongdoing” when it appeared before the International Court of Justice hearing last week highlighting growing global consensus on climate accountability. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) or the World Court is the only international court adjudicating general disputes between nations and gives advisory opinions on international legal issues. Located in the Hague, Netherlands the historic...

Two Australians hospitalised in a suspected mass alcohol poisoning are on their way home — as Fiji reassures tourists of their safety. Another two Australians are among a total of seven people hospitalised, and the federal government was providing consular assistance to two families. Two Australians died in Laos from a suspected mass ethanol poisoning. The father and grandfather of two of...

WWF commends the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission for the adoption of binding measures on crew labour standards at its 21st annual meeting. A key development that will require WCPFC Member States to uphold their commitment to human rights and labour standards across tuna fisheries (WCPO), these standards could strengthen measures against IUU fishing, which might be associated with...

By Sione Tekiteki The AUD$140 million (US$89 million) aid agreement between Australia and Nauru signed last week is a prime example of the geopolitical tightrope vulnerable Pacific nations are walking in the 21st century. The deal provides Nauru with direct budgetary support, stable banking services, and policing and security resources. In return, Australia will have the right to veto any pact...

Papua New Guinea’s first match in the NRL is tipped to be the most watched game in history and Kumuls great Marcus Bai predicts the atmosphere will be like nothing else in world sport. PNG will join the NRL in 2028 and Bai said Santos National Stadium in Port Moresby would not be anywhere big enough to accommodate the number...