Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the 2013 Constitution was neither formulated nor adopted through a participatory democratic process. 11 March 2025 Photo: Parliament of the Republic of Fiji
Fiji - visits
Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka will go on official visits to Singapore and Indonesia this week.
Rabuka, who is also the Foreign Affairs, will meet with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to discuss strengthening economic ties and explore ways to work together on shared priorities for regional and global development.
In Indonesia, Rabuka will meet with President Prabowo Subianto, where discussions will focus on enhancing cooperation in areas such as regional security, education, agriculture, and disaster risk management.
Fiji - drugs
Police recorded a 93 percent increase in registered drug cases around the country in March this year, compared to the same month last year.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu lauded Operation Sasamaki for destabilising and dismantling the illicit drugs network.
He said there have been more than 100 arrests made as a result of the operation with 96 people charged.
Tudravu said methamphetamine continues to be seized in small amounts, but it is still significant in the police's current effort.
Papua New Guinea - economy
Papua New Guinea is planning to cut the goods and servicies tax on 13 essential items.
The National reported the Internal Revenue Commissioner, Sam Koim, outlined the plan, saying the tax will come off rice, canned fish, cooked oil and other basic families necessities.
He said his team is working to have the tax cut put in place by July.
Koim said it will provide much needed relief for households.
He said the Internal Revenue Commission will work alongside the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission to ensure compliance by the food sector.
Samoa - health
The US Embassy has announced the return of medical personnel from the 1984th US Army Reserve to work alongside Samoan healthcare providers.
The US Embassy said US Army medical professionals will collaborate with their Samoan counterparts to support public health infrastructure, enhance clinical
outcomes, and improve hospital readiness.
From 22-30 April, US medical professionals will be available at local hospitals for consultations.
The Soifua Manuia Mission supports preventive and specialty care, surgical procedures, and medical education.
US Chargé d'Affaires Daniel Tarapacki said the program demonstrates the United States' ability to lead in global health and field medical operations.
"We continue to put American prosperity and security at the forefront of our diplomacy."
Niue - health
Three New Zealand ambulance tutors have been in Niue teaching first aid and life-saving skills.
Eighty people working in health, emergency, government agencies and the local business community in Niue have had the latest in first aid training, thanks to a joint initiative between the Government of Niue and Hato Hone St John.
Senior first aid tutor, Margaret Smith, said having as many people as possible knowing first aid and basic life-saving skills is vital.
She said the people she's taught can now share their knowledge with their families and the communities they live in.
