August 2 Pacific News Brief

Solomon Islands – Diplomacy

The leader of a Solomon Islands independence group has questioned whether the island nation is still a free country.

this Singapore Business Council Peter Kenilorea Jr was reportedly responding to a statement from the government.

The statement accused Peter Kenilorea Jr of violating the one-China principle and seeking to undermine the Solomon Islands government’s relationship with Beijing – following his attendance at the Inter-Parliamentary Union conference in Taiwan this week.

Kenny Lorea said he was clearly there in his personal capacity and the government’s statement was misleading and regrettable.

Earlier, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manele issued an order requiring Solomon Islands government officials or public servants not to visit, contact or make any commitments with Taiwan.

Kenny Loria said the government should promote rather than restrict citizens’ constitutional freedoms.

Vanuatu – Taxation

Prime Minister Charlot Salwai says tax revenues in Vanuatu are falling.

He stressed that Vanuatu was placed on the EU blacklist due to concerns among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries about money laundering and allowing foreign taxpayers to hide and transfer funds without paying taxes.

On the other hand, he said citizens work in other countries, pay taxes there but do not contribute to Vanuatu.

He also questioned whether dual nationals investing overseas should be considered tax evasion. Vanuatu Daily Post report.

Fiji – Bainimarama

Former Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama is under investigation for allegedly making unauthorised calls from prison.

In a statement, Fiji’s Correctional Services Department confirmed it was investigating the authorised use of Bainimarama’s phone, which was only allowed by the High Court to track his pacemaker app.

According to local media reports, Bainimarama is currently under investigation for making private phone calls, which is a violation of prison management regulations.

Fiji – Courts

The Fiji Judicial Services Commission has confirmed that a tribunal investigating suspended prosecutor Christopher Pride will open next month.

Pride, a New Zealand citizen, served as DPP from 2011 until he was suspended in April 2023 over allegations of misconduct.

The tribunal began its work in February and has held several pre-trial conferences with Pryde’s lawyers.

Earlier this month, Pride called on the New Zealand government to help.

But Foreign Minister Winston Peters said it was a matter between him and the Fijian government.

Fiji – Climate

45 villages in Fiji need to be relocated due to the impacts of climate change.

Fijian Affairs Permanent Secretary Pita Tagicakirewa said all of Fiji was vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, even the highland areas.

He said the worst-hit areas were coastal and seaside villages.

Fijian Village According to reports, a team is currently working to relocate a village in Dreketi and Cogea village in Vanua Levu.

Papua New Guinea – Cannabis

Police in Papua New Guinea have confiscated half a tonne (500 kilograms) of cannabis.

this The Courier According to the Kagua police chief, Mark Zena, his men, acting on intelligence, went to Kaiam village and seized 13 bags of marijuana.

Zeina said the suspect had fled when police raided the village.

He said the Nankaido-Kikori highway had become a hotbed for illegal gun and drug smuggling.

He said police needed more manpower and logistical help to tackle the problem.

Deputy Police Commissioner Samson Kua said the matter was under investigation.

Papua New Guinea – Cocoa

Cocoa farmers in Papua New Guinea’s East Sepik Province have received 35 solar-powered cocoa dryers.

The Australian High Commission, which is funding the project, hopes the dryers will help farmers transition from kiln drying, which produces smoke pollution, to more environmentally friendly methods. The National Report.

It is expected to benefit more than 3,000 households and product quality is also expected to improve.

Northern Mariana Islands – Transportation

Many local marine operators in the Northern Mariana Islands may no longer be able to provide transportation to Managaha Island, a popular tourist destination.

New regulations proposed by the Department of Public Lands would limit access to Managaha Island to the master concessionaire and specific operators.

this saipan tribune Many operators are reportedly frustrated and will have to shut down transport operations.

Marine operators have had preliminary meetings with the Department of Public Lands.

New Zealand – Health

Two young Pacific researchers are working with the South Auckland community to tackle two major health issues facing Māori and Pacific people.

Postdoctoral fellows Dr Siobhan Tu’akoi and Dr Samuela Ofanoa are researching rheumatic fever inequalities and gout interventions in the Pacific.

Dr Tu’akoi said they wanted to ensure their community took the lead, not the so-called experts.

Rheumatic fever and gout are both serious problems in New Zealand.