Page 7 - IB May 2025

Briefs Briefs

Papua New Guinea
Nauru People in Enga Province in PNG have been warned they will
Nauru’s ambitions to commercially mine the seabed are face arrest and charges if caught carrying offensive weapons
facing challenges following a recent executive order by in public. Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent
President Donald Trump - aimed at fast-tracking ocean Fred Yakasa told local media that items such as bush knives,
mining. The order, signed on April 25, directs US agencies axes, sharp objects, guns, bullets, and cartridges will be
to expedite mining permits in US and international waters, confiscated immediately. “I’ve instructed all police and
bypassing long-standing international sea laws. The Metals security officers not to entertain any excuses,” Yakasa said.
Company, in partnership with Nauru, has filed for US permits The move follows a series of violent incidents, including
after struggling to gain a commercial licence through the people being slashed in broad daylight, which often triggers
International Seabed Authority (ISA).
further unrest and tribal fighting.

New Caledonia (Kanaky) Samoa
New Caledonia has imposed stringent security measures Samoa’s ruling FAST Party is seeking a Supreme Court ruling
following aborted political talks and ahead of the first on the legality of Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa
anniversary of the deadly May 2024 riots. From May 12 governing with a minority, in a bid to force early elections.
to 15, all public demonstrations will be banned in the FAST Chairman La’auli Leuatea Schmidt claims the situation is
Greater Nouméa area. Restrictions on the sale of firearms, unconstitutional and wants parliament dissolved. But Fiame
ammunition, and takeaway alcohol have been implemented. dismissed the call, saying there is no crisis and parliament
This follows violent clashes in Dumbéa, where roadblocks must first agree to any early poll, which she doubts will
were attempted. To reinforce law and order, 2600 officers— happen. The political standoff follows a split in January that
including elite SWAT teams—will be deployed. French saw Fiame oust La’auli from Cabinet and expel her from FAST.
authorities are aiming for a zero-tolerance policy against Despite leading a minority, Fiame has twice survived
urban violence. no-confidence votes this year, securing cross-party and
. independent support.

Niue
Former Oceania table tennis champion Ocean Belrose visited Solomon Islands
Niue recently to support the growth of the sport. The 11-time Solomon Islands’ newly appointed Rural Development
Pacific Games Champion and current Development Officer Minister, Daniel Waneoroa, has quit the Inter-Parliamentary
for ITTF Oceania, based in Tahiti, has over 20 years of Alliance on China (IPAC) amid allegations of pressure from
experience as a player and coach. During his visit, he China’s embassy in Honiara. Waneoroa said the move was to
highlighted the potential for developing table tennis in support political unity under Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.
Niue, which already has an existing Table Tennis Association. However, civil society group Transparency Solomon Islands and
Belrose, who aims to relaunch the Oceania development IPAC accused Beijing of “bullying” and threatening to
programme in the region, expressed his excitement at the withdraw development funding due to Waneoroa’s links with
skills and enthusiasm shown by locals at a recent tournament IPAC, a group critical of China’s global influence. China’s
in Alofi. embassy denied the allegations, calling them “baseless”.

Tonga
Palau Tongan Prime Minister Dr ‘Aisake Valu Eke remains optimistic
The Palau Government has taken initial steps towards about the upcoming November election, emphasising his
replacing traditional paper passports with electronic versions government’s commitment to doing its best while leaving
or e-passports. Minister of State Gustav Aitaro confirmed the final decision to the Tongan people. Since taking office in
that preliminary work has started, with the focus on December, Dr Eke has focused on improving public services,
developing the legal framework and regulations. The project, including the introduction of measures to enhance efficiency
backed by a US$4.7 million grant from Japan, will eventually and the revival of national exams. He also outlined ongoing
see the introduction of e-passports next year. Aitaro noted recovery efforts from the 2022 volcanic eruption, with plans
that the next phase will involve procuring the necessary to complete housing for affected families by June. Dr Eke also
machines for production.
highlighted concerns over the welfare of seasonal workers
abroad and called for better pastoral care.

Islands Business May 2025 7