In Solomon Islands, one person is dead after a WWII bomb explodes
Solomon Islands police say one person is dead and another is in a critical condition after a WWII bomb they were tampering with exploded.
Unexploded ordnance found in the CBD in Solomon Islands' capital Honiara. Police said this type of World War II shell is uncommon and has not been found before in Honiara's central business district. Photo: Supplied
Police Inspector Tunuki said the explosive ordnance disposal team were the first to arrive on the scene in Tenaru.
He said the team found tools the pair had been using on the bomb and multiple other unexploded ordnance they had dug up.
Mr Tunuki said if people find bombs in their area, they should report it to the explosive ordnance disposal team.
With Solomon Islands seeing some of the most intense conflict in WWII, the country remains littered with bombs, with hidden munitions an ongoing threat across the country.
Samoa's assistant Electoral Commissioner faces drug charges
Samoa police have confirmed the arrest of the assistant Electoral Commissioner following a drug raid at his house.
Faumui Daryl Mapu was arrested along with a 29 year old female employee of the electoral commission office on Tuesday.
At a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, acting Police Commissioner Papalii Monalisa Keti confirmed the arrest of the pair, adding they have been charged for possession of narcotics.
Four illegal pistols, including a revolver, two rifles, $2,900 tālā cash, methamphetamine and several laptops were confiscated during the raid.
Faumui has been with the Office of the Electoral Commission 17 years. Police said his home had been under surveillance for a while now.
He and his alleged female accomplice will both appear in court next month.
Vanuatu to suspend ties with a South Australian recruiting company
Vanuatu's Department of Labour will temporarily suspend its engagement with a recruiting company in South Australia because of welfare issues and the over-deduction of wages.
The Commissioner of Labour, Murielle Meltenoven, said its ties with the South Australian company will be suspended, until these issues are addressed.
"Vanuatu has a long standing relationship with Australia. However, this company overlooking these welfare issues can tarnish the reputation of the labour program and our relationship with Australia," she said.
She said Vanuatu provides labourers to meet Australia's worker shortage, with expectation that the hiring companies will take care of our workers.
"I believe Vanuatu taking action will trigger disciplinary actions from the Australian government on the recruiting company," Murielle Meltenoven said.
New Caledonian officials hope cigarettes and tobacco hikes will see a drop in sales
The price of cigarettes and tobacco will increase by 10 percent per year for three years in New Caledonia after a vote by elected officials.
Electronic cigarettes will also be banned in public places and their sale prohibited to those under 18 relating to the fight against smoking.
The increase takes effect January 1, 2022.
The best-selling packet of rolling tobacco, today priced at 1,950 francs (16.38 euros), will rise to 2,150 francs (18 euros) on January 1, 2022, at 2,350 (19 euros) francs in 2023 to reach 2,600 francs (21.8 euros) in 2024.
It's hoped the price rise will lead to a decrease of 2% per year in the number of smokers.
In 2019, after a 24% increase in the price of tobacco, the sale of cigarettes fell by 4%, the government said.
Virgin Australia keen to resume Australia-Samoa route
Virgin Australia looks likely to be spreading its wings over Samoan skies once again despite uncertainties caused by the global coronavirus pandemic.
The Samoa Observer reports that the Ministry of Transport Chief Executive, Magele Hoe Viali, confirmed the airline had recently applied to renew its license.
Magele said the airline has always operated flights between Australia and Samoa but stopped in the wake of coronavirus and border closures worldwide.
He said the airline has requested to be re-issued with an Air Service License to operate Australia-Samoa-Australia flights , but will not be able to commence due to Samoa's border restrictions.
Former Rewa Football Association President dies
Former Rewa Football Association President and life-long member, Mumtaz Ali has died.
Fiji Football Association President, Rajesh Patel said Ali's death is a huge loss to the football fraternity in the country.
Patel said Ali was a great leader and footballer during his time.
He was one who contributed a lot to the growth of the sport in Nausori, Tailevu, and Naitasiri.
Ali continued to work his craft by guiding the existing Rewa football executives to steer a team that has recently found its form.
New board for Pacific Island food show
The Pacific Island Food Revolution has a new board of directors.
Founder, executive director, international chef and award-winning author Robert Oliver is the chairman.
Other members include Auckland University's Associate Dean Pacific and Professor of Public Health Dr Colin Tukuitonga, Fijian businesswoman and former accountant Jenny Seeto, and Director of Pacific Studies at the University of Canterbury Dr Steven Ratuva.