China believes 'ulterior motives' behind riots in Solomon Islands
China has accused what it calls forces with ulterior motives of inciting last month's riots in the Solomon Islands capital, Honiara.
The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the claim after the Solomons Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare was accused of using money from a national development fund given by China.
The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Photo: REUTERS
Mr Sogavare rejected allegations of corruption.
Mr Wang said the riots erupted under a complicated background, with some forces with ulterior motives taking the chance to smear China-Solomon Islands relations.
He said China is confident in the future of its bilateral relations and will take measures to support and assist Solomon Islands in restoring order and reconstruction.
Until 2019, Solomon Islands had diplomatic ties with Taiwan, but Mr Sogavare switched them to Beijing.
CNMI Covid-19 deaths reach nine
The Northern Marianas has recorded two more Covid-19 related fatalities, raising the death toll in the pandemic to nine.
Over the weekend, there were also 47 positive test results, bringing infection numbers to 2422.
12 people with Covid-19 are in hospital care.
In a new policy, fully vaccinated inbound travelers will now be tested for Covid-19 on arrival.
In addition to being fully vaccinated, a qualified essential worker must submit a negative PCR test with their application 72 hours prior to their arrival.
Unvaccinated travellers must quarantine in a designated government facility for seven days.
Any traveller testing positive will be isolated in the designated government facility for an additional 10 days.
Pacific health experts planning for challenges Omicron could create in 2022
Pacific health experts in New Zealand are already planning for the challenges Omicron could create in 2022.
Dr Api Talemaitoga said he is sceptical the allocated government funding for Pacific-lead initiatives will be enough, with many providers running on the 'smell of an oily rag' already.
He said adequate funding will be the key to a strong community push to administer boosters and vaccinate children in the new year:
"The reason for that is just two doses of the pfizer vaccine doesn't give enough protection to people from Omicron," he said.
The Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito Su'a William Sio, said NZ$8-million will go directly to Pacific providers who have been driving the response across New Zealand.
Radar systems to be installed in Palau
The installation of radar systems in Palau by the United States Defence Department will bring in US$42.3 million into the country's economy.
Rear Admiral Benjamin Nicholson, the Joint Region Marianas commander said the work on the radar systems will benefit the local economy and local construction companies.
The radar systems will provide Palau with enhanced maritime law enforcement capability in its territorial waters and exclusive economic zone.
Admiral Nicholson said the US realises how strategically important Palau is to ensuring a free and open Indo Pacific region.
Military funeral with honours for Tonga's Lord Ma'afu
The funeral cortege of Tonga's deputy prime minister, the late Lord Ma'afu, will arrive in Tonga on Tuesday from Auckland.
The Prime Minister's Office has announced that a military funeral with honours will be held the following week on Monday 27 December at Tokomolo.
A vigil and prayer service will be held Monday night in Auckland.
Lord Ma'afu, died peacefully in the early hours of December 12 at Auckland City Hospital, New Zealand.
He was Tonga's Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and the Minister responsible for His Majesty's Armed Forces.
Matangi Tonga online said the cortege departs Auckland on Tuesday 21 December on repatriation flight 1172, which is expected to arrive in Tonga at 12:30pm.
Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau'u and others will be at the airport for the arrival
Samoa police arrest seven people following drugs raid
In Samoa, seven people were in arrested in a drugs raid at a house in Vaitele.
Police seized methamphetamine; marijuana and drug paraphernalia following a search on the property.
Five men and two women are now in the custody of the Police.
This was confirmed by Deputy Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo in response to questions from Radio Polynesia.
This is the same residence that police raided in July.
During that raid, Police seized drugs, drug paraphernalia, guns, and cash worth more than $20,000 tala.
New Pacific strategy for Waikato Institute of Technology
One of New Zealand's largest institutes of technology has released a Pacific strategy aimed to grow Pacific capability and recognise Pacific culture and traditions.
Waikato Institute of Technology or Wintec are looking to grow the presence of Pacific staff and students as well as strengthen ties with Pacific communities and increase stakeholder partnerships.
The strategy also places emphasis on inspiring communities through projects in the Pacific region, leading the way in Pacific research and building Pacific leadership and governance at Wintec.
The Pacific Strategy is supported by Tapasā, a cultural competencies framework available for staff at educational organisations, devised by the Ministry of Education.