Sitiveni Rabuka Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Kelvin Anthony
Potential pay rise for politicians called an 'injustice'
A Solomon Islands MP is criticising a proposal to increase the salaries and entitlements of members of parliament.
Silas Tausinga has called the plan an "injustice" to Solomon Islanders.
The opposition MP said the proposal does not justify the need for any increase to MPs' salaries and entitlements when ordinary citizens are struggling to make ends meet.
Rabuka's first trip overseas to be to Kiribati
Fiji's prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka will make his first overseas state visit since taking office on the eve of Christmas last month when he visits Kiribati.
The Kiribati government has confirmed that Rabuka will lead a delegation to the Micronesian nation on Friday.
It said the request for the visit was made by the Fiji government as part of its official engagements overseas.
Kiribati residents have been urged to "clean their villages" to keep the capital Tarawa "beautiful and clean" before the Fiji delegation visits.
Fono to debate bill on styrofoam products
A bill in American Samoa to prohibit the import, sale, distribution and use of styrofoam plates, cups, trays and other container products is now before the Fono.
To help transition from styrofoam to acceptable alternative containers, the bill provides a one-year reduction in excise taxes for new types of containers which are biodegradable and not harmful to health.
Importers will pay a 4 percent excise tax instead of 8 percent for alternative containers during the one-year reprieve.
Polystyrene contains a chemical called styrene that has been linked to cancer as well as reproduction and developmental disorders by the National Research Council.
Exempted from the proposed ban are imported pre-packed food and trays used for raw meat, poultry, fish or frozen food.
Samoan prime minister in good health says government
Samoa's Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet says Fiame Naomi Mata'afa "is fine" and is expected to return by the end of the month after completing her medical check in New Zealand.
The Samoa Observer reports Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Agafili Shem Leo saying Fiame flew to Auckland on January 8 for unknown medical reasons.
Agafili says it's just overdue check ups and the PM is getting all her checks done while in New Zealand.
Tonga to train more nurses
Tonga's Minister of Health, Saia Piukala, is promising to increase the number of nurses undergoing training to cover those who take up jobs overseas.
He said the government will ensure there is enough nursing staff in Tonga.
Piukala said the government would also support people travelling overseas because they will become good ambassadors for Tonga and learn more, and then bring that knowledge back to the country.
A total of 32 nurses who graduated in December have now joined the Health Ministry workforce.
American Samoan residents could get right to vote
Two American Samoan senators are sponsoring a bill to allow permanent residents to vote.
The proposed new provision states the person may be a permanent resident of American Samoa who holds a valid identification card, must live in American Samoa for 30 years consistently, and pay taxes for 20 consecutive years.
The bill says allowing permanent residents to vote would benefit society as a whole by promoting inclusion among all the residents of the territory.
Senators are set to hold a public hearing in the coming days to get input from the community, including those impacted by the legislation.
Unions set to strike at Tahiti hospital
Unions at French Polynesia's main hospital say they will go on strike this week if their demands are not met.
They said staff need to be given the appropriate human and material resources for patient care.
The six unions issuing the strike notice for Thursday said the budgets have to be adjusted to match the needs facing the hospital in Tahiti.
They said there are not enough staff, there is burnout, a lack of recognition of skills, and a loss of confidence.
If no agreement is reached by Wednesday, staff will begin an indefinite strike.
