Page 6 - IB April 2022

Briefs Briefs

NFP Leader Biman Prasad says it is the official beginning of
a new era, not just for the two political parties but for the
American Samoa country.
Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga has signed a Bill into law which will
establish a Samoan Language Commission and recognise both
Samoan and English as the official languages in the Territory to
“preserve our fa’asamoa [or way of life] and our language,” French Polynesia
Mauga said. The Commission will consist of 15 members from French Polynesia’s president Edouard Fritch has appeared
academic, political and faith-based sectors, and from the lo- in court charged with breaching COVID-19 restrictions. Last
cal community at large. August, Fritch was at the wedding of vice-president Tearii Al-
pha, which was attended by more than 400 people, including
almost the entire government, at the height of the pandemic.
The prosecution has asked for a US$3,200 fine for the presi-
CNMI dent, with the verdict to be announced on June 2.
Governor Ralph DLG Torres was summoned to appear before
the Superior Court “with respect to the information” filed by
the Office of the Attorney General, which charged him with
misconduct in public office, theft and contempt. The AG’s Guam
office said the criminal case against the governor is alleging A new missile defence system for Guam could cost nearly
12 counts of misconduct in public office and one count of US$900 million, according to the proposed defence budget
theft relating to the issuance of airline tickets. The case will for the next fiscal year. The money would be spent to defend
be held by a Guam judge after all five Superior Court judges Guam “against the missile threat from China”, according to a
in CNMI recused themselves from hearing the case. Mean- summary prepared by the military. The military’s budget for
while the CNMI Senate is considering whether to dismiss the the current fiscal year prioritises a “360-degree integrated
articles of impeachment against Torres without conducting an air and missile defence system” to defend the island from
impeachment trial. advanced cruise, ballistic and hypersonic missile threats.

Cook Islands Kiribati
Cook Islands’ $8 minimum wage is under review, although The World Bank has announced a US$14 million Kiribati Health
Prime Minister Mark Brown says businesses would struggle Systems Strengthening Project to provide much-needed health
with any increase. A panel, including members from the support for families and communities across Kiribati. The
Chamber of Commerce, Ministry of Finance and Cook Islands project will improve infrastructure and equipment in Kiri-
Workers Association is expected to make recommendations to bati’s hospitals, health centres and clinics; provide in-service
government later this month (April). The review comes amid training to health workers; and enhance the country’s health
concerns that an increase in New Zealand’s minimum wage (to information systems.
$21.20 per hour) is driving emigration from the Cooks.

Marshall Islands
Federated States of Micronesia Marshall Islands’ access to funds from the U.S. Department
FSM President David Panuelo issued an emergency directive of Health and Human Services (HHS) remains “locked” due
on April 5 in response to the mass resignation of doctors and to reports of alleged misuse of nearly US$1 million in health-
nurses at Yap State Hospital. Panuelo directed the FSM Na- related grants given in 2016 and 2017. The Marshall Islands
tional Task Force to assist Yap in “emergency hiring of medical government reportedly has been unable to produce docu-
personnel” and explore the possibility of bringing back the ments to justify the spending. Deloitte auditors who identified
doctors and nurses “for as long as COVID-19 persists.” Forty its possible misuse, recommended further investigation. The
doctors and nurses resigned from the state hospital after “lock” on funds has been hurting the delivery of Ministry of
their attempts to negotiate current medical staff benefits and Health programs — one grant on hold is over US$200,000 for
salaries with state leaders were rejected. mental health programs, while another COVID-related mental
health grant of US$700,000 is also held up.

Fiji
The People’s Alliance and National Federation Party have
formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding to form a New Caledonia
coalition post-election. PAP Leader Sitiveni Rabuka says the Aircalin has announced the opening of a new long-haul route
agreement is an important step in Fiji’s political rebirth and to Singapore, with 2-3 flights per week. The first outbound
flight is scheduled for July 1 from Noumea.

6 Islands Business, April 2022