Tonga/Japan - recovery project
An agreement to fund recovery projects in Tonga following the volcanic eruption and ensuing tsunami there last year has been signed in Tokyo.
The funds will go towards the construction of three community halls, and the donation of boats with outboard motors.
The agreement was signed by Tonga's ambassador to Japan, Tevita Suka Mangisi, and Takeju Ogata, the president of the Nippon Foundation.
Samoa - domestic violence
Samoa Police will start to prosecute domestic violence cases from September 1 because of a shortage of manpower at the Attorney-General's office.
Police Commissioner Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo said police prosecution is ready to take on the task, and was requested by the Attorney-General.
Meanwhile, the Samoa Observer reports the New Zealand Police have been in the country to conduct the second phase of the prosecution training for police officers.
Marianas - Chinese tourism
The Marianas Visitors' Authority has welcomed China tourism's decision to reinstate the islands to its approved destination list.
Authority managing director Christopher Concepcion said the Northern Marianas' tourism industry cannot survive long term with one dominant source market, which is currently South Korea.
He said China was their second-largest source market with more than 200,000 yearly arrivals prior to Covid-19.
Concepcion says even without direct flights, the Marianas has been seeing a slight increase in arrivals from China.
Cook Islands - cars
Cook Islands taxpayers have shelled out $NZ1.7 million for 25 cars to be used at the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting in November.
Cook Islands News reports the cars were Hyundai Ioniq electric vehicles.
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration spokesperson told the newspaper the purchase of the electric vehicles was in line with the government's green transportation policy.
The spokesperson said after the forum meeting the cars will be used to update the government fleet and some will be available for the public to buy.
Samoa - drug seizure
Samoa Police have seized over 5000 marijuana plants. Photo: Eric Limon/ 1234RF
Police in Samoa have seized over 5000 marijuana plants, worth $US90,000, during a major drug raid in Upolu at the weekend.
Police say four men and two women were arrested after an armed standoff ended without any shots being fired.
The Samoa Observer reports the raid, involving 100 police officers, took place at the village of Faleatiu.
Samoa enforces strict drug laws, with possession punished by up to 14 years imprisonment.
