PINA

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...

The Government of Samoa intends to rescind the lease over a Samoa Airways Boeing 737-800 aircraft and also launch a full audit of the national airline’s operations including its financial viability. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa in her weekly press conference with the media said the decision was not straight forward and Cabinet had to consider all aspects of the...

Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Mark Schipp is traveling to Fiji to strengthen ties with key Fijian agricultural, veterinary, and animal health representatives. Dr Schipp said this was part of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment’s Pacific Engagement Programme for regional animal health and biosecurity. “Through reinforcing the biosecurity systems of our Pacific neighbours—and strengthening the multilateral organisations that...

The Papua New Guinea Police Forces contingents will operate on its own under the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF). This was confirmed by Moses Kaul and Papua New Guinea High Commissioner to Solomon Islands. He said, “When the proposal came from the Solomon Islands government, for ‘PNG Police Force to submit to Australia, when the operation orders are given for...

The Member of Parliament for East Areáre Constituency Peter Kenilorea Junior has urged all Solomon Islanders to allow MPs to undertake their duty in peace and to respect the outcome of the process. Kenilorea posted this statement on Facebook as the nation prepares for the motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare today. “Fellow Solomon Islanders tomorrow (Monday) is...

Solomon Islands Premier Daniel Suidani says his province of Malaita will also push for independence if the prime minister does not stand down. The premier of the most populous province in the Solomon Islands said the nation would likely switch formal diplomatic ties from China back to Taiwan if the prime minister is ejected by a no-confidence vote on Monday...