Regional News Update: Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, Fiji, Niue, Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Netball

The Pacific region continues to be active in local news, with several countries making headlines. In this update, we will cover the latest developments from Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, Fiji, Niue, Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, and netball.

Solomon Islands: Politics and Sports

The Solomon Islands government has announced that they will award a special King’s commemorative medal to 3000 people during the country’s 50th Golden Jubilee next year. The Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae announced the initiative on Monday, according to NBC’s report. The medal is designed by King Charles III to honor and recognize Papua New Guineans who have made significant contributions to the country over the past 50 years.

In sports news, Solomon Islands will participate in the Melanesian Spearhead Group Prime Minister’s Cup in Honiara from December 9-12. The country will field their senior national team and the Under-23 side, alongside Papua New Guinea, Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and hosts Solomon Islands.

Vanuatu: No News

There are no major news updates from Vanuatu at this time.

Tonga: Environment

Tonga is taking steps to protect its environment. The Pacific Community has announced that it will provide support for the country’s deep sea mining initiatives. The Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae said that King Charles III approved the medal to honor and recognize Papua New Guineans who have made significant contributions to the country over the past 50 years.

Fiji: Netball and Sports

Netball Fiji has confirmed they will keep discussing the proposed Pacific Series with Netball New Zealand. President Ruby Ann Sorovaki said they asked Netball NZ if they could cancel the series and work on a future date to host. The Pacific Series was proposed for January 2025, in place of the annual series with England and Australia.

In sports news, Fiji’s national netball team lost their opening match against Malawi Queens by 54-47 at the Gold Coast tournament.

Niue: No News

There are no major news updates from Niue at this time.

Cook Islands: Environment

The Pacific Community has announced that it will provide support for the Cook Islands’ deep sea mining initiatives. The country is leaving to take a role at the Pacific Community under former Minister, Tofiga Kaelo Makaia.

Papua New Guinea: Politics and Sports

The Papua New government is taking steps to recognize and honor Papua New Guineans who have made significant contributions to the country over the past 50 years. The Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae announced that King Charles III approved a special King’s commemorative medal to be awarded to 3000 people during the country’s 50th Golden Jubilee next year.

In sports news, Papua New Guinea will participate in the Melanesian Spearhead Group Prime Minister’s Cup in Honiara from December 9-12. The country will field their senior national team and the Under-23 side, alongside Solomon Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and hosts Papua New Guinea.

Netball: Pacific Series

The proposed Pacific Series was proposed for January 2025, in place of the annual series with England and Australia. Netball New Zealand had proposed the series, but Netball Fiji has confirmed they will keep discussing the proposal with their counterpart.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Pacific region continues to be active in local news, with several countries making headlines. From politics and sports to environment and netball, there are many developments to keep track of. Stay tuned for further updates on these stories and more from around the Pacific region.