Bruno Leingkone at the Parliament Complex. Photo: Hilaire Bule
Vanuatu - Appeal over vacated parliament seat
An appeal of the decision of the Vanuatu Supreme Court confirming Bruno Leingkone's parliamentary seat vacant was filed on Tuesday.
The Vanuatu Daily Post reported this was confirmed by the public relations officer of the Prime Minister's Office, Antoine Malsungai.
The Court of Appeal, Vanuatu's highest court, will hear Leingkone's argument against the Supreme Court decision and decide whether to uphold or reverse the decision.
Meanwhile, the motion-of-no-confidence in prime minister Sato Kilman is expected to be debated in a postponed sitting on Friday.
Fiji - Judgement day ahead for Bainimarama, Qiliho
Fiji media outlets are reporting former Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and suspended Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho will know their fate next Thursday when Suva Magistrate Seini Puamau will deliver her judgement.
Bainimarama is charged with one count of attempting to pervert the course of justice, while Qiliho is charged with one count of abuse of office.
FBC News reported the matter was called on Wednesday where Magistrate Puamau told the state and the defense counsels to file and serve written submissions by this Friday.
Minisha Shankar, who was an associate of the late Director of Public Prosecutions David Toganivalu, was to overlook the case for the state.
Fiji, PNG - Bank says it's staying put
Westpac has announced it will be retaining its banking operations in Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
In an ASX release, the company said at the conclusion of a sales process which started in December of 2020, it decided it will be retaining its Pacific banking businesses.
The Australian bank's plans to sell both operations to Kina Bank for up to AU$420 million hit a snag in September 2021, after Papua New Guinea's Independent Consumer and Competition Commission denied Kina Bank authorisation for the proposed purchase.
In its statement, Westpac said it will continue to support local business, improve digital and service capabilities for customers, and deliver important community programmes in financial literacy and education.
CNMI - Saipan flights to be suspended
A South Korean airline, one of the largest carriers servicing the Northern Marianas, says it will suspend flights to Saipan in November.
Asiana Airlines will stop all its planned flights to Saipan for the entire month of November before resuming flights in December.
The carrier said one of the reasons they're suspending flights next month is the Commonwealth Ports Authority's recently implemented fee increases.
One of the fee hikes is expected to cost airlines about $3,000 more to land at Saipan International Airport, after the Authority recently green-lighted a 90 percent increase in landing fees.
PNG - Lawyer Paul Paraka jailed
Convicted Papua New Guinea lawyer Paul Paraka has been jailed for 20 years for the misuse of US$46 million of state money.
Paraka, who was first arrested more than nine years ago, had been charged with five counts of misappropriation between 2007 and 2011.
The Post Courier reported Justice Teresa Berrigan, in considering the merits of the case, said Paraka avoided the maximum penalty of 50 years in jail.
The 54 year old, who had headed the country's biggest law firm, is in Bomana jail.
PIF - Time will tell on US follow-through - Puna
The Pacific Islands Forum secretary general says time will tell if the US will follow through with its latest Pacific funding pledge.
Henry Puna has arrived back in Fiji after the second US/Pacific summit in Washington where he met President Joe Biden.
US$200 million of new aid was promised this year.
But Australia's Lowy Institute Pacific Island Programs director Meg Keen said Congress has yet to approve most of the US$810 million in funding pledges made last year.
When questioned over why the US is operating at a snail's pace Puna said:
"We have to take the word of the president of America. There are certain issues that are beyond me and beyond our officials.
"Discussions have been ongoing and will continue to be ongoing in order to bring to life the commitments America has made to our leaders."