Pacific

The program aims to identify, support and train women leaders involved in basketball in the Pacific region. This support builds the capacity of women through a multifaceted training regime that develops leadership, governance, public speaking and negotiating skills.

SPC closely monitors the Zika situation regionally and internationally, along with other diseases, such as dengue and chikungunya.

The report uses International Trade Centre data to illustrate the main primary sector export products from 15 Pacific Island countries, the main export markets for these products and whether they are growing or declining. 

Fiji shines as an example for other Pacific Island countries to follow, accounting for 96 per cent of all regional exports.

Ulamila Lutu is currently attending the inaugural World Congress on Root and Tuber Crops in Nanning, Guangxi, which brings together around 750 key industry stakeholders including farmers, researchers, the private sector and donor agencies.

In his initial response to PACNEWS queries, Norris admits the impact of the US withdrawal ‘will be markedly different among individual Pacific Island Parties (PIPs).’

“Some of them have viable alternative markets that could absorb their fishing days with relatively little impact. Others, however that are reliant on the Treaty to sell their days would struggle to achieve revenues similar to those currently enjoyed, said Norris.

According to the terms of the nearly 30-year old deal with the islands region, the move will take effect in 12 months.

It is likely to hurt budgets of the island countries involved who had benefited from the annual payment of over US$80 million from the US government and industry.

The US State Department this week advised the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA)that it had officially communicated to the Papua New Guinea government - which is the depository for the treaty - that it is withdrawing from the treaty.

Luisa Tuilau, who is studying under the Bachelor of Arts programme and majoring in Psychology and Law, said she hopes to use her skills and knowledge to make an integral impact on our Pacific Island nations.

The Queen’s Young Leader Award recognises and celebrates exceptional people aged 18-29 from across the Commonwealth, who are taking the lead in their communities and using their skills to transform lives.

Luisa Tuilau will receive the Queen’s Young Leaders Award in June 2016 in London, for her exceptional work in the community.

The US Department of Commerce's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has told all US vessels they are prohibited from fishing in the region from January 1 until new licences are issued.

Nearly 40 US vessels usually work in the region and are estimated to catch US$300-$400 million worth of tuna annually.

Mike Tosatto, Honolulu director of the NMFS confirmed Friday he had written to tuna fleet operators to get out of the water by New Year's Day if the agreement to pay was not honoured.

During August negotiations, the US fleets demanded extra fishing days, despite needing less than expected in 2015.

Pacific nations complied with the request and signed the deal, worth more than USD 68 million.

Among those who have been recognised are former All Blacks Keven Mealamu and Ma’a Nonu, both made Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

“These men are positive role models for young Pacific people and for our wider community,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.