Too early to confirm party affiliation: Vanuatu MP Bohn
Vanuatu Progressive Development Party (VPDP) President and Member of Parliament (MP) for the Epi constituency, Robert Murray Bohn, said it is too early to confirm his party affiliation.
MP Bohn conveyed this to the Vanuatu Daily Post when asked about his party affiliation during negotiations to form the government of the next legislature.
His statement about it being “too early” to...
Solomon Islands, Australia and PNG work on new visa system
Immigration officers from Solomon Islands, Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) are in Honiara to advance the next phase of the new Solomon Islands Border Management System (BMS).
This followed the announcement by Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles MP, during his visit to Honiara in May 2024.
The teams from Solomon Islands, Australia and PNG came together to support development...
The Deepening Friendship and Partnership between Kiribati and Australia
By Ruth Cross Kwansing, Kiribati Minister of Women, Youth, Sport and Social Affairs
Last week, our nation welcomed Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles. While the visit was exciting for all of Kiribati, it was particularly significant for me. As a newly appointed Cabinet Minister, I was tasked during our Cabinet meeting led by Minister in Charge Alexander Teabo, with...
Bougainville general election dates announced
Bougainville Speaker of the House of Representatives Simon Pentanu, has announced the official dates of the 2025 Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) General Election Wednesday.
Pentanu said he would be issuing the writs for the 2025 ABG General Election of the Bougainville House of Representatives on Monday 07 July 2025 as Speaker in accordance with Section 107 of the Bougainville Constitution.
He...
New Zealand chides Cook Islands for ‘lack of transparency’
New Zealand criticised its close Pacific partner the Cook Islands on Wednesday for showing a “lack of transparency”, following reports that it is about to sign a cooperation deal with China.
Wellington raised its concerns ahead of a reported state visit to China by the prime minister of the self-governing South Pacific nation, which has a population of about 17,000.
The...
Landmark dialogue to bolster Australia-India cooperation with Island States
A first-of-its-kind dialogue, the Fiji Dialogue, will be held this Friday, 07 February 2025 in Suva, Fiji, focusing on enhancing the security of island nations in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Hosted by leading think tank the Australia India Institute and in partnership with The University of the South Pacific (USP), the Fiji Dialogue will tackle the most pressing issues...
Forum Officials meet ahead of the Korea -Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
Senior officials from Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) member countries are in the Republic of Korea this week for the 2025 Korea-Pacific Islands Inter-Sessional Meeting.
The meeting will review the achievements of the last Leaders Summit held in 2023, consider progress on implementation and prepare for the 6th Korea – Pacific Islands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting later this year.
The Foreign Ministerial Meeting...
Whose canoe? ‘Moana 2’ debate exposes AI threat to Pacific languages
Fears AI like ChatGPT may misrepresent Pacific knowledge and languages by losing their essence and nuance.
Commentary by Jope Tarai
As Moana sailed the Pacific late last year in her traditional canoe on the big screen, a heated debate raged online over the ownership of this potent symbol that unites Pacific islanders. The discussion of her canoe in turn influenced, in...
FRU Board terminates Director of Rugby Laijipa Naulivou after controversial remarks on same-sex relationships
The Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) Board of Directors has terminated the appointment of Laijipa Naulivou as Director of Rugby.
While Naulivou tendered her resignation following her sexist remarks in a media interview, the Board determined that a firm stance was necessary to reinforce its commitment to upholding professional standards and safeguarding the integrity of Fiji Rugby.
Naulivou had stated that she...
Flying Fijians head coach Byrne urges young players to focus on hard work
Hard work beats talent.
These are the words of Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne to youngsters looking to one-day wear the white jersey and run out for the Flying Fijians.
Byrne said that since almost every Fijian youngster has the talent of playing rugby, hard work is what stands out when scouts are on the lookout for new additions to...