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…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Tourists visiting Papua New Guinea may encounter significant risks, particularly related to violence. The country’s diverse cultures and stunning landscapes can be overshadowed by reports of criminal activities, including robbery and assault. Travelers should be aware that certain areas may have heightened tensions or social unrest, which can increase the…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Fiji and Japan have established a memorandum of cooperation aimed at enhancing tourism collaboration between the two countries. This agreement is designed to facilitate the sharing of technical expertise, training opportunities, capacity building, and resources, which will strengthen the tourism sectors of both nations. Viliame Gavoka, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister…
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…