James Marape on PNG National Parliament on 15 February 2024. Photo: Screengrab / Loop PNG
Papua New Guinea - transparency
The Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape says his government is committed to being accountable and transparent to the people.
He said he will make a statement to parliament on May 30, celebrating five years since coming to power.
Marape said his administration has continuously provided opportunity for consultation, review, and freedom of expression on its decisions.
The Post-Courier reported him saying no government in the past has really done this openly and transparently.
In the coming sitting, Marape is also expected to face a no confidence vote.
He has denied Parliament was adjourned in February to avoid a vote against him.
Palau - funding
Palau is seeking a US$15 million loan from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
The Island Times reported this is according to a proposed resolution submitted by President Surangel Whipps Jr to the legislature.
The loan would be sub-loaned to the National Development Bank of Palau to fund infrastructure development projects.
The resolution, if approved, would authorise the president to finalise the loan agreement.
Under the agreement, Saudi Fund employees traveling to Palau would be granted diplomatic immunity.
Tonga - suspension
Tonga's Speaker of Parliament Lord Fakafanua has suspended an employee amid a police drug investigation.
A statement said the employee was suspended on Wednesday, but specific details of any allegation were not given.
Kaniva Tonga reported this follows the King's speech at the opening of parliament - delivered by the Crown Prince - expressing concern about drug use.
The statement said the actions of the employee "are not representative of the values of the Legislative Assembly and this Office".
Papua New Guinea - lawlessness
The PNG forest sector has asked the government to address lawlessness in remote areas.
In a statement, the Forest Association said a criminal gang of more than 20 armed men arrived at Camp 56 earlier this month and threatened company employees.
Another group torched down houses in a village in the Kawalasi region.
The National newspaper reported forest works are largely remote.
A Forest Association spokesperson said without the situation being addressed promptly, people would lose their jobs.
Samoa - Starlink
More than 100 companies and individuals in Samoa, using the Starlink satellite services, face fines of up to 50,000 tālā, or nearly US$18,000 dollars, if they do not register by the end of this month.
That was the warning from the Office of the Regulator during a meeting with Starlink users on Thursday.
The Samoa Observer reported most subscribers didn't bother attending.
The regulator Lematua Gisa Fuatai Purcell said they had already discussed the matter with users last month, but have given them an extension until the end of May.
The regulator said those found not to be complying will be handed over to the Office of the Attorney-General for legal action.
Northern Mariana Islands - tax warning
The Northern Marianas' Department of Finance and the Division of Revenue and Taxation have issued a warning for tax evaders.
They said tax collection and enforcement are top priorities of the CNMI government.
To this end, both are working closely with the Office of the Attorney General to identify and pursue tax crimes, including tax evasion and tax fraud.
Last week, the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation said it is looking into complaints made by its employees who claim their tax refunds are being held for nonpayment of Chapter 2 taxes.
Solomon Islands - shipping
The Australian High Commission in Solomon Islands says the country's domestic shipping sector will hugely benefit from improved vessel maintenance services at the Sasape Shipyard in Tulagi.
The upgrade is happening through aid of US$5.8 million dollars from the Australian Government.
Australian High Commissioner, Rod Hilton, said as a maritime nation, Solomon Islands needs safe maritime transport and shipping for the movement of people and goods around the country.
Hawai'i - conservation
Two million acres of land throughout Hawai'i is eligible for millions of dollars in conservation funds, after getting the Department of Defense (DOD)'s Sentinel Landscape designation.
The Pacific Island Times reported the DOD saying the Hawaii Sentinel Landscape includes conservation, agricultural and DOD mission lands on the islands of Kauai, Oahu and Hawai'i, that have come under threats posed by rapid urban development and climate change.
The Sentinel Landscape program creates partnerships between federal agencies, state and local governments, private landowners, land managers and non-profits, to preserve sensitive lands and resources near military bases.
The program also supports landscapes that are resilient to the impacts of increased severe weather events.
