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….

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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…

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Towards a nuclear free Pacific

by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer Last week, US officials and leaders from Pacific Island nations convened in Palau to deliberate on the Compact of Free Association (COFA) agreements, pivotal treaties governing the relationship between the United States and the Freely Associated States, which encompass Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands. Senator…

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Samoa gets prepared for CHOGM

by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer The warship HMS Tamar is docked at Apia International Port as Samoa prepares for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). This Royal Navy vessel, based permanently in the South Pacific, has been patrolling the south coast of Upolu following the grounding of HMNZS Manawanui on Tafitoala Reef on October…

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Media concerns about CHOGM 2024

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…

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Solomons corruption and diplomacy issues

by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has stated that the responsibility for investigating the findings of an audit regarding the government’s Covid-19 economic stimulus package lies with the police and anti-corruption agencies in the country. The Auditor General’s report on the policy, which amounts to over US$36 million (SBD$309 million),…

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NZ controversial nuclear ban in the spotlight

by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer The U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand has stated that Pacific nations should have the autonomy to determine their own stances on nuclear weapons. This statement follows comments from former Trump adviser John Bolton, who suggested that New Zealand could be in danger if it maintains its strict prohibition on nuclear…

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