Pacific News In Brief For 11 April

Friday, 11 April 2025, 6:36 pm
Article: RNZ

Pacific - shipping

A group of Pacific nations are pushing for the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to adopt a US$150 levy per tonne of greenhouse gas emissions produced by ships.

Representing the 6PAC+ alliance, which is made up of small island developing states, Marshall Islands ambassador to the IMO Albon Ishoda said the 1.5 degrees Celsius climate goal is not negotiable.

He said Pacific nations did not come to London, where the International Maritime Organistaion meeting is being held, to agree to a diluted compromise.

Tuvalu's Minister for Transport Simon Kofe said the 6PAC+ group is seeking a solution for humanity not just for themselves.

Solomon Islands - loan

Saudi Arabia has signed a US$10 million development loan agreement with Solomon Islands.

The loan will finance energy storage systems as well as solar power stations with a total capacity of 35.5 megawatts.

Saudi Development Fund chief executive Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad said the purpose of his visit was to show their strong support and commitment to the government of Solomon Islands.

Solomons Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele expressed his deep appreciation for the support.

Tokelau - finance

Tokelau is cutting spending after losing millions of dollars in revenue from the United States.

The US has failed to pay more than US$4 million of tuna fishing levy which is caught up in the review of the American Agency for International Development.

Tokelau government spokesperson Tino Vitale said the latest budget committee meeting was simply "sad" and ended on a decision to roll out a two-and-a-half per cent cut across all sectors.

Vitale said some of the solutions they've been forced to implement include no travel; no recruitment; looking at a four-day week in some roles which means people will lose wages; and workers taking on extra tasks to compensate for staff shortages.

The government is also cutting down on internet use despite just getting a very expensive internet cable.

Bougainville - meeting

The vice president of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville says Bougainville is only open to discussing an independence model.

Patrick Nisira delivered this message on behalf of the president in the closing remarks at the second Joint Moderation Meeting in Port Moresby on Thursday.

He said the moderation process must remain consultative and focused solely on the referendum result for independence.

He said there are no other models or options to talk about.

The next moderation meeting is set to be held in Burnham, near Christchurch, in New Zealand's South Island.

Tonga - boating

New Zealand's foreign minister has launched a boating awareness programme in Tonga called Safer Waters, Safer communities.

Winston Peters was in Nuku'alofa on Friday, his first stop of his week-long Pacific trip.

Peters said the programme will increase community awareness of safety equipment, encourage registration of small vessels, and improve coordination across government agencies responsible for maritime safety.

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