Photo: RNZI Sally Round
Fiji - corruption
The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) is investigating 60 alleged fraud cases by individuals and some employees of the Housing Authority.
FBC reported the cases are in relation to the illegal allocation of lots and abuse of tender processes.
The Standing Committee of Public Accounts chair Esrom Emanuel has updated parliament on the review report by the Office of the Auditor General on a special investigation on the Housing Authority.
The report is expected to be discussed in Parliament later this month.
Emanuel said so far one case has been taken to court, and there are hopes that FICAC facilitates the remaining cases.
Palau - pension
Palau's president says he will allocate US$20 million - granted by the US government to support reforms - to the government's retirement program.
Surangel Whipps Jr said he informed Palau's leadership last week about the funding and his intention to invest it in the Civil Service Pension Plan.
The Island Times reported the Civil Service Pension Plan frequently requests financial assistance due to benefit payments exceeding investment returns.
This contribution is expected to increase the pension plan's trust fund from US$27m to nearly US$50m.
The grant is separate from Compact of Free Association funds.
Samoa - agriculture
The new Samoa Agribusiness Incubation Centre was opened at the weekend.
It is part of the Sustainable Transformation of Domestic Agrifood Systems (STODAS) project.
Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Laqauli Leuatea Polataivao said Samoa relies on agriculture for its food security and nutrition, but its food security is also highly reliant on imported food, so there is room for improvement.
He said the STODAS project is set to transform Samoa's domestic agrifood systems, by promoting innovation, business, and sustainable practices.
Northern Mariana Islands - meeting
The Northern Marianas governor has spoken at the inaugural White House Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Convening.
Arnold Palacios spoke on the climate crisis, challenges with air passenger service, and the high cost of living.
He said the tyranny of distance and isolation of the islands have led to an incredibly high cost of living by creating barriers to access affordable healthcare, employment opportunities, and basic goods and services.
However, he also offered his appreciation to the Biden-Harris administration, for support including improving infrastructure and addressing natural disasters.