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World Bank Provides US$9.5 Million Grant in Disaster Response for Vanuatu

PORT VILA, March 13, 2023 – The World Bank has disbursed a US$9.5 million (VUV 1.13 billion) grant to support the Government of Vanuatu’s response to Severe Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin, and a 6.5 Mw earthquake in Vanuatu’s north. The emergency funding will provide vital support to the government’s recovery and response efforts following […]

PM on Climate Finance: Some Remain Vague, Disinterested and Uncommitted

Former Fiji PM Bainimarama and Suspended Top Cop Charged

Fiji’s top prosecutor has sanctioned charges of abuse of office against former prime minister Frank Bainimarama and the suspended commissioner of police Sitiveni Qiliho. In a statement on Thursday, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution said the charges relate to a complaint filed by the University of the South Pacific in July 2019. […]

Samoan Seasonal Workers Affected by Influenza Outbreak are Being Closely Monitored

Happy International Women’s Day from the UN Teams Across the Pacific

International Women’s Day puts a spotlight on the achievements of women and girls everywhere. It is the day of recognition and celebration of the strides which have been made to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment. It also provides an opportunity for self-reflection on our actions (or lack thereof) as leaders, institutions, and governments, to […]

We are Custodians of the Pacific Ocean

Vanuatu Residents “Exhausted” and Country Needs Support after Two Cyclones in Three Days

Ni-Vanuatu residents have emerged battered but still standing after Cyclone Kevin swiped the country with a strong backhand. “It was quite exhausting. Dealing with two cyclones in three days is pretty draining, you know,” Vanuatu journalist Dan McGarry told RNZ. Cyclone Kevin and Cyclone Judy as pictured on Earth Nullschool on Saturday March 4.Cyclone Kevin […]

Fiji Records 14th Covid-19 Death and Hundreds of New Cases Each Day

Cyclone Gabrielle: Jacinda Ardern Lends a Helping Hand at Hasting’s Waipatu Marae

Former prime minister Jacinda Ardern lent a hand at a Hastings marae on Tuesday, helping volunteers put together food parcels for those going without after the catastrophe of Cyclone Gabrielle. One volunteer, a man who wished to only be known as Derek, said it wasn’t surprising to see her at the Waipatu Marae, a place […]

Otago Times Publishes Shameful Cartoon about Samoa’s Measles Epidemic

Tonga Twins Making their Mark in the World of Female Wrestling

Sisters Ashley and Steffanie Manukainiu are hoping to inspire young Pacific Islander women while taking on opponents in the wrestling ring. The ‘Tongan Twins’ are also known as Kona and Kaoz and compete in America’s Women in Wrestling competition. Kona and Kaoz were born to immigrant parents, they are second generation Tongans from Vallejo, California. […]

Switzerland is Assisting Samoa to Establish a Permanent Mission in Geneva

New PNG Media Policy will Lead to Government Control of Media – Scott Waide

By: Veteran PNG Journalist, Scott Waide; 20 February 2023.  The new media development policy being proposed by the Papua New Guinea Communications Minister, Timothy Masiu, could lead to more government control over the country’s relatively free media. The new policy suggests a series of changes including legislative amendments. But media and stakeholders are not being […]

Officials have Cleared Bomb Threat Called in for American Samoa Airport and Seaport

Cyclone Gabrielle: Over 500 Cancelled Flights Impacting Over 29,000 Air New Zealand Customers

Air New Zealand have asked for patience as they try to reschedule over 500 cancelled flights affecting over 29,000 customers. “Please continue to bear with us as we navigate the disruption #CycloneGabrielle has caused 💜” the airline have posted on its social media pages. “With over 500 flight cancellations impacting more than 29,000 customers, we’re […]

Samoa Institute of Accountants Hosts International Conference