Two US Pacific territories are moving closer to potentially upgrading their status within the main political decision-making body in the region, the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). The PIF has confirmed to RNZ Pacific that its representatives have visited Guam and American Samoa in response to the US territories’ bid for Forum membership. Acting governor Lt…
Three temporary workers from the Solomon Islands who claim that their weekly pay was sometimes reduced to nothing due to unauthorized deductions are currently awaiting a verdict from the Court of Appeal regarding their legal challenge. They initiated a lawsuit against their employer, Pick Hawkes Bay, in 2020, alleging that the deductions made for wet…
Signing ceremony at the Prime Minister’s office in Phnom Penh yesterday by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer In a significant development aimed at boosting Pacific Islands and Cambodia’s international visibility and promoting global partnerships, The Better Cambodia (TBC Media) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Jake Sanders, an experienced Asia Pacific Media and…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer Timothy Masiu, the Communication Minister of Papua New Guinea, is receptive to feedback on the government’s upcoming media policy. The fifth draft of the policy, subject to considerable scrutiny, seeks to advance freedom of speech and information in PNG by enhancing public and private media, providing media education and skill…
MAKATI CITY – Key government leaders, ambassadors, and experts are coming together in the biggest West Philippine Sea Conference of 2024 to celebrate the 8th anniversary of the Arbitral ruling that dismissed China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea. Organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute, in partnership with the Australian Embassy in the Philippines and…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer Kidnapping in the Philippines has been a longstanding issue that not only threatens the safety of its citizens but also tarnishes the international image of the country and erodes business confidence. The increasing frequency of kidnapping incidents has raised concerns both domestically and internationally, highlighting the need for urgent action…
Luke Allen – Military Political Analyst – Makati, Manila – lukeallenmanila@journlist.com Guam, a United States territory in the Pacific Ocean, is making waves in its quest for recognition within the Pacific Island Forum (PIF). As one of the 17 remaining colonies worldwide, the island’s bid for a more prominent role in regional affairs has gained…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer New Zealand has pledged five million dollars to support education in Nauru, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters during his recent visit to the Pacific Island nation. Peters emphasized the importance of a well-functioning education system in Nauru for the country’s future and expressed satisfaction in collaborating with…
Tusi Tala – Staff Writer The significant increase in meth seizures in Samoa suggests a growing presence of the drug in the region. Additionally, Samoan police officials are alarmed by the discovery of illegal firearms during meth-related operations. Several members of Parliament in Samoa have raised concerns about the growing number of drug-related crimes in…
Luke Allen – Military Political Analyst – Makati, Manila – lukeallenmanila@journlist.com In a remarkable triumph for marine conservation, the Pan-Pacific bluefin tuna stock has recovered sustainably an entire decade ahead of the targeted timeline. This milestone, achieved through global efforts, marks a significant victory in restoring one of the ocean’s most prized and fastest predators,…