Marianas Variety On-Line Edition

Tonga extends state of emergency
The Tongan government has extended the state of emergency in the island kingdom for another 30 days after a recommendation from Police Minister Siaosi’Aho...(Full Story)

US, Commonwealth send condolences to family of Samoan king
The United States extended condolences on Monday to the family of Samoa’s head of state, Malietoa Tanumafili II, and to the Samoan people on his death after 45 years on the throne...(Full Story)

NZ boosts overseas aid funding
Aid organizations in New Zealand have welcomed the NZ$70 million ($51.6 million) boost to overseas aid announced before Thursday’s budget....(Full Story)

New group plans Fiji poll
Work has begun on forming a national council representative of the people to help the interim administration’s efforts to return Fiji to democratic rule...(Full Story)

Many PNG voters disenfranchised
The caretaker governor of Eastern Highlands province in Papua New Guinea, Malcolm Smith Kela, blames much of the tension in PNG society..(Full Story)

Academic: Australia’s Moti stance a blunder
A political scientist says Australia has worsened its diplomatic relations with its Pacific neighbors over the Julian Moti saga.
Moti is wanted on a sex crime charge..(Full Story)

Vanuatu ratifies Pacific air accord
Vanuatu is the fifth Forum Island Country to ratify the Pacific Islands Air Services Agreement. Addressing the Transport Sector Workshop...(Full Story)

Workshop on whale watch for guide training
A new, five-day whale watch tour guide training workshop, sponsored by the International Fund for Animal Welfare and CARIBwhale, the association ...(Full Story)

Coconut power replaces diesel to fuel Pacific cars
People on the island of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea have found their own solution to high energy prices — the humble coconut...(Full Story)