Year: 2024
Solomons PM attends Indonesian Presidents Inauguaration ceremony
Staff Writers The Prime Minister Honourable Jeremiah Manele MP was among leaders of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) who witnessed the inauguration of the new President of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Prabowo Subianto yesterday morning, 20th October 2024. The inauguration brought together leaders from around the world. For the MSG, the leaders present included…
The Future of Smart Cities in the Pacific Islands: How AI and Technology Are Paving the Way
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,…
Northern Mariana’s tourism boom
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer The Northern Mariana Islands has secured a place in the Top 10 most satisfying destinations for Korean travelers. A recent consumer report from South Korea places the CNMI at ninth among global destinations. Saipan ranks just behind Switzerland, Austria, Hawaii, Spain, Czechoslovakia, Australia, Italy, and New Zealand. Skye Han, a…
Tonga joins fight against WMD
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer Tonga has taken a significant step in the global effort to combat the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). According to The Island Times, the island nation has officially supported the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), a worldwide endeavor spearheaded by the United States aimed at preventing the illicit trafficking…
Drug bust in PNG, man sentenced to 20 years
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer A man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in facilitating and transporting 4.88 kilograms of methamphetamine from Daru, located in Papua New Guinea’s Western Province, to Australia. According to The National newspaper, the 50-year-old resident of Kunini village in South Fly received a 20-year sentence…
PNG violence erupts in Enga province
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Local villagers gathered near the Porgera Gold Mine in Enga province, Papua New Guinea, on September 23, 2024, following a surge in violence that led to police reinforcements being sent to the area to address ongoing tribal conflicts that had forced the mine to close. According to police, security personnel…
Mental healthcare in Samoa and beyond
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer The Samoa Victim Support Group has officially launched its new Psychosocial & Medical Center at the Campus of Hope shelter. This center aims to meet the mental health requirements of women and children who have experienced abuse while residing at the facility, offering essential counseling services to those in need….
Regional heads in former colony ‘snub’ British king
Richard Sanders ,Staff Writer The heads of six Australian states will miss a reception for King Charles III when he arrives Down Under, while the British monarch has said he would not oppose the former prison colony declaring itself a republic. While Australia has been fully independent since 1986, its titular head of state is…
Transparency issues in Palau government
by Jake Sanders, Editor Palau’s Speaker of the House of Delegates has been mandated to settle outstanding taxes, along with associated penalties and interest, stemming from real estate transactions made in 2015. This situation, as reported by The Island Times, has garnered considerable public scrutiny and has sparked discussions regarding the transparency and accountability of…