PINA

A Constitutional Amendment Bill to commence the scrutinisation of the draft federal constitution is anticipated to go before Solomon Islands parliament in the current sitting. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare made the announcement in his Address at the 39th Guadalcanal Province Second Appointed Day Celebration at Mamara, Northwest Guadalcanal. PM Sogavare said the Bill will seek to amend section 61 of the...

The head of a Canadian deep-sea mining company start-up says he wants to wait for regulations to be in place before starting “commercial-scale nodule collection” after the International Seabed Authority agreed more time was needed to develop the mining code. The Metals Company wants to mine in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific. The ISA finished meeting in Kingston Jamaica on...

By Omar Siddique, Economic Affairs Officer, Henry Cocker, Engagement Advisor, Sustainable Development, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Portia Dugu, Pacific Regionalism Adviser, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat The Pacific Islands region is renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and unique cultural heritage. However, as the world progresses towards 2050, our Pacific paradise is encountering significant development and environmental challenges that...

By Euan Graham Last week, Lloyd Austin became the first U.S defence secretary to visit Papua New Guinea, en route to the AUSMIN conclave in Brisbane. Austin was the latest in a long line of VIP visitors to the South Pacific nation this year, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, U.S Secretary of State Antony...

After two physical battles against Pacific brothers Tonga and Samoa, Flying Fijians prepare themselves for a different type of challenge against a plucky Japan side in the Pacific Nations Cup this Saturday. Fiji successfully overcame Tonga 36-20 in the first round before accounting for Samoa 33-19 in their second match. Fiji has all but secured the Pacific Nations Cup and a...

The President of the Football Federation of Samoa (FFS) has expressed his sincere gratitude towards the F.I.F.A. President Gianni Infantino and his delegation for gracing Samoa with their presence. In an interview with the media on Sunday evening, Papali'i Sam L Petaia articulated that FFS did not have the right words to describe how they felt after playing host for...

Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama has called on Prime Minister James Marape to spell out clearly and honestly his fears about Bougainville obtaining Independence from Papua New Guinea. Toroama made the call based on government’s delaying of the ratification process on Referendum, which has been stalled beyond the required period for Parliament to give its blessings under the provisions of the...

Fiji's Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua has praised China as a trusted development partner and a steadfast supporter during times of need. Speaking at the 96th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Liberation Army of China celebration, Tikoduadua emphasised Fiji’s unwavering commitment to the One China Policy. He said in an ever-changing world where security challenges transcend borders, Fiji and...

Papua New Guinea Minister for Petroleum and Energy Kerenga Kua has used his powers under the National Energy Authority Act 2021 and Essential Services Act 2002 to announce a Declaration of Emergency in the country due to the ongoing fuel saga. Minister Kua said the Declaration of Emergency will be in place for one month and is a direct result...

The two-week 7th Melanesian Arts and Culture Festival (MACFEST) officially ended on Sunday 31July with Vanuatu Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau passing the torch to Fiji as the next host. Fiji’s Minister of iTaukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu, announced the consolidation of the Melanesian arts festival symposium, Melanesian music festival, and the Melanesian pageant as an integral part of MACFEST in 2026...