Page 7 - IB February 2025

Briefs Briefs

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 Samoa
its first year—around 20% of government revenue. CEO Edward The New Zealand Defence Force has confirmed that salvors
Clark said the initiative seeks to fund climate infrastructure are in the final stages of removing diesel fuel and other
and attract impact investors. While some caution against such pollutants from the sunken HMNZS Manawanui. The navy
schemes, Clark emphasised strict vetting to protect Nauru’s vessel struck a reef off Tafitoala, Upolu, on 5 October 2024,
reputation. 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
New Caledonia area for five months.
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 Solomon Islands
la 1ère that 10,713 departures, around 4% of the population, Honiara is hosting immigration officials from Solomon Islands,
were recorded at La Tontouta airport, which handles nearly Australia, and Papua New Guinea (PNG) to progress the next
all population flows. Meanwhile, New Caledonia’s census is set phase of the Solomon Islands Border Management System. The
for this year, after being delayed due to last year’s riots.
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
Niue processing criteria.
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 Tonga
Day. The High Commission, now in its fifth year, operates with The People’s Republic of China has donated over 100
a small team of four staff. Phongkham, who took up her post boxes of medical supplies to Tonga, including medicine,
in December, brings two decades of experience in Australian medical consumables, and equipment for specialties such
government roles, including as an adviser to the PACER Plus as gynaecology, orthopaedics, anaesthesia, and pathology.
Implementation Unit in Samoa. 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.
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 Tuvalu
the opportunity for China and India to demonstrate their Efforts are underway for a parliamentary review in Tuvalu,
commitment to climate action. Despite the US exit, Palau, focusing on MPs’ privileges and entitlements under the
which chairs the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), Prescription of Salaries Act. The review will involve an
will continue advocating for global climate action. AOSIS independent assessment and public consultations. Findings
Ambassador Ilana Seid confirmed that funding remains intact, will be shared before the draft outcome is presented in
though negotiations will be more challenging without US Parliament in March.
involvement.
Vanuatu
Trade Commissioners in Vanuatu are no longer entitled to
Papua New Guinea
The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) diplomatic passports, reversing a 2022 regulation that granted
them this privilege. Internal Affairs Minister Andrew Napuat
has called for collaboration on a master plan for the Kokoda highlighted reports of misconduct among Trade Commissioners
Track, the country’s premier tourism attraction. Kokoda as a key reason for the decision. Concerns over the issuance
Track Authority CEO Julius Wargirai highlighted opportunities of diplomatic passports have grown, amid allegations that a
beyond trekking, including birdwatching, fishing, and rafting. former Foreign Affairs Minister profited from selling them,
He emphasised that a unified effort is crucial, citing the claims Napuat.
recent Kokoda Sanitation Project as a step forward. Campsite
owners along the track have formed two associations to
enhance visitor experiences.

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