Regional
Apia, SAMOA — Samoan traditional knowledge in medicine is proving valuable for SROS- the Scientific Research Organization of Samoa’s exploration of local native plants.
At the frontline of the SROS scientific research of Plants and Postharvest Technologies division at Nafanua, is...
PACIFIC ISLANDS — Covid-19 vaccinations begin in the Northern Mariana Islands this weekend, but it's not yet clear when other Pacific countries will have access to a vaccine.
The Northern Marianas, which is a US territory, was expecting 5,000 doses of the The Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine to...
Apia, SAMOA — In Samoa, there's major flooding in parts of the Apia Township and landslides in other vulnerable parts of the country following extreme heavy rain.
The Samoa Observer said river banks have burst and traffic has been brought to a complete stop in some places in the capital.
The...
Honolulu, HAWAII — The Department of Veterans Affairs began administering its first doses of the newly approved COVID-19 vaccine on the mainland this week. But veterans in Hawaii and the Pacific will have to wait a bit longer.
The VA recently announced its initial 37 vaccination sites that will be...
Vanua Levu, FIJI — Many houses in Fiji's Vanua Levu have been destroyed, some families sheltered under beds and tables in their houses and others in cane plantations, as Cyclone Yasa wreaked havoc in many parts of the Northern Division, Fiji Village reports.
Buildings and crops were destroyed on...
Wellington, NEW ZEALAND — The New Zealand government has secured another two vaccines, enough for every New Zealander and its Pacific partners, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced to the media on Thursday (NZ time).
$75M IN SUPPORT FOR PACIFIC PARTNERS
Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta...
Apia, SAMOA — Vaccinating Samoa against COVID-19 is projected to cost nearly US$9 million (T$22.8 million), and save Samoa from an estimated 4,050 hospitalisations and 385 deaths should an uncontrolled outbreak of the virus occur.
The estimate comes from the Asian Development Bank’s latest policy...
Apia, SAMOA — Samoa's parliament has passed three laws that fundamentally alter the country's constitution and judicial system.
The proposals were widely condemned by lawyers and judges, and saw several MPs - including the former deputy prime minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa - leave the ruling party...
Nadi, FIJI — A cyclone has formed between Vanuatu and Fiji.
Tropical Cyclone Yasa is a Category 1 storm, which is expected to strengthen to a Category 3 within the next two days.
The system is moving in a south-westerly direction before it is expected to turn towards the northwest and by Thursday...
Apia, SAMOA — Samoa Airways refutes queries on airline’s viability
National carrier Samoa Airways has refuted claims about its difficulties in repaying debt obligations, as the airline races to complete lease negotiations on a replacement Boeing 737-800.
In its response to The Samoa Observer, the...