American Samoa
The Department of Human and Social Services (DHSS) in American Samoa is investigating Samoans who have returned to Samoa but continue to receive food stamp benefits. DHSS Director Panisia Neueli told a Senate hearing that those found abusing the system will be removed from the programme. DHSS statistics show 3047 Samoans receive food stamps in American Samoa, compared to 1190 American Samoans.
Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands
The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC) of the Northern Mariana Islands has signed a 10-year contract with Phoenix-based MentorAPM for a computerised maintenance management system aimed at modernising CUC’s water and wastewater services across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. The system should also assist in disaster preparedness and asset longevity. The software implementation is expected to be completed by 2025.
Cook Islands
A special select committee has been reviewing submissions on a proposed constitutional amendment to recognise the Cook Islands as a Christian nation. The amendment seeks to enshrine Christianity as the foundation of laws and governance. The Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC), Religious Advisory Council, Law Society, and Justice Secretary Peter Graham have presented submissions to Parliament. While the CICC supports the amendment to preserve national identity, the Law Society raised concerns about its constitutionality and impact on the rule of law.
Federated States of Micronesia
Ambassadors from Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia have met with US officials to discuss recent Executive Orders, the 90-day pause on foreign assistance, and other mutual concerns. They clarified that the immigration-related Orders do not affect FAS citizens under the Compact of Free Association. US officials acknowledged these concerns and assured continued dialogue. The ambassadors also raised the need to minimise disruptions in aid outside Compact sector grants.
Fiji
The British High Commision has pledged to provide FJ$120,000 to support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s legal and public relations initiatives from January to March this year. Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, officiated the signing, expressing gratitude for the UK’s support, highlighting its importance in enhancing media, communication, and capacity-building efforts. She noted that the partnership would aid in promoting national healing through transparent dialogue and strengthening institutional frameworks.
French Polynesia
French Polynesia has recorded 241,570 tourist arrivals in 2024, marking a 1.2% increase from the previous year, according to the latest figures from the Statistics Institute of French Polynesia (ISPF). Despite a slight decline in arrivals from its main source market, the United States, the overall numbers remained positive. Europe, particularly mainland France, remains the second-largest source of visitors. Cruise tourism continues to grow, with 92 cruise liners scheduled to visit this year.
Guam
The Pacific Centre for Island Sustainability has raised concerns over the potential impacts of US President Donald Trump’s policy shifts on Guam and the broader Micronesian region. Former Guam Congressman, Dr Robert Underwood, highlighted fears over funding for the Compacts of Free Association and the consequences of shutting down the US Agency for International Development (USAID). He stressed that how the United States treats Pacific Islands will set a precedent for future relations.
Kiribati
The World Bank has approved a US$110 million grant to boost sustainable economic development on Kiritimati Island, Kiribati. The six-year Kiribati Kiritimati Infrastructure Project will enhance climate-resilient transport links, upgrade Cassidy International Airport, and improve road networks to strengthen domestic and regional connectivity.
Nauru
Nauru’s Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Programme, launched at COP29 in November 2024, is now operational, with its first applications received. The scheme allows investors to obtain Nauru citizenship for US$105,000 within four months, aiming to generate over AU$60 million in its first year—around 20% of government revenue. CEO Edward Clark said the initiative seeks to fund climate infrastructure and attract impact investors. While some caution against such schemes, Clark emphasised strict vetting to protect Nauru’s reputation.
New Caledonia
More than 10,000 people left New Caledonia in 2024, according to Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) President, David Guyenne. Gyunne told public broadcaster NC la 1ère that 10,713 departures, around 4% of the population, were recorded at La Tontouta airport, which handles nearly all population flows. Meanwhile, New Caledonia’s census is set for this year, after being delayed due to last year’s riots.
Niue
Australia’s new High Commissioner to Niue, Olivia Phongkham, has highlighted key priorities for strengthening bilateral ties, including plans to introduce an Australia and Niue Friendship Day. The High Commission, now in its fifth year, operates with a small team of four staff. Phongkham, who took up her post in December, brings two decades of experience in Australian government roles, including as an adviser to the PACER Plus Implementation Unit in Samoa.
Palau
Palau President, Surangel Whipps Jr, has called on global partners to step up in response to the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Whipps highlighted the opportunity for China and India to demonstrate their commitment to climate action. Despite the US exit, Palau, which chairs the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), will continue advocating for global climate action. AOSIS Ambassador Ilana Seid confirmed that funding remains intact, though negotiations will be more challenging without US involvement.
Papua New Guinea
The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) has called for collaboration on a master plan for the Kokoda Track, the country’s premier tourism attraction. Kokoda Track Authority CEO Julius Wargirai highlighted opportunities beyond trekking, including birdwatching, fishing, and rafting. He emphasised that a unified effort is crucial, citing the
recent Kokoda Sanitation Project as a step forward. Campsite owners along the track have formed two associations to enhance visitor experiences.
Samoa
The New Zealand Defence Force has confirmed that salvors are in the final stages of removing diesel fuel and other pollutants from the sunken HMNZS Manawanui. The navy vessel struck a reef off Tafitoala, Upolu, on 5 October 2024, catching fire and sinking the next day, spilling over 200,000 litres of diesel into the ocean. Extracted liquids are being processed in Apia before the remaining waste is returned to New Zealand for disposal. Fishing is banned in the affected area for five months.
Solomon Islands
Honiara is hosting immigration officials from Solomon Islands, Australia, and Papua New Guinea (PNG) to progress the next phase of the Solomon Islands Border Management System. The teams are to develop a new visa system to enhance revenue and border security. PNG and Australian representatives also trained Solomon Islands officials on border policies and visa processing criteria.
Tonga
The People’s Republic of China has donated over 100 boxes of medical supplies to Tonga, including medicine, medical consumables, and equipment for specialties such as gynaecology, orthopaedics, anaesthesia, and pathology. Health Minister Dr Ana ‘Akauola thanked China for its continued support, acknowledging the China Medical Team’s assistance with free medical services over the past six months.
Tuvalu
Efforts are underway for a parliamentary review in Tuvalu, focusing on MPs’ privileges and entitlements under the Prescription of Salaries Act. The review will involve an independent assessment and public consultations. Findings will be shared before the draft outcome is presented in Parliament in March.
Vanuatu
Trade Commissioners in Vanuatu are no longer entitled to diplomatic passports, reversing a 2022 regulation that granted them this privilege. Internal Affairs Minister Andrew Napuat
highlighted reports of misconduct among Trade Commissioners as a key reason for the decision. Concerns over the issuance of diplomatic passports have grown, amid allegations that a former Foreign Affairs Minister profited from selling them, claims Napuat.
