Mental health survey underway in the Cook Islands
A nationwide mental health survey in the Cook Islands is showing high reports of people suffering from anxiety.
New Zealand Cook Islander Dr Sam Manuela is leading the research with a team who are interviewing households throughout Rarotonga and the outer islands.
Dr Sam Manuela Photo: Auckland University
The research is the first of its kind and close to 1000 people have been interviewed so far on the state of their well-being.
Dr Manuela said Covid-19 has negatively impacted the mental health of people in the Cook Islands.
"We are seeing higher reports of anxiety and depression symptoms in that population. In general, it looks like the rates of depression and anxiety are roughly similar to Cook islands people living in New Zealand."
He said people in the Cook Islands want to break down the barriers of talking about mental health
"People are talking about how there is a lot of stigma around mental health and that they are wanting to break down some of those barriers around talking about it as well," Manuela said.
French Polynesia records more Covid cases
Another 11 Covid-19 cases have been recorded in French Polynesia in the last 48-hour reporting period as the pandemic lingers.
The number of active cases is now 47.
The health authorities say one Covid-19 patient is in hospital, just as after the last patient could go home.
The death toll of the pandemic is 648, with most fatalities registered during last year's outbreak with the Delta variant.
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.
Samoa's PM won't back down on Boeing 737-800 decision
Samoa's Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa said her FAST government will not go back on its decision to cancel a lease agreement for a Boeing 737-800 initiated and signed by the previous administration.
Fiame told the Samoa Observer the reason why the plane was returned is that it was difficult to sustain its expenditure and the government had to look at other priorities during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Fiame said there are options available for Samoa through other international airlines when Samoa's borders open in August.
Currently, Qantas, Fiji Airways, and Air New Zealand travel to Samoa.
Virgin Australia has recently sought a licence to fly into the country from Australia.
Study in the Marianas confirms settlements over 2000 years ago
A new study reveals that ancient DNA extracted from two sites in the Pacific region reveals the earliest settlement dates in the Marianas go as far back as more than 2,500 years ago.
The research by Rosalind Hunter-Anderson and Joanne Eakin show ancient DNA from Naton beach in Guam and the Anaguan site on Saipan reveals the earliest settlement dates in the Marianas some 2,755-2,490 years before the present.
It confirms biological and cultural continuities in the Marianas for more than 2,500 Years.
The study added that genomic analysis allows for the identification of family groups and shows strong continuities in the cultural practices of matrilocality (the husband comes to live in the wife's household) and the tendency for close relatives to be buried near one another.
Special polling stations for Samoan by-election
In Samoa, 11 polling stations are set up for the Gagaifomauga 2 by-election on Friday.
There are nine polling stations in Savaii, with eight in the constituency and one special booth in Salelologa.
Acting Electoral Commissioner, Unasa Charles Ah Poe said there are two polling booths in Apia for residents who are unable to travel to Savaii to cast their vote.
Last year when the FAST Administration took office, it amended electoral laws allowing Savaii residents to vote in Upolu, whereas in the past, the voters were legally obligated to vote in their constituency.
Initially, five candidates were vying for the Gagaifomauga 2 after the seat was vacated by the passing of MP, Vaele Paiaaua Sekuini, in March.
However, an HRPP candidate has withdrawn, leaving just one opposition candidate.
The FAST party has endorsed one candidate, and there are two independents.