PINA

The Pacific nation of the Marshall Islands may formally seek an amendment of a U.N treaty banning nuclear weapons, before it considers acceding to it, its leader said Wednesday. President Hilda Heine told Kyodo News in an interview that if certain provisions in the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons are not changed, “cannot ratify the treaty.” Her remarks came ahead...

Australia should lift its aid budget by an extra $3 billion (US$1.9 million) over the next four years, as it can't afford to “lack credibility” on key issues such as climate change with its Indo-Pacific neighbours. Australian Council for International Development chief executive Marc Purcell called on the federal government to increase funding for aid by $648 million (US$421 million)...

Tuvalu has reaffirmed its recognition of Taiwan following an election last month that had triggered speculation the Pacific island country could sever ties and recognise Beijing. After choosing a prime minister earlier this week, Tuvalu’s new government on Wednesday released a statement of its domestic and international priorities. While reaffirming ties with Taiwan, the coral atoll nation of some 10,000...

Former Palau president Tommy Remengesau Jr has announced his candidacy for president on 24 February, outlining his vision for a “caring government” that prioritises the needs of the people. Remengesau, who served four terms as president, said he was motivated to run again by a petition signed by citizens urging him to return to office. He emphasized the importance of...

Palau’s Senate President Hokkons Baules and President Surangel Whipps Jr are at odds over a proposed Senate Joint Resolution prohibiting permanent stations for missile batteries in Palau, with accusations of foreign influence and differing interpretations of public sentiment fueling the debate. President Whipps, in the 09 February letter to U.S Senators, expressed concern that continued delay in implementing the signed...

Former Fiji military officer and Tailevu chief, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula was elected the Chairperson of the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) during their meeting in Pacific Harbour Wednesday. His term is for three years. Ratu Seruvakula, nominated by the Kubuna confederacy, received 27 votes while the other nominees for the post; Ratu Meli Saukuru of Burebasaga confederacy received 10 votes and...

By George J. Maelagi Solomon Islands-based fisheries researcher Jasmine Rahi’i has been involved in a unique project looking at traditional fishing methods used by Solomon Islanders to catch species of tropical eels. In this Q&A, TunaPacific contributor George Maelagi talks to Jasmine about her research and the insights it can yield to inform sustainable fishing of eels by Solomon Island communities. Tell...

Samoa Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataafa today met with the Executives of Lakapi Samoa where the strategic changes underway were discussed as Samoan rugby positions itself for the future and in preparation for the 2027 World Cup in Australia. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of sport as a significant contributor to social and economic development in Samoa, and the...

Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) has received a number of expressions of interest and applications for the Secretary General’s role, says organisation president Hugh Graham. The role was previously held by Owen Lewis, who took up the Secretary for Education position last month. Graham says: “I expect that there will be more applications as we get closer to...

New wing signing Junior Ratuva looks all set to make his Swire Shipping Fijian Drua debut against Moana Pasifika in Round 2 of Super Rugby Pacific in Melbourne on Saturday. Ratuva has been named in the match day 23 and will come off the bench. The recently signed speed merchant was previously contracted in the NRL with New Zealand Warriors, and...