by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer A joint statement from Pacific leaders was reissued at the PIF yesterday morning, omitting references to Taiwan after China criticized a previous version as a “mistake” that needed correction. Following five days of discussions in Tonga, a revised communique was published on Friday, reaffirming a 30-year-old agreement that permits Taiwan’s…
by TusiTala, Staff Writer The United States has been attentive to the concerns of Pacific Island nations as it aims to enhance its diplomatic presence in the region, according to Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell. Speaking at a media briefing in Nuku’alofa during the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, Campbell outlined various initiatives…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Auki police have conducted an awareness talk at Afio and Anololo community in Central Kwara’ae on kwaso and marijuana recently. The awareness talk conducted as the issue of kwaso (homebrew) and marijuana is rising from bad to worse. The two communities have been complaining of anti-Social behaviour as a result…
Over 200 unexploded ordnance items have been cleared from a school site in the Solomon Islands. According to SIBC, St Nicholas Anglican College found a cache of US projectiles in front of a staff house while excavating for sewage installation. Clifford Tunuki, executive director of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Department, stated that the projectiles have…
pictured, Feleti Teo, Tuvalu PM by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Australia has pledged to support Tuvalu in adapting to climate change through the Falepili Union treaty, according to Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Feleti Teo. The agreement, signed late last year and criticized by a former Tuvalu leader as “shameful,” establishes a special visa pathway for Tuvaluan…
by Byron Louis, Staff Writer A deputy foreign minister from Taiwan is set to participate in this week’s gathering of Pacific Islands leaders in Tonga, as announced by Taiwan’s foreign ministry on Sunday. This meeting comes amid ongoing competition for influence in the region between China and the United States. The Pacific is a key…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka wrapped up his 10-day visit to China this week, praising the “remarkable progress” made by the country under President Xi Jinping. Rabuka joins other Pacific leaders, such as Jeremiah Manele from Solomon Islands, Charlot Salwai from Vanuatu, and David Adeang from Nauru, who have also recently…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer In recent years, the child welfare system in New Zealand has come under scrutiny for its handling of cases involving the removal of children from their families. While the protection of vulnerable children is paramount, there are growing concerns about the actions of some social workers who appear to operate…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer The residents of Vanimo in Papua New Guinea are requesting funds to help prepare for Pope Francis’s visit next month. The Pope will be in PNG for three days starting September 6, primarily in Port Moresby, but will also spend a day in Vanimo. A spokesperson from the Catholic Church…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer As geopolitical competition intensifies in the region, Pacific island nations are actively seizing the opportunities it presents, according to a recent study released by a well-known Australian think tank. The report from the Lowy Institute, titled “The Great Game in the Pacific Islands,” highlights how island nations are capitalizing on…