Three people die in New Caledonia after water release from a dam
Three people have been carried away in a controlled release of water from a dam in New Caledonia, filled by torrential rain from Cyclone Dovi.
The two 22-year-old women and an eight-year-old child were near a swimming hole inside an exclusion zone when they were caught up in the massive discharge of water.
One body has been recovered.
The incident was observed by other people in the area, who then alarmed the authorities.
The power company says the zone was checked before the water discharge.
There has been a public notice since 1996, banning access to the area below the dam.
Lakapi Samoa responds to letter of complaint
Lakapi Samoa has released a statement on the 'Letter of Complaint' by some players in the Manu Samoa 7s team
In the letter, the players have come out with damning allegations of bullying and intimidation by their coaching staff, the correspondence was sent onto the Pacific Rugby Players Association .
Lakapi Samoa CEO Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai immediately reached out to Association to discuss the matter for a recommended process and steps to address the player's letter and also seek Lakapi Samoa's details on the issues as documented.
Both agree the Association will independently seek further clarity from the player(s) concern to their grievances, and report back its findings and recommendations to Lakapi Samoa.
Lakapi Samoa acknowledges the players complaint as a serious matter.
Tongan businesses face long recovery
Tongan businesses are facing a challenging recovery from last month's tsunami disaster compounded by an Omicron outbreak in the country.
Some resorts and restaurants were destroyed in the disaster, and limited internet and telecommunications are hampering services for others.
The owner of the Vakaloa Resort in Tonga Maryanne Tukuafu whose business was decimated in the tsunami disaster, said the country's economic recovery will be long term.
"It really affects not only businesses but also the community because we employ a lot of the locals, and then with covid now, its just really really hard because we were in the midst of cleaning up, and now everything now is on hold. Most of our staff have been laidoff."
Samoa's opposition leader is in New Zealand for medical reasons
Samoa's opposition leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, is in Auckland for a medical check up.
He left Samoa on Saturday afternoon on an Air New Zealand flight accompanied by his wife Gillian Malielegaoi and a daughter.
Samoa's opposition leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi. Photo: Samoa govt
Supporters took to social media as news of his departure was revealed, to offer support and wishing the former Prime Minister well a speedy recovery.
The Samoa Observer reports the 76 year-old was expected to be away for a month.
The newspaper also said a small crowd had gathered at the airport to farewell him despite State of Emergency orders allowing only one person to drop off travellers at the airport.
He was admitted 13 January with a fever and general tiredness and was released 17 January 2022.
He was readmitted to hospital last for observations and was discharged to prepare for the trip to New Zealand.
THe CNMI has a new chef de mission
Former sportscaster Bob Coldeen has been named chef de mission of the Northern Marianas delegation to this year's Pacific Mini Games Northern Marianas 2022.
Coldeen, who retired as sports director of a local news channel, said it's an honor to lead the 144-strong CNMI delegation to the Mini Games.
He said it's made more special because it's being held for the first time in the Commonwealth.