August 15 Pacific News Brief

Fiji – Airline Debt

Fiji Airways’ annual report shows the airline has a debt of FJD 682 million in 2023.

this Fiji Times This was reportedly a drop of nearly FJD 100 million from the previous year.

It achieved this by refinancing its debt.

The company also recorded revenue of 1.8 billion Fijian dollars, the highest earnings in the national airline’s 70-year history.

New Caledonia – Unrest

Hundreds of pro-independence activists demonstrated in New Caledonia to mark three months since civil unrest broke out.

AFP It is reported that the 13th of each month will be designated as a “memorial day” for some people.

In a commune north of Noumea, roadblocks had been lifted but “speed bumps” made of thick ropes forced drivers to slow down.

CCAT members raised a black flag next to a pro-independence flag in memory of the ten victims.

The curfew remains in effect.

Vanuatu – Politics

A no-confidence motion in the leadership of Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai has been dropped for now following a ministerial reshuffle.

this Vanuatu Daily Post The Union of Moderate Parties (UMP) and the Vanua’aku Party are reportedly trying to reach a memorandum of agreement.

Since then, two MPs from the Alliance for a Popular Movement, Nako Natuman and Anatole Hymak, have been removed from their posts as agriculture and education ministers.

After the national referendum, the UMP was the only major party to have MPs in both opposition and government, two of whom served in ministerial positions and two in government backbenches.

Tonga – Accommodation

The Tongan Prime Minister is confident that 140 prefabricated container homes will be built in and around Nuku’alofa by Friday.

Matangi Tonga The houses were reportedly built to house delegations attending the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, which is being hosted by Tonga in the last week of August.

But with many delegates arriving starting next week and with nowhere to stay, the competition is on.

At least 1,000 people are expected to arrive in Tonga for the summit.

American Samoa – Rehabilitation

A representative of the American Samoa House of Representatives inquired about the possibility of building a drug rehabilitation centre.

Fiu Johnny Saelua, a deputy in the Leon House of Representatives, said drug addicts walk the streets begging to support their addiction.

Feu said the Territorial Correctional Facility is not the answer, but there should be a place where drug addicts can receive counselling and break free from their addiction to drugs.

House Public Safety Committee Chair Avagafono Vaimaga Maiava plans to hold a hearing with several officials, including a member of the Governor’s Drug and Alcohol Commission, on Wednesday morning (American Samoa time).

Palau – Ocean

New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister announced greater cooperation with Palau on marine resources.

Winston Peters said marine resources are an important source of food and economic security for the Pacific.

He said New Zealand would provide funding to help Palau strengthen management of its oceans and marine resources, which would improve Palau’s ability to implement its marine plan, small-scale climate-smart fisheries and marine conservation.

Papua New Guinea – Protests

A women’s group in Papua New Guinea has taken it upon itself to clean public places and advocate for peaceful living in Chimbu Province.

The group, Nimai Mama Krai, is dealing with an unprecedented surge in alcohol-related problems.

this The Courier The women marched to Koge market in protest after unruly youths reportedly disrupted the community by drinking cheap alcohol and smoking marijuana.

The protests attracted the participation of police, teachers, health workers, land/peace mediators, village court officials and church representatives.

People are calling on young people not to get addicted to alcohol and drugs.