[ad_1]
Census officials in Papua New Guinea help people fill out their 2021 census forms in 2020.
photo: Source/Papua New Guinea Census
Papua New Guinea – Population Census
Papua New Guinea’s Minister of Administrative Services Richard Masire said there would be a seven-day “clean-up” after the census.
The census, which was originally scheduled to end on Sunday, has been plagued by problems.
Nationwide The Maseré newspaper reported on Friday that all provinces had received census materials, including digital tablets, and that census operations were still ongoing in most provinces.
He said the extra time would give provinces enough time to complete the census, as many provinces had delayed it due to logistical and financial issues.
He also said that data cleaning exercise will also be carried out till August 30 to accurately determine the country’s population figures.
at the same time, The Courier Election officials said the actual census in the Highlands province will begin this week, Reuters reported on Friday.
Tonga – Budget
The Tonga Legislative Assembly has adopted the country’s annual budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year at US$899.2 million (Tonga Pa’anga, TOP).
Matangi Tonga Online It was reported that the amendment bill of the Appropriation Bill for the 2024/25 financial year was passed by 21 votes after the third reading in Parliament.
In the new budget, 664,210,800 Torados will be allocated to government services from July 1.
Finance Minister Tiofilusi Tiueti told parliament that the budget would be financed by the government and donor development partners.
The government’s national budget theme is to “prioritise its most valuable asset – the Tongan people, and build a strong and inclusive society where everyone can thrive”.
The raid was sparked by reports from the public that drugs were being dealt at the market.
photo: Samoa Police, Prisons and Correctional Services
Samoa – Drugs
Several members of Parliament mentioned that drug crime has increased in Samoa.
One legislator stressed the growing involvement of young people in drug-related crimes, while another stressed the urgent need to strengthen security measures in light of rising crime rates.
this samoa observer The report said the same sentiments were expressed by MPs from across the constituencies, who unanimously stressed the need for immediate attention to these pressing issues.
Reacting to this, Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Vaai, said the new X-ray scanners in Mata-Utu will enhance national security.
He said it was a proactive measure to prevent the flow of illegal drugs into the country.
The exponential growth in methamphetamine seizures shows how rampant the drug is in Samoa, and police are also concerned that illegal guns may be found during methamphetamine raids.
New Zealand/Tuvalu – Visit
Greens MP Huhana Lyndon said she was keen to meet with health officials in Tuvalu.
Tuvalu went to the polls in January this year to elect a new parliament of 16 members.
Linden’s visit is part of a UN program to support newly elected local lawmakers.
She said that in addition to working with the newly elected MPs, she was also eager to learn more about Tuvalu’s health system.
Linden said several Australian lawmakers were also participating in the program.
New Zealand/Pacific – Coastwatch
Across the Pacific, World War II coastwatchers are about to be honoured in New Zealand.
During the war, a network of civilian and military personnel monitored enemy aircraft and ships around the clock from stations across the Pacific.
For decades, civilian coastwatchers in the Pacific Islands have not received the same recognition as their New Zealand counterparts.
In 1942, 17 New Zealand coastwatchers and five other Allied prisoners of war were executed by Japanese personnel on Tarawa Island.
This week (Tuesday 2 July) Aotearoa Governor Dame Cindy Kiro will present certificates to the families of 25 Pacific Island Coastwatchers in recognition of their service.
Palau – Grant
The U.S. Department of the Interior announced a new $7 million grant to Palau under the Compact of Free Association (COFA).
Department Assistant Secretary Carmen Cantor announced $6 million in COFA infrastructure maintenance grants for fiscal years 2022, 2023 and 2024, including $1 million in technical assistance program funding through the Office of Insular Affairs.
this Pacific Islands Times The grants are reportedly the result of three years of U.S. contributions to supplement Palau’s education and health facilities, water supply systems, maintenance of Palau’s national capital, road repairs and other important projects.
Palau – Fungi
Fungus suspected of causing widespread die-off of native trees in Palau In the past three years.
this Uduyiud The tree is endemic to Palau and has important cultural significance.
this Island Times The suspected culprit is a Brazilian fungus that has spread to Southeast Asia, according to reports.
Experts at home and abroad are working hard to confirm this.
Authorities urged residents to report unusual tree deaths, disinfect tree-felling tools and avoid moving dead uduid wood to other areas where it could spread the fungus.
[ad_2]
Source link
