PINA

The new date for the reopening of the multi-billion-kina Porgera mine is April next year, according to Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape. He told The National that the country’s three other major resource projects – Papua LNG, P’Nyang and Wafi-Golpu – were “on track.” The Government also wants to get the Pasca A oil and gas project “over the...

Members of  Solomon Islands Parliament have defeated the motion of no confidence in Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare tabled by the Opposition Leader Mathew Wale. Those that voted in favour of the motion was 15, those that voted against the motion was 32 with 2 MPs abstained from voting. The Prime Minister has survived the motion with 32 voting against...

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has acknowledged those in government that have remained firm despite pressure from rioters for them to resign in the past week. He said the government stood their ground because they love the country and are the defenders of the country’s young democracy. Sogavare said the decision not to resign rests on the Constitution of the...

Solomon Islands Opposition Leader says the motion of no confidence on the Prime Minister is in recognition of the anger on longstanding political issues. Speaking on the floor of Parliament the Opposition Leaders said his decision to call on Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare to resign at the height of the unrest is democratic, and his decision not to was also...

The Leadership Tribunal inquiring into misconduct charges against Papua New Guinea deputy Prime Minister and Member for Bulolo Sam Basil has cleared him of all charges. The tribunal found that evidence put forward by the Public Prosecutor were deficient and did not meet the relevant standard of proof to sustain the allegations and that there was no merit in the...

Tourism Fiji chief executive Brent Hill says closure of borders will be the country’s last resort if cases of coronavirus are not contained again. Hill said no tourists have tested positive for coronavirus so far, but relevant authorities are on alert and expect some visitors to carry the virus. He said there are other measures authorities can put in place to...

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Cook Islands have signed a $2 million grant agreement to help boost tourism in the Cook Islands. The agreement, under the ADB's Supporting Safe Recovery of Travel and Tourism Project, was jointly signed by ADB Pacific Department’s Director General, Leah Gutierrez and Cook Islands Financial Secretary, Garth Henderson. “I would like to...

In light of the recent riots in Honiara, New Ireland Governor, Sir Julius Chan has reminded Papua New Guinea’s leadership to set up the South Pacific Peacekeeping Force (SPPKF). The SPPKF idea was the brainchild of Sir Julius after his government successfully executed the granting of independence for Vanuatu in 1980. In his recollection of the proposal, Governor Chan said it...

Marking the 35th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development, independent UN human rights experts on Friday issued an urgent call to “move from promises to action” on the outcomes of the UN’s landmark COP26 climate conference. More than three dozen UN experts endorsed a statement calling for greater transparency and rigorous follow up on the commitments made...

Anyone caught trafficking, peddling or consuming illicit drugs or controlled substances will face life imprisonment or a fine of up to K2 million (US$565,000) under the new laws. The 71 MPs in Parliament were in favour of the Controlled Substance Bill 2021 aimed at controlling the use of illicit drugs or controlled substances and abuse of illicit drugs and precursors. Politicians...