A light aircraft taking off from Samoa's Fagali'i airstrip which has now been closed over safety concerns especially during turbulent weather. January 2020 Photo: Samoa Government
Samoa - airline
Samoa Airways says one of its aircraft sustained damage on the newly re-opened Fagali'i Airport runway.
It said maintenance costs could mean higher airfares.
According to Samoa Global News, the airline's chief executive Fauoo Fatu Tielu said the aircraft's tyres have been damaged by uneven seal on the runway.
In addition, he said some pilots have questioned the safety of the airport, raising queries about the short runway at Fagali'i.
These concerns include the location of power poles and a Digicel tower which pose a risk during landing.
And Tielu said at night they have to move staff back to Faleolo so flights can continue.
Solomon Islands/Australia
Australia's deputy prime minister Richard Marles is in Solomon Islands for a two-day visit (Wednesday and Thursday).
Marles met with prime minister Manasseh Sogavare and other government and community leaders.
He visited Australian and Pacific personnel deployed within the regional Solomon Islands International Assistance Force.
Marles said Australia will continue to ensure its engagement across all sectors - including jobs, health and security - is responsive to Solomon Islands' needs and fit-for-purpose.
He also announced further support to Solomon Islands' next general election in 2024.
Around $US16.5 million has been given to help the Electoral Office with its preparations, including biometric voter registration and polling activities.
This money builds on the funding already provided through the Australian Electoral Commission and international partners like the United Nations Development Program.
Solomon Islands - parliament
A lawsuit has been filed in Solomon Islands challenging the legality of the extension of the Parliamentary term to 2024.
Last September, Parliament amended the Constitution, resulting in the dissolution of the current term being deferred for seven months.
The prime minister said at the time the Solomons could not successfully host the national general elections and the Pacific Games in the same year, while its economy was still recovering from the impacts of Covid-19 and public unrest.
But Solomon Business magazine reported the leader of the independent group John Kuku has raised several questions about the constitutionality of the process, which he wants the court to answer.
He also claims all parliamentary proceedings after May 15 this year are null and void.
The defendants have been given 42 days to file their defence.
Papua New Guinea - defence
A United States led disaster response program called Exersize Dri is underway in Papua New Guinea with the PNG Defence Force.
According to the Post Courier, PNG Defence Force Captain Phillip Polewara said the exercise offered training on how to manage disaster response efforts.
It will also involve joint discussions with various international missions and government agencies about disaster experiences.
The US Embassy said the training is being held at the request of the PNG government.
Fiji - funeral
The funeral for former Fiji deputy prime minister, the late Meraia Taufa Vakatale, will be held on Friday in Suva.
Vakatale made history in 1997 when she became the country's first female deputy prime minister.
The 85-year-old, who is celebrated as a role model for female leaders in the region, died on Saturday.
Prime Minister Rabuka expressed condolences on behalf of government.
Pacific Islands Forum - geopolitics
Pacific Islands Forum secretary-general Henry Puna has warned about strategic manipulation from countries outside the group.
Puna, speaking in New Zealand earlier this week, highlighted the geopolitical tussle between superpowers, who he says bring their foreign policy ideals and try to push their world views.
He said the Pacific must make the best of strategic interest.