- The Vanuatu corruption and pardon scandal continues, with 11 MPs released on bail after being arrested for conspiring to defeat the course of justice. Today, Vanuatu's Supreme Court Justice is set to rule on the constitutionality of Speaker Marcellino Pipite's decision to pardon himself and the 13 other MPs convicted of political corruption, and the President's overturning of those pardons.
- Fiji Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama visited Australia last week, delivering speeches at the Australia Fiji Business Forum and Fiji Day celebrations in Sydney, which is home to some 50,000 Fijians, the largest Fijian diaspora in the world.
- In his second piece on the PNG economy Jonathan Pryke delves into the PNG budget and the urgent need to reset fiscal policy.
- Papua New Guinea's Porgera Mine has been forced to stop operations due to the drought, making it the second-biggest mining operation to close after Ok Tedi also closed as a result of low water levels.
- Amanda Watson looks at how mobile phones could improve the drought response in PNG when compared to the 1997 drought.
- The Pacific Islands Forum has received a US$1.05 million grant from China.
- World Food Day on 16 October was a good opportunity to revisit this UNDP piece on food security in the Pacific in the face of climate change.
- Listen to the podcast from the panel discussion on gender parity in PNG held at the Lowy Institute last week.
- PNG Opposition Leader Don Polye will file two new legal challenges against the PNG Government and Prime Minister Peter O'Neill over the UBS loan and sovereign bond deals.
Pacific Island links: Vanuatu corruption, Bainimarama in Aust, PNG drought and more
Published 21 Oct 2015