by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Solomon Islands and China signed an agreement Thursday to exempt citizens of both nations from travel visa requirements. The ‘Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption for Citizens holding Ordinary Passports’ was signed by Chinese ambassador Cai Weiming and Solomon Islands’ Foreign Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka, and witnessed by Prime Minister Jeremiah…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Solomon Islands authorities are preparing the country ahead of cyclone season, which runs from November to April. Local media report that the National Disaster Management Organisation is running a national tsunami exercise this week as part of preparations. Deputy director George Baragamu said that people will be prepped in tsunami…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer The prime ministers of Tonga and Fiji were among the first leaders from the Pacific Islands to congratulate Donald Trump on his election as US President. At 78, Trump returned to the White House on Wednesday after securing over the 270 Electoral College votes required for victory, according to projections…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer In the last three months in Papua New Guinea, there has been a wave of crimes aimed at businesses and individuals exporting large shipments. One notable incident involved a cocoa trader who had his entire shipment stolen by individuals dressed in police uniforms. Just two days ago, another truck transporting…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Polls will open at 7 AM local time on Tuesday for the elections in Palau. Incumbent President Surangel Whipps Jr. is seeking re-election against former four-term President Tommy Remengesau Jr. As of July 15, 2024, the Palau Election Commission reported that there are 16,627 registered voters. In the previous general…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer The leader of one of Taiwan’s remaining diplomatic allies in the Pacific has stated that his country is facing increasing pressure from China to withdraw its support for Taipei. Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. also accused China of infringing on his nation’s exclusive economic zone, which is located north of…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer In the heart of Cambodia, American entrepreneur Tom Gillespie is making waves with an innovative solution to a pressing public health challenge: mosquito-borne diseases. Recognizing the urgent need for effective mosquito repellents in tropical regions, Gillespie has developed a groundbreaking product—Mosquito Wipes. This initiative not only aims to protect populations…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, James Marape, has urged the nation to evolve into a high-income economy. He emphasized that by 2045, when PNG turns 70, it should have moved beyond its current low-income status and be on the path to becoming a thriving economy. Marape highlighted the need for…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer The Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD) and the Vanuatu Klaemet Infomesen blong Redi, Adapt & Protekt (VanKIRAP) have created six new provincial community climate centers, with plans for three additional locations. These centers will obtain crucial weather data from the VMGD, which will then be translated into local dialects…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says his visit to Indonesia has opened a new door of “rare” international relationship between Honiara and Jakarta. The Solomon Star reported that Manele attended the inauguration of Indonesia’s new President Prabowo Subianto and met with him after. Manele said he believes this relationship will translate…