PACNEWS ONE, 04 NOVEMBER 2026

Republican Ada-Calvo team wins Guam’s gubernatorial race

HAGATNA, 04 NOVEMBER 2026 (PACFIC ISLAND TIMES)—The Republican Party’s gubernatorial team of Tony Ada and  Edward Calvo won Tuesday’s close race, beating the Democratic team of Therese Terlaje and her running mate, Sabina Perez, by securing 51 percent of the vote.

The Ada-Calvo team, which ran a well-oiled campaign machine with the full backing of former Republican governors, garnered 15,945 votes, compared with Terlaje-Perez’s 14,925.

The Guam Elections Commission recorded a 53.11 percent voter turnout.

In the congressional race, the incumbent Republican James Moylan lost his bid for a third term to his Democratic challenger Alicia Limtiaco, former attorney general. She received 15,645 voters, beating Moylan’s 14,983.

In a five-way race for attorney general, former chief prosecutor Phil Tydingco beat the incumbent Douglas Moylan by more than 1,500 votes.

In the race for the 39th Guam Legislature, the Republicans retain a one-seat majority.

Chris Barnnet, an incumbent Democrat, was the top vote-getter, followed by Amanda Shelton, a former senator.

Besides Shelton, two other former senators, Telena Nelson and Clynt Ridgell, both Democrats, are returning to the session hall.

Newcomers include Hoa Nguyen. Dona Muna Quinata, Tina Muna Barnes’ sister, and Kalene Perez.

Returning incumbents besides Barnett are Sabrina Matatane, Jesse Lujan, Chris Duenas, Wil Parkinson, Telo Taitague, Vincent Borja, Shelly Calvo and Shawn Gumataotao.

New seats opened when seven incumbents, Frank Blas Jr., Tony Ada, Joe San Agustin, Therese Terlaje, Sabina Perez, and Tina Muna Barnes, ran for Adelup.

Conceding defeat, incumbent Republican Del. James Moylan vowed to extend support to his Democratic challenger, Alicia Limtiaco, who won in Tuesday’s hotly contested congressional seat.

“Now is a time for unity. Regardless of where we stood during this election, we are all one Guam,” the incumbent delegate said, congratulating Limtiaco.

“The challenges facing our island are bigger than any one candidate, political party, or election and moving forward will require us to come together with mutual respect and a shared commitment to our future,” Moylan said.

Unofficial results showed Limtiaco receiving 15,645 votes, which accounted for 51 percent of the vote, crushing Moylan’s bid for a third term. The incumbent delegate garnered 14,983 votes, or 48.84 percent.

“The people of Guam have spoken, and I respect their decision,” Moylan said in a statement following the Guam Elections Commission’s release of the final tally.

‘Alicia ran an honourable campaign, and I have great respect for her dedication and commitment to serving our island. Alicia has my full support as she prepares to take on the responsibility of representing Guam in the United States Congress,” he added. 

Moylan said his office will facilitate a smooth transition.

“As I complete my term, my commitment to Guam remains unchanged. I will continue to carry out my responsibilities with the same attention, dedication, and respect that this office and our people deserve,” he added.

Moylan became the first Republican to hold the congressional seat in more than three decades when he won his first term in 2022. Before his 2022 victory,  Ben Garrido Blaz was the only Republican to hold the Guam delegate seat from 1985 to 1993.

“Serving as your representative in Congress has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I will forever be grateful for the trust you placed in me,” Moylan said.

“Elections are a vital part of our democracy, and while we may have different perspectives and ideas about the path forward, we all share a common love for our island and a desire to see our people thrive,” he said……PACNEWS

Fiji calls for debt -free climate finance for Small Island States

ST JOHN’S, 4 NOVEMBER 2026 (PACNEWS) — Fiji has called on Commonwealth countries to move beyond climate finance commitments and deliver affordable funding for vulnerable small states, warning that reliance on loans is adding to their debt pressures.

Fiji’s Prime Minister’s Special Envoy and Head of Delegation to the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, made the call at the Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States in Antigua and Barbuda.

Addressing the meeting, held under the theme “Scaling Up Partnerships and Investment for Resilient Small States”, Kubuabola highlighted the growing financial challenges facing Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

He said nearly 40 percent of SIDS were either experiencing debt distress or at high risk of debt distress, while 44 per cent of adaptation financing continued to be delivered through loans.

Kubuabola said small states needed practical financing solutions that would improve access to affordable development and climate finance without increasing their debt burdens.

He highlighted Fiji’s experience in developing innovative financing mechanisms, including becoming the first developing country to issue a sovereign green bond and the first Pacific country to issue a sovereign blue bond.

Kubuabola also reaffirmed Fiji’s US$10 million commitment to the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), a Pacific-led financing mechanism designed to provide grants directly to communities.

He called on Commonwealth members to increase their support for the facility, which aims to strengthen community resilience without adding to national debt.

The Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States is held every two years and provides a platform for member countries to discuss common development challenges and strengthen partnerships.

The meeting is part of the wider 2026 CHOGM programme, where Fiji is also expected to advance regional perspectives on sustainable development, climate finance and economic inequalities.

The 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting concludes on 4 November…PACNEWS

King Charles III speaks to world leaders in Antigua, expresses ‘sorrow’ over slave trade

ST. JOHN’S NOVEMBER 2026 (AP)— King Charles III called the transatlantic slave trade a “shameful chapter of history” during a speech Tuesday at the official opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua.

Charles spoke just days after British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he is open to making a formal apology and proposed leading a programne of debt restructuring to help the Commonwealth’s poorest countries, although he has rejected calls for the U.K to pay reparations.

Charles said that the transatlantic slave trade “still casts a shadow over these islands and other members of our Commonwealth” but did not apologize.

“That shameful chapter of history is one that fills my heart with horror and my soul with the most profound personal sorrow, and yet, history also teaches us that evil not need have the last word, but character and courage can combine to overcome the most monstrous injustice,” he said.

He noted that the Royal Navy played “a leading role” in ending the slave trade and that he is finding ways to address the wrongs through improving access to education, investing in jobs, encouraging intra-Commonwealth trade and pushing for climate change resilience measures.

“We cannot change the actions of those who came before us,” Charles said. “We can, however, learn from the past.”

Ahead of his speech, a small group of protesters gathered outside the meeting, holding up signs that read “Acknowledge the wrong. Commit to repair” and “You say you regret so apologise. Reparatory justice now!”

Among the protesters was Shana Michelle of Antigua.

“Technically, we’re free, but mentally a lot of us aren’t,” she said. “If you look at the way we speak about ourselves, our skin, our hair, how we describe ourselves, you can see we still have those vestiges of colonialism in our speech, and we have to get away from that.”

Michelle asserted that the British government knows what happened was wrong.

“They don’t want to acknowledge it because then it would open them up to accountability for their actions,” she said. “This is not just an apology. You have to apologize, yes. That is where we start with the repair.”

Britain’s royal family has a long association with the transportation and selling of enslaved people for profit. Elizabeth I backed the lucrative dealings of John Hawkins, one of Britain’s first slave traders, and Charles II encouraged the expansion of the enterprise. As the slavery abolitionists campaigned against the trade, they were opposed by the Duke of Clarence, George III’s son, later to become William IV.

On Tuesday, world leaders including Burnham, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney walked past the protesters and into a theater where the official opening ceremony was taking place.

The Commonwealth is made up of 56 nations, and several heads of government representing about a third of the world’s population have met in recent days ahead of the official ceremony. Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne noted Tuesday that a “significant amount of funding” has been pledged for several initiatives.

Officials announced Monday that the Commonwealth Nature Initiative had generated more than US$200 million in pledges to protect at least 30 percent of the world’s land and oceans by 2030.

“Countries whose futures are shaped by international decisions must have a meaningful voice in making them,” Browne said. “No nation should be forced to mortgage its future simply to survive its present,” he said…..PACNEWS

Fiji PM Rabuka warns SODELPA, NFP over Cabinet positions if they oppose Constitution Bill

SUVA, 04 NOVEMBER 2026 (MAI TV)—Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has warned coalition partners the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) and the National Federation Party  (NFP)that their representatives could be forced out of Cabinet if they vote against the Government on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026.

Speaking to the media outside Parliament, Rabuka said coalition partners who chose to oppose the Bill would have to face the consequences, particularly if they formally withdrew from the governing coalition.

Rabuka confirmed no formal withdrawal had been communicated by either party, but made it clear that their continued participation in Cabinet could become untenable if they went against the Government.

“If they have the vote, they show their hand, then I will have to ask them to leave the Cabinet,” the Prime Minister said.

His warning comes as the Government faces uncertainty over whether it can secure the required two-thirds parliamentary majority to pass the constitutional amendments.

Rabuka revealed that the Government was now relying on 11 independent MPs who had joined its ranks, as well as members of the Opposition, to build support for the Bill.

He acknowledged that some original coalition partners had reportedly been advised not to vote in favour of the proposed changes.

“I have the majority I have and whether that’s two-thirds or not, it doesn’t matter,” he said.

Rabuka said the Government had taken the Bill through the full parliamentary process in keeping with its political commitment, but would have to accept the outcome if it failed to secure the necessary numbers.

He said the matter would then return to the people.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the Government is working with Opposition MP and 11 independent members to secure support for the proposed Constitution (Amendment) Bill, amid signs that some original coalition partners may not vote in favour of the legislation.

Speaking to the media, Rabuka acknowledged that some coalition partners had reportedly been advised not to support the Bill, forcing the Government to look beyond its original coalition arrangements to build parliamentary support.

Rabuka said the Government was engaging the 11 independent MPs who had joined the Government, as well as Opposition members who had recognised the seriousness of the Special Parliamentary Select Committee’s efforts to reach consensus.

The Prime Minister said both government and opposition representatives on the committee had made genuine efforts to consider public submissions and recommendations in working towards agreement on the proposed constitutional changes.

He maintained that the Government would take the Bill through the full parliamentary process, but if it failed to secure the necessary support, there was little more it could do through Parliament.

The Prime Minister described the constitutional reform as a political promise and objective, saying that if it could not be achieved through the political process, the matter would return to the people.

He also confirmed the Government wanted the proposed constitutional changes translated into both i-Taukei and Fiji Hindi to ensure wider public understanding….PACNEWS

Foreign Minister Ditoka recommends Fiji proceed with Australia Treaties despite Standing Committee concerns

SUVA, 04 NOVEMBER 2026 (MAI TV)—Fiji Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Sakiasi Ditoka is recommending that Government proceed with the ratification of two major treaties with Australia, despite concerns raised by a parliamentary committee over their potential implications for Fiji’s sovereignty, foreign policy and national security.

Speaking to MaiTV, Ditoka said there is too much at stake for the governments involved to delay the process, arguing that the concerns highlighted in the committee’s report can be addressed as implementation moves forward.

He said Government should take note of the committee’s findings but continue with the path already taken.

The committee had raised concerns about security implications, Fiji’s independent foreign policy and potential loopholes in the framework Government is seeking to address.

It had also requested legal advice from the Solicitor-General, who did not appear before the committee.

However, Ditoka said these issues have been raised previously and can be resolved without taking the process back to the committee.

He said Government will carefully examine the report and work towards addressing as many of the recommendations as possible.

On national security, Ditoka has dismissed concerns that Fiji could be exposed to risks under the proposed agreements, saying the country has sufficient safeguards in place.

He said Fiji has regional partners supporting its security interests and Government has undertaken its own assessments to ensure the country’s interests are protected.

Ditoka maintained that Government’s position is to move forward while taking the committee’s concerns into consideration….PACNEWS

Chinese embassy suggests explosive found at PNG wharf a ‘wine bottle’ that ‘poses no danger’

PORT MORESBY, 04 NOVEMBER 2026 (ABC PACIFIC)—A large Chinese military-grade explosive found in a commercial shipping container in Papua New Guinea is a legitimate weapon, the ABC can reveal, despite Chinese government officials suggesting the object was a wine bottle.

Four Chinese nationals were arrested and taken into custody on Friday after the suspected artillery round was located at a major wharf in Port Moresby.

PNG police and military explosives experts secured the device and took it away for analysis.

A green metal shell-shaped object with a silver coloured nose and brass coloured rings on the ground.

The projectile was removed from the wharf for analysis. (Supplied: Facebook)

Today, the Chinese Embassy in Port Moresby posted on social media, saying a company linked to the incident had conducted an “on-site verification” and found the object was a shell-shaped wine bottle.

“According to the company involved and following an on-site verification, the object in question — reported as an ‘artillery shell’ — is in fact a shell-shaped wine bottle,” the statement reads.

“It poses no danger at all.”

They also downplayed the feasibility of a Chinese-made military weapon being trafficked into Papua New Guinea.

Chinese officials said they were keeping PNG police “fully updated on the developments” while awaiting official findings of the police investigation.

High-level sources told the ABC a police report finalised today identified the object as an undetonated 130mm Chinese Type 59 Artillery Projectile that contains chemical explosives and a fuse.

An X-ray machine that Australia donated to the Royal Papua New Guinea Police was used to analyse the 32-kilogram device.

Sources said the police report had been provided to criminal investigators handling the case.

Last week, PNG’s Police Commissioner David Manning praised the work of officers involved in responding to the incident.

“Police acted quickly upon receiving information that the artillery round had been discovered. The area was secured to prevent the risk of harm in the surrounding area,” he said.

“This enabled police and military explosive disposal experts to move in, examine the device and have it safely moved to be stored in a secure facility.”

The Chinese nationals arrested in relation to the case remain in custody in Port Moresby…PACNEWS

Fiji, China seek to expand trade, investment and climate cooperation

SUVA, 04 NOVEMBER 2026 (PACNEWS) — Fiji and China are looking to expand cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture, renewable energy and climate resilience as the two countries build on 51 years of diplomatic relations.

The priorities were discussed during a courtesy call by China’s new Ambassador to Fiji, Chen Haiping, on the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Ambassador Solo Mara, at the ministry’s headquarters in Suva.

Mara welcomed Ambassador Chen and acknowledged China’s longstanding development support through initiatives including the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and South-South Cooperation.

He said infrastructure investments and development assistance had the potential to generate wider economic benefits for Fiji and the Pacific, particularly through improved regional connectivity and trade.

Mara also highlighted opportunities to deepen cooperation through South-South Cooperation and the Pacific Islands Forum’s 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, with a focus on projects aligned with Fiji’s national development priorities and broader regional interests.

The two sides also discussed the importance of Fiji-China relations in supporting economic development, peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

They reflected on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s official visit to China in 2024 and his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, describing the visit as an important milestone in strengthening bilateral relations.

With the next United Nations climate conference approaching, Mara acknowledged China’s commitments under its Climate Finance Roadmap and clean technology and trade initiatives.

Ambassador Chen reaffirmed China’s commitment to building on the existing partnership, supporting Fiji’s development aspirations and advancing shared interests in regional peace, stability and prosperity.

Fiji was the first Pacific Island country to establish diplomatic relations with China in 1975. The relationship is based on mutual respect and shared development interests, with Fiji’s adherence to the One-China Principle remaining a foundation of bilateral engagement.

Fiji also continues to pursue its regional priorities through the Pacific Islands Forum, including its advocacy for the Ocean of Peace initiative, while maintaining bilateral engagement with China…PACNEWS

25  PNG public servants resign to contest 2027 national elections

PORT MORESBY, 04 NOVEMBER 2026 (NBC PNG)—A female is among the 25 Papua New Guinea public servants that have formally resigned from their positions to contest the 2027 National Elections.

The resignations follow the closure of the statutory deadline on October 29, in accordance with Section 55 of the Public Service Management Act 1995.

Statistics released by the Department of Personnel Management shows that the 25 resignations came from various regions across the country.

The National Capital District recorded the highest number, with 13 public servants resigning, followed by the Highlands Region with seven, Momase two, the New Guinea Islands with two, and the Southern Region with one.

In a statement, DPM Secretary Taies Sansan clarified that public servants who resign to contest an election formally cease their employment in the public service.

She said the substantive positions previously occupied by those officers would therefore become vacant.

Sansan emphasised that the closure of the resignation deadline marked an important step in ensuring public servants comply with the legal requirements governing their participation in next year’s election.

However, Sansan did not clarify whether those who resign to contest the elections but are unsuccessful would be eligible for reappointment to the public service.

Meanwhile, Central Governor Rufina Peter is set to take charge of the Christian Democratic Party parliamentary leadership, following her appointment last the weekend.

Her appointment was made as the party continues to develop its constitution, policy platform, membership structure and national organisation.

Founded in 1990’s, the Christian Democratic Party was established on a vision of contributing to the leadership and development of Papua New Guinea.

CDP interim president Davis Steven has welcomed Governor Peter’s appointment.

In formally accepting her appointment, the Governor expressed gratitude for the opportunity, not only to uphold Christian values but also maintain integrity of institutions and addressing issues affecting the nation.

Meanwhile, People’s National Congress Party leader Peter O’Neill said he was aware of Governor Peter’s appointment and wished her well in the new role.

The CDP currently has no elected parliamentary leader in the 11th National Parliament.

Now with Governor Peter taking over the leadership, CDP hopes to change this and strengthen its presence in the country’s political landscape. …PACNEWS

Fiji, Solomon Islands commit to deepening bilateral ties

SUVA, 04 NOVEMBER 2026 (PACNEWS)— Fiji and Solomon Islands have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with a focus on trade, investment, education and regional cooperation.

The commitment was reaffirmed during a courtesy call by Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Fiji, Joseph Ma’ahanua, on Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Ambassador Solo Mara.

Mara welcomed the visit and emphasised the importance of regular dialogue and cooperation between the two Melanesian countries.

Discussions also covered regional and subregional developments, including opportunities to strengthen collaboration in advancing Melanesian interests and priorities.

High Commissioner Ma’ahanua congratulated Mara on his appointment and reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ commitment to strengthening engagement with Fiji.

He said both countries shared common challenges and opportunities that could be addressed through closer cooperation and mutual development.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the two sides to reflect on their longstanding friendship and Melanesian connections, while identifying areas for further cooperation.

Both countries underscored the importance of maintaining strong bilateral relations and working together towards a peaceful, resilient and prosperous Pacific…PACNEWS

PACNEWS BIZ

World Bank Group supports Marshall Islands to respond to El Niño and dengue outbreak

MAJURO, 04 NOVEMBER 2026 (WORLD BANK) — The World Bank Group has released US$11 million to support the Republic of the Marshall Islands’ response to the impacts of El Niño conditions and an ongoing dengue outbreak. The contingent financing follows a State of Emergency declared by the Government on 08 October 2026.

El Niño conditions have brought hazardous winds and ocean swells and increasingly dry conditions, putting pressure on water supplies, food security and livelihoods. At the same time, the outbreak has affected Majuro and Ebeye, placing additional pressure on health services and government resources.

“For families across the Marshall Islands, El Niño and dengue are putting added pressure on daily life and the services they rely on,” said Tatiana Proskuryakova, World Bank Group Director for the South and North Pacific. 

“This rapid financing is about getting support to communities when they need it most while keeping the critical services people depend on running.”

The US$11 million is being provided through the Marshall Islands’ Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option, a pre-arranged source of financing that can be accessed when a qualifying emergency occurs. The financing was released following the Government’s request and declaration of a State of Emergency.

The drawdown builds on steps the Marshall Islands has already taken to strengthen its ability to respond quickly to shocks. Earlier this year, the Government became the first country in East Asia and the Pacific region to activate the World Bank Group’s Contingent Emergency Response Project, mobilising US$3.6 million from its existing World Bank Group portfolio to help households cope with the impacts of the fuel crisis.

“This financing demonstrates the value of preparing before a crisis occurs,” said Hon. David Paul, Minister of Finance, Republic of the Marshall Islands.

“By strengthening our financial preparedness in advance, the Marshall Islands is able to access resources quickly when emergencies arise and respond more effectively to protect communities and maintain essential services.”

The World Bank Group continues to work with the Government of the Marshall Islands to strengthen disaster risk management and public financial management, helping the country withstand future shocks while protecting the foundations for growth, jobs and opportunity….PACNEWS

New reservoirs boost Honiara Water security

HONIARA, 04 NOVEMBER 2026 (PACNEWS) — More than 105,000 residents in Honiara are set to benefit from improved water supply following the commissioning of three new reservoirs and more than 10 kilometres of trunk water mains in Solomon Islands.

The infrastructure upgrade, delivered under the Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project, is aimed at improving water reliability, increasing storage capacity and strengthening the capital’s ability to meet growing demand.

The project includes new reservoirs at Titinge, Tasahe and Panatina, adding more than 8.5 million litres of water storage capacity to the Solomon Water network.

New transmission pipelines have also been installed along key urban corridors, including Kongulai to White River, White River to Iron Bottom Sound, East Kola Ridge to Vura, and Panatina Reservoir to Burns Creek.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Anthony Gill said the commissioning marked an important milestone for Honiara and demonstrated the benefits of development partnerships.

“Today’s commissioning is an important milestone for the people of Honiara and demonstrates what can be accomplished through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to improving essential services

“It is an investment in public health, economic growth, climate resilience, and human development,” Gill said.

Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification Derrick Manu’ari said water security was central to the country’s national development and resilience.

“The Government recognises that water security is not simply an infrastructure issue. It is a matter of national security, public health, economic resilience, and social equity,” Manu’ari said.

The upgraded network is designed to support Honiara’s growing population, with infrastructure capacity planned to accommodate more than 300,000 people by 2050.

The project is jointly supported by the ADB, World Bank, European Union, Global Environment Facility and the Solomon Islands Government.

The investment is expected to provide a foundation for further expansion of water services, improve the performance of the country’s water utility and strengthen the resilience of urban water infrastructure to climate-related challenges…PACNEWS

Fiji remittances hit $1.2 billion in eight months

SUVA, 04 NOVEMBER 2026 (FIJI SUN) —Fijians living overseas sent home $1.2 billion (US$600 million) between January and August this year.

This was revealed by Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel in Parliament in response to a written question from Opposition MP Vijay Nath.

That is already close to the $1,323.2 million (US$661.6 million) received for the whole of 2025.

Nath had asked for the remittance totals from 2023 to 2025, the countries they came from and the latest 2026 figures.

 Immanuel said inflows were $1,253.3 million (US$626,65 million) in 2023, $1,328.3 million (US$664.15 million) in 2024 and $1,323.2 million (US$661.6 million) in 2025.

Australia was the biggest source in each of those years. From January to July 2026, it made up 45.3 percent, followed by the United States at 20.1 percent and New Zealand at 15.3 percent.

The way money reaches Fiji is also changing. Mobile network operators handled 56.1 percent of remittances in 2025, up from 38 per cent in 2023.

Commercial banks’ share fell from 20.1 percent in 2023 to 11.1 percent in 2025. It rose to 36.5 percent from January to August this year.

Remittances were equal to 9.3 per cent of Fiji’s GDP in 2025, up from 5.1 per cent in 2015.

“Both the value of remittances and their contribution to the economy have increased substantially,” the response stated.

Immanuel said the outlook would depend on economic conditions and jobs in Australia, New Zealand and the United States…. PACNEWS

PM Marape thanks hotel giant for its confidence in PNG

PORT MORESBY, 04 NOVEMBER 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has thanked Marriott International for its confidence in establishing its presence in the country with the opening of its Sheraton hotel brand.

Marape said during the grand opening of the Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites on Saturday: “Marriott certainly picked one of the best, if not the best, in the country.”

Dynasty Development Limited RH (PNG) Group partnered with Marriott International in the rebranding.

“Thank you for believing in this investment; it is also a reflection of believing in PNG,” Marape said.

He said it was not a mistake because PNG was opening up with more travel and investments.

Marape explained: “China, as a bigger market, still remains.

“We still have a strong target for the South-East Asian market.

“We have three flights from Guangzhou to Port Moresby (and) opened twice-weekly direct flights between Tokyo (Narita) and Port Moresby.

“We have regular flights from Philippines and Singapore.

“For Indonesia, we are keeping that for the market to decide.

“When there is enough cargo and loads, we will open flights to Indonesia.

“We have flights to Cairns, Brisbane and Sydney.

“And Post-2028, when we have the PNG Chiefs enter NRL, we expect more flights in and out, not just players, but supporters and commerce and business out of Australia.

“We also have flights to Honiara, Port Vila and Nadi still maintained.

“Sheraton Hotel, you have made a right investment.”

Marriott International Asia Pacific president Rajeev Menon said Marriot International was the world’s largest hotel company, with more than 10,000 hotels around the world.

“We have well over 300 million Marriott Bonvoy members,” he added.

“We operate in 148 countries and in every country, what is more important is the communities where we serve guests both local and international.

“Globally, 1.4 million people crossed borders last year. Travel and tourism are thriving around the world. People are travelling and experiencing cultures,” he said…..PACNEWS

PACNEWS DIGEST

The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS

SUVA, 04 NOVEMBER 2026 (PIFS)—The inaugural Pacific Integrated Regional Planning Forum (PIRPF) was launched in Suva, Fiji, on 2 November 2026, establishing a new Pacific platform to strengthen the integration of planning, financing, statistics, monitoring and implementation in support of the region’s development priorities.

Held from 02 to 06 November 2026, the Forum aims to strengthen how Pacific priorities are planned, financed, implemented and monitored, while promoting greater coherence across national, regional and global development frameworks.

MANILA, 04 NOVEMBER 2026 (WHO PACIFIC) —On 26 October 2026, the World Health Organisation (WHO) inaugurated the Western Pacific Region’s first WHO Collaborating Centre for One Health Implementation at the School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU). 

The Collaborating Centre will strengthen research, innovation, capacity-building and collaboration for One Health in the Region and beyond. 

By enabling countries to measure and strengthen how they put One Health into practice, the Collaborating Centre will support preparedness efforts against emerging zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance and climate-driven health threats.  

Hosted by SJTU’s School of Global Health, the Collaborating Centre was unveiled at the High-Level Forum on One Health Action by Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. 

The inaugural ceremony marked a significant milestone in the Region’s collective efforts to operationalize the One Health approach at the human–animal–environment interface, bringing together leaders from Shanghai Municipal Health Commission, the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association and key national and international partners.

“The global architecture for One Health is now in place,” said Dr Piukala. 

“The question is no longer whether we commit to One Health – it is how we implement it, and how we measure progress. This Centre will help countries across our Region answer that question.” 

A multisectoral approach to converging challenges 

The Western Pacific faces a convergence of challenges: rapid urbanization, intensifying food production, biodiversity loss and a changing climate. Avian influenza continues to circulate in animals and spill over into people. Antimicrobial resistance is making common infections harder to treat. Food safety and food security remain pressing concerns, especially for Pacific island countries. 

One Health is an approach that connects disciplines to harness collective action, build synergies and collaboratively tackle complex health challenges. Sixteen of the region’s 28 member states now have a One Health coordination mechanism, up 20 percentage points in two years, and eight have held National Bridging Workshops to turn cross-sector coordination into joint work on shared priorities. 

However, important gaps remain. Of 13 Joint External Evaluations conducted in the Region since 2023, five found that the country did not yet have a unified, multisectoral list of priority zoonotic diseases — a foundational step for pandemic prevention and preparedness. 

One Health is therefore an acceleration point of the WHO Regional Vision, Weaving Health for Families, Communities and Societies in the Western Pacific Region (2025–2029), and a priority of the Asia Pacific Health Security Action Framework. 

From commitment to measurable action 

Designated for 2026–2030, the Collaborating Centre will support WHO in three areas. It will develop a framework and indicators to monitor and evaluate One Health implementation at national and subnational levels; produce communication materials and support the Quadripartite Communities of Practice on One Health governance and return on investment; and conduct research at the human–animal–environment interface, informing regional risk mapping of priority zoonotic diseases, including climate-sensitive zoonoses in the Pacific, and developing community-centred approaches to risk communication and surveillance. 

“It is a privilege for WHO to have China’s scientific and institutional strength behind the One Health agenda,” said Mr Martin Taylor, WHO Representative in China. “Through this Centre, China’s experience can reach neighbouring countries and partners further afield.” 

The Centre complements the WHO Collaborating Centre for One Health in Ireland, which focuses on capacity-building and training. Its work will also contribute to the Quadripartite One Health Joint Plan of Action of FAO, UNEP, WHO and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). 

A partnership years in the making 

The designation builds on collaboration between WHO and SJTU that began in 2019, when WHO joined the launch of the School of Global Health. Since then, the partnership has grown through academic exchanges, joint training, advisory roles and field research. A Cooperation Project Agreement for 2025–2027 now supports the joint development of a One Health decision support toolkit and training programme with the WHO Academy. 

“A dream becomes reality the day someone agrees to deliver it with you — and the inauguration of this Collaborating Centre for One Health is the fruition of our aspirations and efforts over the years to prioritise One Health implementation in the Region,” shared Dr Zhou Xiao-Nong, Vice Dean School of Global Health, Head of the WHO Collaborating Centre for One Health Implementation (CHN-170).  

Going forward, WHO and Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine will collaborate closely to prioritise areas where the Collaborating Centre can support Member States in the Region to strengthen One Health governance, surveillance, risk communication, and multisectoral collaboration……PACNEWS