For the first time in Vanuatu’s political history since 1980, three Kalsakau brothers from the same parents hailing from Ifira, Efate, have been elected MPs, according to provisional results. The unofficial results from last week’s snap elections indicated the three brothers – Ephraim Kasakau, Ishmael Kalsakau and Joshua Kalasakau – have secured three seats in…
The international television channel ‘Australia Plus’ recently launched Cinema Pasifika, a new series of five half hour programmes, showcasing short films from the Pacific Islands region. Steve Menzies, Director Flinch Marketing Limited which produced the project said the new series celebrates a range of diverse and unique cinematic voices and each of the short films…
THE Fijian economy is at its peak with a low expectancy of a downturn in the next few years. Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Faiyaz Koya said the country experienced a fantastic growth over the past few years. “The economy has been having a slow steady growth and there is not going to be…
AMERICAN boats are set to be locked out of the world’s best tuna-fishing waters after reneging on a deal with 17 Pacific states, amid a slump in prices for the fish sold in cans in supermarkets all over the US. The standoff means US boats cannot access seas where roughly half of the world’s skipjack…
AS Pacific countries and top fishing authorities race against time to try to resolve an impasse with the US tuna fleet, there are growing calls for a more flexible and permanent solution. The US reneged on a deal worth US68 million, agreed to last year, because some members of the American fleet say they can…
MELANESIAN communities around Fiji were reassured of their identity as Fijians and their entitlement to enjoy every right any Fijian must have. Speaking at Naviavia, Savusavu, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said their days of suffering from discrimination was over. “Equality is the most basic principle of my Government and we are all equal citizens of…
THE FBI is investigating a Tongan company in Sacramento in the United States for allegedly offering immigrants a quick pathway to being a citizen of the United States. KCRA News reported that a Tongan couple, Helaman and Viola Hansen own the company. The news agency reported the investigation has now reached at least eight other…
A QUEENSLAND labour-hire operator is facing court over allegations it paid workers from Vanuatu nothing to pick fruit and vegetables. Maroochy Sunshine was contractually obliged to provide 22 workers from Vanuatu, who were in Australia as part of the Seasonal Worker Program, $500 a week for at least 30 hours’ work. The company allegedly arranged…
GOVERNOR of Northern Province in Papua New Guinea, Gary Juffa has insisted that the actions of his government against certain foreign run businesses do not target a specific ethnic group but all foreign run illegal businesses. He also pointed out that there was a need to protect PNG business opportunities and prevent the loss of…
A former Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Hubert Ingraham, will lead a Commonwealth Observer Group to Vanuatu for its General Election on 22 January. The snap election is being held nine months ahead of schedule, following a period of political instability in which 14 Members of Parliament were convicted of bribery. The convictions led to…