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Rescue teams dig for survivors trapped in crumpled buildings in Port Vila on 18 December. Photo: AFP
Pacific - fisheries
Operation Rai Balang has cracked down on illegal fishing across 14 million sq/km of the Pacific Ocean.
Twelve members of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) took part in the operation from 3-21 March.
The agency said it conducted 96 boardings, tracked 189 vessel contacts, and identified 7,629 satellite detections.
Seven high-risk "vessels of interest" were identified.
Vanuatu - recovery
Credit Corporation has announced a donation of $2 million vatu (approximately US$16,000) to the Vanuatu Red Cross to support ongoing earthquake recovery.
Fourteen people died and many others were injured in the 7.3 magnitude quake on 17 December .
The Vanuatu Daily Post reported Vanuatu Red Cross secretary general Dickinson Tevi saying the donation would help bridge a funding shortfall in their ongoing disaster response.
He said many individuals are facing urgent challenges, including access to clean water, the reconstruction of damaged homes, and unemployment; and some families are dealing with injuries and psychological trauma.
Papua New Guinea - housing
The facility housing people living with disability in Lae, Papua New Guinea, is reported to be in a disgraceful state.
A local contractor David Andra told NBC the facility is overcrowded and has water and sanitation issues.
He is appealing to relevant agencies and business organizations to finance the maintenance of the building.
The Morobe Disability Association president Benedict Hippom said the facility has been neglected for more than 15 years.
Hippom said his organisation is to speak with the Community Development Department to find more suitable accommodation.
A Community Development advisor Kiung Kimbing said the facility dates from colonial times, when it was meant for rehabilitation programmes only.
Northern Mariana Islands
A little over a year after opening, the first NC Picks brand outlet store outside of Asia has closed.
The shutdown of the warehouse-style discount store is the latest in a string of closures in Saipan.
The Hyatt Regency Saipan, Asiana Restaurant, Saipan Tribune, and other small businesses have all bid adieu this past year.
Kensington Hotel Saipan Strategic & Planning officer Philip Choi confirmed that NC Picks closed this month.
Fiji - election laws
Four Commissioners have been appointed to review Fiji's electoral laws.
They are former Fiji chief justice Daniel Fatiaki, economics professor Waden Narsey, former National Federation Party general secretary Seni Nabou, and NZ elections expert Deidre Brooks.
fijilive.com reported the Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga saying their expertise, collective knowledge, and dedication will be instrumental in shaping an electoral system that embodies the democratic principles of fairness, inclusivity, and transparency.
Turaga said the Commissioners will aim to simplify and reinforce the democratic principles within the electoral laws, removing barriers hindering participation, and ensuring Fiji's electoral processes are inclusive and transparent.
Solomon Islands - asbestos
Australia's Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program has held a workshop on safe handing of asbestos.
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development's Paul Chris said many 1980s buildings in Solomon Islands contain asbestos and people still live with them today.
A licensed asbestos removalist at the ministry, Patteson Fakavai, said asbestos is not something that can be dealt with casually.
The Solomon Islands National Building Code, currently under consideration by government, contains provisions for safe handling of the material.
Tonga - climate
Tongan Speaker of Parliament, Lord Fakafanua has called for urgent climate action at a forum in Azerbaijan.
Lord Fakafanua stressed the urgency of climate action, highlighting the existential threat faced by small island developing states.
Talanoa o Tonga reported the discussions centred on accelerating transformation ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, with a focus on enhancing climate finance and amplifying the voices of vulnerable nations.
Hawai'i - fire response
Lahaina Clinic staff have been honoured for their volunteering efforts in the aftermath of the Maui wildfires.
Hawaii News Now reported the team volunteered over 370 hours and provided medical care to over 5000 survivors from temporary shelters, parking lots, and hotel ballrooms.
The staff was awarded the 2024 David Lawrence Community Service Award and received a US$10,000 reward.
The staff donated the money to the Maui Food Bank as a way to continue supporting residents affected by the fires.
