Straight line with no ECG waves on the monitor in the hospital department, concept of patient clinical death. Photo: 123rf
Fiji - health
A leading doctor in Fiji says rheumatic heart disease prevention needs to be ramped up.
Almost one child in every classroom across Fiji lives with the disease.
On World Heart Day, 29 September, chief medical advisor Dr Luisa Cikamatana told local media more than 4000 people are registered as living with the disease in Fiji.
She said it's the second leading cause of death among young people aged five to 29.
Papua New Guinea - gold
Papua New Guinea customs is concerned about alleged gold smuggling by a criminal syndicate operating in the country's airports.
Customs Services assistant commissioner, Ian Hering, said gold is being smuggled out by persons of interest from the Jackson International Airport.
Hering said about 22 kilograms of gold were confiscated from two foreigners in Port Moresby earlier this year.
He said police are holding their passports so they cannot leave the country.
Hering said there was a similar case last year pointing to a syndicate operating at the airport.
Papua New Guinea - law
Resident Judge Graham Ellis has issued interim orders to leaders, police, and people to contain tribal conflicts and lawlessness.
Enga administrator Sandis Tsaka pledged his full support to the National Court inquiry, into violations of basic rights caused by tribal fights in the province last Thursday.
The National reported Judge Ellis was presiding over a Human Rights Own Initiative inquiry, aimed at protecting constitutional rights in the face of the fights.
Vanuatu - wages
Vanuatu's Chamber of Commerce and Industry is proposing changes to the Employment Act, to replace severance pay with higher employer contributions to the Vanuatu National Provident Fund.
Chamber president Antoine Boudier said they strongly support retirement outcomes for Ni-Vanuatu workers, and that means putting contributions in the fund.
He said by replacing severance with higher employer fund contributions, they can protect take-home pay, and give business certainty.
The Chamber confirmed that it will engage the Department of Labour and the International Labour Organisation to propose amendments to the Employment Act.
The Vanuatu Daily Post reported the proposal will be presented in Parliament as part of the Vanuatu National Provident Fund Act amendments.
Northern Marianas Islands - airports
The construction of the new airport on Tinian in the Northern Mariana Islands is 80 percent complete.
US defence officials confirmed this during a CNMI stakeholders meeting in Garapan last week.
Concrete and asphalt placements are ongoing, with the fuel system redesign finished.
The $400 million project is set to be completed in 2027.
Meanwhile, the US Air Force is conducting environmental assessments for potential improvements at Rota International Airport.