Page 7 - IB September 2024

Briefs Briefs

October. Samoa Observer reported that more than 3000 rooms
at various accommodations have been accredited to host
New Caledonia delegations. The CHOGM brings together delegations from
Aircalin’s ATR 72-600 aircraft’s first flight to Vanuatu is 56 nations from Africa, the Caribbean and Americas, Europe,
scheduled for October 3, departing from La Tontouta Asia, and the Pacific.
International Airport. The flights will operate under a
codeshare agreement with Aircalin twice a week. Air
Calédonie CEO, Daniel Houmbouy, said it demonstrated “our Solomon Islands
commitment to ensuring strong connections not only within Struggling Solomon Islands Water Authority is no longer a
the islands of New Caledonia but also across the Pacific State-Owned Enterprise. Known locally as Solomons Water,
region.” the organisation’s troubles have been “exacerbated by the
prolonged construction of sewage systems along the Kukum
Highway,” government says. The government is now looking
at restructuring Solomons Water and how its contractual
Niue
Two changes to the Niue constitution have been signed obligations can be met.
into law after a public referendum last month. The first
amendment changes the name of the government leader from
‘Premier’ to ‘Prime Minister’. The second changes the title of Tonga
‘Audit Office’ to ‘Auditor General of New Zealand’. BCN News A group of Tonga’s legal professionals have launched a petition
reports there was a resounding no vote to the proposal to calling for the removal of the newly appointed Chief Justice,
increase the members of the Cabinet and extend the term of Welshman Malcolm Bishop. Some members of the Tonga Law
the Niue Assembly. Society argue the appointment is inappropriate. Society
President Lopeti Senituli confirmed the petition is circulating,
and that at least two members had signed it. However, Henry
‘Aho, former President of Tonga’s Leiti’s Association, criticised
Palau the petition. “I think these objections are themselves
Palau’s presidential election is taking place on November objectionable,” ‘Aho said. “Their [legal practitioners’] sexual
5 with incumbent President Surangel Whipps Jr and former orientation has no bearing on their ability to execute their
four-term President Tommy E Remengesau Jr - facing off for duties.”
the second time. The rising cost of living is a key issue on the
campaign trail, specifically the 10% Palau goods and services
tax. Whipps Jr says the tax has generated significant revenue Tuvalu
for government programmes while Remengesau argues it Talua Nivaga, Vice-President of the Tuvalu National Youth
has shifted the burden from big businesses to the ordinary Council, has told visiting World Bank President, Ajay Banga,
consumer. that climate migration should be a last resort. Nivaga stressed
the importance of creating jobs and providing skills training
for young people on the island, including the skills necessary
Papua New Guinea for those who might eventually migrate due to climate
Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape survived pressures, in his talks with Banga. “We need to equip our
a Vote of No Confidence against his leadership 75 to 32. youth not only to survive but to thrive, whether they stay
Government numbers supported maintaining PM Marape with here or have to move,” he said.
the Opposition unable to gain favour to have its Alternate PM
Rainbo Paita lead. While acknowledging Marape’s continued
leadership, Opposition leader, Douglas Tomuriesa, highlighted Vanuatu
ongoing issues that he believes require the Prime Minister’s Paul Kaun has officially begun his role as the General Manager
urgent attention, including the Foreign Exchange Market and of the Vanuatu National Provident Fund (VNPF), ten months
inflation in the country. after being appointed and publicly announced by the VNPF
Board. Kaun explained that the delay was due to having
to wait for Fit and Proper Clearance from the Financial
Intelligence Unit and the Reserve Bank of Vanuatu, and
Samoa because the former Finance Minister had not endorsed him.
Samoa Tourism Authority Chief Executive, Toleafoa Pativaine
Petaia–Tevita says there is enough room available for visitors
attending the Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting in

Islands Business, September 2024 7