PINA

Pacific Islands Climate Action Network (PICAN) has appointed Rufino Varea as its new Regional Director. Hailing from Oinafa Village in Rotuma, Rufino Varea brings extensive experience in marine ecotoxicology and environmental risk assessment to the role. Varea’s career began with recognition as the inaugural recipient of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) – Development Research for Oceania Pipeline Award. He also completed a...

Australia will provide a further AUD$2 million (US$1.3 million) to support reconstruction efforts in Papua New Guinea after last month’s deadly landslide, the government said Thursday. The South Pacific nation off Australia’s northern coast is still struggling with the aftermath of the disaster in Enga province in its mountainous interior, which the United Nations estimated killed 670 villagers and immediately...

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) takes full responsibility for the running aground of the $20million (US$10 million) RFNS Puamau, says Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai. Major-General Kalouniwai said this despite the vessel being under the responsibility of the Fiji Navy. “At the end of the day, we will always be responsible for the high value assets we have,”...

The Sinalei Resort in Siumu is continuing preparations to host the head of the Commonwealth and British Monarch King Charles III. He will be part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in October. Security checks at the hotel are still ongoing, Samoa Observer can reveal. There were speculations about the arrival of the King following an official statement from...

By Patricia Scotland, Secretary General of the Commonwealth In the last few weeks, sadly more than 100 people have died from oppressive heat in India. In Africa, while some countries are experiencing torrential rains, others are suffering from terrible droughts. At the recent Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting in Geneva, collectively we considered how climate change is increasing the incidence of vector-borne diseases...

In a turnaround performance from last week, the Fijiana XV redeemed themselves with a convincing 24-15 victory over Japan at Churchill Park last night. The win is also their first ever against Japan in history. The Fijiana squad exhibited a stark improvement in their performance, showcasing a more clinical and also matching the Sakura XV. From the onset, Fiji displayed their intent...

Justin Olam feels rugby league powerbrokers have not consulted him about the Papua New Guinea expansion bid for fear he will warn against fast-tracking the team's entry into the NRL. The premiership-winning PNG international says he is in favour of establishing a first-grade team in his homeland, but only after "a couple of years" investing in a proper pathways system. “No...

As New Caledonia passes the one-month mark since violent and deadly clashes erupted on 13 May, there has been no clear path put forward by Paris as far as the Kanak Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) is concerned. On Wednesday, eight people, including the leader of the Field Action Coordinating Cell (CCAT) Christian Téin, were arrested by New Caledonia's security...

Australia will process travel visa applications from Papua New Guinea citizens within seven days, says Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. “We are welcoming Papua New Guineans and friends to Australian shores,” she said. “It is important to expand opportunities for Papua New Guineans to enter the Australian labour market including increasing training and skilled labour under the Pacific engagement visa.” In 2023,...

The Papua New Guinea Supreme Court has stayed a decision by the National Executive Council(NEC) of 24th May 2024 in appointing Commodore Philip Polewara to the rank of Rear Admiral and Colonel Opa Lari as Brigadier General. These includes the revocation of the appointment of Mark Goina as Commander and Chief of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and discharging...