By GAAFAR J. UHERBELAU Thanks to the reach of social media and the global resurgence of social activism, much light is being shed on many social justice issues, globally and in our Pacific region. Issues such as poverty, inequality, racism, sexism, and all other –isms being driven by hashtag movements – made more aware
By SAMANTHA MARLEY BARNETT Guahan (or Guam) is a Pacific Island in the Micronesian region of Oceania, and a current colony of the United States. The island and her people, the indigenous Chamorus, have experienced nearly 500 years of uninterrupted colonisation, from Spanish, Japanese, and American colonial administrations. Chamorus have resisted colonial policies and
By SYLVIA C FRAIN The Micronesian region is referred to in a variety of ways. Sometimes it is termed the “American Pacific,” but that does not include American Samoa. Or incorrectly as the “South Pacific,” despite being located above the equator. In Aotearoa New Zealand, it is considered the
It is undeniable that with the increased affordability and accessibility to the internet, smartphones, and social media, people all over the Pacific have not escaped the flood of communication technology advancement. From the highlands of Papua New Guinea to the busy streets of Suva, from the Australian outback to the island of Funafuti, people
By Dr TRANSFORM AQORAU* The ceremonial changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace is a tourist attraction for people form all over the world. It is wonderfully atttactive and captivating occasion. Dr Transform Aqorau Photo: iss-foundation.org In our beautiful Pacific Islands region, we too are going through a changing of the guards
By MAKERETA KOMAI* When I was approached to speak on the topic ‘Australia and China in the Pacific, I wondered why there was interest in my views, particularly when there was already much public discussion and debate around the topic in the media in Australia, with all the views and opinions seeming to suggest
By KOSI LATU* Kosi Latu, SPREP Director General. Photo: SPREP As we are faced with darkness there is hope. Today a special report from the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on the impacts of global warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius was released. The messages within the report will generate both hope
Building a Strong Pacific: Our People, Our Islands, Our Will Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers have underlined their commitment to collective diplomacy and enhanced action regional security arrangements to build a stronger region for Pacific people. Forum Members engaged in wide ranging discussions centred around how the region can
A large gathering of regional non-governmental organisations heard that better dialogue between them, government and donor partners is needed to develop Pacific countries effectively. The Cook Islands was represented by Cook Islands Civil Society Organisations (CISCO) director Ngara Katuke at a regional consultation for civil society organisations (CSOs) to
