FSM proposes early discussion between Micronesian leaders to decide on next PIF Secretary General
The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) says it will continue to ‘offer an olive branch to Kiribati’ as the five-member Micronesia nation grouping prepares to name a candidate to replace Henry Puna as Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).
President David Panuelo addressing the nation last Friday hinted the process of identifying a candidate should begin soon.
“For our...
Samoa’s creeping ocean and seawalls
By Shalveen Chand
The south coast of Upolu in Samoa is truly a magnificent place. Its white sandy beaches are lined with beach fales and magnificent views of the smaller outer islands.
Lalomanu Beach is one the most popular tourist attractions that Samoa has to offer. The sea and sand have served the people of the area well and in return...
Fish wardens combat illegal fishing in Fiji’s Vatu-i-Ra Marine Conservation Park
By Dionisia Tabureguci
Illegal fishing continues to be a challenge in Vatu-i-Ra waters, the site of Fiji’s biggest conservation park.
So much so that local fish wardens are hoping they would be equipped with more patrol boats to boost monitoring and surveillance in the area, where fishing is banned and public access is restricted.
“Our surveillance and monitoring of the seas around...
“Mommy, I’m Cold”
By Olive Natalie Mafi
In December last year, Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai started erupting and reached large and powerful climax on 15 January 2022. The eruption triggered a tsunami that travelled worldwide and produced the highest plume of steam and ash in recorded history. Scientists say the towering column that arose from Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai reached a tremendous altitude of 57 kilometers...
Four key areas for specialist review: Fiji PM Rabuka
The People’s Alliance, National Federation Party and Social Democratic Liberal Party coalition Government will establish specialist reviews in four key areas which are constitution and legal reform, the economy, defence and national security and a forensic examination of the spending of the FijiFirst government.
In his national address Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said each review team will include people with...
Resign, Qiliho urged – Pio: It’s difficult to maintain confidence in the Fiji Police Commissioner
It’s difficult to maintain confidence in Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho and that is why I’ve invited him to resign, says Fijian Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua.
He said the Police Commissioner’s history and record with the former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama casts doubt over the appropriateness of him keeping his position.
“I am a living example,” Tikoduadua said.
“He’s the Commissioner...
Forum SG Henry Puna statement on the Parliamentary election of the new Fiji Prime Minister
I offer my congratulations to the Hon Sitiveni Rabuka on his appointment as Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji. I also congratulate the successful appointment of his Cabinet, in line with the agreement reached by the coalition of political parties who now form Government.
As the home of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, the affairs of the people and...
Pacific leaders congratulate our new Prime Minister and commend his strong leadership
The Pacific Island leaders have joined the global leaders in congratulating our new Prime Minister for Fiji and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka.
In a congratulatory letter, the Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiamè Naomi Mata’afa, on behalf of the Government and the people of Samoa, extended her warmest congratulations to Prime Minister Rabuka for being elected as Fiji’s...
Prime Minister Rabuka approves return of USP Vice-Chancellor, and Dr Padma Lal
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has moved quickly to ensure exiled University of the South Pacific Vice Chancellor, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, returns to Fiji as soon as possible.
He has also acted to assist Dr Padma Lal, widow of the late Professor Brij Lal, to bring the ashes of the famed academic back home to Fiji from Australia. She too had...
For the second time, SODELPA votes to side with PA/NFP coalition to form next government
For a second time, the Management Board of the Social Democratic Liberal (SODELPA) in Fiji has thrown its support behind the People’s Alliance (PA) and National Federation Party (NFP) to form the majority Party in Parliament and the next government.
It was close 13-12 vote in favour of the PA/NFP coalition – with one invalid vote, announced SODELPA MP and...