A student cast her ballot paper in the ballot box during the mock polling on 22 February 2024. Photo: Solomon Islands Electoral Commission
Solomon Islands - election
The Papua New Guinea Police say they are prepared to provide support to Solomon Islands for elections there next month.
PNG Police Commissioner David Manning confirmed talks have been held with his counterpart in Solomon Islands, the Post-Courier newspaper reported.
Manning said both parties are looking at how the PNG police and government could support Solomon Islands' with its National General Elections on the 17 April.
This comes amid reports reaching the Post-Courier that there are concerns from locals about a planned riot.
However, Solomon Islands Police told the newspaper they were well prepared for the elections and this was the least of their concerns but they could not comment further.
Although the talks around policing support have been positive, the Solomon Islands government has yet to make a formal request for assistance.
Papua New Guinea - by-election
Papua New Guinea Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai says the cash flow situation in the country has made it difficult to secure the funds needed to conduct by-elections as scheduled.
The National newspaper reported Mr Sinai said he is confident they will secure some funding in time to progress the by-elections.
The writs are expected to be issued later this month, with a two-week polling period in May.
Sohe Open in Northern is a court-ordered by-election, while Maprik Open in East Sepik and Porgera-Paiela in Enga had seats vacated following the deaths of their elected MPs.
Mr Sinai said with the local-level government elections scheduled between April and June, he hoped funds for the by elections would be released by authorities on time.
Papua New Guinea - education
A new report on education in Papua New Guinea has found 46 percent of students dropout of school before completing year eight.
The comparative analysis from PNG's National Research Institute looks at key indicators for universal basic education in 2015 and 2019.
Its authors say only 50 percent of children are starting elementary prep at the recommended age of six years old.
They say students starting school at a younger age generally perform better.
The recommendations are for the government to focus on ensuring universal access to education, retaining students and improving the quality of the national curriculum.
Tonga - women
Tonga's only female Minister says the laws restricting women from land ownership are being looked at.
Fekitamoeloa 'Utoikamanu told 531pi Pacific Mornings attempts have been made in the past to give women ownership rights.
She sadi a few years ago, the then-government made a commitment to sign the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
But she said the population was not keen on signing up.
'Utoikamanu said many women in Tonga are still unsure about giving land rights to women.
She said the Women's Affairs Division in the Ministry of Internal Affairs has been actively working on these issues.
Tonga is the only Pacific nation to have such legislation.
Northern Mariana Islands - casino
A revocation hearing for a Northern Marianas casino company was adjourned on Friday evening with a written decision to come.
The Marianas Variety reported the hearing pertained to the Commonwealth Casino Commission's enforcement actions against Imperial Pacific International, for the non-payment of casino license and regulatory fees.
The Commission will hold a public hearing to let the people voice their opinion, before it decides whether or not to revoke the company's exclusive license.
Legal counsel Carl Dela Cruz said Imperial Pacific's motion for the disqualification of the commissioners will be addressed in the written decision.
Imperial Pacific's director said their proposed settlement terms included "leaving the island peacefully," giving up the exclusivity of its gaming license, transferring the casino license to a new investor, and the payment of US$31 million for its arrears and $16 million for the lifting of its license suspension.
Tonga/Nauru - meeting
Tonga prime minister Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni has discussed deep-sea mining in a bilateral meeting with Nauru president David Adeang.
Hu'akavameiliku said this is a timely opportunity for a closer bilateral relationship with Nauru, in Tonga's collective effort to ensure the Pacific region is safe, resilient and prosperous.
Matangi Tonga reported the pair also discussed pending assumption of the Pacific Islands Forum chair, and the transition of the post of Forum secretary-general from Henry Puna to Baron Waqa.
Tonga - arrest
Tonga police raided multiple locations in Tongatapu last week and arrested nine people in relation to alleged drug offences.
Police say they seized ten packs of cannabis, four packs of methamphetamine, and seventeen pieces of ammunition for a .22 rifle, as well as cash and utensils.
All suspects remain remanded and are charged for possession of illicit drugs and drug utensils.
Those found with the ammunition are also charged for possession of unlicensed ammunition.