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…

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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…

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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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