The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Department (EODD) of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have safely removed 202 Unexploded Ordnance (UXOs) at St. Nicholas School. 20 August 2024 Photo: RSIPF
Tonga - internet
Tonga's domestic fibre-optic submarine communications cable went out again following Monday's earthquakes.
Tonga Cable's acting chief executive Sosafate Kolo confirmed the damage to Matangi Tonga on Tuesday afternoon, saying the last quake damaged the cable about 41km from Nuku'alofa.
The Vava'u and Ha'apai island groups, which are cut off from Tongatapu again, will revert to using satellite capacity for their communications until the cable can be repaired.
Papuas New Guinea - crash
Two men remain on life support at the Mount Hagen General Hospital in Papua New Guinea, following a crash on Saturday at Kuli Gap in Jiwaka Province.
The Post-Courier reports another six people died when a truck ploughed into the local market.
Western Highlands Provincial Police commander Chief Superintendent John Sagom says the the driver and his crew surrendered to police on Sunday morning.
The police chief says there are many roadside markets along the Highlands Highway and drivers must take care.
Papua New Guinea - census
The Papua New Guinea census is nearing completion with Bougainville able to boast a completion rate of between 94 and 97 percent.
Bougainville Census Coordinator Michael Omepa told New Dawn FM that Bougainville has been ranked third in terms of completing the data collection exercise, with Manus topping the provinces, followed by West New Britain.
He said the census office is anticipating all work folders will be received by district coordinators early next week.
He thanked enumerators who have been concerned at delays in their payment claims.
Solomon Islands - ordinances
More than 200 unexploded ordnances have been removed from a school site in Solomon Islands.
The SIBC reported St Nicholas Anglican College had discovered the stockpile of US projectiles in front of a staff house when they dug a hole for sewage.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Department's executive director, Clifford Tunuki, said the projectiles have been moved to a safe location with the support of the Australian Defense Force, while waiting for safe destruction.
He said the incident is an eye-opener for schools, domestic and commercial houses to think about site inspection for UXOs before they start erecting buildings.
Samoa - CHOGM
Football Federation Samoa's new facilities next to Apia Park will be used to host a series of events during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
The Samoa Observer reported the federation's president Papalii Samuel Petaia saying the main purpose of the facility is to develop football in the country, as if there are proper fields and facilities, it attracts more youths to play.
But he said it was an honour to hold some CHOGM events there.
FIFA granted over US$5 million for the facilities.
Meanwhile, Vodafone Samoa was awarded a contract worth more than $182,000 to provide internet for the meeting. and they will be investing more $7m to improve connectivity.
Bougainville - energy
United Kingdom based Stellae Energy has announced it has signed an agreement to identify and develop geothermal energy sites in Bougainville.
The company has sgined an MOU with the government in the autonomous Papua New Guinea region.
It says this is a significant step in Bougainville's journey towards energy independence and economic sustainability by utilising the region's volcanic geothermal resources.
Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama, who is the minister responsible for mineral and energy resources, said: "It is the Bougainville energy policy strategic view that green energy investment and development is encouraged by the government."
This initiative is seen as part of Bougainville's broader energy security strategy to harness its natural resources in a way that benefits local communities, fosters economic growth, and contributes to global efforts to combat climate change.
West Papua - Pope
Leaders of the West Papua Freedom movement are pleading with Pope Francis to raise awareness about violence and human rights violations in Papua.
The BenarNews agency reported the call comes after Indonesian security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets in clashes with protestors last week who were marking the 62nd anniversary of Jakarta's UN sanctioned take over of Papua.
The demonstrations on Thursday were led by the West Papua National Committee (KNPB), a pro-independence group that opposes Indonesian rule in Papua, it reported.
KNPB chairman Warpo Wetipo said they have asked Pope Francis to advocate for an end to the oppression of the Papuan people.
The head of the Catholic Church is due to visit Indonesia next month, followed by Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and Singapore.
Niue - water safety
The Pacific Maritime Safety Programme has been in Niue this week teaching water safety to primary school children.
In Niue, the programme is delivered by Niue Primary School teachers, in the pool at the New Zealand High Commission for junior students and in the natural environment for older students.
Water Safety NZ and the Pacific Martime Safety Programme were in Niue to provide refresher training to the teachers and run sea sessions focused on essential skills such as treading water, floating, rescues using everyday objects, and use of life jackets.
Samoa - equipment
Samoa's fire and emergency services has received equipment from Japan.
Two second-hand water tank trucks, two secondhand pump trucks and two floodlights were officially handed over last week.
A grant of up to US$282,309 was signed over to the emergency authority in 2022 for funding of the procurement, reconditioning and shipment of the emergency equipment from Japan.
Marshall Islands - benefits
Marshallese living in the US state of Arkansas can now access various benefits available to migrants.
The Arkansas Advocate reports this follows an emergency ruling in the state, to comply with a new federal law.
Arkansas is home to the largest Marshallese community in the US.
The new law contains changes to the renegotiated Compacts of Free Association, which extends a food benefit and supported living program to citizens from the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia and Palau.
The compact allows the US to operate military bases in these Pacific nations in exchange for guarantees and economic assistance.
Migrants from these Freely Associated States can live and work in the US as lawful non-immigrants.
