Kyle Evans

2 months ago | abc.net.au | Kyle Evans

Protections against drug trafficking and climate change could be under threat in the Pacific's freely associated states, as US president Donald Trump freezes and reshapes foreign aid to the region. In the Marshall Islands, Marjuro's sole FBI agent has been sent packing, potentially hampering drug and corruption investigations. Meanwhile funding for climate-related projects under the Compact of Free Association pacts might be re-directed to other areas.

2 months ago | abc.net.au | Kyle Evans

Donald Trump's immigration crackdown promises to deport millions of illegal or migrant criminals back to their country of heritage. For Pacific people in the diaspora, there's fear that people without updated documentation, or those convicted of low end or petty crimes might be sent away from their families. Even certain people in the US living under special immigration arrangements, such as those from Palau, the Marshall Islands might be at risk.

2 months ago | abc.net.au | Kyle Evans

There's concern in the Pacific that US plans to ramp up deportations of illegal immigrants back to their nations of heritage could overwhelm law enforcement agencies. Among those sent packing could be many with serious criminal records. It poses a risk to island nations if they are all delivered at once, putting a strain on police and correctional facilities. Tonga Police Minister Piveni Piukala says the Kingdom isn't ready to receive a large number of deportees at short notice.

2 months ago | abc.net.au | Stephen Dziedzic |Kyle Evans

For two countries meant to have one of the most close-knit relationships in the world, it's an extraordinary stoush. This week, New Zealand's sometimes outspoken Foreign Minister Winston Peters issued a sharp rebuke to the Cook Islands, a sprawling Pacific archipelago that has been in a state of "free association" with Wellington for almost six decades. Two disputes have broken out between the two countries in less than six weeks.

2 months ago | abc.net.au | Kyle Evans

US President Donald Trump has wasted little time since re-entering the White House. After withdrawing from the World Health Organisation and Paris Agreement, he's now put a freeze on all U.S. foreign aid programs for 90 days. It's sparked concern over aid donated to medical programs and infrastructure projects across the world, including in the Pacific. "Over the past decade, the US has spent about  $3 billion in the region.