July 31 Pacific News Brief

photo: 123 RF

Fiji-Baby

A one-year-old boy has died after a fallen coconut tree crushed him in central Fiji.

Fiji Times The child and his mother were reportedly outside their residence in Davuilevu on Sunday when an old tree fell.

He was rushed to Nakasi Health Centre but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Samoa – Guns

Samoa police are implementing a gun amnesty, allowing people to hand in illegal weapons without fear of prosecution.

this samoa observer The event will reportedly run from August 1 to September 30.

Deputy Police Commissioner Papali’i Monalisa Tiai-Keti said if illegal weapons were found during routine police operations, they would be punished by law.

The last amnesty in 2021 resulted in 198 illegal guns being taken out of circulation.

American Samoa – Airport Upgrade

Fitiuta Airport in American Samoa has received a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration.

Tarane News The money will reportedly be used to repair the runway to improve airport safety.

This is the third round of grants issued by the U.S. State Department.

A total of $374 million was awarded to 46 states and American Samoa.

Tonga – Earthquake

The U.S. Geological Survey reported a magnitude 6.0 earthquake off the coast of Tonga Tuesday morning.

Investigations revealed that the earthquake occurred 73 km south-southeast of Panai with a focal depth of 10 km.

The attack occurred just after 2 a.m. Tonga time.

The U.S. Geological Survey rated it “green,” meaning the likelihood of loss of life and property damage is low.

Pacific – Appointment

Noan Pakop of Papua New Guinea has been appointed Director-General of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Secretariat.

Pakop will succeed current Director-General Dr. Manu Tupou-Rosen, who has led the FFA Secretariat since 2018.

Tupou-Rosen said Pakop has more than 30 years of experience in fisheries management.

He is currently serving as special adviser to the Papua New Guinea National Fisheries Authority and is expected to take up the role of FFA director-general in November.