PINA

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has launched a new strategy to help ADB’s Pacific developing member countries (DMCs) improve connectivity and tackle other core development challenges across the Pacific over the next 5 years. The Transport Sector Assessment, Strategy, and Road Map 2021–2025 reviews transport sector performance, summarises development constraints, and articulates the rationale and strategic direction behind ADB’s support....

The COVID-19 Delta variant is travelling around the world at a “scorching pace” driving a new spike in cases and deaths, but it’s exposing a ‘hugely uneven and inequitable’ global gap in vaccine supply, the head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Monday. “We’re in the midst of a growing two-track pandemic where the haves and have-nots within...

Positive COVID-19 cases have spiked yet again for Fiji with 873 new cases and three deaths reported for the island nation Monday. Ministry of Health and Medical Services permanent secretary Dr James Fong said the first death is a 56-year-old woman from Vatuwaqa in Suva who died at home. Dr Fong said the woman’s family reported that she had been feeling...

Fiji's Ministry of Health is preparing for increased numbers of severe COVID-19 cases. The Australia and New Zealand medical assistance team( that is working with the Ministry Fiji is also preparing for inevitably more deaths due to the virus. New Zealand Health Specialist Dr Wayne Morris said the team is also optimistic of Fiji’s response to the outbreak so far especially...

Papua New Guinea Special Parliamentary Committee on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) will table a report for the August session of parliament which will include concrete, practical recommendations for action aimed at reducing levels of GBV across the country and improving responses for GBV survivors. Chairman Charles Abel said that there has been a lot of public support following the hearings on...

The Bank of Papua New Guinea has issued Bank South Pacific Financial Group (BSP) with a formal warning under section 100 of Anti money laundering/counter terrorist financing act of 2015 of what is believes is contrary conduct. In issuing the formal warning Monday, the Bank of PNG is also calling for BSP to remove certain executive management staff and to...

A close relationship between the Communist Party of China and the Tonga People’s Party, led by Prime Minister Dr Pohiva Tu‘i‘onetoa, was revealed at a reception to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Communist Party of China, at the Chinese Embassy last Friday. Tonga’s Prime Minister said he had inspiration from the Communist Party of China (CPC). “Tonga People’s Party learns...

Flying Fijians put up a gutsy performance despite doing down 57-23 in their first test match against the All Blacks in Dunedin on Saturday night. The national 15’s side led by Levani Botia played with a lot of emotions dedicating it to the loyal fans here in Fiji as we continue to face the second wave of COVID-19. Fly-half Ben Volavola...

Manu Samoa ran in five second-half tries to take the upper hand in their France 2023 qualifier against the ‘Ikale Tahi. Samoa ran in five second-half tries to win the first leg of their Rugby World Cup 2023 qualifier 42-13 against Tonga in Auckland. Henry Taefu scored 20 points at Mt Smart Stadium as Manu Samoa turned on the style following...

Fiji's Kiwi coach Vern Cotter says his players weren't properly consulted about the ‘Vaccinate Fiji’ jerseys revealed days before the All Blacks test, leaving them with little time to resolve the “complex” issues they created within the squad. Fiji wore clean jerseys during the All Blacks tests after ditching the ‘Vaccinate’ messaging at late notice, prompting concern from medical professionals...