HONIARA/NUKU’ALOFA/KOROR (PFF)—The decision by Samoa’s Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt to ban Samoa’s only daily newspaper from all government and ministerial press conferences undermines constitutional rights on media freedom and people’s right to seek and share information, says regional Article 19 watchdog, the Pacific Freedom Forum, PFF. The ban on the Samoa Observer was […]
Category: Pacific News
Posted inPacific News
As the Pacific struggles with obesity, its children are making the reasons clearer
HAGATNA (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES)—In 2024, the Pacific topped the world’s list of obese nations. Nine of the 10 fattest nations on earth were in the Pacific, with American Samoa at the top. A year later, the problem has only gotten worse, affecting one of our most vulnerable groups: children. A 10 September report by UNICEF […]
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Japan and Fiji raise concerns over rapid military buildup in the region
TOKYO (FIJI TIMES) — Japan and Fiji have expressed concern over the growing militarisation in the Asia-Pacific, warning that the rapid military buildup by some nations threatens regional peace and stability. The issue was highlighted during talks between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in Tokyo Thursday, where the two […]
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Cook Islands PM says economy remains strong despite NZ funding pause
RAROTONGA (COOK ISLANDS NEWS)—Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown told local media he had requested a meeting with New Zealand’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister regarding the funding pause, but was declined. It comes as a second round of funding to the realm nation has been paused by Aotearoa, bringing the total funds held to […]
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Samoan PM back home as reporter alleges assault outside his residence
APIA (RNZ PACIFIC) —Samoan Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has returned home after an eight-week absence for medical treatment in New Zealand. La’aulialemalietoa departed Apia for Auckland on a private jet just days after being sworn in as Samoa’s eighth prime minister on 16 September. The Samoan government had previously said he was expected to […]
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‘We need a stronger voice in Washington’
Torres announces congressional run GUAM (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) —Former senator Mary Torres will seek the Republican nomination for Guam’s congressional seat, challenging the incumbent Delegate James Moylan in next year’s primary. “We need a stronger voice with a clear vision in Washington,” said Torres, who served four terms in the Guam legislature from 2015 to […]