Sitiveni Rabuka Photo: Facebook.com / Parliament of the Republic of Fiji
Papua New Guinea - public servants
Papua New Guinea's Chief Justice says the country's public servants are failing to perform their legal duties.
Sir Gibbs Salika said public servants appear to be giving into political influence rather than carrying out their mandated responsibilities.
He said this is weakening public service mechanisms and hindering governance.
Local media report Sir Salika said politicians should not be the ones people depend on; rather, it is government workers who are the backbone of the country.
"While politicians create laws and guide the country, public servants should be the ones delivering essential services, not politicians."
He has urged public servants to stay true to their roles and not allow external influences to compromise their responsibilities.
Niue - relations
The United States Ambassador to New Zealand says any change in foreign policy between America and Niue would be next to none following next weeks presidential election.
Tom Udall, who had been in Niue for 50 years of self-governance celebrations, told local media he does not envision any big changes between the relationship with Niue and Washington as a result of the presidential elections.
"Whatever happens our foreign policy will change a little bit, but for the most part be about helping and working with democracies, help bring countries up and putting a variety of programs in place to help people prosper.
"I don't envision any big changes between the relationship with Niue and the United States as a result of the presidential elections."
Solomon Islands - cyclones
Solomon Islands authorities are preparing the country ahead of cyclone season, which runs from November to April.
Local media report that the National Disaster Management Organisation is running a national tsunami exercise this week as part of preparations.
Deputy director George Baragamu said that people will be prepped in tsunami early warning, warning dissemination, and disaster and humanitarian responses using the Pacific Regional Tsunami Exercise.
Niue - beetle
Niue has brought in a leaf-eating beetle that researchers hope will combat the invasive weed air potato, or hoi.
National invasive coordinator Huggard Tongatule saied employing natural enemies to combat invasive weeds in Niue is not just beneficial, but essential.
The beetles are set to be released in Niue as part of a collaboration with the Environment Department, supported by National Invasive Species.
Tongatule said that the plant is rampant in Niue and is a costly and labor-intensive weed to manage, particularly for farmers with crop plantations.
He said a workshop held in early 2020 designated hoi as a high-priority target for weed management in Niue.
Papua New Guinea - relocate
After more than 80 years of monitoring volcanic activity around the country, the Rabaul Volcanological Observatory in Papua New Guinea is being relocated.
It was established at Rabaul in 1940, soon after the huge eruptions of Tarvurvur and Vulcan wrought massive destruction on the town in 1937.
Now the observatory is to be rehoused at nearby Kenabot in Kokopo.
The Post-Courier reported that with ageing equipment and the threat of future eruptions, the relocation signifies a new era in volcano monitoring.
The 50-million-kina relocation project includes reinforced bunkers, a disaster co-ordination centre, and a helipad to bolster the emergency response.
Fiji - school
The Fijian government has announced the Back-to-School Support Program for the next school year, allocating F$40 million in the 2025 budget.
Families earning a combined annual income of $50,000 - about US$22,000 - or less, with children from early childhood education up to Year 13 are eligible for the assistance.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Biman Prasad says the parents should have the money at least two weeks before school starts.
FBC reported the initiative supported around 213,000 students at a cost of F$42.5 million.
Fiji - Rabuka
Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says he was the one that started the coup culture in the country.
Speaking at the reconciliation and restoration service at the Queen Elizabeth Barrack, Rabuka asked for forgiveness from the eight families who lost their loved ones during the 2000 mutiny.
Local media report that he also apologised for his actions, and those of George Speight and Frank Bainimarama.
Opposition leader Inia Seruiratu said that some have chosen to forget the past, while others still feel offended and hurt.
