PINA

Before the pandemic, many Pacific Island countries grappled with low numbers of students completing secondary education. Now experts in the region are concerned that the closure of schools to contain the spread of COVID-19, and the economic downturn, will lead to even more students dropping out of education early. It’s an issue that has consequences for the region’s future development, given...

Nearly two years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, its global socioeconomic “headwinds” have blown many countries far off course from the aims of the 2030 Agenda. But fierce as those winds may be, they are “a whisper” next to the intensifying crisis brought by changing climate. Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama made these remarks in his official opening address...

The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, Monday called on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to foster the power of innovation and digitalisation to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 2 (no hunger) and SDG 10 (reduced inequalities). Qu spoke at the opening...

Fiji has recorded 184 new cases of COVID-19 and 10 deaths reported Monday, increasing the total number of cases in the island nation to 46,141 and 487 deaths since the outbreak in April. Permanent secretary for Health, Dr James Fong said 133 cases are from the Western division, 40 cases are from the Central division in Vitilevu, Fiji's main island...

Tonga’s Health State of Emergency has been renewed for another month to prevent the spread of COVID-19, starting from 8:00pm Monday until 8:00pm 27 September. This is the 18th month it has been in force, including a curfew. The Health State of Emergency was first declared by the Prime Minister, Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa on 12 March2, 2020 under the Emergency Management...

All provincial health authorities and private hospitals in Papua New Guinea have been warned of the use of Propofol Injection IP 10 Milligrams (mg) per Milliliter (mL) vial (1 per cent W/V). This is according to a circular number 50 of 2021 that was issued on 17 August by Health Secretary, Dr Osborne Liko following the seven serious and fatal...

The world’s best provincial competition will reach new heights next year with Super Rugby Pacific set to kick off a new era, following agreement between Rugby Australia (RA) and New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Set to kick-off on 18 February 2022, the new 12-team competition welcomes the introduction of Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika who will join the five Australian and...

Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says digital innovation can be a powerful driver of sustainable development sharing Fiji’s experience which has shown how the digital revolution can have an outsized benefit for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Using Fiji as an example, the Prime Minister added that Fiji has evolved over the years in terms of its demography, economic and...

Well-known former Papua New Guinea radio and tourism personality Erigere Singin has made history by being elected as the first woman national president of the ruling Pangu Pati at its 26th National Convention in Port Moresby last Friday. Prime Minister and Pangu leader James Marape, announced the election of Singin and other party executives after the convention. He also announced the...

By Thomas Heaton   A tonic made from the roots of a plant endemic to the Pacific region has long been mired by foreign misconceptions. Now it has a new potential threat. Nestled in the lush and steep climes of Penecost Island in Vanuatu, Anthony Tapi and his neighbours grow taro, cassava, and island cabbage....