Heine returns as President of RMI
Further to last year’s elections the Nitijela convened last week and confirmed Dr Hilda Heine as the tenth President of the Republic of Marshall Islands. This is Heine’s second term in the office, having previously served as President for the period 2016-2020. She defeated David Kabua (the previous President) by 17 votes to 16, which may indicate that she is vulnerable to a motion of no confidence in the future.
Heine is well regarded as a political leader within Marshall Islands and at regional levels. In her previous administration, she introduced several programs and projects to support the population that are still in place. She has an established record of advocating strongly at the global level on key issues such as climate change. She was the founding chair of the Pacific Elders Voice, an increasingly vocal and influential grouping in the region.
Coalition government of Fiji marks one year in office
In Fiji, the coalition government led by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has completed its first year in office.
Whilst there have been bumps in the road over the last year, the somewhat unwieldy three-party coalition has managed to stay together. In addition, the government has negotiated some tricky interactions with the country’s military.
The economy has been a major focus. The tourism sector has rebounded successfully, with arrival numbers reaching a record high. However, there have been significant cost of living pressures, which the government has promised to address in 2024. Outward migration has also had an impact on local skills availability.
The Rabuka government has reinstated the Bose Levu Vakataraga (Great Council of Chiefs) and repealed the highly controversial Media Industry Development Act. However, civil society activists maintain there is more to do to protect human rights and democracy in Fiji.
Other Pacific News
In Palau, President Surangel Whipps Jr has expressed concern over delays in the arrival of funding from the USA under the Compact of Free Association that was negotiated last year. The funding has yet to be approved in Washington DC
In Australia, the Albanese government has resurrected an idea that would see people from the Pacific islands region allowed to serve in the Australian Defence Force. This comes as Australia struggles with both recruitment and retention in its armed services.
In Papua New Guinea, the Porgera mine has reopened. The reopening brings the promise of a huge financial return for the government as 51% shareholder. It also reopens old wounds regarding human rights abuses, environmental degradation, and lack of local development.
In Solomon Islands, the Sogavare-led government is now in caretaker mode. General elections were delayed from last year and are now expected to be held in April 2024. As Parliament was dissolved, MPs received payouts under the controversial Constituency Development Fund.
Following in the footsteps of national sporting hero, Brian Kaltack, two footballers from Vanuatu will play in Australia this year. Azariah Soromon and Jeffrey Tasso are joining Adelaide’s Western Strikers for a period before returning to undertake national-level representation duties.
Dr Tess Newton Cain is a Senior Research Fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute and project lead for the Griffith Pacific Hub.
