PINA

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...

As scientists continue to investigate the Omicron COVID-19 variant, the UN World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday urged countries not to panic but to prepare for its likely spread. Heralding South Africa’s and Botswana’s decision to report the appearance of the Omicron coronavirus mutation last month, the UN health agency repeated that it will take another two weeks before more...

A group of citizens in New Caledonia has asked France's highest administrative court to postpone next Sunday's third and final independence referendum. In an urgent submission, 146 voters and three organisations said given the impact of the pandemic, it is unthinkable to proceed with such an important plebiscite. They said because of the lockdown, campaigning has been unduly hampered as basic...

Scientists have discovered marine animals living on plastic debris in an area of the open ocean dubbed "the Great Pacific Garbage Patch". Many of the creatures are coastal species, living miles from their usual habitats, on a patch halfway between the coast of California and Hawaii. Plants and animals, including anemones, tiny marine bugs, molluscs, and crabs, were found on 90%...