In memorium

Former Cook Islands Prime Minister, Joseph Williams, has died of coronavirus in Auckland. At 82 years of age, Williams was a well-known GP, politician and author, as well as a former Cook Islands Health Minister who had been based in New Zealand in recent years, still serving his community as a doctor.  “Our national has lost a much-loved son”, Prime Minister Henry Puna said in tribute.

A long term campaigner for workers right and fair pay, Father Kevin Barr, has died in Suva at the age of 84.  Father Barr for many years worked to assist Fiji’s most vulnerable urban poor. As we went to press, details for his homecoming mass were still being finalised.

New Zealand’s Consul-General to New Caledonia, French Polynesia and Wallis and Futuna, Bruce Shepherd, has died in Noumea. “Mr Shepherd, whose diplomatic career took him to virtually every corner of the world promoting New Zealand’s interests, will be deeply missed by colleagues here and abroad,” NZ Minister for Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters said.

Palauan music legend, Johnny B has died due to kidney favour. His tape Micronesia was the first commercial recording released by a Palauan, and he had 500 songs in his repertoire and was hugely popular in the north Pacific.

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Niue’s new Premier is Dalton Tagelagi. He won 13 votes to rival O’love Jacobsen’s seven. Tagelagi was previously Minister for the Environment, Natural Resources, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and replaces Sir Toke Talagi. Meanwhile Crossley Tatui has been named as Minister for Finance and Infrastructure, Mona Ainuu is the new minister for Natural Resources and newcomer Sauni Tongatule is the new minister of Social Services. 

New Zealand-based Samoan lawyer, Satiu Simativa Perese, has been sworn as Samoa’s new Chief Justice, replacing the recently retired Patu Falefatu Sapolu. He has worked at the NZ Crown Law Office and is a past President of the Pacific Lawyers Society and member of the NZ Human Rights Tribunal.

Kiribati’s Parliament has elected its first female Speaker, former Opposition member Tangariki Reete. She is a former Minister of Women, Youth and Social Affairs.

Musie Werror is the new Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer at Ok Tedi Mining, replacing Peter Graham, who is now Chairman and Acting Managing Director at Kumul Minerals Holdings. From Madang, Werror was formerly Deputy Chief CEO and General Manager Employee and External Relations. He first joined OTML under the Graduate Development Scheme in 1988.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna has taken over the Police portfolio in a Cabinet reshuffle. The portfolio had been held by Vaine (Mac) Mokoroa, who is now Education Minister. There had been tension between Mokoroa and the Police Commissioner over the later’s contract and tenure.

In Vanuatu, the Acting Director of the Department of Hospital and Curative Services, Russel Tamata, has been named as  the new Director General of the Ministry of Health. Tamata takes over  from Johnson Wabaiat, who is now the Acting Director of the Department of Hospital and Curative Services. In other appointments, the former boss of the  Vanuatu Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee, Henry Tavoa, has been appointed as Director of the Department of Youth and Sports Development.

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Professor Sushila Chang is the new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Fiji. Professor Chang came from Cardiff Metropolitan University where she was Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic. 

Ilalegagana Kenesareta Moananu is the first Samoan woman to quality to captain an ocean-going vessel. The 30-year-old was amongst the 136 graduates of the Samoa Shipping Corporation Maritime Academy presented with their certificates recently.

Lawyer and magistrate Abuera Uruaaba has been sworn-in as the new Chief Registrar of the Kiribati Judiciary. “I’m happy to be appointed as the new Chief Registrar to administer and support services in the Judiciary,” Uruaaba told Radio Kiribati news.

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NEW Caledonia’s new President is Thierry Santa. The anti-independence politician was elected by 11 Government members in June. he is part of the ‘Future with Confidence’ coalition.

Reverend David Vunagi is the new Governor General for the Solomon Islands. he was a former Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia. hailing from Isabel Province, Vunagi was the sole nominee for the position.

Dr Teuea Toatu is Kiribati’s new Vice President, replacing Kourabi Nenem. He is the current Minister for Finance and Economic Development, and the member for the constituency of Abalang.

Marshall Islands Chief secretary Ben Graham has returned to the Asian Development Bank after a productive stint with the Marshall Islands government. At his official farewell, Graham was praised by RMI Government officials for being a remarkable leader with integrity.

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