Pacific Debate 2012

Pacific Debate 2012 was on the overarching theme of Geopolitics with the debate motion: ‘that in this Pacific century and a new era of strategic contest-island states should be neutral. FOR: Kaliopate Tavola (Fiji) and Major General (rtd) Jerry Singirok (PNG), AGAINST: Congressman Eni Faleomavaega (American Samoa) and Senator Peter Christian (FSM). The Pacific Debate was held on the sidelines of the ACP-EU meeting in Port Vila, Vanuatu on Wednesday 13 June 2012 at the Watermark Restaurant on Iririki Island.

This article was written by

PiPP Staff

http://www.pacificpolicy.org/

URBAN HYMNS

DP18 – Urbanisation needs to be seen and managed as a national priority, while a new mindset is required that can look positively at the urban process.
KEEPING THE PEACE

DP26 – There is a wider understanding of security issues emerging, such as the nexus between peace and development and what ensures ‘human security’ more broadly.
BETTER TRADE FOR THE PACIFIC

DP05 – An update on emerging trade agreements being negotiated by Pacific Island countries and the pressures they face.

BULA-STAN

Ben Bohane seeks out the Fijians and Tongans operating in Helmand province
FOB PATROL AND A RAPPING MEDIC

Ben Bohane goes to Helmand province in southern Afghanistan, stepping outside the wire with more Micronesian troops and finding a medic who “raps” his mission in song.
Vanuatu’s 2015 Spending Priorities

At this time of year the government begins thinking about where to allocate additional money for next year. Here are some of the top spending priorities.