“We see you, we value you”: Forum SG Waqa tells Pacific...

By Pita Ligaiula in Honiara, Solomon Islands Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa has reminded journalists that they are not just observers but part of the Pacific’s regional story, as the Forum prepares to open its Leaders Meeting...

Passport people get new home

GIFF JOHNSON Marshall Islands Immigration and the RMI Passport Office have a new home that was officially opened Monday this week. And, specifically speaking, the RMI Passport Office actually has two new offices, the second of which will be opened...

“Stand with us”: Torres Strait to Pacific Island leaders

By Stefan Armbruster A senior Torres Strait elder has called on Pacific Island leaders meeting in Solomon Islands next week to hold Australia to account and demand ambitious 2035 emission reduction targets. “I send love to our Pacific brother and...

People centre of ocean conference

By Sera Tikotikovatu- Sefeti The second Pacific Islands Ocean Conference (PIOC) opened on Monday in Honiara, drawing traditional knowledge holders, scientists, and ocean professionals from across the region. Delegates filled the venue to discuss...

China and Australia in a high-speed race to win control of the Pacific

The very islands that a hostile Imperial Japanese Army occupied to cut off Australia’s economic and military lifelines in WWII were falling under the influence of China. Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare with Chinese Premier Li...

This Pacific island banned Chinese investment, but things have changed

Eric George has seen decades of broken promises on his home island, Malaita. From bridges that have never been fixed, building projects that never came, or just the pot-holed roads in a perpetual state of disrepair. More recently, a US Aid...

Statement by PM Manele at 80th Session of the UNGA

Theme: “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development and Human Rights” UN Headquarter, 27th September 2025 Madam President, Your Excellencies – Heads of States and Heads of Governments, Ministers, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and...

After 83 years, WWII Marine returns home to rest beside brother

Ken Budd holds a photo of brother, Robert, in 1989. The photo was taken shortly before Budd’s third trip to Guadalcanal to look for his brother’s body. Robert was found in 2021, just a month after his brother’s death. (Ellen M. Blalock via TNS)...

Commissioner Reece Kershaw Retires After 37 Years’ Service To Australian Community

The AFP has farewelled Commissioner Reece P Kershaw APM, who retired today (3 October, 2025) after more than 37 years of distinguished service to the Australian community. Minister for Home Affairs, The Honourable Tony Burke MP, joined family,...

Historic meeting between Hubei and Central Islands provinces

BY SAMIE WAIKORI Central Islands Premier, Kenneth Sagupari and officials from the province welcomed a delegation from China’s Hubei Province to Tulagi on Sunday, September 28, 2025. The delegation was led by Zhu Ziaobin and this visit marks the...

Reunited: WWII Soldier Returns Home After 83 Years to Be Buried Next to Brother

Kathy Kinane of Camillus, N.Y., said her dad, Ken Budd, and her uncle, Robert, had a “wonderfully close” brotherly connection. Though he was 10 years younger, Ken idolized his older brother. “My uncle would take him places and cover for him,”...

Climate crisis tops agenda as China exclusion casts shadow over leaders meeting

Climate change, rising seas and China’s push for influence are set to dominate talks at the Pacific Islands Forum in Solomon Islands this week, in a meeting already marked by geopolitical tensions.The lead up to the forum has already been fraught...

China unveils maritime training programme for Pacific island nations

China's engagement in Pacific maritime cooperation is increasing, with a focus on areas such as marine science, economic development, environmental protection, and maritime security. But its growing presence is also altering regional geostrategic...

What Pacific Island leaders told the UN about climate, conflict and peace

A banner at UN Headquarters on the second day of the general debate of the General Assembly’s eightieth session. Photo: UN Photo / Loey Felipe Pacific Island leaders took turns addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York,...

Tonga co-hosts Global Summit on Living Systems

Tonga co-hosted the Summit on the Future of Living Systems during UNGA 80 in New York. Tonga has strengthen its climate diplomacy credentials by co-hosting the Summit on the Future of Living Systems, held on 24 September alongside the 80th session...

Every Japanese Aircraft Carrier Sunk In WWII

World War II, true to its name, was fought across many fronts, with battles raging around the world over land, sea, and air. In the Pacific theater, especially, the Japanese and Allied military fought large naval battles that incorporated both...

What Pacific Island leaders told the UN General Assembly about climate, conflict and peace

A banner at UN Headquarters on the second day of the general debate of the General Assembly’s eightieth session. Photo: UN Photo / Loey Felipe Pacific Island leaders took turns addressing the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York,...

Preview: 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting

Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva. Photo: X / @ForumSEC Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders are en route to the Solomon Islands for their annual meeting, which kicks off Monday. So far, the lead-up has been marred by geopolitical tussles...

Helpful, but won’t guarantee deferment, say economists

The United Nations (UN) will support an assessment of Bangladesh's readiness to graduate from least developed country (LDC) status, which economists say would be helpful for, but not guarantee, a deferment of the transition. The review is expected...

Bow of USS New Orleans found off Guadalcanal

Underwater archaeological investigations have located the missing bow of the USS New Orleans in the Solomon Islands’ Iron Bottom Sound. The US Navy cruiser was heavily damaged during the Battle of Tassafaronga on 30 November 1942 when it was hit...