PINA

Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands are the United States’ closest allies. And they’re essential for a free and open Indo-Pacific. By Cleo Paskal After years of negotiations, the third iteration of the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) between the United States and the countries of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM)...

Former All Blacks first five-eighths Lima Sopoaga has launched a broadside at the Samoa Rugby Union’s top brass, saying the abrupt end of Seilala Mapusua’s head coaching tenure leaves a “sour taste” and international stars may now reconsider their test futures. Mapusua relocated his family to lead Manu Samoa for the past four years. He was contracted until the end...

Being mentally tough is key this weekend for the Fiji men’s 7s in Hong Kong. Head Coach Osea Kolinisau said if the team is mentally switched on then it should be a great outing for them. Following Tuesday’s scrimmage with Samoa at So Kon Po, Kolinisau says there are few things they need to get better at. He said they also ticked...

The Fijian Drua have named their squad for the crucial Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Melbourne Rebels this Friday. Head Coach Mick Byrne has made a few changes to matchday 23 this week as the team seeks their first away win of the season. In welcome news, hooker Tevita Ikanivere has been cleared to play this week and named...

The Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) has officially opened in Palau, led by Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni. A core mission of the OPOC is advancing the oceans agenda. The office collaborates with CROP agencies and partners, prioritising gender equality in ocean-related initiatives. “Our primary function is assisting our members with their ocean initiatives, working alongside CROP agencies...

The appeal case involving former Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and suspended Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho was called before the Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo today. Last month, the Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo presided over the appeal initiated by the state after the Magistrates Court acquitted the two of their charges. The former Prime Minister faced allegations of perverting the...

The 18th Niue Assembly voted in favour of the four Constitution Amendment Bills it the first reading of the Bills in last week sitting of the Fono Ekepule. Premier Dalton Tagelagi introduced all four Bills and initially asked to proceed to the second reading but the Fono Ekepule referred the Bills to the Constitution Review Committee. The four Bills are: *Constitution of...

The French Senate on Tuesday endorsed a Constitutional review project bearing significant modifications to the local electoral rules for New Caledonia, but with amendments. The text passed with 233 votes in favour and 99 against. It aims at modifying the conditions for French citizens to access a special list of voters for the elections in New Caledonia's three provinces and the...

Almost a hundred representatives from Aotearoa, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands gathered in Suva, Fiji last week for the Oceania First Voices Regional Forum, where indigenous voices shared their experiences about the accelerating climate, ocean and nature crises. The forum was organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Pacific on the basis that the...

King Charles III has approved the appointment of Samantha Mostyn as Australia’s next Governor-General. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Mostyn will succeed General David Hurley (ret’d) and will be Australia’s 28th Governor-General when she is sworn in on 01 July 2024. Mostyn is known for her exceptional service to the Australian community. She is a businesswoman and community leader with...