Photo: Unsplash / American Public Power Association
Fiji - borders
Fiji's Minister for Home Affairs says the recent seizure of 14.4 kilograms of methamphetamine - which transited through Fiji from Canada to Australia - shows Fiji needs to strengthen its borders.
The Australian Federal Police said a Canadian national was arrested carrying the drugs hidden in plastic packages, wrapped in towels soaked in vinegar and coffee beans.
Fiji Live reported Pio Tikoduadua said while Fiji was only a transit point for this case, it still highlighted the need for the country to strengthen its borders.
He said the lengths the criminals had gone to conceal the drugs highlighted the strict border controls and collaboration between international border authorities.
Palau - solar
Palau's President Surangel Whipps says the government is struggling to manage the influx of solar energy.
The Island Times reported the president asking neighboring countries to pause new solar projects.
President Whipps told a news conference they had met with Japan, Taiwan and Australia, "asking them to please stop any other new solar projects for now because if we add new solar projects to the grid now, we cannot handle it".
Whipps said Palau is facing challenges integrating renewable energy into its power grid without sufficient battery storage.
Australia has pledged $5 million to help build battery capacity.
The president said despite earlier projections of increasing energy demand, Palau's electricity consumption has declined; and the island is producing more solar energy than it can consume.
PNG - economy
Papua New Guinea's Bank South Pacific says the so-called 'Black Wednesday' riots in Port Moresby in January severely impacted business confidence this year.
In its Pacific Quarterly Economic & Market Pulse for the June quarter of 2024, the Bank said activity was sluggish through to the end of the second quarter.
The Post Courier reported the Bank said there were employment declines in the Southern and Islands regions and the National Capital District, while Mamose and the Highlands experienced increases.
Meanwhile, the bank said the Porgera mine in Enga Province is likely not to achieve its full production goal this quarter, due to the Mulitaka landslide.
Samoa - amnesty
The Samoa Prime Minister and police hope people will make the most of the national gun amnesty.
The gun amnesty program, which kicked off 1 August, is underway in an effort to increase public safety and compliance with firearm operations ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM).
From 1 August to 30 September, people can return illegal firearms and ammunition without fear of being charged.
At the event launch, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of public safety and removing illegal guns and ammunition from the streets.
"As Samoa sets to hold the CHOGM in October of this year and as the incoming chair, the safety and security of all world leaders attending CHOGM is critical," Mata'afa said.
American Samoa - drugs
A woman who picked up a package of crystal meth at the Post Office has been charged.
Police say the quantity of meth found in the box the woman collected was about 18 kilograms (39.9 pounds.)
The woman is charged with one count of unlawful possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, and one count of possession of controlled substances.
Customs agents at the Post Office are credited for intercepting the drugs.
Aotearoa New Zealand - Cook Islands Language Week
The Cook Islands community in Aotearoa is taking the lead in 'Epetoma o te reo Māori Kūki 'Airani - Cook Islands Māori Language Week, which runs until 10 August.
This year the theme is "'Ātui'ia au ki te vaka o tōku matakeinanga" - or 'connect me to the canoe of my tribe'.
UNESCO reported that te reo Māori Kūki 'Airani is one of the endangered languages featured in the Pacific language week series supported by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples.
Secretary for Pacific Peoples Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone said the week is a chance for everyone to support the community, strengthening their language by learning a phrase or two.
