President of Palau Surangel Whipps Jr. July 2023 Photo: flickr / FDD / Chris Williams
Palau - asylum seekers
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr says the country should maintain dialogue with the United States, despite leadership opposing a US proposal about asylum seekers.
This included temporarily providing protection to asylum seekers who are neither Palauan citizens nor currently seeking asylum in Palau, while their US cases are processed.
The Island Times reported Whipps acknowledged the firm stance of Palau's congress and Council of Chiefs, but attributed their rejection to lack of clarity.
He said Palau's position is continued dialogue and discussion is always good.
Tonga - geopolitics
A press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office on Friday has been reissued to media outlets, after it removed its references to Taiwan and China.
Local media is reporting the release, titled "Tonga's Turn: Leading the Pacific with Purpose," lauded Tonga's role as chair of the Pacific Islands Forum and highlighted Tonga's leadership journey during "a year marked by geopolitical tension and climate urgency".
The initial version of the press release stated that Taiwan's status and Chinese influence were among the sensitive issues Tonga had dealt with.
It has since been reissued leaving out mention of Taiwan and China.
Matangi Tonga has attempted to contact the Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet for comment without success.
Northern Mariana Islands - solar
A house of representatves member is lobbying for the CNMI government to switch to solar energy.
Vincent Aldan said the Northern Marianas could save more than US$14 million annually if solar photovoltaic systems are installed across all government facilities.
He made the projection at the inauguration of a rooftop solar PV system at the islands' main public venue.
He said the newly energised system is more than just a cost-saving measure - calling it a critical step toward energy independence.
Pacific - climate funding
The Pacific Resilience Facility has raised US$162 million in pledges to date.
The facility is a fund designed to make it easier for Pacific Island nations to access climate money for adaptation and disaster preparedness.
Pacific leaders will sign off on the Pacific Resilience Facility Treaty next week at the PIF leaders' summit.
A spokesperson for the forum said the facility is earmarked to come into force by March 2026.
Solomon Islands - dolphins
The High Court in Honiara has ordered the Solomon Islands government to pay around US$3.6 million (SB$31m) in damages for the unlawful raid on a dolphin breeding facility in 2016.
Local media reported the announcement brought tears to Baddley Anita's daughter, Christine, who has been fighting an eight-year legal battle since her father's death.
Justice Aulanga formally declared the government liable and announced it would also repay legal costs.
The case returns to court on 25 September to set a timeline for the formal assessment of damages, if the government and Christine Anita cannot agree on the final figure.
Tonga - USP
King Tupou VI has been welcomed to Suva ahead of taking the role of Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific.
Ancient ceremonies of welcome were performed for the King and Queen.
Islands Business reported the king will officiate at the upcoming university graduation.