PINA

The official dissolution of the Samoa XVI Legislative Assembly was held this morning bringing to an end a six-week sitting that began on 19 January. The ceremonial sitting was attended by the Head of State, Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, diplomatic corps and invited guests. Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Leaupepe Toleafoa Fa’afisi and Incumbent Members of...

When Micronesian leaders broke away from the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) a fortnight ago, after their candidate for secretary general was not elected to the Forum’s top job, it reflected the ongoing erosion of interpersonal relationships at the Pacific’s premier regional body. Strong human relationships and connections have characterised the Forum’s decision-making processes for decades. However, in recent years, the...

Tuvalu’s Opposition Party believes the proposed Tuvalu citizenship and passport investment scheme is very dangerous. Former Prime Minister and Opposition leader Enele Sopoaga says the scheme is ‘unnecessary’ and must go through due diligence on the costs and benefits for Tuvalu. “Critical in this regard are the questions of transparency, verification processes, credibility of the buyers, duties of the buyers,...

Australia will pour hundreds of millions of dollars into strategically important infrastructure across the Pacific over the coming months to compete with China’s decade-long spending spree and help ensure small nations are not saddled with debt. The infrastructure blitz – part of Australia’s Pacific ‘step up’ will include loans and grants for renewable power projects, telecommunications, transport and health facilities...

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, James Marape, Tuesday expressed sorrow at the recent decision taken by the Micronesian Presidents’ Summit in a Communique to formally exit from the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). “I note this decision, and Papua New Guinea respects completely, the rights of the Micronesian Presidents’ Group, to make such decisions,” said Prime Minister Marape. But in the interest...