Major maritime disaster strikes Vanuatu
More than 35 people are missing after an inter-island vessel, the MV Matui, capsized and sank in the early hours of Friday morning, whilst travelling between Santo and Ambae in the north of Vanuatu. So far, two deaths have been confirmed but the number is expected to rise. A search and rescue operation is underway, with many local operators involved. However, there have been expressions of disappointment and anger about how this came about and the slowness in the response getting underway.
PIF Leaders’ Meeting wraps up in Palau
More than 2000 delegates took part in the recent meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders, held in Palau. Whilst several leaders were absent from the meeting, officials felt that there had been appropriate levels of representation to allow for key issues to be discussed. Unlike last year, dialogue partners and other delegations were permitted to attend, which made for a packed programme. Leaders will next meet in 2027 in New Zealand.
Panguna fire stokes security concerns
An arson attack at Bougainville’s Panguna mine has raised serious concerns across the community. Equipment belonging to Lloyds Metals & Energy Ltd was destroyed in the attack, just weeks after the Autonomous Bougainville Government announced that they would be involved in work to determine the future of the mine. This comes at a very sensitive time, as the PNG Parliament prepares to vote on the results of the 2019 referendum in which almost 98% of the voters voted in favour of independence.
Solomon Islands PM survives a no confidence threat
Prime Minister Matthew Wale has survived a threatened motion of no confidence in his leadership. The motion was filed by the then Home Affairs Minister, Manasseh Maelanga, whilst Wale was en route to the meeting of PIF leaders in Palau, causing him to leave just hours after arrival. Further to some resignations, appointments and other shifts, Wale was able to shore up the coalition, and the motion was withdrawn before Parliament convened.
