Opening of the Regional Terminal at Faleolo Airport on 17 October 2024. Photo: Samoa Government
Samoa - airport
Samoa's prime minister opened a new terminal and apron at Faleolo International Airport on 17 October.
The project was completed last month, with a total cost of approximately $25 million tala.
Fiame Naomi Mata'afa said the new terminal and apron facilities represent a significant investment in infrastructure, reflecting their commitment to driving socio-economic development and opening opportunities for the multitude of industries in Samoa.
she said the terminal and apron will accommodate passengers and small aircraft from various locations across the region, including Tonga, Fiji, Tuvalu, Niue, and the Cook Islands, as well as inter-island services.
It will provide increased parking capacity for aircraft.
The prime minister said the project enhances the status of Samoa as a regional hub for travel, trade, and tourism.
"The terminal is not just a transit point but a testament to Samoa's commitment to building a vibrant and accessible destination."
Vanuatu - airline
Air Vanuatu will exit voluntary liquidation, with the carrier to be returned to the control of the Vanuatu government.
Australian Aviation reported under a Deed of Compromise, approved by the country's Supreme Court, all shares in Air Vanuatu will be turned over to the government-owned company AV3 and the airline handed back to its management.
Liquidator Morgan Kelly said the implementation of the Deed of Compromise maximises the return to creditors and presents an opportunity for the Air Vanuatu business to continue, saving jobs and providing vital aviation services for Vanuatu
Air Vanuatu has resumed some domestic services.
Tonga - human trafficking
One person has been arrested and a victim has been taken in by law enforcement officers in a human trafficking bust.
Last week, local media reported that the survivor is being supported and work is underway to send them to their home country.
The accused trafficker has been remanded in police custody.
This follows the US State Department raising concerns about Tonga's lack of a prevention plan to combat all forms of trafficking and support and protect victims.
Tonga has since launched its first action plan to combat human trafficking.
Solomon Islands - arrest
Solomon Isands Police have arrested a man suspected of attempting to kidnap children across a number of schools in Honiara.
Local media reported, the man, believed to be a member of a group, had been taken to the Central Police Station where he had been questioned.
A large crowd has gathered outside the station.
News of the suspected kidnapping has forced schools in Honiara to send their students home and closed early for the day.
Vanuatu - police
Six Vanuatu police officers are heading to South Sudan for peacekeeping efforts.
The head of the UN division and international cooperation Sylvain Kalsakau says four officers should be sent to South Sudan and two to Abyei - on the border between South Sudan and Sudan - for around two to three years.
The Vanuatu Daily Post reported Vanuatu peacekeeping missions were put on hold several years ago due to an incident that Mr Kalsakau says will not be repeated.
The incident related to mission conduct by ni-Vanuatu personnel.
Pacific - health
A New World Health Organisation report has found, despite health gains, urgent action needed to meet health-related Sustainable Development Goals in the Western Pacific Region.
The Western Pacific now has the highest life expectancy among WHO's six regions, rising from 72 years in 2000 to around 77.4 years in 2021.
Despite this progress, the Region is still grappling with critical challenges and is off-track in achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Non-communicable diseases are also on the rise.
New Zealand/Pasifika - awards
The recipients of Creative New Zealand's annual Arts Pasifika Awards 2024 were celebrated at a ceremony in Wellington on 16 October.
The awards celebrate excellence in Pacific arts across multiple disciplines and genres and have been offered since 1996 via public nominations.
Opera singer Emmanuel Fonoti-Fuimaono was awarded the Iosefa Enari Memorial Award in recognition of his growing reputation as a tenor.
The other 2024 recipients were Tusiata Avia, the Signature Choir, Max Stowers and Falefatu Carreras-Enari, Edith Amituana'i, Leafa Wilson and Sione Monū.
Australia/Pacific - climate
South Australia has launched a bid to host a major UN climate conference in 2026 in Adelaide.
The Guardian reported Premier Peter Malinauskas saying it would draw more than 30,000 people and could be worth US$330 million to the state.
Australia is vying with Turkey to host the year-ending climate summit known as COP31, with a decision expected next month at this year's conference in Azerbaijan.
The Albanese government's existing bid is that it would co-host the event with Pacific nations.