Here's what is happening in news from around the Pacific today, Friday 18 December.
Tuvalu flag. Photo: Supplied
NZ sends sympathies after death of former Tuvalu PM
New Zealand has extended its condolences to Tuvalu after this week's death of former Prime Minister, Saufatu Sopoaga.
Mr Sopoaga served as prime minister from 2002 to 2004 and was also chair of the Tuvalu Public Service Commission.
New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister, Nanaia Mahuta, offered her sympathies to Mr Sopoaga's family as well as the people and government of Tuvalu.
"Saufatu Sopoaga was a long serving and dedicated public servant and politician, and will be greatly missed.
"Our thoughts are with the people of Tuvalu, with which Aotearoa New Zealand shares a close friendship and long history," said Mahuta.
Sopoaga's younger brother Enele also served as Prime Minister and is currently an MP.
Former Manu Samoa hooker now assistant coach
Mahonri Schwalger has joined the Manu Samoa coaching team as an assistant coach.
The 42 year old will work with new head coach Seilala Mapusua, who was appointed to the top job in August.
Schwalger captained Manu Samoa at the 2011 Rugby World Cup but was never selected again after criticising the Samoa Rugby Union and team management for their conduct during the event.
But since hanging up his playing boots six years ago, the 35 test veteran has been heavily involved in the domestic game, launching a local rugby academy and coaching teams including the Samoa Under 20s and Manumā Samoa.
Salwai appeals perjury conviction
The former Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai plans to appeal his conviction for perjury.
The Supreme Court found Salwai had misled the court when he said the Council of Ministers had approved a decision to create parliamentary secretary positions.
The case was brought by then-opposition leader Ishmael Kalsakau in November 2019, who said the council had never approved it.
Salwai told media he will file an appeal as soon as he is sentenced in February.
French Polynesian death toll from Covid hits 98
Another person has died from Covid-19 in French Polynesia bringing the total number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic to 98.
104 new cases have been recorded in the last 24 hours.
There are currently 56 people in hospital with 23 of them in intensive care.
A total of 15,974 people have been infected since testing began in March.
All but 62 cases were detected after the borders were reopened in July and mandatory quarantine requirements were abolished.
Man sentenced for threatening to kill CNMI Governor
A 48-year old man who threatened to kill the Northern Marianas Governor Ralph Torres earlier this year, has been sentenced to six months in prison.
Pedro Ayuyu pleaded guilty to one count of disturbing the peace and was sentenced to six months imprisonment, all suspended except for six days and with credit for six days served.
He must also pay $US125 in fines and costs and probation amount of $240.
Ayuyu must also perform 40 hours of community service.
