Watchdog role of media highlighted in USP journalism talk
Dr Shailendra Singh … “news media is an important and a crucial pillar of democracy.” Image: Solomon Star By Ronald Tito’ona in Honiara Local journalists in the Solomon Islands have been again reminded of their watchdog role by keeping the government accountable in the fight against corruption. Head of the University of South Pacific journalism strand […]
Read More →Ben Bohane: China? No, let’s face the elephant in the Pacific room
BRIEFING: By Ben Bohane in Port Vila China … China … China … All the talk is of increasing Chinese influence in our region. But this is to wilfully see past the elephant in the room. Contrary to most commentary, the biggest destabilising player in Melanesia over the past five years is not China but […]
Read More →Public broadcasting and an advocate’s ‘disaster readiness’ revival mission
TRIBUTE: By Geoff Lealand in Auckland David Beatson, broadcaster, editor, journalist, public intellectual and media visionary, proposed a new, or renewed, role for New Zealand public broadcasting in anticipating and managing risk – such as natural disasters and technological crises, says an academic in his public tribute. Speaking at an inaugural memorial lecture in Ponsonby […]
Read More →Fiji’s provident fund frees up $5.3m for natural disaster assistance
A spate of tropical cyclones has hit Fiji and other Pacific Islands in the past few months, causing widespread damage and flooding in low-lying areas. Image: Dept of Information/Wansolwara By Wansolwara News staff The Fiji National Provident Fund has released $5.33 million in flood assistance funds to 6351 members in the aftermath of two recently […]
Read More →Vanuatu pressing ahead with Ambae volcano island evacuation plan
A file photo of the last Ambae evacuation in September 2017. Image: Vanuatu Daily Post By Len Garae in Port Vila Vanuatu is still pressing ahead with its plan to evacuate Ambae island for the second time in six months in the face of rumbling and ash-spewing from Mt Lombenden volcano. A government delegation comprising […]
Read More →‘Great relief’ for rights advocates after Philippines ‘releases’ Australian nun
Sister “Pat” Fox … “her duty to protect anyone who was oppressed or poor.” Image: Rappler By Jean Bell in Auckland Detained Australian missionary Sister Patricia “Pat” Fox’s “release” by the Philippines Bureau of Immigration has been greeted with relief by human rights advocates Peter Murphy, chair of the International Coalition for Human Rights in […]
Read More →USP students raise Pacific climate change awareness using cellphones
Bearing Witness talks to ePOP climate change video makers. Video: Pacific Media Centre By Hele Ikimotu with visuals by Blessen Tom in Suva Ten students from the University of the South Pacific have captured the effects of climate change on their smartphone devices. The task was organised through an eParticipatory Observers Project (ePOP) workshop last […]
Read More →USP celebrates 50 years and leads research action on climate change
Bearing Witness crew Blessen Tom and Hele Ikimotu’s video story of USP’s ongoing 50th anniversary celebrations and climate change. Video: AUT Pacific Media Centre By Hele Ikimotu with visuals by Blessen Tom in Suva This year, the University of the South Pacific is celebrating 50 years since its opening in Fiji in 1968. The university’s […]
Read More →Solar panels the way to go for Pacific, says USP physics academic
The University of the South Pacific’s lower campus 45kw solar pv power system. Image: Hele Ikimotu/Bearing Witness By Hele Ikimotu in Suva Affordable energy enhances the livelihood of Pacific communities, says an associate professor in physics at the Fiji-based University of the South Pacific. Dr Atul Raturi presented a seminar as part of the Pacific […]
Read More →Dan McGarry: Want to lead in the Pacific? Try listening first
MIL OSI – Source: Evening Report Arts and Media Headline: Dan McGarry: Want to lead in the Pacific? Try listening first Cathy Wilcox’s Sydney Morning Herald cartoon is a showcase for everything that’s wrong with Australian foreign policy. Cartoon: Cathy Wilcox/SMH/VDP By Dan McGarry in Port Vila The average Australian’s conception of Pacific island nations […]
Read More →