Features Archive April 2022

In Papua New Guinea, the COVID-19 outbreak has spread rapidly to all 22 provinces, affecting many people.

In late March 2022, 16 years after she was first elected to the Isabel Provincial Assembly in Solomon Islands, Rhoda Sikilabu became the country’s first female premier. The four-time MPA and former Deputy Premier replaced Leslie Kikolo who resigned a day before he faced a motion of no confidence.

A spectre is haunting the Pacific. It is focused on Solomon Islands today, but has eyes everywhere and might pounce anywhere next.

Readout of Senior Administration Travel to Hawaii, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Solomon Islands.

On the day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, 24 February, the South African government had a clear message: Russia should immediately withdraw its armed forces from Ukraine in accordance with the UN Charter.

Over the past three decades, anti-corruption reforms have become a central part of international post-conflict interventions.

Under the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS), Pacific and Timor-Leste nationals can work in Australia for up to four years in a range of occupations in regional areas. The PLS started in 2018, so the first workers are now coming up to the four-year mark. At that point, they will have to return home.

Last year both the US and the UK made explicit statements recognising development as a key pillar of foreign policy.

It has been an interesting couple of weeks for Solomon Islands, with stories of policing, weapons, replica weapons and a security agreement with China dominating the local and regional media.