Page 6 - IB February 2025

Briefs Briefs

its importance in enhancing media, communication, and
capacity-building efforts. She noted that the partnership
American Samoa would aid in promoting national healing through transparent
The Department of Human and Social Services (DHSS) in dialogue and strengthening institutional frameworks.
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. French Polynesia
DHSS statistics show 3047 Samoans receive food stamps in French Polynesia has recorded 241,570 tourist arrivals in
American Samoa, compared to 1190 American Samoans. 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
Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands from its main source market, the United States, the overall
The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC) of the numbers remained positive. Europe, particularly mainland
Northern Mariana Islands has signed a 10-year contract with France, remains the second-largest source of visitors. Cruise
Phoenix-based MentorAPM for a computerised maintenance tourism continues to grow, with 92 cruise liners scheduled to
management system aimed at modernising CUC’s water and visit this year.
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 Guam
completed by 2025.
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
Cook Islands region. Former Guam Congressman, Dr Robert Underwood,
A special select committee has been reviewing submissions highlighted fears over funding for the Compacts of Free
on a proposed constitutional amendment to recognise Association and the consequences of shutting down the US
the Cook Islands as a Christian nation. The amendment Agency for International Development (USAID). He stressed
seeks to enshrine Christianity as the foundation of laws that how the United States treats Pacific Islands will set a
and governance. The Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC), precedent for future relations.
Religious Advisory Council, Law Society, and Justice Secretary
Peter Graham have presented submissions to Parliament.
While the CICC supports the amendment to preserve Kiribati
national identity, the Law Society raised concerns about its The World Bank has approved a US$110 million grant to boost
constitutionality and impact on the rule of law. sustainable economic development on Kiritimati Island,
Kiribati. The six-year Kiribati Kiritimati Infrastructure Project
will enhance climate-resilient transport links, upgrade
Federated States of Micronesia Cassidy International Airport, and improve road networks to
Ambassadors from Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the strengthen domestic and regional connectivity.
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 Marshall Islands
the Compact of Free Association. US officials acknowledged The Marshall Islands has established its first marine
these concerns and assured continued dialogue. The protected area, covering 48,000 square kilometres across
ambassadors also raised the need to minimise disruptions in Bikar and Bokak Atolls. The initiative, supported by National
aid outside Compact sector grants. Geographic’s Pristine Seas team, aims to safeguard vital
marine biodiversity. Researchers found thriving coral reefs,
rare fish species, and the largest green turtle nesting colony
in the country. The initiative aims to ensure long-term
Fiji protection for marine life while benefiting local communities.
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 Nauru
Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, officiated the signing, Nauru’s Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship
expressing gratitude for the UK’s support, highlighting Programme, launched at COP29 in November 2024, is now

6 Islands Business, February 2025