PINA

A Fijian political leader is calling out the Australian and New Zealand governments on their “deafening silence” on human rights issues in the region. The leader of the opposition National Federation Party in Fiji, Biman Prasad, has called out the two countries for not acknowledging what he described as 'the declining standards of democracy, governance, human rights, media freedom and...

Fijian Defence Minister, Inia Seruiratu says that repatriating Fijians who live in Papua New Guinea will be the last option. This as widespread chaos and violent attacks were experienced in most of the provinces in PNG in recent weeks, involving people who are against the voting or election processes. Seruiratu said Fiji has strong bilateral relations with PNG as part of...

Papua New Guinea National Research Institute (NRI) research fellow Dr Thomas Webster has described General Election 2022 (GE22) as worse than the ones in 2012 and 2017. “We come to a stage where if do not fix the electoral system, and there is groundswell of thinking and voices raised from all over the community nationwide, the next election in 2027...

Pacific leaders, law enforcement officials and academics will be brought together to address transnational crime in the Pacific region at the inaugural Pacific Regional Law Enforcement Conference or PRLEC held in Fiji from 01 August. Drug trafficking and other transnational criminal activity in the Pacific Islands has evolved significantly due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with a rise in local actor’s...

-Time is running out to protect the world’s mangroves which are not only home to many species but also an important hedge against climate impacts, the head of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) said on Tuesday. Audrey Azoulay, the UNESCO Director-General, called for greater global awareness about these critical coastal areas in her message to mark the...

Dr Robin Mitchell is set to be elected President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) unopposed, having been the only candidate nominated. The Fijian official has been Acting ANOC President since Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah was charged with forgery in Switzerland in 2018. A new permanent ANOC President is due to be elected at the ANOC General Assembly in...

Fiji 7s Coach Ben Gollings has named six Olympic gold medalists in his final 13-man squad for this weekend's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Jerry Tuwai, Waisea Nacuqu, Josua Vakurinabili, Sireli Maqala, Aminiasi Tuimaba and Semi Kunatani are the six Olympic gold medal winners in the team while Sevuloni Moceanacagi has also forced his way in the team after missing the...

Following their qualification for Rugby World Cup 2023, ‘Ikale Tahi head coach Toutai Kefu says his team will be setting their sights high at next year’s tournament. Kefu insists his team will not be going to Rugby World Cup 2023 purely to make up the numbers. The ‘Ikale Tahi’s place in Pool B at next year’s tournament was confirmed last Saturday...

Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero has expressed support for the Federated States of Micronesia’s move to oppose China’s proposed “action plan” for the Pacific island states, advising island governments to be vigilant against the communist nation’s attempts to control domestic affairs. “Guam stands with you and your effort to minimise China's efforts to control Pacific governments, assets and resources,” Leon...

The Fijian parliament will debate the Media Industry Development (Budget Amendment) Bill 2010 later this week. The Bill seeks to amend the Act to ensure that those who are directly in charge of a media organisation and its operations are shielded from any outside influence, that may by formal agreement or other arrangements, essentially take over or control the provision...