Kava significant commodity for Pacific Islands: Fiji’s Assistant Minister Tubuna
Kava is a significant commodity for us in the Pacific Islands.
For Fiji, much of our rich history, cultural events and traditions are rooted in kava as it carries important value for our region culturally, socially and economically.
These were the remarks by the Assistant Minister at the Office of the Prime Minister, Sakiusa Tubuna whilst delivering his opening address at...
Advancing delivery of the East Micronesia Cable project
Representatives from Australia, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Japan, Kiribati, Nauru and the United States of America met Wednesday to push forward the delivery of the East Micronesia Cable project.
This project, supported by Australia, Japan and the United States, will build an undersea cable to connect the state of Kosrae in FSM, Tarawa in Kiribati, and Nauru to...
The Australian Opposition’s opposition to the Pacific Engagement Visa
By Stephen Howes
Tuesday in Australia’s Parliament the Opposition decided to oppose the supporting legislation to implement the Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV), an election commitment of the new government to provide permanent residency to 3,000 Pacific islanders per year through a lottery.
Shadow Minister for Immigration Dan Tehan gave a lengthy speech prosecuting the Opposition’s case. His main argument was that...
Fijian Drua re-signs five backline players
The Fijian Drua has re-signed five backline players beyond the current Super Rugby season.
They are Flying Fijians scrum halves Peni Matawalu and Simione Kuruvoli, Tokyo Olympics gold medal winning centre Iosefo Masi, utility Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and flyhalf Caleb Muntz.
Fijian Drua General Manager Rugby Nico Andrade welcomed the recommitment made by the five players who are important members of the...
Crusaders expecting Fijian flair from Drua
Crusaders prop George Bower is looking forward to playing in front of family and friends when they face the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in Lautoka during Super Rugby Pacific.
Bower, born in Wellington and of Fijian descent says if he is named in the team, this will be his first time to play against the Drua.
The 30 year old says...
Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation awards SIBC TV build contract in time for Pacific Games
The national radio broadcaster of the Solomon Islands, SIBC, Wednesday signed a contract with New Zealand communications company MMG Communications to build SIBC Television
SIBC’s Chairman Dr William Parairato signed the contract with MMG to pave the way for the supply of equipment and eventual installation from June this year. As part of the agreement, MMG will also provide technical...
Southeast Asian, Pacific leaders applaud first-ever global ocean treaty
Southeast Asian and Pacific leaders are hailing an ambitious United Nations treaty to protect ocean life by establishing protected areas in international waters.
About 193 countries agreed to the legal framework on Saturday night. It comes as ocean life faces growing threats from climate change, overfishing, shipping traffic and seabed mining on the high seas.
“Only one percent of the high...
Cyclone crises: Fijians ‘lucky’, Vanuatu counts losses as aid pours in
Fijians are counting themselves “lucky” after escaping the wrath of tropical cyclones Judy and Kevin which barrelled through Vanuatu last weekend.
The scale of destruction is becoming clearer as the Vanuatu government assesses damage to homes, buildings, infrastructure and telecommunications.
There are no reports of casualties, but power and water are yet to be restored in some areas, including the capital,...
Former Fiji PM Bainimarama resigns from Parliament
Former Fiji's Prime Minister and suspended Opposition Leader Voreqe Bainimarama has resigned from Parliament.
He confirmed this in a live video posted on the FijiFirst Facebook page.
“You are aware that two weeks ago I was suspended from Parliament for three years. My suspension means that FijiFirst numbers in Parliament will go down to 25.
“Given the precedent that has been set,...
Australia Foreign Minister Wong backing Waqa as PIF secretary general
Australia will stand behind Baron Waqa, the controversial pick as Pacific Islands Forum leader, despite his chequered record as Nauru president.
The 63-year-old has been nominated by Micronesian nations to be the next Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) secretary general from next year,PIF nations agreed to his appointment at a special leaders retreat a fortnight ago attended by Foreign Minister Penny...