Features Archive June 2020
Solomon Islands Gets a Lesson in Chinese Diplomacy
China’s efforts to marginalise Taiwan and promote its “One China” policy has been a challenge for many countries.
Sustainable Tourism and Fisheries Key to Growth in Post-COVID Pacific
Developing countries of Asia and the Pacific are experiencing unbalanced tolls of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grim milestones in infections and deaths have left countless devastated.
USP, Pacific Regional Institutions and Governance
The recent University of the South Pacific (USP) Council meeting to address governance issues resulting in the reinstatement of its suspended Vice Chancellor may have opened a pathway for political will amongst leaders and politicians of Pacific Islands Forum member countries to push for better governance in regional institutions.
Women’s Economic Empowerment at a Time of Crisis: Can COVID-19 Be Different?
COVID-19 is a health crisis with far-reaching social and economic consequences, both immediate and stretching into an unpredictable future.
Appreciate Life Even If All Seem Bleak
Jeminah Oto’a used to work at Solomon Airlines. 2020 began with new hopes and dreams for her, when she started work as an intern receptionist at the local Airline Company.
Pacific Labour Mobility in the Media Spotlight
Recently, the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) and Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) have got a bad rap in the press.
A Major Labour Shortage at Harvest Time is Looming
The challenge for growers in Australian horticulture is to find sufficient labour for the months of September 2020 to January 2021 to harvest the fruit and vegetables they have produced.
The Importance of Radio for PNG’s COVID-19 School Response
Primary and secondary schools in Papua New Guinea (PNG) resumed operations more than a month ago after the State of Emergency (SOE) Controller lifted the temporary closure. Resuming classes in the midst of a countrywide SOE is no easy feat.
Poverty and the Pandemic in the Pacific
COVID-19 has had a far greater economic impact than health impact on Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Pacific.
The Sovereignty of Solomon Islands Must be Preserved - Always
In over 40 years of independence and conducting of diplomatic relations, no diplomatic ally has publicly spoken directly to Solomon Islanders, including national and provincial leaders, in an admonishing fashion to ‘stop making irresponsible remarks or actions’ against their/global policies, whatever those may be.
COVID-19 vs Climate Change: What Can We Learn?
Unlike its health, economic, or gendered impacts, COVID-19 has yet to cause an overt crisis for Asia’s environment.
Fiji Civil Society Solidarity Driving the COVID-19 Humanitarian Response
If there ever were an ideal time to talk solidarity, to practice solidarity and to strengthen solidarity, the time would be now.
On Running for Elections in Vanuatu as a Woman
In the recent Vanuatu national elections, Dr Andrina Thomas stood for the rural electorate of Espiritu Santo. Here she offers some reflections to Elise Howard.
Pacific Informal Settlements: Not Immune to COVID-19
Pacific islands face unique challenges in combating COVID-19 and will need unique solutions to come out of the crisis unscathed.
