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French Polynesia - food prices
The institute issuing the French Pacific franc says food price increases in French Polynesia are still far too large despite a drop in inflation.
The new head of the Overseas Issuing Institute (IEOM), Ivan Odonnat, told Radio 1 in Tahiti that last year's inflation rate of 8.5 percent dropped to 4.5 percent at the end of April.
However, he said the cost of food has still gone up by almost 10 percent.
Samoa - hospital
Concerns have been raised about the state of the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital in Apia, Samoa.
A visit by the Samoan Observer last week observed what it called the sorry state of the hospital facilities.
The conditions found included broken and leaking ceilings, moulded air conditioning, broken beds, not enough beds for all the sick patients and restrooms in an unsanitary state.
The Observer also found there were not enough beds in maternity.
Efforts by the newspaper to obtain comments from the Ministry of Health Director General have not been successful.
Samoa - patrol boat
The Japanese Government has gifted Samoa a new police patrol boat.
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa and Japanese Ambassador Keisuke Senta marked the launching of the boat with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Consecrated and named The Tilafaiga, the boat is valued at more than half a million US dollars.
According to the Japanese Government, the boat will help ensure the maritime safety of its neighbours and ocean territory.
Fiji - cyclone recovery
The government of Australia has committed an extra $US4.5 million to Fiji's Cyclone Recovery Programme.
FBC News reports Australian Embassy Charge d' Affaires Stuart Watts saying this additional support will deliver on two key priorities, including providing the furniture for the new schools constructed under the programme.
Watts said the largest part of the additional support is to allow delivery on the commitment made last year to expand the scope of the programme, and provide rehabilitation support for the Vunisea Hospital in Kadavu and Waiyevo Hospital in Taveuni.
Vanuatu - Philippines
Vanuatu's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs plans to travel to the Philippines to re-establish Vanuatu's bilateral relations with the country.
The Daily Post reports Jotham Napat announcing this to the Vanuatu-Filipino Community during the 125th Independence Day commemoration in Port Vila at the weekend.
2023 marks 37 years of bilateral diplomatic relations between the two governments.
There are around 300 Filipinos residing in Vanuatu.
Napat also thanked the Philippine government for hosting almost 200 Vanuatu students; and said Vanuatu needs more Filipinos to come and work there.
Solomon Islands - RSE workers
Around 96 Solomon Islands workers are set to travel to New Zealand under the Regional Seasonal Employer scheme (RSE).
Tavuli News reports the majority of them are returning workers.
During a pre-departure briefing, Trade Commissioner, Barrett Salato said the Labour Mobility Unit not only plans to further increase the number of Solomon Islands workers joining the schemes, but also for the workers to move to higher paid jobs in other sectors.
The labour mobility scheme is demand-driven and so the government's aim is to increase numbers.
Fiji - fire
A fire has destroyed a dormitory at one of the country's largest boarding schools.
According to Fiji's Ministry of Education, the fire occured around midday on Tuesday at Ratu Kadavulevu School.
No injuries have been reported.
145 students have been affected and are being assisted with temporary residence.
More than 900 students attend the Ratu Kadavulevu School.