PINA

A report released by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) this week provides deeper insight on the status of cetaceans (whales and dolphins) in the waters surrounding the Pacific island countries and territories. The Review of Cetacean Diversity, Status and Threats in the Pacific Islands region 2021 updates a 2008 review of the cetacean populations found in...

Fijian Drua recorded the biggest win of their two seasons in Super Rugby Pacific on Saturday with a stunning 25-24 upset of the reigning champion Canterbury Crusaders in front of a passionate home crowd in Lautoka. Debutant replacement flyhalf Kemu Valetini slotted the winning penalty from in front with 80 minutes already up on the clock after a topsy-turvy match...

Alarmed by China’s success in wooing Pacific island nations, the Biden administration is proposing to spend billions to keep three of those countries in the U.S orbit. President Joe Biden’s proposed federal budget released on Thursday includes more than US$7.1 billion in funding for the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau. The money is included in the US$63.1 billion request for...

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) will have a new President from May. The incumbent President David Panuelo lost his seat in Congress during the general election on Tuesday. In a leaked letter to the FSM leadership, viewed by RNZ Pacific, Panuelo said he accepted the election loss. “I have publicly committed to a peaceful transition of power,” he said. A national election...

Fiji' former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and suspended Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho have been released on bail by the Suva’s Magistrates Court today. Resident Magistrate Seini Puamau ordered the two be released on a $10,000(US$5,000) bail with two sureties, they were also ordered to not interfere with prosecution witness. Both Bainimarama and Qiliho have been ordered not to leave the country...

Ratu Epenisa Cakobau has been installed as the Vunivalu, na Tui Kaba and head of the Kubuna confederacy. The traditional installation was done by Roko Tui Bau Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua. The Gonesau of Nabukadra escorted Ratu Epenisa from his chiefly residence Mataiwelagi to the front of the Vatanitawake where the traditional ceremony was held. The newly appointed Vunivalu na Tui Kaba said...

The Australian Government will provide an additional $4.35 million (US$2.86 million) to support the Government of Vanuatu’s response to Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin. This includes $3.5 million (US$2.3 million) to partners in Vanuatu through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership and Australian Red Cross. This will support people currently in evacuation centres and provide essential items and services for affected communities. The...

-A group of least developed countries and small island states have joined forced with researchers to better support communities recover from climate damages. Nepal, Bangladesh, Senegal, Malawi, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Tonga and Vanuatu are exploring setting up national facilities to channel resources for climate disasters response and disburse money where it is most needed. The initiative will help communities inform...

ESCAP expert opinion piece by Sanjay Srivastava, Chief, Disaster Risk Reduction, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Sudip Ranjan Basu, Deputy Head, ESCAP Subregional Office for the Pacific Two destructive Category 4 tropical cyclones, Judy and Kevin, and an earthquake of 6.5 magnitude impacted over 80 per cent of the Vanuatu population from 1...

Outgoing President David Panuelo released a lengthy letter detailing Beijing’s efforts to bribe and bully Micronesian leaders – and exploring the possibility of recognising Taiwan instead. By Cleo Paskal for The Diplomat David Panuelo, the president of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) has written a letter to FSM leaders providing extraordinary details on Beijing’s political warfare and grey...