PINA

by Sue Farran While most Pacific islands have escaped the worst of COVID-19, a cornerstone of their economies, tourism, has taken a big hit. By June 2020, visitor arrivals in Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu had completely ceased, as borders were closed and even internal travel restricted. In Fiji, where tourism generated about 40% of GDP before the pandemic,...

The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) agreed to reduce the total allowable catch for yellowfin tuna after months of pressure from non-governmental organisations and some commercial groups. But according to environmental organisations, the effort has fallen short of ending overfishing, as five members of the commission objected to the rebuilding plan. The Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE) and the International Pole and...

The Delta variant of Covid-19, first identified in India, has been detected in 74 countries and continues to spread rapidly amid fears that it is poised to become the dominant strain worldwide. Outbreaks of the Delta variant have been confirmed in China, the U.S, Africa, Scandinavia and Pacific rim countries. Scientists report that it appears to be more transmissible, as...

A hearing on an application brought by the Samoa Attorney General to stop the ad-hoc swearing-in of a new Government from taking legal effect will begin next Monday. The Fa’atuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party held an improvised swearing-in ceremony on the lawns of Parliament on 24 May after finding itself locked out of the premises. Leader Fiame Naomi...

Eighty-nine new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Fiji Monday. This was confirmed by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services Permanent Secretary Dr James Fong in his virtual press conference. 82 of the new cases are linked to the existing clusters: *IMT: 9 *Nasinu Police Barracks: 17 *Waila: 6 *Naitasiri: 1 *Lami: 1 *CWMH: 4 *Caubati: 5 *Nawajikuma, Nadi: 6 *Navy: 19 *Navosai: 2 *Grantham Road: 3 *Kinoya: 7 *Reservoir Road: 2 Cases...

Studies and living expenses are becoming tougher for Solomon Islands students as coronavirus cases continue to climb in Fiji. A student at the University of the South Pacific (USP), Laucala campus, told Island Sun the second wave of the virus affected them physically, mentally and worse, prices of food in supermarkets have skyrocketed. New cases are recorded every day in Fiji...

An official apology for dawn raids that racially targeted Pasifika families and have been described as "state-sanctioned terrorism" is being welcomed by those impacted as a “very small start to the healing process”. But advocates say to be truly meaningful the apology needs to be accompanied by a strong education campaign, compensation and pathway to residency for current overstayers. Prime Minister...

As world leaders met in south-west England to discuss future climate change commitments, priest Stanley Marama didn’t need any reminding about the reality of rising tides. Less than 100 metres from the Anglican church on Boigu Island in the Torres Strait sits a sacred place where the local population conducted ceremonies for thousands of years. But not any more -...

Fiji's Permanent Secretary for iTaukei Affairs, Meleti Bainimarama has passed away after a short illness. This was confirmed in a statement Monday by the Public Service Commission (PSC) expressing its deepest condolences to his family. Meleti Bainimarama is the younger brother of Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. “He leaves behind a proud legacy of service to Fiji and his team at the Ministry...

The Kaiviti Silktails and the Windsor Wolves could not be separated in a nail-biting 24-all draw at Mascot Oval that featured on NSWRL TV. The first half of football showcased a gusty and physical style of play as both teams initially chose to run their sets through their forward pack only to be met by multiple defenders in each tackle. The...