Photo: AFP / National Institute of Information and Communications
Tonga - volcano
A renowned Australian volcano expert is working with Tonga Geological Services on developing a volcanic eruption hazard assessment for the country.
A spokesperson for the Geological Services office in Nuku'alofa said Paul Taylor has been with them for a week identifying submarine volcanoes across the Kingdom.
They say the work is critical because it will enhance Tonga's understanding and preparedness for volcanic activities.
The Kingdom was hit by a tsunami in January 2022 when the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai underwater volcano erupted.
Tonga - roadmap
Tonga will soon finalise a National Plastics Roadmap aimed at phasing out single-use plastics.
Tonga is one of 14 Pacific Island countries engaging in the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee, to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.
Cook Islands
International scammers have been using a fake Cook Islands resort to lure overseas job seekers, the Cook Islands News reports.
According to the newspaper, the scammers deceive victims into paying an upfront fee of at least NZ$280.
A former worker posted on Facebook seeking advice on whether there was a new hotel named Crown Water Resort operating in Rarotonga.
Speaking to the newspaper, the expat worker, who is now based in New Zealand, said a recruiter from India offered their friend a job at the Crown Water Resort.
Their friend was provided the link to the hotel and offered a job. The recruiter required the person to pay for the employment contracts.
Crown Beach Resort & Spa manager Sierra Glade-Garner advises people who have been offered jobs from scammers claiming to "partner" with a specific resort to always contact the resort itself to verify the information.
Federated States of Micronesia/China - projects
China has pledged NZ$14 million for future projects in Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).
President Wesley Simina has met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who offered to bring more infrastructure investments and other economic assistance to the Pacific Island nation under Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The Pacific Island Times reported Xi pledged the money for the FSM's future projects.
The visit culminated in the signing of ten memorandums of agreement that guaranteed China's economic assistance to the Micronesian nation.
FSM is the only freely associated state that recognises China, which the US considers "the most challenging competition" in the region.
Fiji - health
Fiji's Ministry of Health & Medical Services is warning members of the public to be aware of the incorrect 'Free Medical Insurance' posts circulating on social media.
The ministry said they appear to be an attempt to mislead the public.
It said it does not offer free medical insurance for people over 50, as stated in the incorrect posts.
The ministry is working with the Department of Information and the Fiji Police cybercrime unit about the posts.
Papua New Guinea - partnership
The Papua New Guinea government last week welcomed PetroChina International partnering with state-owned enterprise, Kumul Petroleum Holdings Ltd.
Prime Minister James Marape said linking with what he calls, the largest petroleum company in Asia, is a milestone achievement.
He said with schemes such as Papua LNG and P'nyang yet to come into production, PNG has the potential to produce up to 25 trillion cubic feet of LNG.
Papua New Guinea - fire
Papua New Guinea's defence minister says the country's fire service is understaffed and lacks basic equipment.
The Post-Courier reported Billy Joseph saying the PNG Fire Service is struggling to keep properties safe against fire disasters.
Joseph has called for the modernisation of the Fire Service.
He said government needed to invest in fire infrastructure and basic fire fighting inventory, including fire engines.
Vanuatu - roads
The main street that leads into the capital Port Vila in Vanuatu has yet to be repaired by the PNG government.
Vanuatu's foreign affairs director-general Kalfau Kaloris is reported said the agreement was made some years ago and it is unclear why the road project has not been implemented, according to the Daily's Post report.
Kumul Highway was named to remember how the first Prime Minister of Vanuatu had begged PNG for emergency military aid on the eve of its independence 43 years ago, after the country was threatened with a rebellion.
Northern Marianas - casino
The Northern Marianas casino company, Imperial Pacific International, has officially filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy - which means it is allowed to stay in business and restructure its finances and operations.
The US District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands reported the company owes creditors over US$150 million.
The company said although it has decided to file for bankruptcy protection in the Federal Court, it remains committed to fulfilling its obligations.
It said this strategic move is part of a comprehensive plan to restructure its financial obligations and position the company for a comeback.
