Pacific news in brief for 12 May

RNZ News

12-05-2025

Papua New Guinea police
Photo:
RNZ / Johnny Blades
A police commander in Papua New Guinea's National Capital District is worried that the public no longer respects police.
Assistant Commissioner Benjamin Turi points to nine cases of resisting and assaulting a member of the police before the Boroko District Court last week alone.
The
Post-Courier
reported him saying that when he joined the police force, such disrespect was unheard of - that "respect was given and it showed in the way the public responded when a police officer issued a command."
He said the person in a blue uniform is not safe and there is no respect, which is a sad day for the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and for the country.
In PNG, assaulting a police officer is a serious offence under the Summary Offences Act 1977, carrying a hefty fine and a possible two-year jail term.
Airbus has told Vanuatu media about the usual arrangements when there is a failure to complete an aircraft purchase, amid concern over Vanuatu's aircraft deal.
In response to questions from the
Vanuatu Daily Post
, an Airbus spokesperson declined to comment on the specifics of the Vanuatu Government's arrangement, citing company policy.
However, the spokesperson said any contractual default or failure to take delivery of an aircraft causes major costs and damages for the aircraft manufacturer.
They said in such cases, it is standard industry practice for pre-delivery payments to be forfeited.
The Vanuatu government has recently reaffirmed the VUV2 billion (US$16.5 million) deposit remains safe and talks are continuing regarding the aircraft purchase.
Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says his predecessor Frank Bainimarama cannot contest next years' election because he is facing further charges.
Rabuka told
FijiLive
that even if the former prime minister had his corruption conviction quashed by the Appeal Court, he has other cases pending.
Former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum hit back, asking if Rabuka already knew Bainimarama would be found guilty.
The former military head is facing one count of abuse of office and one of unwarranted demand in the Magistrates Court.
A new vessel aimed at improving disaster response and development on Fiji's remote islands is being procured under Japan's Economic Social Development Programme.
Fiji and Japan have signed an exchange of notes to formalise the funding of approximately $US12 million.
Fijian Prime Minister Rabuka said the new vessel will enhance their ability to respond quickly to emergencies and deliver relief supplies, but it also has non-disaster roles.
He said said Japan's support comes at a time when the need for climate resilience and disaster preparedness has never been more critical.
A second by-election has been ordered in the Lagaip seat of Enga Province in Papua New Guinea, after MP Amos Joseph Akem was found guilty of bribery.
Akem had won the by-election in 2023.
This was held after the vote in 2022, won by Tomait Kapili, was declared failed because of the violence and intimidation that had surrounded it.
Four more people died in the violence surrounding the vote in the 2023 by-election.
Kapili had cited bribery allegations following the 2023 poll and these have been upheld in the National Court at Waigani.
A Papua New Guinea Government official says they are committed to transferring PNG's 36.4 percent shareholding in Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) to the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
BCL chairman Sir Mel Togolo said once finalised, "the ABG and people of Bougainville will become for the first time BCL's majority shareholder with a 72.9 per cent share in the company".
The National
reported him saying the ABG has been exploring arrangements whereby a suitable entity receives the shares free from stamp duty charges on transfer.