Latest news with #ManoaKamikamica
Scoop
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Pacific News In Brief For 21 July
Pacific - declaration Pacific trade ministers have welcomed the draft Kava Declaration, marking a significant step toward safeguarding kava's cultural and economic importance across the region. At a gathering in Suva, Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, and his counterparts supported enhanced legal protections and the development of geographical indications for kava. Ministers tasked a technical working group with concrete next steps for a national and international geographical indication registration. This aims to bolster kava's brand value and protecting its traditional roots. Samoa - holidays Samoa's Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour has officially declared two public holidays in August to support the smooth conduct of the country's 2025 General Election. In a public notice, the Ministry confirmed that Thursday, 28 August and Friday, 29 August will be observed as national public holidays. The purpose of these holidays is to provide all eligible voters across the country with adequate time to participate in the election process. The declaration applies to all government ministries, private sector organisations, and the general public. More than 100,000 eligible voters have registered for next month's upcoming general election. Samoa - methamphetamine Samoa's Police Commissioner Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo is describing the widespread use and trafficking of methamphetamine as a national pandemic. The Police, Prisons and Corrections Services has stepped up its campaign against methamphetamine. Over recent months, police have carried out a series of targeted raids across the country, arresting people linked to the possession of methamphetamine, drug utensils, and illegal firearms. Auapa'au said the scale of the problem now requires sustained, long-term enforcement as well as broader community support. He said the use and distribution of meth is no longer isolated to a few cases, adding that it's spreading throughout the country and destroying lives and families. Papua New Guinea - investigation Seven Papua New Guinea Defence Force soldiers have fled a police investigation in Aitape in West Sepik Province. The Post-Courier reported that the police suspect the soldiers had been hired to provide security for a candidate in the Aitape-Lumi by-election. A search was conducted in the early hours of Tuesday to find the soldiers but they are understood to have caught a flight from Wewak to Port Moresby. Assistant Police Commissioner Steven Francis said the soldiers were "illegally on the ground on an unauthorised mission and allegedly providing security and other activities for a candidate." Polling is underway for the by-election and is expected to continue until 1 August. Papua New Guinea - saint Family members of Papua New Guinea's first ever saint are preparing to travel from Australia to Rome for his canonisation in October. A catechist during the second world war, Blessed Peter To Rot, was executed by Japanese forces, for refusing to compromise on Catholic teachings regarding marriage. A PNG Catholic community elder in Sydney, David Luke, told ABC Tok Pisin that travel preparations have begun for several of their own congregation including members of Blessed Peter To Rot's family. Blessed Peter To Rot was beatified by Pope John Paul the second in 1995, and then cleared for canonisation by the late Pope Francis, who visited PNG in September last year. Northern Marianas - cuts Schools in the Northern Marianas are bracing for a possible fiscal cliff, according to the Board of Education. Governor Arnold Palacios is planning substantial cuts to the education budget allocation. The government is proposing a US$40 million dollar grant but the Public School System has requested just over 49 million dollars. The Board of Education has testified that if the government's proposal is implemented they could be forced to declare a state of emergency in education.
RNZ News
20-07-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Pacific news in brief for 21 July
Pacific trade ministers have welcomed the draft Kava Declaration. Photo: Eric Lafforgue / Hans Lucas / Hans Lucas via AFP Pacific trade ministers have welcomed the draft Kava Declaration, marking a significant step toward safeguarding kava's cultural and economic importance across the region. At a gathering in Suva, Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, and his counterparts supported enhanced legal protections and the development of geographical indications for kava. Ministers tasked a technical working group with concrete next steps for a national and international geographical indication registration. This aims to bolster kava's brand value and protecting its traditional roots. Samoa's Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour has officially declared two public holidays in August to support the smooth conduct of the country's 2025 General Election. In a public notice, the Ministry confirmed that Thursday, 28 August and Friday, 29 August will be observed as national public holidays. The purpose of these holidays is to provide all eligible voters across the country with adequate time to participate in the election process. The declaration applies to all government ministries, private sector organisations, and the general public. More than 100,000 eligible voters have registered for next month's upcoming general election. Samoa's Police Commissioner Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo is describing the widespread use and trafficking of methamphetamine as a national pandemic. The Police, Prisons and Corrections Services has stepped up its campaign against methamphetamine. Over recent months, police have carried out a series of targeted raids across the country, arresting people linked to the possession of methamphetamine, drug utensils, and illegal firearms. Auapa'au said the scale of the problem now requires sustained, long-term enforcement as well as broader community support. He said the use and distribution of meth is no longer isolated to a few cases, adding that it's spreading throughout the country and destroying lives and families. Seven Papua New Guinea Defence Force soldiers have fled a police investigation in Aitape in West Sepik Province. The Post-Courier reported that the police suspect the soldiers had been hired to provide security for a candidate in the Aitape-Lumi by-election. A search was conducted in the early hours of Tuesday to find the soldiers but they are understood to have caught a flight from Wewak to Port Moresby. Assistant Police Commissioner Steven Francis said the soldiers were "illegally on the ground on an unauthorised mission and allegedly providing security and other activities for a candidate." Polling is underway for the by-election and is expected to continue until 1 August. Family members of Papua New Guinea's first ever saint are preparing to travel from Australia to Rome for his canonisation in October. A catechist during the second world war, Blessed Peter To Rot, was executed by Japanese forces, for refusing to compromise on Catholic teachings regarding marriage. A PNG Catholic community elder in Sydney, David Luke, told ABC Tok Pisin that travel preparations have begun for several of their own congregation including members of Blessed Peter To Rot's family. Blessed Peter To Rot was beatified by Pope John Paul the second in 1995, and then cleared for canonisation by the late Pope Francis, who visited PNG in September last year. Schools in the Northern Marianas are bracing for a possible fiscal cliff, according to the Board of Education. Governor Arnold Palacios is planning substantial cuts to the education budget allocation. The government is proposing a US$40 million dollar grant but the Public School System has requested just over 49 million dollars. The Board of Education has testified that if the government's proposal is implemented they could be forced to declare a state of emergency in education.
Scoop
16-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Anti-Scam Taskforce Alerts Public To TikTok Based Investment Scheme
The Anti-Scam Taskforce is alerting the public to a series of TikTok videos that is luring Fijians into what appears to be a high risk online 'business opportunity' disguised as a legitimate overseas investment. Circulating widely on social media, the scheme encourages individuals to pay upfront joining and subscription fees with promises of fast, passive income and weekly earnings. It uses trendy buzzwords like 'spillover' and promotes the idea that financial success can be achieved simply by recruiting others. What makes this particularly dangerous is that the scheme is disguised as a multi level marketing scheme that utilises health products as a means of creating value. However, the model heavily relies on recruitment of others as a key source of income, an approach that closely resembles pyramid style schemes. Consumers are pressured to act quickly, often being told to 'pay first' or 'message to join,' without receiving transparent information upfront. While it may appear appealing during tough economic times, such setups are unsustainable and often collapse, leaving newer recruits at a financial loss. It is also concerning that the scheme's promoters say they are based in New Zealand, yet appear to be aggressively targeting Fijians rather than its domestic market (offering the program to their own local population), which raises further suspicions. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, and Chair of the Anti-Scam Taskforce, Honourable Manoa Kamikamica, stressed the urgent need for public awareness. 'Digital scammers are getting smarter, bolder, and more creative,' he said. 'These scams play on people's hopes and financial anxieties. If a stranger online is offering you easy money with no effort and encouraging you to recruit others to earn more, stop right there. If it looks too good to be true, it most definitely is.' Consumer Council of Fiji CEO, Ms. Seema Shandil, also issued a strong warning. 'Social media has become the new playground for scammers. Platforms like TikTok, and AI technology, are being used to spread fastmoving frauds, especially targeting younger and digitally active users,' she said. 'Consumers must be cautious. If someone is asking you to invest money with vague promises or unclear details, question everything. Real investments are transparent, regulated, and never rely on how many people you bring in.' Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission CEO, Ms. Senikavika Jiuta, added that the public must remain vigilant. 'What we are witnessing is the evolution of scams into sophisticated digital traps, with everyday Fijians especially vulnerable, since these are carefully engineered to exploit our trusting nature and bypass any suspicions,' she said. 'These are not random acts, they are calculated attempts to defraud you. Never take anything at face value and always verify directly with the relevant authorities. We are tracking patterns, identifying offenders, and working with our partners in the Anti-Scam Taskforce to ensure those responsible are held to account. But no regulation can replace personal caution, so please think before you click, share, or invest.' Unlike traditional scams, this one is wrapped in engaging video content, short, sharp, and persuasive. It thrives on shares, likes, and silence. The more it spreads, the more victims it claims. The Taskforce is now considering cross border investigations and is also calling on social media users to report such content directly through platform tools to help curb its reach. Fijians are strongly urged not to engage, not to forward such videos, and not to contribute financially to schemes that rely on secrecy and pressure. Anyone who believes they've been targeted or fallen victim to this scam should contact the Consumer Council of Fiji by emailing complaints@ or by calling the toll-free helpline at 155.
Techday NZ
09-07-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Trend Micro invests in Pacific as regional cybersecurity surges
Trend Micro is increasing its investment in the Pacific Islands after reporting 150% growth in the region during the last three years. The company's enhanced commitment follows its inaugural World Tour event in Suva, Fiji, where senior government officials acknowledged the organisation's contribution to national digital and cybersecurity strategies. Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, Mr. Manoa Kamikamica, addressed attendees, stating, "I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Trend Micro team for bringing this important event to Fiji – an event that has traditionally been held abroad." He continued, "Events such as this are more than just conferences. They are platforms that bridge the gap between Government, Industry, and the Private Sector. I strongly believe that such public-private partnerships and collaboration are essential to designing sustainable, resilient and robust digital solutions for Fiji and the Pacific." Trend Micro has expanded its business revenue in the region significantly, and the company now forecasts its Pacific revenue to triple again by mid-2027. This projection is supported by ongoing digital transformation initiatives and increased investment in digital infrastructure across countries including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and Tonga. Cyber risk response The Trend Micro 2025 Cyber Risk Index highlights that organisations across Asia-Pacific are dealing with "medium-level cyber risk". The report identifies unsecure assets, fragmented infrastructure, and persistent skills shortages as major ongoing challenges. This landscape is prompting governments to implement national cybersecurity strategies, develop cloud and data governance policies, and boost institutional investment in cyber resilience. Many Pacific nations are now establishing computer emergency response teams and designing policies focused on AI governance, privacy, and cloud adoption, reflecting the region's efforts to mitigate cyber threats amid ongoing digitalisation. Srujan Talakokkula, Managing Director, Trend Micro – Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Islands, outlined the company's approach: "We're partnering with national leaders, local enterprises, and industry stakeholders to strengthen the region's ability to detect, defend, and respond. Our regional growth and partnerships reflect this evolving environment: increasing demand, deeper public-private alignment, and rising recognition that cyber readiness is core to economic development." Local presence and partnerships In response to the evolving cyber threat landscape, Trend Micro is increasing its focus on local support and capability development. The company has put in place a dedicated Fiji-based team including account managers, engineers, and partner managers. It is also deepening collaborations with local partners such as Virtuaflex Fiji, Vodafone Fiji, and Datec Fiji to deliver in-market support. Technical workshops, partner enablement sessions, and assistance with government-led digital infrastructure projects form part of Trend Micro's ongoing activities in the Pacific Islands. As part of its commitment to bridging the regional cybersecurity skills gap, the company will hold Capture the Flag competitions in nine locations during July 2025, including Suva. These events are intended to provide hands-on cybersecurity training for students, professionals, and practitioners. Industry feedback "Trend Micro has been our strongest security partner for more than five years, with a strong focus on us as the customer," said Deepak Singh, Manager – IT Services, Vinod Patel. "The collaboration has enabled us to stay ahead of the curve and continuously explore how we can enhance IT security. Their responsiveness and customer-centric mindset are always top notch." Zainal Rahiman, Cyber Information Security Officer at Taukei Land Trust Board (TLTB), commented, "Partnering with Trend Micro has transformed our cybersecurity operations. Trend Vision One's seamless integration and real-time visibility enable us to protect our growing digital infrastructure in hours, not days. Its all-in-one platform simplifies endpoint protection, vulnerability management, and risk reporting - empowering our team to stay ahead of threats effortlessly." Strategic outlook Trend Micro's progress in the Pacific Islands is part of a wider strategy to embed cybersecurity at the heart of digital transformation decisions across the Asia-Pacific region. The company's focus on collaboration with policymakers, industry groups, and public sector leaders underpins this approach. Mr. Talakokkula said, "The Pacific is showing what's possible when leadership, policy, and partnership come together. We're proud to be part of the journey – investing not just in technology, but in long-term regional resilience. "We're deeply committed to helping our partners across Fiji, PNG, Vanuatu, Tonga and beyond to unlock the full potential of secure digital development, whether that's through expanding our regional channel ecosystem, nurturing local cybersecurity talent, or strengthening intelligence-sharing across the Pacific," Mr. Talakokkula finished.
Scoop
17-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Consumer Council Of Fiji Launches Label Logic Report Urging Stronger Labelling Standards For Healthier Consumer Choices
Press Release – Consumer Council of Fiji The Label Logic report, which draws from a wide-ranging study including policy reviews, consumer surveys, and industry interviews, exposes the significant barriers Fijians face when trying to make informed food choices. The Consumer Council of Fiji today officially launched its much-anticipated research report titled 'Label Logic: How Effective Labelling Policies Can Influence Better Consumer Choices in Fiji' at the Southern Cross Hotel in Suva. The event, developed in partnership with the Anne Fransen Fund and Consumers International, was officiated by the Honourable Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, SMEs and Communications, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica. It brought together key stakeholders from across the public and private sectors—including government ministries, food industry representatives, health professionals, development partners, civil society organisations, and members of the media—for a robust dialogue on improving food labelling standards in Fiji. In her opening remarks, Consumer Council CEO Ms. Seema Shandil emphasised that labelling is not a niche issue but a matter of public health and consumer rights. 'A label should be a tool for empowerment—not confusion. Our findings reveal that even educated consumers struggle to make sense of food labels, while those in rural or disadvantaged communities are often left completely in the dark,' she stated. 'This report is not just timely—it is essential.' The Label Logic report, which draws from a wide-ranging study including policy reviews, consumer surveys, and industry interviews, exposes the significant barriers Fijians face when trying to make informed food choices. The report finds that many labels use technical or misleading terms, are difficult to read, and often lack critical information—ultimately failing to serve their intended purpose. In launching the report, Hon. Kamikamica emphasised the Government's support for consumer rights and health protection. 'This report provides a blueprint for reform which is grounded in global best practice, backed by evidence, and shaped by the lived realities of Fijian consumers. It calls for front-of-pack warning labels. Standardised nutritional tables,' he said. 'And to those who argue that change is expensive, I say this: The cost of reform pales in comparison to the cost of inaction, measured in amputations, in dialysis, in lost productivity, and in preventable deaths.' Among its key recommendations, the report calls for the adoption of front-of-pack warning labels, standardised nutrition panels, stricter oversight on marketing claims, and public education to improve food label literacy. These reforms aim to make food labels easier to understand, more transparent, and useful to all Fijians. The Council also announced that the report will serve as the foundation for a nationwide consumer awareness campaign aimed at improving understanding of food labels and encouraging healthier food choices. 'This is not about punishing businesses,' Ms. Shandil added. 'It is about lifting standards—so that every Fijian, no matter where they live or what they earn, has access to clear, honest information about the food they consume.' The Consumer Council of Fiji thanks all stakeholders and partners who contributed to the successful launch of the report and calls on the public to support this movement for stronger, fairer, and more transparent food labelling practices.
