Author: TMC Palau

The Bougainville independence referendum result will be tabled in Papua New Guinea’s national parliament on 27 August.After months of uncertainty, both governments have resolved that the Bougainville referendum results will finally be tabled for parliamentary deliberation in three week’s time.It follows a meeting in Port Moresby of the Joint Supervisory Body, co-chaired by PNG prime minister James Marape and Bougainville’s president Ishmael Toroama.The 2019 referendum saw 97.7 percent of respondents say yes to independence, although the referendum is non-binding and subject to parliament’s decision whether to ratify or not.Also to be tabled later is a record of consultations since the…

[Photo: FILE] Namosi landowners are demanding answers over how their concerns will be reflected in Fiji’s mining law reforms. The call comes as the review of the Mining Act 1965 and Quarries Act 1939 moves forward. The Namosi Landowners Committee Lomani Au Maroroi Au (LAMA) stated that the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources’ announcement on the ongoing review of the Mining Act 1965 and Quarries Act 1939. LAMA states the review is a major opportunity to update Fiji’s mining laws and ensure the rights and interests of customary landowners are protected.Article continues after advertisement LAMA Chair Sipiriano Nariva says…

Mike Catt. Former England inside center, and Rugby World Cup winner, has been announced as the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua  Senior Assistant Coach ahead of the 2027 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season. Catt joins newly appointed Head Coach Brad Mooar as the Drua continues to strengthen its coaching group ahead of the new campaign. Awarded an OBE for his services to rugby following England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph, Catt brings extensive experience at the highest level of the game. During an illustrious playing career, he earned 75 Test caps for England and featured at four Rugby World Cups.…

[Photo: FILE] The death of a 12-year-old boy in Wailoku, Tamavua, has now been classified by Police as an alleged murder case. The boy was reported missing by his mother after he was last seen playing at a neighbour’s home last Wednesday evening. His body was discovered near his home on Friday during ongoing search efforts. Police have confirmed that a 29-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were questioned and later released as investigations continue.Article continues after advertisement Authorities say the investigation remains active, and more information will be released as the inquiry progresses. Source link

The US Shiprider Agreement signed by the new-look Solomon Islands government has been subject to fiery criticism in parliament.The opposition leader Manasseh Sogavare continues to attack the agreement which he describes as an affront to the sovereignty of Solomon Islands, but the Prime Minister Matthew Wale insists the country’s rights as a sovereign nation remain protected.The latest exchanges came during parliamentary debate on the Governor-General’s Speech from the Throne, when the King’s representative lays out the government’s policy programme, effectively on the government’s behalf.The debate included a focus on foreign policy, an area of apparent flux in the country since…

A budget allocation is often treated as evidence of government commitment. For a nurse, community health worker or patient waiting for basic medicines, that is beside the point. What matters is whether the money arrives on time, can be spent, and results in medicines on the shelf when patients need them. The point bites hardest in remote provinces such as the island province of Manus, where geography makes service delivery difficult at the best of times. Manus has one provincial hospital which together with urban clinics, rural health centres and aid posts serves communities scattered across islands. When funding is…

[Photo: PRANEETA PRAKASH] A 70-year-old man and a 67-year-old woman have died following a three-vehicle collision in Navua yesterday afternoon. Police say the victims were travelling in a vehicle that allegedly veered onto the opposite lane, resulting in the crash. Four people travelling in the other two vehicles were treated at Navua Hospital and later discharged. The victims’ bodies have been taken to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, where post-mortem examinations will be conducted.Article continues after advertisement The national road death toll has now risen to 31, compared to 39 during the same period last year. Police are again urging…

Former Swire Shipping Fijian Drua backrower Elia Canakaivata. [Photo: THE SALE SHARKS/ FACEBOOK] Former Swire Shipping Fijian Drua backrower Elia Canakaivata has been tipped to make a huge impact in his first season with Sale Sharks. Head coach Alex Sanderson says he expects a big season from the FIJI Water Flying Fijians forward after being impressed with what he has seen during pre-season training. Sanderson says the Sharks have recruited international-quality players to improve their decision-making and execution under pressure as they look to bounce back after finishing seventh in the English Premiership last season. He says the side wants…

Family, friends and fans of rugby icon Jonah Lomu filled Auckland’s civic theatre on Saturday for the New Zealand premiere of a documentary about his life.’Lomu’ tells his story through the eyes of his family, childhood friends and closest colleagues. With never seen before home videos, it also offers insight into who the legendary All Black was off the field, behind closed doors.Hundreds in attendance at the documentary’s premiere , which was part of the New Zealand International Film Festival, were left with tears and hearts full of pride.”I felt so inspired, and to see his faith that he didn’t…

Thirteen-year-old Vaibhavi Deo wants to become a top-tier rugby referee in the field in future.Deo currently officiates rugby matches under the Suva Rugby Union banner in Fiji’s capital, and has already broken barriers, being a Fijian of Indian descent.Her family believes she has already broken the “glass ceiling” in taking up rugby refereeing.She told RNZ Pacific that she aims to be a top international referee, recognised by World Rugby and to officiate Tier 1 matches, including those that involve the All Blacks.She was a guest of New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia during the July test between the All Blacks…