A police landcruiser patrols the streets of the Papua New Guinea capital Port Moresby. Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Koroi Hawkins
PNG - Police charged with murder
Nineteen Papua New Guinea policemen are facing murder charges before the court, with more still under investigation.
The National newspaper reports this is according to the assistant police commissioner of crimes, Hodges Ette.
He said they have policemen who are taking drugs which leads them to committing murder.
Assistant Commissioner Ette said it is no use having a police force vested to enforce the law when the officers themselves are breaking the law.
He said police are urging prosecutors to apply tougher penalties for policemen and women heavily involved in drugs.
Samoa - 66-year-old dead following bus crash; driver charged
A 66-year-old man from Poutasi Falealili died on Monday night as a result of serious injuries he sustained from a bus crash.
The driver of the bus was charged with negligent driving causing the death of a man and injuries to other passengers.
Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo confirmed the death to Radio Polynesia.
The man who died was one of several passengers who were in critical condition.
Other passengers were discharged from the Tupua Tamasese Meaole National Hospital on Monday.
FSM - EU funding support for drought preparation
The European Union is allocating more than $105,000 USD to drought preparedness in the Federated States of Micronesia.
The aid is set to benefit more than 6,500 people in drought-prone localities across the country's four states.
EU Pacific said this funding is to mitigate the impacts of a severe El Niño-induced drought anticipated to hit the archipelago nation.
It said a major dry spell is foreseen to strike Micronesia from October, reaching its peak in January 2024 and persisting until at least June.
The money supports the Micronesia Red Cross Society in strengthening its drought preparedness efforts.
This includes procuring and pre-positioning of relief items, ensuring access to safe drinking water, good hygiene practices, and information on health awareness.
The aid will also contribute to a community drought readiness plan.
US - We're not asking countries to pick sides - diplomat
A US diplomat says they are not asking countries to pick sides between investment partners.
US News reports the top diplomat for East Asia, Daniel Kritenbrink, said the United States was not "asking countries to choose" between development partners, and was optimistic about U.S partnerships in the region.
The US and China both provide substantial support to Pacific nations.
US President Joe Biden met the Pacific Island leaders for a second summit in just over a year late last month.
National Security Council senior director for Oceania, Dr Mira Rapp-Hooper, said the conversations between President Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Pacific Island leaders were collaborative, constructive, forward looking and involved an incredible amount of listening by U.S government officials.
Samoa - Tattooist calls out abuse of traditional art
A Samoan master tattooist has hit out at what he says is the continued abuse of the traditional art.
Su'a Suluape Petelo pointed at the case of a woman receiving the tatau which is traditionally meant for men, and also a fa'afafine getting a malu traditionally meant for women, as examples of the cultural desecration.
Su'a spoke at the Malofie Exhibition at the Samoa Tourism Authority Fale, focusing on teaching the values and the history of the tatau.
He said he is happy to see many young Samoans stepping forward with the courage to get inked, and the goal is for more people to wear this Samoan treasure with pride.
PNG - Protesting students' behaviour 'stupid'
The Papua New Guinea police commissioner, David Manning, says the behaviour by protesting astudents in East New Britain last week was stupid and idiotic.
The students at the University of Natural Resources and Environment have been accused of torching vehicles and other property, as well as assault.
The students were reacting to what they deemed was an unsatisfactory curriculum.
Multiple students were arrested.
Mr Manning said the country is sick of young people who wanted to be part of an idiotic and violent criminal mob, who felt they would not be brought to justice.