Samoa - museum
The Samoan government has cautiously started a process for the return of Samoan human remains in storage at a United States museum.
It is believed the human remains came from an archaeological dig that was conducted between 1957 to 1967 from the Faleasi'u area.
The Samoa Observer reported last April the Natural History Museum of Utah wrote to the government in August 2018, to request that Samoan human remains from an archaeological excavation in the 1960s be repatriated back to Samoa.
National University of Samoa's Centre for Samoan Studies director Ta'iao Dr. Matiu Matavai Tautunu said they are mindful of the cultural contextual issues that could arise.
Emphasising that he cannot give more detailed information - due to the sensitivity of the issue - Ta'iao said it is his hope the government will "handle the process with care", as the repatriation of future items of archaeological significance would depend on it.
Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands police have arrested a 17-year-old male for armed robbery.
Central Police Station, Provincial Police Commander chief superintendent Jimson Robo said it was alleged the suspect grabbed the victim while armed with a kitchen knife and pointed the knife on her neck.
PPC Robo said the suspect told the victim to surrender her phone to him, otherwise he would stab her.
She released the phone to the suspect and he escaped.
Robo said the victim and her friend were doing research at the Honiara Botanical Garden on April 5 while the incident occurred.
He said said the suspect will appear before the Honiara Central Magistrates' Court at a later date.
PNG - former PM
The late former Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Rabbie Namaliu will be given a state funeral in Port Moresby and laid to rest on Independence Hill next Tuesday.
This is according to PNG Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko.
The National reports the decision was reached after consultation with Sir Rabbie's family and the people of Raluana in Kokopo, East New Britain.
The official programme is to begin today (April 13) when the casket will be in Kokopo for two days.
The casket will also be at the Sir John Guise indoor stadium for a national mourning period, and the body will lie in state at the grand hall of the national parliament for members to pay their final respects.
On Tuesday, the state funeral church service will be held at the Sione Kami Memorial Church.
PNG - security agreement
Papua New Guinea will sign a security agreement with the United Kingdom when a senior government official visits the country next week, Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko said.
The National quoted him as saying the UK Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, James Cleverly would arrive on April 19 to sign the agreement for security purposes.
He said it will be similar to an agreement Port Morseby has signed with the the French government.
Tkatchenko said Cleverly will also visit the graves of more than 400 British soldiers at the Bomana cemetery who died during World War 2.
The UK foreifn minister will also visit UK-funded projects in Port Moresby and discuss a range of issues with government officials.
Solomon Islands - Soltuna
Solomon Islands' Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade is working with the United States Embassy to look for market opportunities for Soltuna products in the US.
Soltuna products for US. Photo: SolTuna.com.au
Trade Commissioner Barret Salato confirmed this to SIBC News, saying they have discussed getting duty-free access for Soltuna products.
He said because the Solomons is a least developed country, it should be given duty free access.
Soltuna is exporting its products to Australia and New Zealand with duty free privilege through the Pacific Agreement on Close Economic Relations trade agreement.
Samoa - minimum wage
A union in Samoa is welcoming government plans to review the 3 tālā per hour minimum wage and introduce a cost-of-living adjustment for public service employees.
Samoa Observer reports First Union Chief Executive Officer Seveaoga Saint Tomi-Setu as saying they're continuing to push for an increase in the minimum wage.
He adds they are awaiting the outcome of recent legislation introduced to allow for a bi-annual review of the minimum wage.
Prime Minister, Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, last month confirmed that the Government will review the minimum wage, as part of its commitment to making life easier and affordable for families in Samoa..
Fiamē also confirmed that both the public service salary reclassification and minimum wage issues "resurfaced earlier this year during the annual review between Government, the private sector and the International Monetary Fund."