Risk of tropical cyclone over New Caledonia
The French Meteorological Service says there is a strong risk of a moderate tropical cyclone over the Coral Sea on Wednesday.
The current tropical depression is expected to keep New Caledonia rainy and stormy throughout the week.
The system is expected to move southwest of New Caledonia between Friday and Saturday.
Meteorological authorities are advising the population to stay vigilant.
Former Fijian MP imprisoned
Former FijiFirst MP Vijendra Prakash has been sentenced to jail.
Vijendra Prakash. Photo: Fiji Parliament
The Fiji Times reports he was sentenced by the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court in Suva.
Prakash was charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption with giving false information to a public servant as well as obtaining a financial advantage.
The Commission said he falsely stated his permanent place of residence in the MP declaration form to the former Secretary General to Parliament.
This false declaration resulted in her paying him nearly $US17,000 between August 2019 and March 2020 while he was an MP.
Prakash was handed an aggregate sentence of 36 months in prison, with eight of those months suspended for five years, and a non-parole period of 22 months.
Sky Tram closer to taking off after long delay
American Samoa has taken another step forward in reviving the territory's popular tourist attraction years ago.
The territory's Commerce Department said the design and feasibility study phase for the aerial tramway project, now known as the Pago Pago Sky Tram, is finally underway.
Commerce director Petti Matila said it has been a long time coming, and the American Samoa Department of Commerce will be working closely with the US-based, SE Group to revive one of American Samoa's iconic tourism attractions.
After its initial construction in 1965 to support the Education TV programme in the territory, the tramway became a tourism attraction but was damaged beyond repair in 1992 by Hurricane Val.
Since that time, the redevelopment of the tramway has seen little progress.
Marianas governor could gain power to impose price caps
A bill has been introduced in the Northern Marianas Senate that would give the governor more flexibility to impose caps on price increases businesses may charge for consumer goods.
The Price Control Act of 2023 looks to amend the Commonwealth Disaster Price Freeze Act of 1996 to provide for a flexible response to the economic challenges posed by the covid-19 health emergency.
The existing law from 1996 permits the governor to implement a temporary price freeze, albeit only in the event of a typhoon or natural disaster.
The bill also imposes criminal and civil penalties on violators.
American Samoa health CEO quits
The LBJ Medical Center Authority board of directors has accepted the resignation of hospital CEO, Moefaauo Bill Emmsely.
In a statement issued by the board it assured the community that the LBJ is well equipped with necessary nursing staff, medical staff and support personnel to continue to provide quality care.
The board has selected Dr Akapusi Ledua to serve as Acting Chief Executive Officer.
The board plans to provide more detailed information this week in a media conference, on improvement efforts including additional nurses and physicians.
Cattle killing in New Caledonia continuing
Farmers in New Caledonia are angry and frustrated after yet another case of cattle killing.
A family in Thio district purchased a bull and four months later they found it dead with body parts missing.
Another family in the same district lost around $US200,000 worth of livestock, or 82 animals, over 10 years.
Thirteen complaints have been made to local authorities but no one has been arrested.
Covid subvariants in America Samoa
In a covid-19 update, the American Samoa Health Department has confirmed the presence of three Omicron subvariants in the territory.
The department's health advisory said according to recent sequencing results, the Omicron subvariants of BQ1.1, BQ1.1.24 and CH 1.1.3 are present.
The advisory says as of the period of January 16-22, there were five active covid cases in the community.
It says if a person was symptomatic but tested negative initially, it is recommended to perform a second rapid antigen test 48 hours later.
Samoan male jailed for attack
A Samoan man has been sentenced to jail for the attempted murder of his 11-year-old cousin and indecent assault against his aunt.
According to the summary of facts the incident occurred in November 2021.
It said the defendant, who had been drinking, touched the woman inappropriately while she was asleep.
About 20 minutes later, the man fetched a machete and walked into the room where his cousin was sleeping and struck him with the weapon on the back of his neck.
A mental health assessment was carried out and confirmed that the accused needs anger management and alcohol rehabilitation therapy.
He was convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to one year and four months in prison, and for the indecent assault he was sentenced to six months, to be served concurrently.