by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer In the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean lie numerous island nations that face unique challenges due to their small size and isolation. Amidst these challenges, French involvement in the Pacific region has played a significant role in fostering development and bringing about positive change in otherwise economically disadvantaged island…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Despite Fiji’s significant efforts to combat human trafficking, the country still falls short of meeting the minimum standards required for its elimination, as highlighted in the latest report by the US State Department on human trafficking. The report underscores the vulnerability of children in Fiji to forced labor in various…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer The recent visit of Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, the Regional Director for the Western Pacific of the World Health Organization, to New Zealand has garnered significant support from local Pacific community leaders. Dr. Piukala, who became the first Pacific Islander to assume this role in January, spoke at the University…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer Leaders of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) are urging France to permit a collaborative United Nations-MSG initiative to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the political climate in New Caledonia and suggest potential resolutions for the ongoing crisis. Representatives from the member countries of the sub-regional alliance – including Fiji, FLNKS,…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Health authorities in Samoa have reported an additional 12 cases of dengue fever in the most recent week ending on July 7th. Since November of the previous year, a total of 468 confirmed cases of dengue have been documented. The majority of cases persist in the Apia region, particularly affecting…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer Additional armored vehicles and fire trucks have been delivered to enhance the security forces in New Caledonia, which include the police and firefighters. The French High Commission announced last week that a shipment brought by the cargo vessel “Calao” from France had arrived. The consignment included ten new armored vehicles…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer Australia has announced a commitment of over AU$68 million for the next five years to enhance and broaden engagement in the broadcasting and media sector across the ” Indo” Pacific region. The ABC will receive approximately $40 million as part of the ”Indo-Pacific broadcasting strategy” to increase its Pacific-focused content,…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer Wild Noni, an Australian company, has introduced locally made Noni juice beverages to the United States through major retailers. The Noni fruits used in the products are organically cultivated, carefully selected, washed, dried, and processed at the Noni Processing factory in North West Guadalcanal Constituency. Dettke’s company has dedicated resources…
Tusi Tala, Staff Writer The citizens of Kiribati, who were marking their 45th Independence Anniversary over the weekend, will participate in elections next month to choose a new legislature, known as the Maneaba ni Maungatabu. Kiribati achieved independence on July 12, 1979. To celebrate the national day, the government has organized a three-week program that…
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manale met with President Xi Jian Ping at the weekend and they held very productive talks. The Prime Minister and his delegation are continuing the China trip with a visit to Qingdao, Shandong. During the meeting in Beijing, President Xi emphasized that China views the Solomon Islands as a valued…