July 8 Pacific News Brief

Papua New Guinea – Mines

Papua New Guinea’s Porgera gold mine may be forced to cease operations if violence in the region continues.

Police have evacuated the mine to deal with the nearby Yambali landslide.

The mining area has been the site of more than 200 incidents since October last year, including violent attacks in Enga province.

James McTiernan, managing director of New Porgera Ltd, said: The National There have been a series of attacks on vehicles with stones, knives and axes.

In addition to this, people broke into the office and vandalized equipment.

The latest problem is that someone set fire to the drilling rig.

McTiernan said this could lead to production delays and financial losses.

He said police had evacuated the mine to deal with a nearby landslide that has killed hundreds of people.

Pupua New Guinea – Request Price

A commission of inquiry into civil unrest in Papua New Guinea police last January is due to begin its work this month.

Nationwide The government has reportedly launched an administrative inquiry and recommended the establishment of an investigative committee.

In January, protests against police sparked large-scale violent riots that resulted in deaths, looting and the burning of businesses in Port Moresby.

The inquiry was tasked with examining the police response to the events of Black Wednesday, which cost an estimated $520 million.

The inquiry is expected to submit its report to the prime minister within six months.

The scope of the investigation includes whether the current police organizational structure is appropriate; whether the police force has sufficient resources and training; whether the police-to-population ratio is in line with international standards; and whether the current operational strategy is relevant and feasible.

Vanuatu – Visit

At the invitation of Premier Li Qiang, Prime Minister Charlot Salwai of Vanuatu is visiting China this week.

Salwai and his delegation began their visit to Guangzhou with an official welcoming ceremony in Guangzhou on Sunday afternoon.

He was accompanied by Interior Minister Johnny Koanapo and Lands Minister Tchemaco Mahe, according to the prime minister’s office.

On Monday, Salwai will meet with Wang Xi, vice governor of Guangdong Province.

Vanuatu – Suspended

Five government officials are currently suspended in Vanuatu.

this Vanuatu Daily Post The latest to be suspended were reportedly the Director General of the Department of Customs and Inland Revenue and the Director General of the Department of Civil Aviation.

The Public Service Commission said the two directors have been suspended pending an investigation into “serious allegations” – one faces a $47 fine and the other two face $2 fines.

Under the commission’s disciplinary process, they will be given time to respond to the allegations against them.

The director of the Department of Environment, Protection and Conservation was suspended in December last year, the director of the Department of Forestry was suspended earlier this year, and the director of the Department of Education Services has also been suspended.

Samoa – Prisons

Samoa’s Supreme Court has issued a warning to those who abuse customs and traditions, especially the Ifoga custom, calling for reduced jail time.

Previously, a man was sentenced for manslaughter.

this samoa observer Judge Vui Clarence Nelson reportedly told the man that what he had done, known as ifoga, was done to mitigate the court’s punishment; this was unacceptable.

The judge warned: “Our customs and traditions cannot be abused in this way.”

He said there would be no commutation of sentence.

Cook Islands – Drugs

The Cook Islands Ports Authority is reminding the public that it is closely monitoring the importation of illegal drugs.

cook islands news Although the country has reportedly seen a relatively low number of drug importation cases compared to other countries in the Pacific region, there is no guarantee that drugs will not flow into the country.

Cook Islands Ports Authority chief executive Okaisene Moananu said the port was a danger zone.

The latest incident was the discovery of heroin hidden in a shipment.

Moananu said they did not discover it by accident but it was the result of sustained efforts by police.

He said drug monitoring was not mandatory but staff did keep an eye out for any illegal activity.

Northern Mariana Islands – Diseases

Health authorities in the Northern Mariana Islands advise residents to take necessary precautions to help prevent the spread of hand, foot and mouth disease.

The Mariana Islands have seen an increase in the number of children suffering from the disease.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by a virus that spreads easily from person to person, most commonly in infants and children under 5 years old, according to Commonwealth Health.

It provides information and guidance to daycare and childcare providers on Saipan, Tinian and Rota.

Symptoms include fever, sore throat, painful mouth ulcers with blisters, and rash on the hands and feet.

Northern Mariana Islands – Economy

The president of the Senate of the Northern Mariana Islands said the country’s economy faces total collapse and called for the resumption of flights from mainland China.

Mariana breed Before the outbreak, China was the country’s second largest tourism market, according to reports.

Edith Guerrero said many businesses have already closed and more will close if the number of Chinese tourists does not increase.

However, President Arnold Palacios said a “China or bankruptcy” stance was not a solution.

Kiribati – Language

New Zealand is hosting Kiribati Language Week.

The topics are:Develop Kiribati language, culture and knowledge to enhance Kiribati’s resilience and prosperity.

Pacific Peoples Secretary Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone said many migrants from Kiribati had settled in their chosen host country of New Zealand because of the impacts of climate change on their islands.

She said this week was an opportunity for New Zealanders to support community efforts, particularly those of younger generations, to preserve their language and culture.