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 Byron Louis, Staff Writer A deputy foreign minister from Taiwan is set to participate in this week’s gathering of Pacific Islands leaders in Tonga, as announced by Taiwan’s foreign ministry on Sunday. This meeting comes amid ongoing competition for influence in the region between China and the United States. The Pacific is a key…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka wrapped up his 10-day visit to China this week, praising the “remarkable progress” made by the country under President Xi Jinping. Rabuka joins other Pacific leaders, such as Jeremiah Manele from Solomon Islands, Charlot Salwai from Vanuatu, and David Adeang from Nauru, who have also recently…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer In recent years, the child welfare system in New Zealand has come under scrutiny for its handling of cases involving the removal of children from their families. While the protection of vulnerable children is paramount, there are growing concerns about the actions of some social workers who appear to operate…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer The residents of Vanimo in Papua New Guinea are requesting funds to help prepare for Pope Francis’s visit next month. The Pope will be in PNG for three days starting September 6, primarily in Port Moresby, but will also spend a day in Vanimo. A spokesperson from the Catholic Church…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer As geopolitical competition intensifies in the region, Pacific island nations are actively seizing the opportunities it presents, according to a recent study released by a well-known Australian think tank. The report from the Lowy Institute, titled “The Great Game in the Pacific Islands,” highlights how island nations are capitalizing on…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer 14 incumbent Members of Parliament have been defeated in the election, which includes three former cabinet ministers. Out of the 27 MPs who secured their positions in the Maneaba ni Maungatabu, the legislative assembly of Kiribati, was the current president, Taneti Maamau. A total of 17 new MPs were elected,…
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…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Australia has made a commitment to provide support for road infrastructure in the Malaita province of the Solomon Islands. The Australian High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, Rod Hilton, along with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, attended the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the South Road Rehabilitation Project. The…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Just 10 days ago, Paris approved the mission when France’s top diplomat in the area delivered a letter from President Emmanuel Macron to the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) chair and secretary-general in Suva. Forum leaders had requested in July for a Ministerial Committee to visit Nouméa to gather information from…