Photo: RNZ Pacific/Hilaire Bule
Vanuatu - politics
In Vanuatu the prime minister Ishmael Kalsakau has sacked his deputy prime minister Sato Kilman (above) who was also the Minister for Agriculture.
The sacking on Friday came just a week after a motion of no confidence was filed by the opposition leader Bob Loughman who eventually withdrew it in parliament because of a lack of numbers to support it.
Kilman, who is the president of the People's Progressive Party, has been replaced as deputy prime minister by Jotham Napat of the Vanuatu Leaders' Party who is the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The agriculture portfolio has yet to be reassigned.
Kilman was an instrumental figure in negotiations to form prime minister Ishmael Kalsakau's coalition government.
America Samoa - measles
American Samoa's governor has released a new Measles Emergency Declaration which is in place until June 8, despite no new cases for several weeks.
The health director recommended keeping the US territory under a state of emergency to be on the safe side, and this was agreed by governor Lemanu Mauga.
American Samoa has previously reported 2 laboratory-confirmed cases of measles and more than 50 suspected or probable.
The new declaration said more than 2000 doses of the vaccine had been administered during this outbreak.
Fiji - tourism/economy
The Reserve Bank of Fiji says the country's economy continues to benefit from the strong rebound of tourism.
The bank says visitor arrivals have increased steadily since the re-opening of borders, and the strength of tourism is spilling over into other parts of the economy.
In the first four months of the year, 252,245 visitors arrived, slightly more than the same period in 2019.
In 2024 and 2025, Fiji's economy is forecast to grow by 3.8 percent and 3.0 percent, respectively.
But the bank said risks to the outlook include geopolitical tensions and the possibility of global recession.
Tonga - court
A 15-year-old male has been jailed in Tonga for dangerous driving causing death, after a pedestrian died in 'Eua in 2020.
Semisi Mala'efo'ou pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death and was sentenced to 18 months in prison, with a further 18 months conditionally suspended.
Kaniva Tonga reports the driver had been drinking alcohol and speeding.
The defendant's vehicle struck the 21-year-old victim from behind and propelled him more than 10 metres where he landed on a fence.
Solomon Islands - television
After more than 70 years, the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) is adding a television station to its service.
The broadcaster currently operates four radio stations, two national ones and two local stations.
The CEO of the SIBC, Johnson Honimae, said he's pleased that things are now finally coming together for the tv station.
He said it hopes to have the station up and running before the Pacific Games in November.
Samoa/New Zealand - anniversary
New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister will represent the country at Samoa's 61st Anniversary of Independence commemorations in Apia.
In a statement from her office, Carmel Sepuloni said New Zealand shares a longstanding and deep relationship with Samoa, not only as aiga and whānau of the Pacific region, but as two countries woven together by the Treaty of Friendship, signed 61 years ago.
While in Samoa, Sepuloni will call on Samoa's Head of State, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, who is hosting the celebrations, and meet with Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa and members of her Cabinet.
New Caledonia - sharks
The mayor of Poum in New Caledonia has ruled out restricting marine activities following Sunday's fatal shark attack near Mwak island.
The victim was a man in his 40s, who was attacked about half a kilometre offshore while diving to catch fish.
In February, an Australian tourist died after a shark attack in Noumea, where swimming beaches have been closed until the end of the year as a result.
The mayor Henriette Tidjine-Poum said no restrictions are considered as every family in Poum depends on fishing.
Samoa - airport
Samoa's Fagali'i Airport has reopened after a $US944,000 revamp.
Minister of Samoa Airport Authority Olo Fiti Vaai said the airport has met all the required standards, and the runway has been extended from 700 to 800 metres.
Other work needed for Fagali'i Airport included the runway and apron resurfacing, renovating the terminal and the VIP lounge, and fixing drainage and the car park.
Samoa Airways is now using the airport, and Talofa Airways said it planned to begin flying into Fagali'i in July.
