Page 6 - IB March 2025

Briefs Briefs

a more reasonable process for exercising the people’s will.
The Government is now looking at legal options.
American Samoa
The American Senate has unanimously passed a b ill
removing the 10% cap on local investments by the American
Samoa Government Employees Retirement Fund (ASGERF). French Polynesia
Supporters argue it will strengthen the local economy, but French customs officers at Tahiti-Faa’a International
concerns remain over the Government’s unpaid US$9.4 million Airport have arrested a US citizen after discovering 5kg of
contribution bill and potential governance issues. ASGERF methamphetamine hidden in children’s toys in his luggage.
board member, Fuiavailili Keniseli Lafaele, warns the change A second individual, who was waiting for the traveller at the
could destabilise the Fund, with reduced federal grants and airport, was also taken into custody. Investigations continue.
economic downturns posing additional risks.

Guam
Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero has called for bold
A proposed EUCON Silicon Valley Tech Park in Saipan is set to economic measures, including tax cuts for small businesses
transform the CNMI economy, injecting up to US$2.7 billion, and major investments in tourism to drive growth. In a speech
creating 10,000 jobs, and boosting GDP by 30% in five years. to lawmakers, she proposed raising the Business Privilege Tax
The initiative aims to attract global tech firms and talent cap for small businesses from US$500,000 to US$1 million. She
in AI, blockchain, and biotechnology. The three-phase plan also urged legislative support for a second Hotel Occupancy
includes infrastructure development, a tech university, and Tax Bond to revitalise tourism, highlighting competition from
high-end manufacturing.
Thailand and Vietnam.

Cook Islands Kiribati
The Cook Islands’ Christian Church is pushing for a The Metals Company (TMC) has surrendered 74,990 sq km
constitutional amendment to declare the nation Christian, of its Pacific Ocean exploration area after Kiribati ended
following the establishment of a mosque in Rarotonga. its partnership. Kiribati is now exploring deep-sea mining
However Opposition leader Tina Browne argues the proposal ties with China. Kiribati’s Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean
contradicts the constitution’s religious freedom protections, Resources recently met with China’s ambassador to discuss
and Select Committee Chair Tingika Elikana warned it could potential collaboration. TMC CEO Gerard Barron cited poor
breach human rights conventions. Supporters believe non- nodule abundance as the reason for the exit. The company is
Christians should not establish places of worship in the Cook advancing plans in Nauru and Tonga, despite concerns over its
Islands. ecological impact.

Federated States of Micronesia
The World Bank has approved a US$13 million initiative to Marshall Islands
strengthen public financial management in the Federated Search and rescue efforts for a missing 37-foot sea ambulance
States of Micronesia (FSM). The project aims to enhance fiscal in the Marshall Islands have been suspended, but authorities
management systems, streamline procurement, and establish remain committed to locating the vessel and its four crew
internal audits to improve transparency and efficiency. The members. The ambulance disappeared on 3 March while en
project will also train local finance staff and increase public route from Majuro to Mili Atoll for a TB screening campaign.
access to financial records. A joint operation involving the US Coast Guard, US Navy, and
RMI Sea Patrol covered over 52,000 square nautical miles but
found no trace. Debris was later discovered at Jaluit Atoll.
While active search efforts have ceased, Marshall Islands
Fiji authorities and local communities continue to monitor coastal
The Bill to amend Fiji’s 2013 Constitution has been defeated areas for further developments.
in Parliament after failing to meet the required 75% support
threshold. 40 MPs voted in favour, 14 opposed it, and one
abstained - leaving the Government one vote short of the
41 needed. The proposed amendment aimed to lower Nauru
the threshold for constitutional changes and remove the Nauru has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening
requirement for a referendum under Section 160. Prime Pacific involvement in seabed activities following high-
Minister Sitiveni Rabuka defended the move, stating it sought level talks with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in

6 Islands Business, March 2025