Samoa border reopening plans will be 'robust' says Tourism Authority.
Preparations to welcome back international tourists to Samoa from August will be 'robust' according to a spokesperson for Samoa's Tourism Authority.
Photo: Teinesavaii
Chief executive Dwayne Bentley said the health and safety of locals and visitors is a top priority.
He said a series of processes are in place in Samoa including the ongoing vaccination rollout, a digital tracing app, and upskilling the workers on health and safety training.
Testing capabilities will also be bolstered.
Before international visitors come in August, Samoans will be able to travel from this month.
Vanuatu opposition wants financial assistance for businesses
Vanuatu's deputy opposition leader Jotham Napat wants the government to allocate financial assistance to businesses in Port Vila in time for the border opening on 1st July.
Mr Napat said the majority of trained workers are now part of the seasonal schemes in Australia and New Zealand but with financial incentives to employers they could be encouraged to return home to their previous roles, especially in the hospitality sector.
He said international tourists are going to return to Port Vila and the country will need its trained, experienced workers available.
The government has not responded to the call.
Ten Covid-19 cases recorded in Tahiti
Another 10 Covid-19 cases have been recorded in French Polynesia in the last 48-hour reporting period but the pandemic has faded.
The number of active cases has dropped sharply and is now 38.
The health authorities say one patient remains in hospital.
The death toll of the pandemic is 648, with most fatalities registered during last year's outbreak with the Delta variant.
Vaccinations have continued and 81 percent of those 12 years and older have had two jabs.
International travel options have been expanded with last week's resumption of flights between Tahiti and New Zealand.
Flu vaccination campaign rolled out in Wallis and Futuna
A flu vaccination campaign is being rolled out in Wallis and Futuna after hundreds of people contracted the virus.
The authorities recommend the inoculation in particular to those over 65, people with underlying conditions and pregnant women.
The local broadcaster said the pick-up of the vaccination offer has been slow.
The latest flu outbreak started less than a month ago, just weeks after neighbouring New Caledonia was hit by a flu epidemic.
The New Caledonia outbreak came shortly before the seasonal flu vaccine was available for distribution.
Gold refinery in Bougainville a step closer
Bougainville's plans to establish a gold refinery are a step closer with Bougainville Refineries Ltd now being vetted by the Bougainville Inward Investment Board.
The refinery plan, first mooted by the John Momis government, aims to refine the alluvial gold mining on Bougainville, rather than shipping the ore out of the region.
The expectation is that other provinces would send their gold to Bougainville to be refined because there is no refinery anywhere in Papua New Guinea.
New Dawn FM said the next step is for the autonomous Bougainville Government to officially endorse the project and for the company to seek a gold export licence from the Bougainville Mining Board and the Central Bank of PNG.
Sol's police raid homebrew and marijuana hub
Solomon Islands police have raided a homebrew or kwaso and marijuana hub on the outskirts of Honiara.
Police say they had the support of concerned elders, leaders and chiefs in the Karaina community.
Police commander Jimson Robo said locals are concerned with the ongoing illegal kwaso and marijuana use.
Mr Robo said they fear increasing anti-social behaviour.
Police didn't make any arrests but twenty bottles of kwaso were confiscated and marijuana plants were uprooted.
