Islands Business

03/08/2025

𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬, 𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐚, 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

THE Cook Islands and Tonga have strengthened bilateral ties and discussed after high-level talks last week.

Cooks Prime Minister Mark Brown and Tonga’s Dr Aisake Eke met ahead of the 60th anniversary of Cook Islands’ self-governance.

The meeting was the first in a series of high-level engagements with international partners to reaffirm regional solidarity in light of the upcoming Forum Troika meeting, comprising the Cook Islands Tonga and the Solomon Islands.

Brown thanked Tonga for making available the inter-island ship MV Taka-i-Pomana to help with passenger transport from the Pa Enua to Rarotonga.

Eke emphasised the importance of regionalism and working together to address shared challenges.

“Tonga has long been a valued partner for the Cook Islands. Their recent support provided through the MV Taka‑i‑Pomana, to reunite our communities for this historic celebration, is a testament to the kind of partnership that lifts the region as a whole,’’ Brown said.

“By strengthening ties with those closest to us, we create real opportunities for our people and advance the shared goals for a more resilient and connected Blue Pacific.”

03/08/2025

𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐛 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝

PACIFIC police forces are on high alert after a suspected narcotics submarine was found in Isabel Province, Solomon Islands.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is tightlipped about the find reported by Member of Parliament Ben Maenu’u while on a fishing trip.

But police forces throughout the region have been alerted to this latest find linked to increased drug transportation from the West Coast of the Americas, across the Pacific to Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.

The 40-foot fiberglass craft powered by two 85 horsepower engines was abandoned.

“It’s shaped more like a submarine. It is a closed boat. I am uncertain of its origin, but when we located it, the current was flowing towards Lord Howe,” Maenu’u told the Island Sun newspaper.

“The engine is in good condition; however, its covers were missing, and the spark plug was still connected. It hasn’t floated long at sea. Not really a long time. The boat still looks fresh and in good condition.’’

In 2019, the RSIPF removed about 415 packages, including four loose-packed substances, and bottles from a dinghy which washed ashore on Ulawa Island, Makira Province.

03/08/2025

𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐮𝐬: 𝐓𝐞𝐨

CLIMATE change will remake the Pacific, even though it is not of the Pacific’s making.

Tuvalu Prime Minister Feleti Teo said this was the irony of a phenomenon declared by the region’s leaders to be the greatest existential threat to the lives and future prosperity of the people of the Pacific region.

“Climate change manifests itself in many ways including more severe and frequent cyclones, extended droughts, sea level rise, ocean acidification, coral reef bleaching and changes in the migration and distribution patterns of the highly valuable tuna stocks,’ Teo said in Canberra this week.

More: https://shorturl.at/h5oBR

01/08/2025

𝐃𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝟗 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐲

NINE people have been found guilty in Fiji over their involvement in the importation and distribution of 4.1-plus tonnes of methamphetamine.

Justin Ho, David Heritage, Louie Logaivau, Jale Aukerea, Sakiusa Tuva, Ratu Aporosa Davelevu, Ratu Osea Levula, Cathy Tuirabe and Vilimae Colawaliku were charged with the importation and possession of 4.1-plus tonnes of methamphetamine between November 2023 and January 2024 in Nadi.

Ho, Logaivau and Aukerea were also charged with owning property suspected of being the proceeds of a crime.

Justice Aruna Aluthge found Davelevu and Logaivau were found not guilty on two counts but guilty of the remainder.

The nine will be sentenced on August 8.

01/08/2025

𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

NAURU’S President David Adeang says his government’s decision in January 2024 to re-establish diplomatic relations with China had paid great dividends.

Speaking during his recent trip to South China’s Guangdong Province to trace his ancestral roots, the President hailed the Nauru-China relationship as one of mutual cooperation.

“When I had my bilateral meeting with [Chinese] President Xi last year, we talked about delivering what he called early harvests in our relationship.

“We will deliver early harvests in the coming years,” Adeang said.

“Critical investments in infrastructure, education, health, and renewable energy are laying the foundation for a more diversified economy in Nauru, and China will play a big role in many of these enterprises.”

Adeang said China had shown the world how hard work, innovation and a strong economic blueprint could deliver prosperity and raise living standards.

“We share this same determination to innovate, create local success stories, and bring benefits to all Nauruans.”

01/08/2025

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 – 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤

PACIFIC countries must stay connected to international finance institutions, World Bank Managing Director of Operations Anna Bjerde said this week.

Bjerde also announced reforms to ensure that 30% of labour costs on bank-funded infrastructure are local.

“The World Bank Group is proud to support the people of the Pacific with solutions that address development challenges in the region, with jobs at the center – giving young people the chance to shape their own future,” Bjerde said.

More: https://t.ly/wInY7

01/08/2025

𝐏𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐔𝐒𝐏

UNIVERSITY of the South Pacific (USP) Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia will leave on September 1.

The announcement by Pro Vice-Chancelor, Dr Siosiua ‘Utoikamanu, marks the end of a stormy period for the regional institution.

Appointed in 2019, Professor Ahluwalia, clashed with Fiji’s government under Frank Bainimarama and was deported, setting up office in Apia, Samoa.

He also faced strong challenges over his leadership from the University staff and students.

Pal led USP through a period of significant challenges, including the global COVID-19 pandemic.

During this time, the University maintained continuity of teaching and research, and retained its staff despite significant financial and operational pressures.

The University council will shortly commence the process for appointing Pal’s replacement.

30/07/2025

30/07/2025

𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐲 – 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐤𝐚 𝐖𝐚𝐲

ACADEMICS and scholars have gathered at the Pasifika Communities University to discuss the region’s principle philosophies.

The approach is a challenge to Western models of thinking and living.

Centrality of the mind was the core theme on Monday as participants discussed rationality, complexity, storytelling and taking a “whole of life” approach to living and interacting with the environment.

More: https://t.ly/FV0He

30/07/2025

𝐈𝐤𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐡𝐢 𝐟𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐙

TONGA’S national rugby team has set up camp in Auckland ahead of the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC).

Head coach Tevita Tuifua said the camp has brought players together for the first time.

Former All Black Salesi Piutau and France-based Ben Tameifuna are two of the senior players in the squad who are in camp.

“We have some players in camp while there are others who are tied up with club commitments at the moment,” Tuifua said.

“We hope that we can get everyone together before the PNC starts.”

Tonga’s Ikale Tahi will meet the Queensland Reds in Nuku’alofa on August 15 in their only warm-up game before they host Manu Samoa on August 23.

Tonga and Samoa will be fighting to secure spots at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with the PNC doubling as a World Cup qualifier this year.

Fiji and Japan have qualified, leaving Samoa and Tonga to battle against Canada and USA for three remaining Oceania spots.

30/07/2025

𝐕𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐮 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝟒𝟓

CELEBRATIONS in Vanuatu and among its diaspora have marked the 45th anniversary of the former condominium regaining independence from Britain and France.

In Fiji, celebrations began with a live public discussion at the University of the South Pacific on Sunday to discuss the republic’s future and ended with cultural activities today.

Meanwhile, Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa is in Vanuatu to participate in the national celebrations.

Waqa also paid courtesy calls on the President of Vanuatu, Nikenike Vurobaravu and Prime Minister Jotham Napat.

He congratulated Vanuatu and recognised the country’s resilience, unity, and its enduring contribution to Pacific regionalism.

Waqa also commended Vanuatu for its successful leadership in securing the historic International Court of Justice (ICJ) resolution on the obligations of States in relation to climate change.

“Vanuatu continues to lead with purpose and conviction in the face of adversity,” Waqa said.

30/07/2025

𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬

KANAKY (New Caledonia’s) population has shrunk to 264,596 over the past six years, according to the April Census.

In 2019 the population stood at 271,400.

Jean Philippe Grouthier, census chef de mission at the French National statistical institute said that despite the 11,000-population growth (the difference between death and births), around 18,000 people left the territory.

Airport statistics show a sharp increase in residents leaving New Caledonia for good, after the destructive and deadly riots that erupted in May 2014, causing 14 dead and over $USD2.31 billion in damages.

The census was originally scheduled to take place in 2024 but had to be postponed due to the civil unrest.

“New Caledonia is probably less attractive than it could have been in the 2000s and 2010s years,” Grouthier told local media on Tuesday.