Page 6 - IB May 2025

Briefs Briefs

President Aren B. Palik and UNDP’s Kevin Petrini. Funded by
the Global Environment Facility (GEF-6) FSM Invasive Alien
American Samoa Species Project, the scanner will help detect and prevent
US President Donald Trump has reopened parts of the Pacific invasive species, safeguarding local biodiversity.
Remote Islands Marine National Monument to commercial
fishing, drawing praise from American Samoa’s Delegate
to Congress, Uifa’atali Amata Radewagen, who says it will Fiji
boost the tuna fleet and local economy. The move restores Fiji and Japan have signed an exchange of notes to formalise
fishing between 50–200 nautical miles of Wake, Johnston, and Japan’s funding of a new vessel under its Economic Social
Jarvis Islands. Conservationists, however, warn it threatens Development Programme. The vessel, valued at approximately
one of the world’s most pristine marine ecosystems. US$12 million, aims to improve disaster response and
Environmental lawyer David Henkin called it an attack on development efforts on Fiji’s remote islands. Prime Minister
protected waters, while marine biologist Bob Richmond said it Sitiveni Rabuka said the vessel will strengthen Fiji’s capacity
undermines future food security. Trump argues overregulation to respond swiftly to emergencies and deliver essential relief
has harmed US fisheries and made the country overly reliant supplies. He noted it will also support broader development
on seafood imports. goals beyond disaster response.

Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Guam
Residents of Southern Saipan have been warned not to drink Guam is set to welcome new military leadership as top
tap water due to high levels of PFAS contamination, which officials at Joint Task Force – Micronesia (JTF-M), Joint Region
exceed new federal safety standards. Speaking at a public Marianas (JRM), and the 36th Wing at Andersen Air Force
seminar on 8 May, Travis Robert Spaeth, CNMI BECQ’s Safe Base prepare to transfer or retire. US Navy Rear Admiral Greg
Drinking Water Programme Manager, said the chemicals pose Huffman, current commander of JTF-M, will be relieved of his
serious long-term health risks. PFAS, known as “forever duties on May 15 and will assume command of the Navy
chemicals”, have been linked to cancer, liver damage, and Education and Training Command in Florida. Navy Rear Admiral
reproductive issues. While filtration systems are in place, Joshua Lasky will replace Huffman.
Spaeth said levels often remain unsafe. ENRO President Mark
Pangelinan called for increased awareness, noting: “Don’t
drink the tap water, please.” Authorities have monitored PFAS
near the airport since 2015, largely due to historic firefighting Kiribati
foam use. A long-running legal dispute in Kiribati remains unresolved as
former High Court judge David Lambourne, suspended by the
government in 2022, continues to be separated from his
family. The government claims Lambourne withheld
Cook Islands judgement in a case linked to his wife, Tessie Lambourne, the
Three months after signing a Comprehensive Strategic Opposition leader. Lambourne has lived in Australia for the
Partnership with China, Cook Islands Foreign Affairs Minister past year after fearing deportation. The case has also seen
Tingika Elikana confirmed no progress has been made on the departure of several New Zealand judges, including Chief
implementing the agreements. The partnership, signed Justice Bill Hastings. In April 2024, Lambourne was removed
in February during Prime Minister Mark Brown’s state from his position, and his salary was withheld. A recent Court
visit, includes cooperation on economic development, of Appeal ruling allows Lambourne to challenge the validity of
infrastructure, and seabed minerals, but excludes defence. his suspension in the High Court.
Elikana told Cook Islands News that no projects have been
identified for Chinese assistance, apart from a shipping
project predating the agreement. He reaffirmed Cook
Islands’ commitment to traditional partners, New Zealand Marshall Islands
and Australia. Despite previous concerns from New Zealand, The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) has pledged to
Elikana said official-level discussions continue, with hopes of transition to 100% renewable energy by 2045, committing to
raising them to ministerial or prime ministerial levels. the Blue Planet Climate Agreement during the 16th
University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability.
Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine, who signed the
agreement, highlighted the nation’s role in climate action,
Federated States of Micronesia
Kosrae State has received a new X-ray scanning machine to building on its 2050 Climate Strategy for net-zero emissions.
Heine also joined the Green Growth movement, alongside
enhance border security and protect its environment. The leaders like Governor Lou Leon Guerrero of Guam and UOG
handover ceremony, held at Kosrae International Airport, was President Anita Borja Enriquez.
attended by national and state dignitaries, including Vice
.
6 Islands Business, May 2025