Photo: Dominic Godfrey / RNZ Pacific
Warning about illegal food outlets in Samoa
Samoa's Ministry of Health has issued a stern warning about the increase in online illegal food businesses.
Director General of Health, Aiono Alec Ekeroma, said such businesses do not have a Health Certification or a Notice of Compliance.
He has advised business which are not legally approved to stop advertising and operating and to apply for the correct certification.
The Ministry also advises the public to avoid purchasing from such businesses, as the food safety may be compromised.
Samoa police act to stop more stowaways
The Samoan Ministry of Police has approved a permanent police unit at the Faleolo International Airport after a recent stowaway to Fiji.
Police Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo, said the incident at the country's main international gateway was a wake-up call.
The Samoa Observer reports the reputation of Samoa's international airport is also at stake, given the incident meant international civil aviation protocols and standards were not met.
The commissioner says under International Civil Aviation law there should be police stationed at the international airport.
Meanwhile, the investigation into how a 24-year-old woman managed to bypass security and fly to Fiji without going through the proper screening process is ongoing.
Vanuatu cops arrest alleged forger
Police in Port Vila have arrested a man suspected of issuing fake police clearance documents.
The issue of fake police documents was first detected by police in November last year, and led to a search of the offices of a registered Recognised Seasonal Employer agent in Port Vila.
Police says about 100 ni-Vanuatu who were sent abroad for work had been issued with the fake police documents.
It is not known how the suspect accessed the clearance documents, and other agents are also implicated.
Inflation rise triggers wage hike
The latest inflation figures in New Caledonia have prompted an automatic hike of the minimum wage by $US9 a month.
The annual inflation rate is 4.9 percent.
The increase will come into effect on February 1 and raise the general monthly minimum wage to $US1,488.
Increases are triggered automatically if prices go up by more than 0.5 percent over the preceding month.
The latest hike is the fifth in the past 12 months.
France appoints new commissioner to Noumea
The French government has appointed Louis Le Franc as the next High Commissioner to New Caledonia.
The interior ministry said Le Franc's mission is to continue the dialogue to prepare the new statute for the territory.
In 2021, a majority in New Caledonia voted against full sovereignty in the third referendum on independence from France held under the Noumea Accord.
The ministry says Le Franc will also continue to support New Caledonia's economic development and its ecological transition.
Le Franc, who has held senior administrative positions, will replace Patrice Faure.
Another women's shelter to open in French Polynesia
The new housing complex, located in Pu o te hau, is being constructed to hold the large influx of people seeking refuge.
Run by the Council For Women, the complex will have 20 additional spaces for women and children allowing a total of 60 spaces available.
By 2025, another house complex will be added, allowing 10 permanent studios for senior women and a reunion space at a cost of $US1.8 million.
The government said they will invest 30 percent while the rest will come from private investors.
PNG leaders hails Albanese visit
The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape, has called last week's visit by his Australian counterpart historic.
He said that Australia, for the first time, has committed to addressing all the outstanding issues between the two nations.
Anthony Albanese addressed the PNG Parliament and talked about improving the trade relationship, increasing people-to-people connections and addressing visa issues.
He also spoke about exchange programmes with the police and the military, and among other matters, helping improve the health sector.
However, a Papua New Guinea MP has criticised the visit, saying important, challenging issues facing PNG were not addressed appropriately.