Pacific News In Brief For 19 May
Samoa - whooping cough
Samoa's Ministry of Health has declared its whooping cough outbreak over.
It said last Wednesday that this follows a consistent decline in reported case and no suspected cases in the previous four weeks.
The outbreak of the disease, also known as pertussis, was declared on 28 November last year.
It said that the total of suspected and confirmed cases since the declaration had reached 427.
The Ministry said that while the spread of the disease is under control, people are urged not to be complacent and to check their children's immunisations are up to date.
Papua New Guinea - children
Police in Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea have been investigating the deaths of two young children whose bodies were found in an abandoned car outside the city at the beginning of this month.
According to police the four and five year olds were last seen alive at the beginning of March.
Their remains were found in a vehicle at Gereka, just outside Port Moresby.
A postmortem was conducted at Port Moresby General Hospital on 6 May to determine the cause of death.
NBC reported the Police Commissioner David Manning saying the Crimes Investigation Team is working around the clock to gather evidence and identify witnesses.
He also expressed grave concern over the increasing trend of child abuse in the country, condemning these as despicable acts and betrayals of trust.
He has urged parents and guardians to take their responsibilities seriously and he reminded the public of the 'Lukautim Pikinini Act', which carries severe penalties for negligence and abuse.
Northern Mariana Islands - court
A jury trial is set for July in a federal child pornography case in the Northern Marianas.
The case is against Nicolas Franklin Salas Palacios, who faces charges of possession of and access with intent to view child pornography.
He has entered a plea of not guilty.
The indictment includes a forfeiture notice, signaling that if convicted, the accused may be required to forfeit specific items or face a money judgment as an alternative.
He remains detained at the Department of Corrections pending trial.
Fiji - telecommunications
Starlink has been installed at Rotuma Government Station in Fiji, as part of a broader project to connect 10 rural and maritime government stations across the country.
Fiji's government said this technological advancement will allow civil servants to access real-time information and improve communication with headquarters, while also opening digital doors for nearby communities.
The initiative is also designed to improve coordination during emergency situations.
New Zealand/Pacific - visit
The Pacific Islands Forum secretary-general Baron Waqa is visiting New Zealand this week.
He will meet New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters and Pacific Peoples Minister Shane Reti.
Ulu o Tokelau Esera Tuisano will also make his first official visit to New Zealand, ahead of New Zealand and Tokelau celebrating a centenary of their constitutional relationship next year.
Peters said regular face-to-face dialogue is crucial for underpinning New Zealand's relationships throughout the region.
Aoteraoa New Zealand - University of the South Pacific
New Zealand is hosting the council of the University of the South Pacific on Monday.
Twelve Pacific countries will be represented at the meeting.
Pacific Peoples and Universities Minister Shane Reti said New Zealand's role as hosts reflects the country's steadfast commitment to advancing tertiary education through Pacific regionalism.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
3 days ago
- RNZ News
Internal tensions reported in PNG anti-corruption body
Photo: 123RF -Analysis Three staffers from Papua New Guinea's peak anti-corruption body are embroiled in a standoff that has brought into question the integrity of the organization. Police Commissioner, David Manning, has confirmed that he received a formal complaint. Commissioner Manning said that initial inquiries are underway to inform the "sensitive investigation board's" consideration of the referral. That board itself is controversial, having been set up as a halfway point to decide if an investigation into a subject should proceed through the usual justice process. Manning indicated if the board determines a criminal offence has occurred, the matter will be assigned to the National Fraud & Anti-Corruption Directorate for independent investigation. Local media reported PNG's Prime Minister, James Marape, is being kept informed of the developments. Marape has issued a statement acknowledging the internal tensions within ICAC and reaffirming his government's commitment to the institution. The establishment of ICAC in Papua New Guinea has been a long-standing national aspiration, dating back to 1984. The enabling legislation for ICAC was passed on 20 November, 2020, bringing the body into legal existence. Marape said it was a proud moment of his leadership having achieved this in just 18 months after he took office in May 2019. The appointments process for ICAC officials was described as rigorous and internationally supervised, making the current internal disputes disheartening for many. Marape has reacted strongly to the situation, expressing disappointment over the allegations and differences between the three ICAC leaders. He affirmed his government's "unwavering commitment" to ICAC. These developments have significant implications for Papua New Guinea, particularly concerning its international commitments related to combating financial crime. PNG has been working to address deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) framework, with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) closely monitoring its progress. An effective and credible ICAC is crucial for demonstrating the country's commitment to fighting corruption, a key component of a robust AML/CTF regime. Furthermore, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) often includes governance and anti-corruption measures as part of its conditionalities for financial assistance and programme support. Any perception of instability or compromised integrity within ICAC could hinder Papua New Guinea's efforts to meet these international requirements, potentially affecting its financial standing and access to crucial development funds. The current situation lays bare the urgent need for swift and decisive action to restore confidence in ICAC and ensure it can effectively fulfill its mandate.
RNZ News
28-05-2025
- RNZ News
Dengue outbreak: Big clean up campaigns are underway in Rarotonga
Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, conducted two block sprays around public areas on Rarotonga as part of Operation Namu25 to control the spread of dengue fever on the island last week. Photo: Cook Islands Health Promotion Big clean up campaigns are underway in Rarotonga to try stamp out mosquito breeding grounds. The Cook Islands declared a dengue fever outbreak last Thursday (Friday NZT). Outbreaks have also been called in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, which have all had at least one death because of the viral infection. The Cook Islands has had seven confirmed cases this month - all on Rarotonga. Three are active which are from the same household. An outbreak is declared in the Cook Islands when five cases of dengue is reported within a 15-day period. Acting health secretary Dr Teariki Faireka said the last Cook Islands outbreak was declared in 2021. "One of our goals is to stop it here on Rarotonga and to stop it from spreading to our smaller islands," Faireka said. He said the outer islands did not have the resources to deal with severe cases of dengue. Faireka said the Ministry of Health alongside the Prime Minister signed off on Operation Namu, which includes clean up campaigns and spraying. On Friday, nonessential public servants were allowed to take part in a mass cleanup on Rarotonga instead of doing their normal job. "We had a good turn out where everyone pitched in to help with the clean and we also identified areas that needed further support," he said. "So vacant areas that have overgrown hedges or overgrown grass, that will be targeted within the next two weeks for cleaning at some point." Mark Thomas, associate professor of infectious diseases at Auckland University, said dengue fever outbreaks are seasonal, supported by lots of rain. "If there's plenty of small pools of water around the amount that would settle in an open coconut shell or in a tire that's lying on the ground, some small pool somewhere. Then the mosquitoes increase their rate of breeding, there are more people getting bitten by mosquitoes, and more transmission of dengue from person to person by the mosquitos," he said. The dengue cases on Rarotonga have been type one (DENV-1) and two (DENV-2). Thomas said there are several variants, but people are unlikely to be infected by the same sub-type. "They may be exposed in subsequent epidemics years later and then the second episode, that will likely be some years after the first one, may sometimes be much more severe than the first episode." Muri Beach Club Hotel owner Liana Scott said the island was looking very tidy. "That community spirit really comes alive whenever there's something that affects people and that's nice to see and of course dengue if you've had it before it's not the nicest." Scott said one tourist had postponed their trip, concerned by underlying health issues. She said most accommodation providers are lenient with their cancelation policies. "It's not really a time to be strict in upholding the cancelation policies if people have a genuine reason for cancelling and most are not cancelling they are moving the date forward." For most though, Scott said they can manage the risk with mosquito repellent and using insect screens. "It's not rocket science, sometimes it's just making sure if you go on a cross-island track that you have your legs and arms covered." Thomas said the aides mosquito, sometimes called the Egyptian mosquito, carries dengue. "The ones that exist in New Zealand are typically night biting mosquitoes, whereas the ones that transmit dengue are day biting mosquitoes, so people should use insect repellent during the daytime and try and limit the ability of the mosquito to get at the skin. "That sometimes means covering up more of your skin than you might otherwise do on a tropical holiday." Thomas said the epidemic normally goes away as people build immunity and mosquito breeding grounds dry as the weather changes.
RNZ News
27-05-2025
- RNZ News
Pacific news in brief for 27 May
Photo: 123RF Dengue fever cases in Tonga have reached 793, as of an update on Monday. Tonga's Ministry of Health said 417 of the cases are from Tongatapu and 310 from Vava'u. Three people were in Vaiola hospital in stable condition. People are urged to continue cleaning up mosquito breeding sites around homes and schools. Three police officers have been arrested in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, after a woman was shot and killed at Waigani market. NBC reported a weapon was discharged during a police operation to deal with illegal activities by some vendors at the market. Commissioner of Police, David Manning said the three police personnel are the subject of a criminal investigation. "From the briefing provided to me, it appears the police officer who discharged the weapon, had not intended to shoot this young lady, but that is not the point. A woman is dead because a gun was fired. "I call on all members of the community to remain calm, while this matter is investigated, to allow justice to be served." Commissioner Manning said following the incident, he is instructing a review of police procedures and the use of warning shots. Solomon Islands Police have arrested an 18-year-old male in relation to the murder of a 29-year-old woman in Guadalcanal Plains at the weekend. Police said the deceased was alone washing at a well. Supervising Provincial Police Commander Guadalcanal Province Superintendent Edwin Sevoa appealed to those involved to stay calm while police investigate. Ten members of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) have taken part in Operation Tui Moana, a two-week operation targeting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Nine vessels of interest were listed, including one confirmed apprehension for suspected IUU fishing activities. FFA officer in charge of the fisheries operations division Jason Raubani said the operation's success highlights the continued strong regional cooperation that is in place, and the commitment to protecting the rights of agency members and their valuable tuna resources. He said follow-up investigations are already underway. Papua New Guinea police have told a parliamentary committee that there is little chance that unlicensed guns in the Highlands can be retrieved before the 2027 general election. Assistant police commissioner of operations Julius Tasion told the committee that police had tried to retrieve the unlicensed guns, but were resisted by locals. He said the norms have changed and when someone becomes a leader at the village level, they have weapons to defend their land or village. The National reported that Chief Superintendent Kyle Saltmarsh, chief of staff to the police commissioner, saying the normalisation of guns and ammunition in the country remained a challenge for the police. A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck south of Tonga late Sunday night, prompting initial concerns but ultimately resulting in no tsunami threat to the island nation. Local media reported the tremor occurred at 11.49pm local time, with its epicentre 180 kilometres south of 'Eua and 204 kilometres south of Tongatapu.
