Author: TMC Palau
United Nations Resident Coordinator for Fiji, Dirk Wagener, is calling on Fijians to continue strengthening unity, inclusion, and social cohesion as the country marks the 147th National Girmit Commemoration at the Fiji Museum today. Wagener says Girmit Day is not only a time to remember the hardships and sacrifices of indentured laborers, but also a moment to reflect on Fiji’s shared identity and future as a diverse nation. He paid tribute to the Girmitiyas who arrived in Fiji generations ago, highlighting their courage, resilience, and determination despite facing immense hardship and uncertainty under the indenture system. Wagener says this year’s…
[Source: OFC Pro League/ Facebook] Vanuatu United head coach Lars Hopp is expecting another close battle when his side faces Bula FC in Sunday’s OFC Pro League playoff clash. With a place in the semi-finals on the line, both teams head into the knockout fixture knowing there is little margin for error. Vanuatu United enter the contest carrying momentum from their recent performances, while Bula FC will be looking to bounce back after consecutive defeats in the leaders group. Hopp believes the extra recovery time before Sunday’s match will be important for his side’s preparation. “In the end, we’ve got…
Matthew Wale Photo: Supplied / Solomon Islands Office of the Leader of Opposition Matthew Cooper Wale was elected as the Solomon Islands prime minister by secret ballot in Honiara on Friday. His election was publicly announced by the Solomon Islands Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu outside the parliament precinct a short while ago. Wale was elected by 26 votes to 22 against Peter Shanel Agovaka. Wale, 57, who is the leader of the Solomon Islands Democratic Party, was first elected to the National Parliament representing the Aoke Langa Langa Constituency in a bye-election in March 2008. He has since been…
[Source: Fijian Drua/ Facebook] The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will celebrate a major milestone tomorrow when they run out for their 70th Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific match against the NSW Waratahs at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. Fittingly, the occasion comes against the same side the Drua faced in their historic competition debut back in 2022, bringing the journey full circle for the Fijian franchise. Since entering Super Rugby Pacific, the Drua have grown into one of the competition’s most exciting teams, building a passionate fan base while producing memorable performances both at home and abroad. Today’s clash…
[Photo Credit: Reuters] Afghanistan’s Taliban government has detained at least three journalists on unspecified charges, the United Nations mission there said on Thursday in a statement that called for the protection of reporters. The three were the head of the Kabul-based Paigard News Agency, and two staff from Afghanistan’s first 24-hour news channel, TOLOnews, media and rights groups said. The UN mission UNAMA said it urged “the de facto authorities to uphold their obligations under international human rights law and ensure that journalists can do their work without fear of intimidation, harassment, or reprisal”. More than 40% of Afghanistan’s media…
[Photo Credit: AAP Image/Lukas Coch] Skilled migrants do not take Australian jobs, but fill critical labour shortages, enrich cultural diversity and stem the decline of country towns, agricultural groups say. Peak farming bodies have urged an inquiry to consider education campaigns on the essential role of skilled migrants, as conservative parties call for caps on overseas arrivals. The inquiry, which is examining the economic, social and cultural value of skilled migration to Australia, is due to hear from farmers, small business groups and foreign affairs officials at a hearing in Canberra on Friday. Dairy farmers rely on skilled workers, with…
Solomon Islands PM candidates: Matthew Wale and Peter Shanel Agovaka. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Solomon Islands opposition The Solomon Islands prime ministership race has become a two-man race after one of the three candidates nominated for the top job withdrew his nomination on Friday morning. Solomon Islands MPs will vote today for the country’s new prime minister after the incumbent, Jeremiah Manele, lost a no-confidence vote in parliament last week, ending his tenure halfway through his four-year term. The three men who were eyeing to succeed him were: Peter Shanel Agovaka who defected from Manele’s coalition to oust him and…
[Photo Credit: Reuters] U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet on Friday to wrap up a two-day state visit that has featured pomp and business deals but also a stark warning from Xi that mishandling the Taiwan issue could push U.S.-China relations to “a very dangerous place.” Trump is on the first visit by a U.S. president to China, America’s main strategic and economic rival, since a 2017 visit during his first term, and has been hoping for tangible results that might improve his dented approval ratings ahead of crucial midterm elections. The two…
[Photo Credit: NSTUDIOFIJI via Motibhai] The Fiji Cancer Society is calling on organisations and communities to support this year’s Bushell’s Fiji’s Biggest Morning Tea campaign. The initiative, which was officially launched last week, is now in its 21st year and continues to focus on raising awareness and support for people affected by cancer. Motibhai Group of Companies Marketing Manager Praneeta Devi says the campaign has helped strengthen cancer awareness and support services since it began in 2006. Devi says non-communicable diseases, including cancer, remain a growing concern and there is a need to continue encouraging healthier lifestyles and greater awareness.Article…
In March 2025 I suggested the often-heralded end of organised aid from the members of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) was perhaps actually in view. My deliberately conservative forecast at that time had DAC Official Development Assistance (ODA) falling at least 25% by 2027 from its 2023 peak; a worse case was also envisaged, in which between a third and a half of OECD-reported aid would disappear within several years, courtesy of planned reductions by a sub-group of ODA donors (hereafter, the “cutters”). The OECD’s preliminary 2025 data release of 9 April 2026 confirms the worse case is now…