PINA

Pacific Island countries face mounting economic pressure from global trade disruptions, debt risks, and shrinking remittances, the International Monetary Fund(IMF)has warned. In an interview with PACNEWS, Nada Choueiri, Deputy Director of the IMF’s Asia & Pacific Department, said slowing growth in key partner countries due to trade tensions is already impacting Pacific economies—and the effects are likely to deepen. “Remittance flows...

Australian Federal Police (AFP)Commander Geoff Turner has been appointed as Tonga’s next Police Commissioner, set to be sworn in on 12 May 2025. Turner will succeed Commissioner Shane McLennan, whose three-year term concludes with a formal farewell parade on 9 May. The appointment was endorsed by King Tupou VI following a selection process conducted by the Judicial Appointments and Discipline Panel...

Rising U.S tariffs and growing global trade tensions are expected to indirectly drag down economic growth in Pacific Island countries, the International Monetary Fund(IMF) warns, as ripple effects from larger economies impact tourism, remittances, and investment flows. “For most Pacific Island countries, the direct effects of the tariffs are likely to be small, because goods exports to the U.S are...

Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the issue of West Papua was raised during his State Visit to Indonesia and his meeting with President Prabowo Subianto last week. Speaking to FijiLive, Rabuka said Fiji is mindful of Indonesia’s stance when our country went through its political turmoil in 1987, where Indonesia stood firm in their recognition and respect of Fiji’s...

The Trump administration has pulled the plug on the UN climate process and its financial contributions, while at the same time backing fossil fuels and obstructing renewables. By Sebastian Rodriguez As in his first term, U.S President Donald Trump has again kick-started the country’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, the global pact to tackle climate change. But this time, he...

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has appealed to all citizens of Solomon Islands—particularly residents of Honiara—to remain calm, peaceful, and respectful of the democratic process amid the current political developments in Parliament. In his address to Parliament Tuesday, the Prime Minister stated; “We all know the current political situation. I would like to appeal to the good people of...

The Prime Minister of Tonga and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Dr 'Aisake Eke, together with the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Baron Waqa, has met with the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres to reaffirm the Pacific Islands Forum's collective priorities and ambitions on critical global issues, including climate action, sustainable development, and economic development. The meeting...

The Australian Coalition has committed another $2bn(US$1.27 billion) of funding by way of campaign promises, this time to build infrastructure in the Pacific Islands and East Timor. The money has been earmarked to wrestle back influence from China and comes after U.S President Donald Trump stripped away $388m(US$247 million) from U.S Pacific support. “Infrastructure financing has become yet another battleground for...

By Joyce Chimbi “As the son of a haenyeo, a traditional Korean female diver, I grew up by the sea, often watching the ocean with my mother. Captivated by the beauty and majesty of the sea, I chose to study marine science and have devoted my entire career to the ocean,” said Do-hyung Kang, Minister of the Ministry of Oceans...

The Fijiana XV are intensifying their training in preparation for this weekend’s clash against the Wallaroos in Suva. Despite head coach Ioan Cunningham’s recent absence due to illness, training sessions continued under the guidance of forwards coach Iferemi Rawaqa and Flying Fijians coach Mick Byrne, ensuring the team’s preparations remained on track. Cunningham has since recovered and rejoined the team in...