Bodies of men killed in American Samoa will be returned to families in Samoa
In American Samoa, the autopsies for the four men killed in the December 18 car accident in front of the StarKist Samoa cannery should all be completed today.
The CEO of LBJ hospital Faumuina John Faumuina, informed Attorney General Fainuulelei Ala'ilima Utu that autopsies for Ierome Vili and Fa'asaulala Ahoni have been completed.
Alatina Faleasi's autopsy was carried out yesterday, and the final one for Taumaoe Filipo would be conducted today.
Faumuina also informed the Attorney General that families of the men have been told about the release of their bodies.
All of the victims are citizens of Samoa and families have been waiting to plan their funerals.
Torres says House JGO 'tainted' but confident Senate will absolve him
The Northern Marianas Governor Ralph Torres has slammed the House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations (JGO) for initiating the impeachment proceedings against him.
The House Special Investigating Committee last Monday forwarded the impeachment resolution to the full house where it will be voted on next week.
Mr Torres already conceded that he will likely be impeached as Democrat members outnumber his allies in the House.
He said the actions against him have shown the committee chair and her two legislative members lack the experience and education in public policy, etiquette, and rule of law to faithfully discharge their duties of oversight, advice, and consent.
Torres said he is finally relieved that once the full House votes to impeach him, he can finally vindicate himself at the Senate where the impeachment charges against him will be heard and judged fairly.
Nauru implements new pre-travel arrangements in Brisbane
New pre-travel "Covid Safe Accommodation" arrangements are in place in Brisbane, Australia for passengers travelling to Nauru on commercial flights, effective immediately.
All travellers to Nauru from Brisbane must now enter and remain in managed safe accommodation in Brisbane, three days before travel.
The Nauru Covid-19 Taskforce said this arrangement is primarily for the regular scheduled Nauru Airlines ON002 flights.
This interim measure is put in place due to the rapid surging cases and community transmission of coronavirus in Brisbane and across Australia and many other countries.
Failure to comply will result in the passenger being denied flight check-in and travel to Nauru.
Ex-Fiji solicitor general challenges termination in court
A former Solicitor General in Fiji's application for a Judicial Review was called in the High Court in Suva on Thursday.
Sharvada Sharma's is seeking legal action against the Government over his dismissal late last year.
He is represented by Suva lawyer Jon Apted.
Sharvada Sharma. Photo: Fiji govt
Counsel for the defendants - the President of Fiji and the Judicial Services Commission - Devanesh Sharma told the court that an argument in opposition would be made.
The government has 14 days to file an affidavit in opposition to the application.
Mr Sharma will also get 14 days to respond to the government's application.
The matter will be called again in court on February 18.
Opening of Tonga's new parliamentary session postponed
Today's official opening of Tonga's new parliamentary session for 2022 has been postponed to next Tuesday.
The Deputy Clerk of the House told Matangi Tonga the opening was delayed due to technical issues.
Dr Sione Fatanitavake Vikilani said technicians need time to fix technical problems that may affect the live streaming of King Tupou VI's opening address from the Royal Residence in 'Eua to the Parliamentary chamber in Nuku'alofa."
After the opening, on a date to be announced, the Tongan Legislative Assembly will hold its first meeting when newly elected members of Parliament, and Cabinet Ministers, will take their respective oaths of office, and elect the Chairman of the Whole House Committee and members of Standing Committees.