Pacific news in brief for 3 June

RNZ News

3 days ago

A police landcruiser patrols the streets of the Papua New Guinea capital Port Moresby.
Photo:
RNZ Pacific/ Koroi Hawkins
Twenty people on a bus in Port Moresby were rescued by police officers after their bus was attacked at a roadblock.
The
PNG National
reported the passengers were chased off the bus and the attackers stole valuable items.
One passenger said someone stoned the bus and the driver lost control, and then others who were hiding in the bushes came out and robbed them.
Acting assistant police commissioner, National Capital District and Central, Benjamin Turi said police had already issued warnings for people to take precautions when traveling up and down the highway.
The Governor of the Northern Marianas has laid out his administration's economic recovery plans, urging for unity as the CNMI navigates a challenging but improving fiscal landscape.
Governor Arnold Palacios also highlighted key accomplishments during his first State of the Commonwealth Address.
He said while the CNMI continues to face challenges, its also seeing signs of growth and resilience.
Governor Palacios noted that the new 300 business registrations are signs of recovery and confidence.
In the past 12 months, a number of big businesses have closed shop or left the CNMI, and a number of Asian airlines have stopped flying there.
Access to reliable electricity across the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is now on the cards.
The FSM has some of the lowest electricity access rates in the Pacific, particularly in Chuuk State, where two-thirds of households lack power.
A new project to be implemented by the government, with financing and technical support from the World Bank, will mean thousands of families will benefit from better, more reliable electricity.
The US$42 million project will increase access to electricity for over 3,500 people in remote outer islands, while improving the reliability of existing power supply and supporting the increase in renewable energy across FSM's four states: Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap.
Fifty new projects have been announced under the Solomon Islands - Australia Community Partnerships.
The Australian High Commission said the projects represent more than 11 million Solomon Islander dollars (US$1.9 million) in direct funding to businesses and communities.
The projects include the installation of solar powered streetlights, the construction of new classrooms, upgrades to rural health clinics, and the provision of community water tanks.
The Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Rod Hilton said the initiatives will deliver practical benefits to communities, while also supporting local businesses and jobs.
Fiji Airways managing director and chief executive officer, Andre Viljoen, is stepping down in October this year.
Fiji Airways chairperson, Nalin Patel said Viljoen has accepted the position of CEO at Air Mauritius and will be returning home after a decade of exceptional leadership in Fiji.
Patel said under his stewardship, Fiji Airways' annual revenue has grown significantly, from FJ$815.3 million in 2015 to $1.9 billion in 2024.
He said Viljoen will remain on the board of directors after his transition.
Samoa has marked its 63rd independence day celebrating achieving sovereignty in 1962.
Festivities commenced on Sunday with a thanksgiving service at the Catholic cathedral in Mulivai.
On Monday, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa raised the national flag outside the government building in Apia.
Additional celebrations are taking place throughout the week.