PNG - military stopover
The United States says a stopover of four US fighter jets at Jackson International Airport on Wednesday was not connected to the recently-signed US-PNG Defense Cooperation Agreement.
A spokesperson from the US Embassy in Port Moresby said the F-35Cs from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing were transiting the area en-route to scheduled training elsewhere in the region.
They said thanks to the quick work of the Department of Transport and Jackson Airport staff, the aircraft were able to continue safely to their intended destination and will fondly remember Papua New Guinea's hospitality.
Fiji - termites
Fiji is facing a termite infestation crisis, causing millions of dollars in damage.
Assistant Minister for the Prime Minister's Office, Sakiusa Tubuna, revealed this while opening the Termites Taskforce Meeting in Suva.
Tubuna said around 150 termite-infested properties have already been identified in Lautoka.
He said the damage is so severe some homes need to be demolished.
Photo: Hilaire Bule
Leaves arrive ahead of Melanesian festival
Preparations for the highly-anticipated seventh Melanesian Arts and Culture Festival are in full swing with over 4000 natangura leaves, essential for traditional thatched roofs (above), arriving in Port Vila.
Reports from the Vanuatu Kaljoral Senta confirm that all stalls at Saralana, the National Convention Centre, and the seafront will be equipped with these authentic roofing materials, including the houses representing participating Melanesian countries.
Builders involved in the project say the natangura leaves are of excellent quality and will be made available for sale once the festival concludes.
It has been revealed that some individuals in Port Vila have already placed deposits to secure these traditional thatched roofs.
The builders further assure that the stalls and houses at the festival venues will be completed well in advance of the opening ceremony, on July 19.
Solomon Islands - RSE scheme
Solomon Islands has celebrated reaching its target of workers sent to Australia and New Zealand.
A ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade to celebrate more than 5,550 workers across the Pacific-Australia Labour Mobility Scheme and the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade Jeremiah Manele said to date Solomon Islands has 5,152 workers in Australia and more than 938 in New Zealand.
He said by the end of the year they should reach around 7,000 people working under the schemes.
French Polynesia - water quality
The health authorities say only nine of the territory's 48 communes have generally good drinking water.
Testing results for 2022 show a high standard has been maintained across the urban centres in Tahiti.
Bora Bora and Huahine also provide good supplies in all areas, while parts of Tahiti and Moorea don't.
Poor water quality is in part due to the lack of treatment facilities, which would require infrastructure investments.
Palau - solar power
The largest solar and battery storage project in the western Pacific has been installed in Palau.
Renew Economy reports the $US29 million installation will meet more than 25 percent of the country's electricity needs.
The project, the first large-scale solar one in Palau, is now feeding power into the central grid of Palau's largest island.
Samoa - ultrasound facilities
Samoa's Ministry of Health is outsourcing ultrasounds service due to a lack of staff.
The ministry said the Medical Imaging & Radiology Department at TTM Hospital has only one senior technician and a trainee.
Another senior staff member is currently away on further studies in Fiji, whilst others who have been trained in this field have resigned, and/or moved to private practice.
Niue - whales
Niue has welcomed the first migratory Oceania humpback whales to its shores.
Niue Tourism said this marks an early start to the traditional season which usually runs from July to October.
During this time, pods of humpback arrive to calve and nurse their young in the sheltered waters.
Director of Tourism Micah Fuhiniu-Viviani said the arrival of the whales is celebrated across the island.
Land-based viewing platforms are positioned at vantage points around the island.
