PNG’s big bills
Papua New Guinea government offices have been able to move back into their premises after temporarily being locked out over non-payment of rent, but the matter had to go to court for that to happen. The National Court ordered locks be removed from four premises while the national government agreed to pay another rent instalment of K30M (US$8.5 million) to its landlords, Nambawan Supa Limited. The agencies affected included the Department of Finance, Department of Treasury, Department of Lands, Department of National Planning and Internal Revenue Commission. Rent still due amounts to K90 million (US$25 million) and the government has undertaken to pay it in instalments. Nambawan says the arrears accrued over three years, and “have already impacted the returns for members causing fewer funds available to reinvest and grow.” Prime Minister James Marape has suggested that a long-term solution may be for government to buy the premises it occupies outright. Meanwhile, local media reported that the government owed PNG Power Limited around K90 million (USD25.6 million) in unsettled power bills.
Terminated and appalled
The fallout from Samoa’s acrimonious election continues, with the government terminating the term for the President of the Lands and Titles Court, Fepuleai Atila Ropati, after the Head of State re-assented the Lands and Titles Court Act 2020. The court and its powers were one of the pivotal issues of the election. Local media reports that the Land and Titles Court matters have been on hold for almost a year due to uncertainty over the status of its leadership and judges. Meanwhile, now- suspended Lepa MP and former PM, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi has criticised suggestions from an umbrella CSO body to repeal Samoa’s 10% women MP parliamentary quota provision. Samoa Umbrella for Non-Governmental Organisations (SUNGO) has called for a review of how women are encouraged to stand for office during general elections, saying removal of the 10% quota is a “pathway” for women in Samoa to enter parliament. Tuilaepa said he was ‘appalled’ by the suggestion , which has proved to be divisive for Samoan voters and women’s advocacy groups.
FSM’s Robo-champs
Students form Pohnpei competing in an international robotics competition in Switzerland had a very successful outing despite a few hiccups returning with the title “First among small countries”. The Pohnpei Island Central School (PICS) students competed at the FIRST Global International Robotics Challenge, where the challenge was to build collaboratively using robotics to address climate change issues. They overcame their own challenges to do so; the carefully crafted robot, built and customised by the PICS team, was lost in the connecting flights from Pohnpei to Switzerland. The students managed to get a new robot and build it up to the approved competition standards. They returned home to water cannons saluting their plane as it landed, and a cheering group of dignitaries and students waiting for them off the runway.
MTC’s lucrative Nauru gig
The American company now running Australia’s offshore processing regime in Nauru will be paid more than US$750,000 per day for administering “garrison and welfare services” to the remaining 111 refugees and asylum seekers on the island. Management and Training Corporation (MTC) was controversially awarded the US$30 million contract earlier this year. MTC runs prisons and immigration detention centre in the U.S.
Guam’s PIF bid
The suggestion that Guam may seek to join the Pacific Islands Forum has raised a few eyebrows. It comes as Kiribati remains outside the political grouping, and other Micronesian members continue to work through the fine print of their continued engagement. There are concerns that having Guam at the table would give the United States disproportionate access and influence over Forum deliberations. Historically, similar concerns have been aired over France’s influence via New Caledonia and French Polynesia. Guam’s Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio said, “We have, in Guam, a very big desire to be part of discussions that are going to promote regionalism.”
Bougainville tension
The visit by Australia’s deputy PM to PNG raised a red flag for the Autonomous Bougainville government (ABG), which accused him of “veiled threats” over the future of Bougainville. Responding to questions from journalists, Richard Marles noted that they will stand behind PNG Prime Minister James Marape: “Our job is to support Papua New Guinea. And that’s what we’re going to do.” ABG president, Ishmael Toroama, was livid, saying it showed Australia was no longer neutral on the issue. “It has become clear now why our requests for resources and assistance for independence preparatory related activities such as the Bougainville Constitutional Planning Commission have been ignored,” Toroama continued. Marles later stated that there had been no change in Australia’s policy, and it would support “whatever political settlement is agreed by the parties”, but the wounds of the Bougainville war and Australia’s role in the conflict are clearly easily reopened.
Fukushima fallout
China has threatened to step up regulations on food products imported from Japan once release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant commences. Japan intends to release over 1.25 million tonnes of treated wastewater despite protests from Pacific Island nations and other neighbouring countries. Hong Kong authorities have said they may also revise their food regulations in line with China.
