Page 7 - IB April 2025

Briefs Briefs

that commemorates the historic World War II Battle of
Guadalcanal. Declared a protected area in 2017, the park
Nauru will now benefit from vital infrastructure upgrades, including
The Government of the Republic of Nauru has announced a reliable water supply, visitor shelters, restrooms, and a
the closure of its Office of the Consul-General in Bangkok, guardhouse.
Thailand. The office will be replaced with a full Embassy, with
details of its location and opening date to be announced.
Tonga
Tonga has aired its first fully presented weather forecast on
national television, thanks to support from the UK Met Office
Palau
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. has thrown his full support under the Voluntary Cooperation Programme. The milestone
marks a major step forward in improving early warning
behind Australia’s bid to co-host COP31 with Pacific nations, systems for extreme weather events. Director of Tonga
calling it a chance to lead “with credibility and conscience”. Meteorological Services, Laitia Fifita, said the service will
He urged fairness in COP host selections, noting the fossil fuel help the public make better safety decisions.
links of recent hosts. “This is a test of integrity in the global
climate process,” he said, adding he had conveyed the same
message to President Erdogan of Turkey, also vying to host.
Tuvalu
Tuvalu has joined with other Pacific, Caribbean, African,
and Latin American countries to defend a global greenhouse
Papua New Guinea
Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama has condemned the gas levy on shipping emissions at the International Maritime
Organisation (IMO) in London. Technical Advisor Taasi Pitoi
circulation of a manipulated AI-generated video showing him stressed the levy’s importance for vulnerable nations like
in a violent altercation with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Tuvalu to transition to clean energy. Despite broad support,
James Marape.Critics argue that the incident highlights the the levy was sidelined by the Working Group’s Chair. “We’re
growing need for AI literacy in the Pacific. PNG political not here for revenue, but for the survival of our people,” Pitoi
scientist and Australian National University PhD candidate said.
Michael Kabuni acknowledged the video’s inauthenticity
but noted its potential impact on public perception and the
diplomatic process.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu and Australia have announced plans to establish a
Regional Centre of Excellence in Specialist Investigations
Samoa in Vanuatu. Minister of Internal Affairs, Andrew Solomon
Samoa’s power crisis continues, with ongoing electricity Napuat, confirmed that the initiative aims to strengthen
outages affecting homes and businesses. Two weeks after law enforcement and the justice sector across the Pacific.
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa declared a state The Centre will provide advanced training for police forces,
of emergency, the situation remains unresolved. Fiame’s focusing on emerging threats such as cybercrime and drug
government is working to address the power shortages, but analysis.
locals are still enduring periods without electricity.

Solomon Islands
Australia has pledged support for the development of
Bloody Ridge National Park in the Solomon Islands, a site

Islands Business, April 2025 7