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Tag: Pacific


An infectious outbreak raises questions about personal choice and public health, writes Santhiya Ramadas, 26, a Correspondent from Malaysia, as she looks at the issue of vaccinations. There is a current fear among Malaysian parents over the outbreak of the Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) which the nation’s authorities are taking urgent and crucial …

“Diseases, vaccinations and religious beliefs” Read More »

With election day looming, Angelique Pouponneau, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from the Seychelles, questions the rules about eligibility to run for office and speaks with youth who have stepped into the political arena. In some countries, the only eligibility requirement to run for election as a member of parliament is to be aged 35. They do …

“Not too young to run for office” Read More »

Legislation setting the voting age creates a conflict for potential voters, writes Angelique Pouponneau, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from the Seychelles, who argues the rules should make more effort to enfranchise interested youth. It happens in nightclubs all the time: “ID please,” says the bouncer. If you are below the age of 18 you should …

“The disenfranchisement of youth” Read More »

Problems reported Australia’s Northern Territory youth prison system are the latest to be uncovered in a string of grievances of a disappointed territory, writes Jake Elson, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bunbury in Australia. When the leading provincial newspaper uses its entire front page to call for the federal government to dismiss an entire government, …

“Territory’s government courts suspension” Read More »

“What if he wins?” asks Andrew Larkins, 26, a Correspondent from Australia as he looks at the impact US presidential candidate Donald Trump could have on relations with developing nations. The American presidential race is well underway. There are two candidates left standing and one question on everyone’s minds: Will the alienating billionaire figure of Donald Trump …

“Trump and aid to developing nations” Read More »

The global digital landscape means technology is becoming more affordable and Internet access increasingly ubiquitous, but Steph Carter, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Australia, asks whether every country is reaping the benefits. While today’s generation is likely to take up jobs that aren’t yet invented, communities and youth without Internet access face disenfranchisement from a future of economic …

“Unlikely heroes in bridging the digital divide” Read More »

Conflict and violence costs money as well as lives, writes Francis Ventura, 26, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Australia, who argues for investment in peace as he describes a school where peace-building is a priority. He stood there. He was breathing, but he seemingly had no life. I had just attended mass at the All Saints Christian Church …

“Peace-building: humanity’s best investment” Read More »

Elections around the globe have made news this year, and Debra Grace Lim Jia-En, 16, a Correspondent from Malaysia, explains why it is crucial that everyone who has a vote uses his or her right to cast a ballot.  This year, the subject of voting has been intensely discussed globally. This unceasing international hype will certainly come …

“Exercising your voice and your say” Read More »

While there is some debate about the role of the Privy Council, Jake Elson, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bunbury in Australia, argues that the critical function of justice is best determined by those who are directly affected. ‘The administration of Justice is the firmest pillar of Government’. This quote, in a letter by retired …

“The Privy Council in 21st century justice” Read More »

A dispute over a work permit has potentially large repercussions in Bermuda. Jake Elson, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bunbury in Australia, argues the episode represents deeper political and social conflict on the island. For a small island paradise of nearly 70,000, Bermuda can be an extremely fractious place. The oldest remaining British Colony in North …

“Visa row overshadows America’s Cup” Read More »