Australian boosts media strategy for the Pacific

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,…

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Solomon Islands Noni a big hit in US Market

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…

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French Poynesia approves medical cannabis

Tusi Tala, Staff Writer and Dr Bamboo, Health Editor The legislative body of French Polynesia, known as the Territorial Assembly, has approved the use of cannabis for medical purposes this week. As a result, the importation of these products is permitted as long as they are legally authorized in their country of origin. Future plans…

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Saipan bishop promoted to archbishop in Guam during clergy abuse scandal

Bishop Ryan Jimenez, the incoming Archbishop of Agana for the Guam’s Archdiocese, is preparing to assume leadership amidst ongoing sexual abuse allegations involving clergy members. Jimenez, aged 52 and with nearly two decades of experience in Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands, was appointed by the Vatican to succeed former Archbishop Michael Jude Byrnes, who…

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Bougainville exports balsa wood

by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer The autonomous region of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea has achieved a significant milestone by making its inaugural export of balsa wood. The balsa wood is being sent to the Australian company known as 3A Composite. The balsa trees are cultivated by Rarung Integrated Farming, which commenced planting them in…

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Potential new members for PIF

Two US Pacific territories are moving closer to potentially upgrading their status within the main political decision-making body in the region, the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). The PIF has confirmed to RNZ Pacific that its representatives have visited Guam and American Samoa in response to the US territories’ bid for Forum membership. Acting governor Lt…

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