by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer, Honiara January 6 2025 The Solomon Islands is poised for modest economic growth in the coming years. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts a growth rate of 2.5% in 2024, increasing slightly to 2.8% in 2025. This growth is expected to be driven by sectors such as fishing, mining, manufacturing,…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor The Pacific Islands, a diverse region home to over 10 million people, are increasingly confronted by a complex phenomenon known as a “polycrisis.” This term refers to the overlapping and interrelated crises that challenge the resilience of these islands, impacting their socio-economic structures, environments, and cultures. Climate change, geopolitical tensions,…
Kevin Sysyn, Associate Editor In a small college nestled amidst the lush landscapes of the Pacific Islands, an unexpected showdown unfolded that would put a modern twist on the legendary tale of John Henry. This time, the battleground was not the steel rails of the American South but rather a woodlot where a group of…
Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence (MND) on Sunday detected five People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and six People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels near its territory. The MND noted that four of these aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan’s northern and southwester Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ)….
Richard Sanders, Staff Writer US-based tech mogul Elon Musk has likened liberal billionaire George Soros to Emperor Palpatine, also known as Darth Sidious, the principal villain in the Star Wars movie series. The barb followed Joe Biden’s decision to bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom on the powerful financier. In recent months, Musk has emerged…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor A man has been charged with the rape and sexual assault of a Virgin Airlines flight crew member during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Fiji. Fijian Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong confirmed to the ABC that a local suspect was in custody over the alleged attack, which occurred in the…
Tusi Tala, Staff Writer A man has died after a shark attack near the small town of Koumac on Grande Terre, New Caledonia. While his family enjoyed a picnic at a nearby beach, the father of two went spear fishing on Thursday afternoon close to Kendek islet. According to witnesses, he was bitten on the…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor As Papua New Guinea prepares to mark 50 years of independence from Australia in 2025, the government faces a host of matters that need to be sorted, urgently.Duck Waters spoke with Scott Winston, to gauge his take on the country’s situation. Duck Waters: 2025 is just two years away from…
Richard Sanders, Staff Writer, Honiara Solomon Islands As the world reflects on the sacrifices made during the Second World War, the valor of the Solomon Scout Coastwatchers stands out as a testament to courage and resilience. These brave individuals played an indispensable role in the Pacific theater, using their intimate knowledge of the islands to…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Tonga’s new Prime Minister won’t be in power long enough to achieve much and is likely to be ousted by his predecessor at the 2025 general election, claims a political expert. Tonga correspondent, Kalafi Moala said many believe that establishing a new government under ‘Aisake Eke is a waste of…