- Fiji's Media Industry Development Authority (MIDA) has ruled that articles written in the Fiji Sun about the opposition were defamatory and incriminating. The Sun has spoken out against the ruling, arguing that MIDA head Ashwin Raj made the decision alone and that MIDA's practices challenge free speech in Fiji.
- New Caledonia's political crisis is not showing any signs of easing, with tension between the ruling anti-independence parties growing after one of their leaders, Phillippe Gomes, proposed changing electoral laws to end the stalemate.
- The Autonomous Region of Bougainville is preparing to hold general elections this year. This election is critical as 2015 marks the beginning of the referendum period for a vote on independence.
- 45 young leaders from across the region participated in the Pacific Youth Forum Against Corruption in Fiji. See the winning entries of the forum's Capturing Corruption photo contest here.
- At the announcement of the PNG National Identity project, Prime Minister O'Neill proposed the introduction of pensions for elderly and disabled people.
- Fiji's Prime Minister Bainimarama spoke at the Pacific Conference on Disabilities, expressing his wish that no Pacific Islander should be left behind, including those with disabilities.
- On the Kiribati island of Tarawa a huge king tide caused damage to property and infrastructure, and highlighted the urgent need for short-term climate change adaptation policies.
- The World Bank assists with disaster relief throughout the Pacific and has emphasised the importance of a regional approach to the issue.
- The much-admired activist and writer Faith Bandler, of Ni-Vanuatu descent, was remembered with a state funeral at the University of Sydney yesterday. She campaigned tirelessly for Indigenous and South Sea Islander rights throughout her life.
Pacific Island links: Fiji media scandal, Bougainville elections, Faith Bandler and more
Published 25 Feb 2015
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