PINA

Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siosi Sovaleni has confirmed his resignation as Minister of His Majesty’s Armed Forces. He also confirmed the resignation of Fekita ‘Utoikamanu as Minister of Tourism and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. ‘Utoikamanu is now the new Minister of Tonga Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) They resigned on 28 March, the Prime...

Op-ed by: Adam Wolfenden The recent World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Conference failed to deliver a number of outcomes, most noticeably an agreement to end subsidies that contribute to overfishing and overcapacity. As discussions resume at the WTO in Geneva there is now an opportunity for the talks to take a turn for the better and target those most responsible...

Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)chair and Samoan Ambassador to the United Nations, Fatumanava Pa’olelei Luteru is calling for ambitious action-oriented outcomes from the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in May. “As we approach the end of the informals and stand at the mid-way point of the preparatory committees, we also thank delegations for their expressed...

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) contingent tasked with helping out during Solomon Islands' national election has sailed in to the capital Honiara to begin its work. HMNZS Canterbury is carrying two Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopters, which will be used to assist the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission to transport polling boxes and election officials to various locations. Solomon...

The Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Henry Puna, says there has never been a more momentous time for the region to get behind the benefits of the Pacific Way. Puna is in Apia this week, meeting with key stakeholders from civil society, the private sector, and official groups following his initial discussions with Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi...

The Solomon Islands official ballot papers for the 2024 Joint Election are printed and have now arrived in the country on Tuesday this week. The ballot papers totaling a record of 1 million, cater to voter numbers in a Joint Election, where Solomon Islands voters will now vote for members of the National Parliament and members of either their Provincial...

Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka affirms that the Pacific nation will not use aid as a means of driving other countries against each other. He made the comments in response to queries about China’s rendering assistance to Fiji and how our neighbouring countries have made allegations of undue influence in Fiji. Rabuka reaffirms Fiji’s strong ties with Australia and New Zealand,...

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...