Author: ngewakl

Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu says his failed push for a 50 per cent pay cut was meant to show real sacrifice, not score political points. Speaking to FBC News, Seruiratu said his proposal was an amendment to the Prime Minister’s motion, not a separate move. He said the Opposition had gone into Parliament ready to support the 20 percent cut but kept a stronger option on the table. He said caucus discussions shaped the plan. Most members backed a 50 per cent cut early in the day.Article continues after advertisement By lunchtime, the group agreed to remain flexible. He said…

Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone Solomon Islands could have a new prime minister next week. The court of appeal has ordered the current prime minister Jeremiah Manele to call Parliament by the 7th of May to face a motion-of-no-confidence in his leadership. The court dismissed Mr Manele’s appeal against Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer’s earlier ruling to that effect. Appeal court Judges Sir Gibbs Salika, Howard Lawry, Gina Nott delivered their ruling this afternoon in the High Court precinct in Honiara amid a heightened police presence. The ruling is the latest in a series of court cases following Manele’s refusal…

The small Pacific Ocean island of Palau is helping communities build resilience against the dangers of climate change-driven extreme weather with the establishment of a network of emergency refuges — thanks to support from the United Nations.As a boy growing up in Palau, an archipelago of over 500 islands in the western Pacific Ocean, Seth Techitong spent most of his days in the sea.After school, he would dive into the clear blue water, swimming above centuries-old coral reefs, framed by dense green forests and tranquil villages.Life on the island felt simple and safe, shaped by the rhythms of tides and…

A bonus point win is the main focus for the Fijian Drua as they prepare for their crucial clash against the Highlanders in Ba, with a finals spot still within reach in the Shop and Save Super Rugby Pacific season. Drua captain Frank Lomani said the side is excited for the challenge and understands what is at stake. He said they are going into the match with a clear target, needing a win and bonus point to stay in the race. Lomani said returning to Ba brings extra motivation, with strong family support and fans backing the team across Fiji.Article…

Surangel S. Whipps Jr.KOROR (Island Times/Pacnews) — A dispute over the value of Malakal Port in Palau is threatening to derail a major national project tied to U.S. military expansion.With a $45 million gap between appraisals, can Palau’s national government and Koror State find common ground — or is a forced takeover looming?“The $60 million appraisal is bogus,” President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. said, as negotiations between the national government and the Koror State Government over the proposed purchase of Malakal Port stalled over sharply differing valuations.The dispute centers on the national government’s push to acquire the port for $15…

[Source: CNN] The artist formerly known as Kanye West may be enjoying a triumphant return to the stage, but not everyone is clapping. Ye, as he is now known, was recently banned from traveling to the United Kingdom amid continued concern over his past antisemitic remarks and the festival he was due to headline there was canceled because of the ban. That decision came days after two sold out shows at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, in support of his new album “Bully,” which just debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Clips of those concerts — showing other…

Elia Canakaivata of the Drua is tackled by Charlie Cale of the Brumbies during the Super Rugby Pacific Round 5 match between the Brumbies and the Fijian Drua at GIO Stadium in Canberra. 14 March 2025. Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch / Photosport Super Rugby Pacific’s round 12 matches will be special for both the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika. The Drua face the Highlanders in Ba on Saturday afternoon, with looseman Elia Canakaivata back in the starting lineup for his 50th Super Rugby game. Moana Pasifika host the Blues at home in North Harbour on Saturday evening, and young winger…

A controversial Trump administration deal to relocate deportees from the US to the small Pacific nation of Palau faces an uncertain future, after the senate voted to block the deal as concern about the agreement grows.The deal, which allows up to 75 third-country migrants facing removal from the US to live and work in Palau, was signed by president Surangel Whipps Jr in December. Palau’s lower house now has to consider the deal, and the final decision rests with Whipps Jr.The arrangement is part of a broader assistance package to Palau, including $2m for security initiatives and $7.5m tied to…

Coalition Government Ministers are setting the example in the fight against drugs, with Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya among those who undertook a drug test at Parliament today. In a Facebook post on her page, she thanked Fiji Police Force nurse practitioner Sajneel Prasad and his team from the Police Medical Centre “for attending to this important commitment from the Fiji Government to take the lead in setting the example.” Source link

The lead choreographers for the new Michael Jackson biopic say it’s an honour to represent the Pacific as the film smashes box office records worldwide. The film traces the rise of Michael Jackson, from child star to becoming one of the most influential artist in the world. Despite receiving negative reviews for its ommission of child molestation charges against the late superstar,’Michael’ moonwalked its way to a record-breaking US$217 million in its opening weekend world-wide; a record for a music biopic. Michael choreographers Rich and Tone Talauega played an essential role training the lead actor Jaafar Jackson, who is Michael…