Pacific News Brief, June 7

Air Vanuatu Office, Port Vila.
photo: RNZ Pacific / Moera Tuilaepa-Taylor

Vanuatu – Layoffs

Security measures at Air Vanuatu’s head office have been stepped up after the national carrier announced massive job cuts.

Office vehicles including trucks and buses were reportedly stolen from the premises.

according to Vanuatu Daily Postthe prospects for continued operations are bleak.

Air Vanuatu’s domestic operations have ceased and the company has gone into liquidation.

Samoa – Landscape

The Samoan Government says it is keeping its distance from Australia’s new Pacific Engagement Visa for now because of concerns about a brain drain.

The inaugural Pacific Participation Visa draw opened this week, offering Australian permanent residency to applicants and their families.

this samoa observer While the Pacific nation has the opportunity, Samoa’s Finance Minister Lautimuia Uelese Vaai reportedly said the government took a number of factors into consideration, including the impact on the economy.

Papua New Guinea – Crime

Six Papua New Guinea police officers accused of breaking into a liquor store just before New Year’s Day last year have been sacked because their police files were not properly maintained.

The two men are currently on bail and appeared in the Pre-trial Court in Waigani, Port Moresby.

Nationwide The sheriff told the men their release did not amount to acquittal.

Albert Daniels said the officers could be brought back to court if police choose to hand over police files.

Northern Mariana Islands – Asiana Airlines

South Korea’s Asiana Airlines will permanently close its Saipan office.

Intak Hwang, manager of the airline’s Saipan regional sales office, said their last operation will be on June 30 after three decades of serving the Northern Mariana Islands.

Mr. Hwang said the airline has been promoting Korean tourism in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands since 1992.

Previously, Hyatt Hotels Corporation on Saipan will close the island’s first branded hotel at the end of this month.

Samoa – Ships

A passenger ship, MV Lady NaomiThe vessel, which sailed between Samoa and American Samoa, was deliberately sunk off the coast of Apia after 26 years of service.

It features prominently in the waters between Apia and Pago Pago, as well as charter cruises to other neighboring countries.

The ship’s last voyage to American Samoa was in 2023.

this samoa observer The decision to decommission and sink the ship was reportedly made after it was replaced MV Samoa Lady IV.

Nauru/Australia – Aid

The Nauru and Australian governments have signed an agreement to provide A$1.7 million for education.

The funds will be used to support Nauru students studying in Brisbane, foreign teachers and programs run by vocational school TAFE Queensland.

The government also provides financial assistance to Year 12 students to enable them to obtain an Australian Certificate upon completion of their high school education.