by Martin Haffner Associate Editor As global trade tensions escalate, the implications of stiff tariffs imposed by the United States have rippled across the world, reaching even the most remote regions. Among those affected are tiny coral islands in the South Pacific and Arctic outposts, both fragile ecosystems that play critical roles in regional and…
Richard Sanders, Staff Writer Fiji’s public prosecutions office has revealed a troubling rise in sexual offenses involving minors, with numerous charges filed in December. The Fiji Times reported that 12 individuals faced a total of 26 charges related to serious sexual crimes, including rape, attempted rape, abduction with the intent to commit rape, indecent assault,…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor The Western Pacific Region of the World Health Organisation (WHO) is getting healthier compared to other regions and was the least affected by Covid-19 deaths in the first two years, but the incidence of non-communicable diseases is rising due to increased smoking and drinking of alcohol. This mix of good…
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 a significant development for Pacific Islands like Tuvalu, which face the risk of rising sea levels, Commonwealth nations announced on Saturday that a country’s maritime boundaries will remain unchanged even if climate change leads to the submergence of small island states. During a summit in Samoa, representatives from the…
Newly Endorsed WHO Executive Board Member and MHMS Minister Dr Bosawai, Photo: WHO Press Health Leaders at the 75th Regional Committee Meeting of the Western Pacific Region have been informed of Solomon Islands interventions on Digital Health. A 2022 assessment by WHO identified areas for improvement including better governance and legislation, clearer standards and improved system…
by Jake Sanders, Editor As the Pacific Islands grapple with unique challenges such as climate change, limited resources, and geographic isolation, the emergence of smart cities offers a beacon of hope for sustainable development. With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and other cutting-edge technologies, these islands are poised to transform their urban landscapes into interconnected,…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Guam’s US Congressman James Moylan stated that discussions aimed at compensating survivors of nuclear radiation will persist, irrespective of the outcome of the US elections. House Speaker Mike Johnson has not yet given the green light for a deal to restore the Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act (RECA). For 23…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Five individuals sought by French authorities have turned themselves in at the besieged pro-independence stronghold of Saint Louis in New Caledonia. This village, part of Mont-Dore near the capital Nouméa, had been surrounded by French security forces, who restricted access to the adjacent provincial road by setting up two checkpoints,…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, will visit French Polynesia after attending the UN General Assembly in New York. During his trip, he will emphasize New Zealand’s commitment to the international rules-based order and the need for collective solutions to global challenges. After his trip to New York, Peters will…