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 Martin Haffner Associate Editor China has surpassed the United States and regained its place as the second-largest bilateral donor to the Pacific Islands, according to a new report published Wednesday by the Lowy Institute. Australia remains the largest donor. Every year, the Lowy Institute, an Australia-based research group, releases a Pacific Aid Map that…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor The globalization of emerging US-China rivalry, combined with worldwide concern for rising sea levels, has ushered a period in which Pacific small island developing states (SIDS) can exercise a geopolitical relevance and influence that outweighs the importance typically ascribed to SIDS, which by definition are small and underdeveloped economically. However,…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Plan would allow up to 280 Tuvaluans to come to Australia each year Australia on Friday offered the island nation of Tuvalu a lifeline to help residents escape the rising seas and increased storms brought by climate change. At a meeting of Pacific leaders in the Cook Islands, Australian Prime…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Members of the public in Guam attended open-house meetings last week to learn more about the 360-degree Enhanced Integrated Air and Missile Defense System being planned for Guam. The military is seeking public input on a draft environmental impact statement for the missile defense system. The Guam Daily Post reports that, if…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Australia is supporting a border management system initiative for the Solomon Islands. The goal of this project is to streamline the visa application process and enhance the movement of people across the border. Australia is contributing over US$2 million in funding, along with technical support. Papua New Guinea, which operates…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer The chief of one of Fiji’s 14 provinces has issued a warning to residents that involvement in drug-related activities will result in a ban from the province. Fiji is facing a significant drug crisis, with authorities struggling to manage the situation. Police are conducting weekly raids, arresting individuals, and seizing…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer The Speaker of Parliament in Vanuatu has approved two motions aimed at the removal of both the president and the prime minister of the republic. Vanuatu is experiencing significant political instability, having seen four prime ministers elected and ousted in the last four years due to votes of no confidence,…
by Martin Haffner, Staff Writer Nauru has introduced a pioneering citizenship by investment program at the COP29 climate change summit in Baku, Azerbaijan. This Micronesian island nation, the world’s smallest independent republic with a population of approximately 11,000, unveiled the ‘Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Programme’ during Minister Asterio Appi’s address to delegates on…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Feleti Teo has joined the call for a fairer climate finance system for small island nations and the least developed countries. The United Nations climate change conference, COP29, is currently taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the next two weeks. He is advocating for improved access to…