News

Shonal Sharma, a 40-year-old general manager, remains in custody as Fiji’s courts weigh serious drug charges tied to a Brazil-bound shipment labeled “Smoke Machine.” A bail hearing is set for tomorrow, spotlighting Fiji’s intensified crackdown on illicit drugs and the high-stakes effort to safeguard communities.

New patterns in Pacific drug trafficking are emerging: dealers are increasingly paid with drugs rather than cash, heightening corruption risks and straining border enforcement. As cartels deepen their reach from South America to the region, authorities face tougher challenges in tracking profits, sharing intelligence, and dismantling entrenched networks.

Guam’s governor praises FSM’s independence, admiring its global clout and the freedom to shape its future. A rally for Pacific unity unfolds as leaders discuss self-determination, shared resources, and a stronger regional voice in a world of shifting tides.

New leadership at the Seabed Minerals Authority signals a careful, community-focused path for the Cook Islands’ seabed exploration. Beverly Stacey-Ataera emphasizes transparency, public engagement, and science-driven decision-making as the nation weighs its future—without committing to mining. The conversation around environmental stewardship and economic opportunity continues to unfold.

Tragedy struck Hermosillo as a fierce fire tore through a discount store, leaving multiple dead and many injured. Investigators are pursuing the cause, with officials stressing there’s no sign of an attack. The somber event casts a shadow over Day of the Dead celebrations as the community seeks answers and solace.

A high-stakes tribunal in Fiji grapples with procedural delays as witness lists tighten around the suspension of a top corrections official. With cross-examination talks and fresh affidavits on the horizon, the proceedings hint at broader questions of accountability and governance.

Sean “Diddy” Combs has been relocated to a New Jersey prison, a move that emphasizes rehab and family visits while timing details stay under wraps. With more than a year down of a longer sentence, questions linger about early release possibilities. The high-profile case has sparked broader conversations about accountability, consent, and how justice is…

Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata hails a landmark move—the inclusion of a Papua New Guinea–based team in the NRL—as a catalyst for a united Pacific pathway to rugby league greatness. He envisions shared development, stronger youth structures, and a community-wide push that could elevate Fiji’s next generation of stars. With academy programs and regional…

Fiji takes a historic step toward a global cybercrime framework, signaling a new era in digital security. The move hints at tougher laws and wider regional cooperation, shaping how nations defend the online world.

More heavy rain is on the way across Fiji, with the risk of flash floods and travel disruption in the coming days. A strengthening trough is bringing widespread showers and reduced visibility, especially in flood-prone areas. Stay alert and follow safety advisories to protect your home and loved ones.

New Caledonia is at a crossroads as Thierry Santa steps down and new leadership steps forward. With shifting loyalties across pro- and anti-independence camps and talks aiming for a comprehensive deal by March 2025, the coming months will shape the region’s future.

Fiji’s political scene is in flux as two deputy prime ministers resign amid corruption allegations, putting the spotlight on leadership and the path to next year’s general election. Analysts say voter trust and coalition stability could hinge on how authorities address the fallout and accountability.

Palau’s Malakal Port is entering a pivotal phase, with planned upgrades that could expand capacity while sparking questions about environmental and community impacts. As dredging and modernization move forward, officials and residents weigh how the project might boost local commerce and reshape regional security and infrastructure in the Pacific.

Authorities in Fiji have halted a high-profile cocaine import case involving a 40-year-old General Manager, after a shipment disguised as a “smoke machine” drew scrutiny. A controlled delivery culminated in an arrest at a company car park, underscoring ongoing efforts to crack down on organized drug trafficking.

Two senior advisory posts are opening under Tuvalu’s Fisheries Support Programme, inviting experienced professionals to lead offshore and inshore fisheries initiatives. The roles focus on policy, compliance, community engagement, and capacity building to strengthen sustainable livelihoods amid climate-driven challenges. A pivotal opportunity to shape Tuvalu’s resilient fisheries future and food security.

A leading AI music platform is changing course after a high-profile settlement, giving creators a final window to preserve their AI-generated tracks before a new business model takes hold. The move spotlights the growing debate over copyright, ownership, and the future of AI-powered music.