Australia unveils $190 million security deal for Solomon Islands
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Australia has struck a new security agreement with Solomon Islands to bolster the size of the Pacific island nation’s police force. The ABC has been told that Australia has committed $190 million (US$118 million) to grow the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force and establish a new police training centre in…
CIA can read WhatsApp messages – Zuckerberg
Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has acknowledged that US authorities, including the CIA, can access WhatsApp messages by remotely logging into users’ devices, effectively bypassing the platform’s end-to-end encryption. Speaking on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast on Friday, Zuckerberg explained that while WhatsApp’s encryption prevents Meta from viewing message content, it does…
PM terminates Samoa MP at centre of police charges
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has terminated Laauli Leuatea Schmidt as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. Laauli, Chairman of the country’s ruling FAST party, also faces several criminal charges. A government statement said this matter arose following the formal announcement of allegations implicating the minister. It cited an incident…
Japan’s New Ambassador to Solomon Islands presents credentials to Governor General.
Governor General, His Excellency Rev. David Tipa Kapu with Japan’s new Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Keiichi Hagiuchi. Richard Sanders, Staff Writer Japan’s new Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Keiichi Hagiuchi, formally presented his Letter of Credentials to the Governor General, His Excellency Rev. David Tipa Kapu, during a ceremony held today. Ambassador…
Big Polluters Urged To Pay As Key Pacific Summit Opens In Tonga
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Big Polluters Urged to Pay as Key Pacific Summit Opens in Tonga As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, a critical summit has opened in Tonga, drawing significant attention from Pacific island nations and global leaders alike. The summit centers around the pressing need for more…
Samoan deputies sworn in this week
Tusi Tala, Staff Writer This week, a significant event took place in Samoa as three new members of the Council of Deputies were inaugurated at the Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi Convention Centre. This ceremony marks an important step in Samoa’s governance, reinforcing the roles of these influential leaders within the country’s political framework. The…
Rape and sexual violence cases rising in Fiji
Richard Sanders, Staff Writer Fiji’s public prosecutions office has revealed a troubling rise in sexual offenses involving minors, with numerous charges filed in December. The Fiji Times reported that 12 individuals faced a total of 26 charges related to serious sexual crimes, including rape, attempted rape, abduction with the intent to commit rape, indecent assault,…
President honors Native Hawaiian impact, sacrifice in remote Pacific islands
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor President Honors Native Hawaiian Impact and Sacrifice in Remote Pacific Islands In a move that highlights the enduring legacy and sacrifices of Native Hawaiians in the Pacific, President [Insert President’s Name] recently acknowledged the profound contributions of this community during a special event held [insert date or occasion]. The ceremony,…
New Caledonia’s new President Ponga
Tusi Tala, Staff Writer New Caledonia’s newly formed government has chosen pro-France Alcide Ponga as its President. At 49 years old, Ponga is the first indigenous Kanak leader of the pro-France Le Rassemblement-Les Républicains (LR) party. His election followed an unsuccessful initial attempt on Tuesday to select a President due to a lack of majority…
Trump blames Biden for Ukraine war
Francis Tushchek, Staff Writer US President Joe Biden’s inept handling of the tensions between Russia, Ukraine and NATO has led to the conflict between Moscow and Kiev, President-elect Donald Trump told a press conference on Tuesday. Had Washington not offered Ukraine the prospect of joining the US-led military bloc, war could have been avoided, Trump believes….
