by Jake Sanders, Editor Pacific media watchdogs have expressed concerns that strict limitations at the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa indicate the government’s desire to control the narrative and minimize negative coverage. The Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) and the Pacific Freedom Forum have jointly appealed to Samoa’s Prime Minister, Fiame…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Government and environmental agencies in Samoa are on high alert following a fire that caused a New Zealand Navy ship to sink off the south coast of Upolu. The HMNZS Manawanui, a specialized dive and hydrographic vessel, was conducting a reef survey when it struck the reef on Saturday night….
by Tusi Tasla, Staff Writer The creation of a Pacific Response Group (PRG) emerged as a key outcome from the ninth South Pacific Defence Ministers Meeting (SPDMM), which concluded in Auckland on Thursday. The three-day meeting was hosted by New Zealand, with participation from Chile, France, Fiji, Australia, and Tonga as member nations. The United…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer Japan’s new prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, reportedly aims to establish a more “equal” alliance with the United States. Taking office this week, Ishiba is advocating for the presence of Japanese forces in Guam, as stated in a report by the Pacific Island Times. According to the report, Ishiba expressed that…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer A Tinian inter-island airline has been accused of discrimination by the US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) after it sought to have a “weight specific” officer assigned, in line with the aircraft’s weight limitations. Star Marianas, which has been offering complimentary transport for USCBP personnel from Saipan to Rota to…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Children in Vanuatu will soon see themselves represented in literature, with new books likely addressing themes of climate change and natural disasters. A hundred new titles will be crafted by local authors, resulting in over 8,000 copies that will be distributed to children in remote areas. The initiative, named ‘Library…
“The narrative of PINA reflects the evolution of Pacific media over the past 50 years, marking the transition to a more structured media landscape that encompasses various organizations, including radio,” states veteran Tongan journalist Kalafi Moala. Moala, alongside former Australian diplomat and journalist Marsali McKinnon, is co-authoring a book detailing the history of the Pacific…
by TusiTala, Staff Writer The United States has been attentive to the concerns of Pacific Island nations as it aims to enhance its diplomatic presence in the region, according to Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell. Speaking at a media briefing in Nuku’alofa during the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, Campbell outlined various initiatives…
pictured, Feleti Teo, Tuvalu PM by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Australia has pledged to support Tuvalu in adapting to climate change through the Falepili Union treaty, according to Tuvalu’s Prime Minister Feleti Teo. The agreement, signed late last year and criticized by a former Tuvalu leader as “shameful,” establishes a special visa pathway for Tuvaluan…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer The Pacific Islands, known for their pristine natural beauty and unique ecosystems, are increasingly turning towards sustainable development to preserve their environment and combat the impacts of climate change. One promising avenue for achieving this goal is the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), including EV trucks and vans. In this…