Briefs
American SamoaAmerican Samoa has issued a public health emergency after an outbreak of measles has spread across the U.S. territory. Dr Scott Anesi, the department’s lead epidemiologist, said 31 suspected cases
Kite Pareti
PALM departures: 147 workers bound for aged care, horticulture and other jobs
Last week, 147 Fijians underwent pre-departure training prior to working in Australia, amongst them, 56-year-old Ema Navunisaravi, who is going as carer to Western Australia. She says looking after the vulnerable in the
Niue goes to polls with 30 percent of seats already decided
A total of 1,167 Niuean voters get a chance to elect a new parliament this weekend. They will choose from the 17 candidates lining up for the six common roll seats, while six of the 14 village seats have already
Influenza B Flu outbreak closes schools in Samoa
Schools in Samoa have been closed for a further week as more than two thousand cases of the Influenza B flu have been recorded affecting mainly children. The public notice was issued Thursday by the Director of
PNG climate change officials accused of skimming US$1.3 million in public funds
Senior staff at the government body responsible for carrying out Papua New Guinea’s climate change response are facing major criminal proceedings after the alleged misappropriation of more than $2 million (US$1.3
Six killed in Porgera
Porgera in Enga is in disarray following the killing of six people on Wednesday night, forcing the closure of schools and businesses as the “guerilla warfare” continues. Porgera gold mine Lease for Mining Purpose
UNAIDS: Cook Islands’ original path toward equality
On 14 April, members of the Cook Islands rainbow community assembled at parliament with colourful flags and cautious optimism. It turned out to be the day they’d been working toward for the last twelve years.
Solomon Airlines and Air Vanuatu strengthen partnership
Solomon Airlines has confirmed the next phase of partnership cooperation with next-door neighbour Air Vanuatu, establishing a wet lease (ACMI) agreement as the carriers take an important step in improving synergies and
Palau anticipates Compact to be signed next month
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr unveiled some of the details of the new economic package under the renegotiated provisions of the nation’s Compact of Free Association with Washington. Palau stands to receive
More recruitment by StarKist anticipated
There could be employment for Samoans in the neighbouring country of American Samoa as the Starkist fish processing plant looks for workers. This was one of the outcomes from the third Atoa o Samoa Executive Meeting.
U.S. President Joe Biden to visit PNG on his way to Australia
Planning is underway for United States President Joe Biden to make a historic visit to Papua New Guinea on his way to Australia next month as the U.S. continues to ramp up its diplomatic push in the Pacific. PNG and
Restrictions on American Samoa in Samoa
American Samoans have to comply with the strict health guidelines set by the Government of Samoa when entering the country as the nation tries to prevent measles from coming in. The neighbouring country has confirmed
More China aid likely: Qian Bo
There is likely to be more China aid inbound to Samoa following a meeting on Monday between China’s Special Envoy for Pacific Island Countries Affairs and Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa. In a press briefing
PNG Police take video of meth session
Papua New Guinea Police Commissioner David Manning has confirmed that a video circulating on social media, showing officers allegedly smoking methamphetamine is being investigated by the National Drug and Vice Squad.
Measles outbreak in American Samoa
American Samoa has issued a public health emergency after an outbreak of measles has spread across the U.S. territory. As of Tuesday, there has been one laboratory-confirmed case among an 8-year-old and 31 suspected
Koroibete looking to take game to next level after second John Eales Medal
Marika Koroibete hopes to take his electrifying game to even greater heights after clinching a second John Eales Medal as Australian rugby’s Player of the Year. Despite only playing nine Tests in 2022, the
Contaminated cough syrup made in India found in Western Pacific: WHO
Contaminated cough syrup made by an Indian company has been found in the Marshall Islands and Micronesia, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Tuesday, after a spate of child deaths linked to similar syrups in
New data reveal links between Korean vessels and illegal fishing in Pacific
A fish carrier sailing under the flag of South Korea was recently denied permission to unload a tuna catch of over 4,000 kgs, estimated to be worth 250 million baht (US$7.2 million), in Bangkok. However,
16 escapees shot dead in PNG
Sixteen inmates were shot dead while attempting to escape from a prison, one is in hospital and seven are on the run, according to PNG Correctional Services (CS) commissioner, Stephen Pokanis. “(Altogether) 24
Suspended PNG MP Kramer asks for alternate penalty
Suspended Minister for Immigration and Member for Madang Bryan Kramer is likely to know by Friday, on what penalty he will be slapped with by the Leadership Tribunal enquiring in to misconduct allegations against him.
Australia to order military build-up in response to China’s growing power
The Australian military will be rapidly transformed to prepare for a possible conflict between China and the United States. An unclassified version of a major defense review published Monday recommends that Australia
Cowboys sign PNG quartet
The Cowboys have signed four Papua New Guinea Orchids players ahead of their inaugural NRLW season with Essay Banu, Shellie Long, Jessikah Reeves and Sera Koroi all joining the club. Having all featured recently at the
Tonga and Samoa netters start Aus tourney on the right foot
Defending champs Tonga Tala thrash Singapore 85-40 to open their account on the Gold Coast. Tonga and Samoa recorded victories in their first round of matches at the PacificAUS Sports Netball Series on the Gold Coast in