PINA

Growth in Pacific island countries is estimated to have slowed in 2023 and is forecast to continue to decelerate in 2024 and 2025 as the temporary boost from the COVID-19 pandemic recovery fades and fiscal policies begin to tighten, the World Bank said in its semi-annual economic outlook for 11 Pacific island countries. Investments in key drivers of long-term growth—education,...

The warming El Niño weather phenomenon that peaked in December was one of the five strongest ever recorded, the United Nations has said, predicting that it would produce above-normal temperatures from now until May. Though El Niño is now gradually weakening, its impact will continue over the coming months by fuelling the heat trapped in the atmosphere by greenhouse gases,...

Samoa Electoral Amendment Bill 2024 now debated by Parliament, will allow the online registration of Samoan voters both local and overseas. The Bill seeks to amend the Electoral Act 2019 for the Office of the Electoral Commission (OEC) to ‘clean’ and update the existing rolls under a new electronic system to replace the existing system that has been deemed obsolete....

Papua New Guinea Opposition has announced the appointment of its shadow Cabinet and minister in a press statement. The Opposition, in statement said this is important as it highlights the importance it provides in the country’s democratic functioning. Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa, while making this announcement said in accordance with keeping the Government to account, our shadow cabinet follows Parliamentary conventions...

The largest tuna fishery in the world is also the most sustainable. How do the small island states of the Pacific prevent overfishing, develop their economies, and prepare for the imminent effects of climate change?  Crystal clear waters, white sands and kilometres of scattered islets, stretching as far as the eye can see; the Marshall Islands, a microstate in the...

The year 2024 sees the EAP host four ICC Pathway Events across Senior Men’s, U19 Women’s, and U19 Men’s. The bumper year will see all nine Associate Members of the EAP participate in at least one event, as each team strives to take the next step in qualification to the ICC World Cup, in the respective formats. Starting in Indonesia, Bali...

The Fijian Drua are aware the Crusaders will want to exact revenge for their loss in Fiji last year. The Drua stunned the defending champions when they last met at Churchill Park a year ago, with flyhalf Kemu Valetini kicking a last-gasp penalty to clinch an upset 25-24 victory. Coach Mick Byrne said his side are battle ready to expect another...

Discussions are afoot between officials from Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Solomon Islands (SI) regarding the provision of assistance by PNG police in Solomon Islands’ upcoming elections. Commissioner of Police David Manning confirmed that talks had been held with his counterpart in Solomon Islands, Mostyn Mangau, with both parties exploring how the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) and the...

Fiji's Minister for Women Lynda Tabuya is no longer a deputy party leader for the ruling People’s Alliance party (PAP). This was confirmed by PAP’s general secretary Usaia Waqatairewa in a statement released today saying The People’s Alliance Executive Council at its meeting Monday, resolved, in the best interest of the party, that Tabuya be removed as deputy party leader...

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has granted authorisation to the Parties to the Nauru Agreement Office (PNAO) to participate in advisory proceedings concerning the Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change. “The PNAO was established under the 1982 Nauru Agreement concerning Cooperation in the Management of Fisheries of Common Stocks,” stated the ICJ in a statement. According to Article...