PINA

The Papua New Guinea leadership tribunal inquiring into misconduct allegations against suspended Madang MP Bryan Kramer today found Kramer guilty on seven of the 12 allegations of misconduct against him. Initially, there was 14 allegations in total but two of the allegations were withdrawn during the course of the trial. The tribunal panel comprising Justice Lawrence Kangwia as Chairman and Magistrates...

A new report by the World Bank says Fiji was the strongest performing Pacific economy in 2022, buoyed by a rebounding tourism sector GDP growth increased to an estimated 15.1 percent in 2022. According to the report – Pacific Economic Update – Fiji is forecast to continue a stable growth trajectory and see inflation fall as low as 2 per...

Trade and investment opportunities between the U.S and Pacific are expected to gain traction, with the first iteration of the US-Pacific Trade and Investment dialogue Tuesday. The dialogue was held virtually, supported by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and U.S Government and attended by senior officials from: trade, investment and fisheries agencies from each Forum Member country; the Office of...

By Karen McVeigh Almost two-thirds of the world’s ocean lies outside national boundaries. These are the “high seas”, where fragmented and loosely enforced rules have meant a vast portion of the planet, hundreds of miles from land, is often essentially lawless. Because of this, the high seas are more susceptible than coastal seas to exploitation. Currently, all countries can navigate, fish...

Fijian Drua has announced key re-signings of five players beyond the current Super Rugby Pacific season. Players that have recommitted their services to the Drua are hookers Tevita Ikanivere, Mesulame Dolokoto and Zuriel Togiatama as well as Flying Fijians props Haereiti Hetet and Livai Natave. Fijian Drua chief executive, Mark Evans said they’re delighted to retain the services of the talented...

Climate change forecasters have warned for years that the warmer and wetter world created by the climate crisis will drive a surge in mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever. Experts say that in the Pacific Islands, such predictions are now becoming a reality. The regional development organisation, the Pacific Community, says between 2012 and 2021, its Pacific island members...

New World Bank report series provides economic deep dive into Pacific economies After nearly three years of economic contraction, Pacific economies can anticipate a return to growth this calendar year despite ongoing challenges, according to the World Bank. While the recovery is expected to continue, fiscal balances, debt sustainability, and inflation will remain a concern. Pacific nations will need to consider...

UN member states have much work to do to finally agree a treaty to protect the high seas before scheduled negotiations close in five days, participants and observers say. After 15 years of formal and informal talks, delegates have been meeting in New York since 20 February for the third “final” negotiating round in less than a year. “There was progress...

Fiji's Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua has revealed his plans for the Fiji Police, and one of them is for it to be led by its own people. Tikoduadua said he wants the Force to be blue and not to be mistaken for any other force in government. The Minister said the Fiji Police Force is not the military. He said...

Vanuatu has taken a major step to boost its economy and improve the livelihood of its people by ratifying the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus. PACER Plus, a unique development-centered trade and investment agreement between eight Pacific Island Countries and Australia and New Zealand, aims to reduce barriers to trade and investment, and promote economic development and...