In a significant development for regional security, Australia has entered into a new agreement with the Solomon Islands aimed at expanding the capabilities of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF). Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele of the Solomon Islands and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese jointly revealed the initiative, which they describe as a pivotal…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor The number of official deaths from Vanuatu’s 7.3 magnitude quake now stands at 12. This has been confirmed by the Vila Central Hospital, according to the latest situation report from the Vanuatu Disaster Management office. Earlier unofficial reports had placed the death toll at 16. The hospital said 80,000 people…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) is preparing to introduce a new course on national security, supported by the Australian government. The SINU Security Studies Pilot was launched in Honiara as part of the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership. Scheduled to commence in 2025, this course aims to enhance the Solomon Islands’…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Boarding has started for New Zealand’s last repatriation flight from Port Vila after Tuesday’s magnitude 7.3 earthquake. Passengers heading home on the RNZAF Boeing 757 on Saturday afternoon include stranded tourists of various nationalities, returning disaster response officials and media. Staff at the Port Vila’s Bauerfield International Airport International Airport…
BY Martin Haffner Associate Editor] Wellington, New Zealand — As New Zealand continues to welcome migrants from various corners of the globe, a unique community of approximately 3,300 Ni-Vanuatu individuals is grappling with challenges that threaten their integration and well-being in their new home. Predominantly arriving through seasonal work programs and immigration pathways, these individuals…
Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Seven guests fell ill from suspected alcohol poisoning at a luxury resort on Fiji’s Coral Coast. They have been released from Lautoka Hospital. At least two of the four Australians affected are also returning home. The group became seriously ill after consuming piña coladas at the Warwick Fiji Resort. Fiji’s Deputy…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Quake Rocks Pacific Island Vanuatu, Deaths Feared; U.S. Embassy Damaged Port Vila, Vanuatu – October 15, 2023 A powerful earthquake struck the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu late Sunday night, triggering widespread panic and significant damage across the region. Preliminary reports indicate that the magnitude 7.2 quake, centered approximately 20…
Richard Sanders, Staff Writer Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky was not invited to attend US President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony next month, the incoming president told reporters on Monday. Trump, who defeated Democratic rival Kamala Harris last month, will officially be sworn in as the 47th president of the US on January 20 at an inauguration ceremony…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor The A$140 million aid agreement between Australia and Nauru signed last week is a prime example of the geopolitical tightrope vulnerable Pacific nations are walking in the 21st century. The deal provides Nauru with direct budgetary support, stable banking services, and policing and security resources. In return, Australia will have…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer Refugee advocates and scholars are commenting on Australia’s recent actions in the Pacific geopolitical landscape. Canberra plans to invest AU$100 million over the next five years in Nauru, a small atoll measuring 21 square kilometers, home to just over 12,000 residents. This location also hosts controversial offshore detention centers that…