Author: ngewakl

North facing façade of a house on Akamaru Island. Photo: Associate Professor James Flexner, University of Sydney A team of archaeologists has used an advanced dating technique to establish a precise construction timeline for houses built out of coral in French Polynesia. Led by the University of Sydney and published in the journal Antiquity, the study is the first time uranium-thorium dating, also known as U-Th dating, has been applied to date historical coral architecture. This method produces precise age estimates without the need for extensive excavation. Associate professor James Flexner, an Australian Research Council Future Fellow in the Faculty…

[Photo: MINISTRY OF RURAL AND MARITIME DEVELOPMENT/ FACEBOOK] Residents of Vuniyalayala Settlement in Labasa now have access to a newly furnished evacuation centre, providing shelter during natural disasters. Vuniyalayala Latchmi Narayan Mandir President Niresh Chand says the community previously used a nearby school as an evacuation centre; however, accessing it was a challenge. “Previously, our nearest evacuation centre was a nearby school. However, to get to the school, we had to cross a bridge, and when it rained heavily, the bridge would flood. We would then have to find ways or swim across the bridge to get to the nearest…

Overview: Tonga is calling for urgent global action on cybersecurity, warning that small island nations risk being left behind as digital threats grow. Speaking at the United Nations, Ambassador Viliami Vaʻinga Tōnē urged more practical, inclusive frameworks that deliver real support to vulnerable states. NEW YORK, 08 APRIL 2026 (KANIVA TONGA NEWS)—Tonga has called for a shift from talk to action on global cybersecurity, warning that small island nations risk being sidelined unless frameworks deliver practical support tailored to their needs.  Viliami Vaʻinga Tōnē delivers Tonga’s national statement on cybersecurity at the United Nations, calling for more inclusive and action-oriented…

Overview: U.S officials are raising concerns over worsening economic conditions in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, warning that financial instability could affect Washington’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy. In a formal response to CNMI leaders, the U.S. Department of War signaled plans to deepen engagement while underscoring the territory’s strategic importance in the western Pacific. SAIPAN, 09 APRIL 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — The United States Department of War has acknowledged mounting economic pressure in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), warning it could have implications for Washington’s strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific.  In a letter to CNMI’s delegate…

Overview: Super Typhoon Sinlaku has intensified to a powerful Category 4-equivalent storm, with its projected path now shifting toward the Northern Mariana Islands. Forecasters warn that Saipan and Tinian could face the storm’s most severe impacts, including destructive winds, power outages and widespread disruption. SAIPAN, 13 APRIL 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — Sinlaku has been upgraded to a super typhoon, with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph and maximum gusts of 184 mph, according to the latest update from the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre. Sinlaku’s threat has now shifted to Tinian and Saipan, which could “potentially experience the strongest of…

Overview: Tuvalu, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, is set to host global leaders ahead of the Cop31 summit, placing the Pacific at the center of critical climate negotiations. The move underscores growing urgency for stronger action as geopolitical tensions risk overshadowing efforts to cut emissions. FUNAFUTI/CANBERRA, 16 APRIL 2026 (THE GUARDIAN) —Tuvalu, the Pacific nation at the forefront of the global climate crisis, will host a special meeting of world leaders before this year’s Cop31 summit, as the conference president expresses “complete faith” in Chris Bowen to lead tough negotiations.  Turkey’s climate minister, Murat Kurum, is president-designate for…

Overview: Super Typhoon Sinlaku has left Saipan and Tinian in total darkness after unleashing destructive Category 4 winds, while Guam begins early recovery efforts amid widespread outages and damage. Authorities warn that although the storm is moving away, dangerous conditions persist across the region. SAIPAN, 16 APRIL 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES)—Saipan and Tinian plunged into total darkness after Super Typhoon Sinlaku hit both islands with 145 mph winds as a Category 4 typhoon late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning.  Internet connection in the CNMI remains spotty, and efforts to contact people on the ground are meeting limited success as…

Overview: Pacific leaders are moving toward coordinated emergency action as fears grow over a looming fuel crisis, with Pacific Islands Forum leaders signaling plans to invoke the Biketawa Declaration. The move comes amid rising global oil prices and uncertainty over supply chains tied to the ongoing Middle East conflict, raising alarm across island nations already bracing for shortages. In short: (ABC-Australia) The prime minister of Solomon Islands says Pacific leaders have agreed to invoke the Pacific’s emergency response mechanism, the Biketawa Declaration, over the looming threat of fuel shortages. The Pacific is already grappling with rising oil prices, and there…

Overview: Authorities have recovered one body from a U.S.-flagged cargo ship that capsized during Super Typhoon Sinlaku near the Northern Mariana Islands, as search efforts continue for five missing crew members. The discovery comes amid a massive multinational operation spanning tens of thousands of square miles. SAIPAN, 23 APRIL 2026 (AP)—Authorities have found the body of one of the six missing crew members from a U.S-flagged cargo ship that overturned near the Northern Mariana Islands during a typhoon.  U.S Air Force divers “used an underwater remotely operated drone to search the interior of the vessel” and recovered the body Tuesday,…

Overview: Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has reaffirmed his country’s close ties with New Zealand, calling it “family,” while describing China as “a very good friend.” His remarks follow the resolution of a year-long diplomatic strain that saw New Zealand suspend development funding, underscoring a renewed commitment to cooperation and regional stability. RAROTONGA, 22 APRIL 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) —Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says New Zealand is “family” while China is “a very good friend”.  Brown spoke to Checkpoint on the relationship between his nation and New Zealand.  The two governments recently patched up a major diplomatic fallout…