Australia Will Maintain Duty-Free Access for Goods from Pacific Islands
Sydney Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, has committed to ensuring that goods from Pacific Island nations continue to have tariff-free access, especially after the United States imposed a significant 32% tariff on Fiji’s exports. Wong stated, while addressing the Pacific Islands Forum in Suva, that Australia remains the largest aid donor in the region, emphasizing […]
Hart Island’s burial ground can receive significant improvements with new plan
Potter’s fields on Hart Island, off the Bronx, are set for some long-overdue improvements. Plans include a visitor center, restrooms, and benches. These enhancements aim to make the area more accommodating for visitors. According to a draft plan expected to be released next month, the project is anticipated to span over 20 years. The 131-acre […]
Five fishermen rescued after 55 days adrift at sea reach the Galapagos Islands.
Quito, Ecuador — A group of five fishermen, consisting of three Peruvians and two Colombians, arrived safely at the Galapagos Islands on Saturday after enduring 55 days at sea. The Ecuadorian Navy confirmed they were rescued by a tuna fishing vessel. These fishermen had been reported missing since mid-March and were eventually located on May […]
Lacrosse rivalry between Long Island’s Chaminade and St. Anthony’s goes back decades
It is a unique crusade on Long Island. Every year, students, parents and honor-out alumni mark a calendar, and the pack represents the fateful spring day when St. Anthony's brothers fight against the Chaminade Flyers of La Crosse Field. “It's a game like our Army,” Jack Moran, the head coach of Chaminade, who has won […]
Japan unveils first plan to evacuate 100,000 civilians from islands near Taiwan in event of conflict | Japan
Japan has released its first plan to evacuate more than 100,000 civilians from remote islands near Taiwan in the event of a conflict in the region amid escalating tensions between Beijing and Taipei. In an emergency, ships and planes will be mobilized to take around 110,000 residents and 10,000 tourists from five islands of the […]
US warns American travelers about Caribbean island’s increased danger
The US State Department has raised travel advisories for Trinidad and Tobago, a Caribbean island off the northeast coast of Venezuela. The State Department has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for the island. In other words, Americans need to reconsider “the increased risk of terrorism and inducement.” “On December 30, 2024, the Trinidad and […]
Donald Trump suggests he will back UK in Chagos Islands deal | Chagos Islands
Donald Trump has strongly hinted at the UK's support of a deal that will hand over the Chagos Islands sovereignty to Mauritius, including the US-based military base of Diego Garcia. “I think we tend to go with your country,” the US president told reporters during an improvised press conference in an oval office with Kiel […]
On the ground in the Cook Islands, controversial deal with China stirs debate | Pacific islands
sThis week, beneath a tree outside the Culinary Islands Parliament, Fianana Sim Buchanan questioned the controversial deal signed with China that raised concerns across the Pacific nation. Rarotonga photographers feel mixed feelings about the agreement Prime Minister Mark Brown hit Beijing last weekwhich is described as a “double-edged sword.” “There's the possibility of economic growth, […]
Hundreds protest in Cook Islands over PM’s handling of deal with China | Cook Islands
Hundreds of protesters marched in the Cook Island parliament to oppose Prime Minister Mark Brown's recent decision. Around 400 protesters led by the opposition gathered outside the capital Abarua on Tuesday, the RNZ reported, with some holding signs that read, “We will maintain ties with New Zealand.” Others wavy placards showing New Zealand passport against […]
Explainer: what will the withdrawal of USAid mean for the Pacific? | Pacific islands
President Donald Trump's demolition of USAID has had a ripple effect across the Pacific as people working on more than 100 projects and activities in the region tackle an uncertain future. Pacific analysts say the region is generally resilient and not highly impacted by withdrawals, but hundreds of people working on the USAID project across […]