PINA

ANZ Regional Executive Pacific, Sarah Stubbings, has reaffirmed her commitment to Samoa and the Pacific region on her first visit to Apia. Following meetings with the Central Bank of Samoa Governor, Australian High Commissioner, customers, staff and community partners, Stubbings says she is optimistic about the country’s future. “There was a sense of cautious optimism as the country reopens its borders...

By Matthew Knott When Anthony Albanese met Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare at the Pacific Islands Forum in Fiji in July, the Australian Prime Minister had good reasons to be wary. Just three months earlier, Sogavare signed a wide-ranging security pact with China, raising alarm Beijing could establish a military base just 2000 kilometres away from northern Australia. In...

Fiji have become the first side to book their place in the OFC U-19 Championship 2022 semi-finals after a 4-1 quarter-final win over Samoa at Stade Pater in Papeete, Tahiti. A hat-trick from Melvin Mani helped his nation into the final four in the first of today’s quarter-final matches against a spirited Samoa side, who scored their first main finals...

The MSG Prime Minister's Football cup kicks off on Saturday in Port Vila, Vanuatu featuring six teams. Five Melanesian countries and territories are taking part; Fiji, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and hosts Vanuatu. Vanuatu Football Federation general secretary Albert Manaroto said the cup would provide more game time for Melanesian teams. "From a footballing stance it means more competitions...

After the first test match against Wahine Maori, Fijiana 15s coach Senirusi Seruvakula now has a clear idea of areas they will need to focus on in the week. The side has less than five days to prepare for third ranked Canada and Seruvakula is adamant not to leave any stones unturned. Seruvakula says the 32-10 victory was a clear indication...

Washington has announced plans to amplify U.S military presence in the Pacific islands region amid growing threats to regional stability and economic security. “The U.S Department of Defense will explore new and unique approaches to bolster the region’s security and help build their capacity and resilience as secure, independent actors,” states a fact sheet from the State Department's Office of...

The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) has signed a Grant Funding Arrangement with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to support the Pacific to amplify its voice at the 27th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27). The agreement valued at NZD$ 1.38 million...

The Pacific region is extremely vulnerable to natural disasters. Each year, the region faces economic losses amounting to USD$500 million. With climate change likely to continue, the magnitude of these disasters will only increase. Therein lies the need for a long-term solution to weather-related extreme events and multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS), a message delivered by the Director of Tonga’s National...

During the ongoing 77th UN General Assembly (UNGA), it is imperative that governments show their leadership in the fight against the climate crisis by calling for the advancement of loss and damage response finance at this year’s pivotal UN climate negotiations, COP27. This issue is of critical importance for people of Small Island Developing States represented by the Alliance of...

The Marshall Islands has ended over three years of a State of Health Disaster and opened its borders to normal travel as of this week. The Marshall Islands has ended over three years of a State of Health Disaster and opened its borders to normal travel as of this week. Photo: Marshall Islands Journal. The Marshall Islands has lifted its state...