Fuel tax lowered in New Caledonia, official collapses in Marianas court, and action taken on alcohol in Samoa
New Caledonia lowers fuel taxes after protests
New Caledonia's Congress has voted to lower fuel taxes to counter concern about the high cost of living.
Thirty of the 54 members voted in favour of allowing the government to lower the levies which is expected to lead to a monthly $US4 million loss in tax receipts.
A protest against living costs Photo:
Cutting the two taxes will reduce the litre price by 18 cents, but because of an earlier set fuel price hike from 1 June, the effective reduction will amount to just 1 cent.
Basing the future price on the world fuel market in May, a further 12 cent increase is expected to be passed on in July.
The vote came as there is continued pressure on the fuel companies, which yesterday faced a partial blockade of its depots in the Noumea area to secure further negotiations.
A group called the Citizen's Association of New Caledonia has been campaigning alongside others, such as farmers, truckers, and unions, against the high cost of living with various protests.
CNMI lieutenant governor collapses testifying in governor's corruption trial
The Northern Marianas' Lieutenant Governor Arnold Palacios collapsed on the witness stand while he was being cross-examined in the criminal case proceedings against Governor Ralph Torres in the Superior Court.
He was taken to the Commonwealth Health Center as a precautionary measure.
Palacios' office said his collapse wasn't serious and was due to a pre-existing back condition that was exacerbated by the court proceedings.
"The Lieutenant Governor and his wife Wela are very thankful for the judge, marshals, court staff, and EMTs for their quick action, and response," the office said.
Mr Torres issued his own statement, wishing Palacios well.
Palacios was summoned in court to testify in the Office of the Attorney General's criminal case against Mr Torres for alleged misconduct, theft, and contempt.
Samoa returns to covid alert level 1
Samoa is set to return to Covid-19 alert level 1 for the first time since the first community case was confirmed on March 17.
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa said Cabinet believes the numbers of affected people are slowly depleting and are confident it is time to move to alert level 1.
The shift to level 1 began on Tuesday for four weeks.
Fiame said Cabinet has approved further easing of State of Emergency orders to allow all businesses to return to normal working hours including Sundays.
She added other international flights will gradually also shift to daily flights as the August opening of international borders moves closer.
American Samoa eases covid restrictions
American Samoa's Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga has eased more restrictions under his new Covid-19 Emergency Declaration.
From Wednesday, businesses, indoor public gatherings, in-person schools, and college instructions as well as government offices, can resume normal operations.
The easing of restrictions is welcomed by the private sector, especially non-essential businesses, hit hard when the Covid community spread was first recorded on February 21 on Tutuila and had to close down.
The Health Department reports total Covid-related deaths remain at 31.
Crackdown on Samoan liquor companies
More than 10 local liquor companies' in Samoa have had their licenses revoked by the Samoa Alcohol Control Board.
The chairman of the board Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio confirmed the move in a public notice.
All local manudacturers of vodka products, Olioli wine and other alcoholic beverages, and Talofa Plum Wine cocktails have had their licenses cancelled.
The board further made it clear the Sili and Moni beer remains suspended until further notice.
NGOs and concerned citizens had called for the local company producing Rover Vodka to be shut down after a man was killed by his brother during after a drinking session in April.
In March, Tuala told Radio Polynesia methanol was found in some of the locally produced spirits. At that time, he said tests were being conducted across the country targeting local spirits.
He said the methanol was used to clean the production equipment, supecting that the alcohol could be tainted.
Another 29 covid cases in French Polynesia
Another 29 Covid-19 cases have been recorded in French Polynesia in the last 48-hour reporting period.
The number of active cases is now 50, a figure largely unchanged for weeks.
The health authorities say there are no Covid-19 patients left in hospital.
The death toll from the pandemic is 649, with most fatalities registered during last year's outbreak with the Delta variant.
One person died this month.
Vaccinations have continued and more than 81 percent of those 12 years and older have had two jabs.
Travel restrictions have been eased and most pre-pandemic air links have been resumed, with tourism showing a strong rebound.
Cooks hosting Polynesian Cup in basketball
Cook Islands Basketball Federation will be hosting the Polynesian Cup 5x5 tournament in New Zealand later in the year.
The FIBA Oceania tournament will be used as a qualifier for the Pacific Games 2023 to be held in Solomon Islands.
Cook Islands Basketball Federation president Richelle Gempton told the Cook Island News the tournament is for open categories in men's and women's, and will be played in five against five (5v5) format.
Five countries have been invited to the Polynesian Cup - Cook Islands, American Samoa, Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga.
The top three teams from the tournament will qualify for the Pacific Games.