Posters at school classroom wall, Papua New Guinea. Photo: 123RF / Daniil Nasonov
Papua New Guinea - teachers
This year, for the first time, teachers in Papua New Guinea will receive an allowance if they are deemed to be working in isolated and remote environments.
PNG Teachers Association vice president Shenell Kou said the allowance has been broken down into three categories - remote, very remote and extremely remote.
PNG Loop reports Kou saying teachers working in extremely remote areas will be paid 7000 kina; those in very remote areas will get 6000 kina and the teachers in those areas classed as remote will get 5000 kina.
He said the 22 province administrations will identify which schools come under the various categories and the allowance will be paid accordingly.
Samoa - dialysis
It will soon cost overseas-based Samoans $600 tālā (NZ$350) to have dialysis treatment at the hospital in Motootua.
This was stated by the CEO of the National Kidney Foundation of Samoa, Mulipola Roger Hazelman.
Mulipola confirmed charges for local patients have increased from $30 tālā to $50 tālā per session, and for those based overseas, the cost has increased from $150 tālā to $600 tālā per session.
Mulipola said the charges were reviewed due to the increasing number of patients.
The Samoa Observer reports the changes were approved by Cabinet in November last year.
Tonga - seismic
Tonga is getting an upgrade to its seismic network.
Matangi Tonga reports the upgrade will cover five strategically positioned stations at Nukuhetulu, Mt. Talau, Hihifo in Ha'apai, Niuafo'ou High School, and Hihifo in Niuatoputapu.
The work is being funded by the World Bank through the Pacific Resilience Program.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources said existing seismic stations will be upgraded to improve their functionality and reliability, "ensuring more accurate and efficient earthquake-related data collection".
Fiji - trade
Fiji's Ministry of Trade says the delay in renewing their trade agreement with the US is merely administrative.
The Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) had 25 developing countries, including Fiji, able to export specific goods without facing tariffs, but it expired in 2020.
Permanent Secretary Shaheen Ali said US officials reveal the delay in GSP renewal is merely administrative, linked to their congressional agenda.
FBC reports the secretary saying the agreement will be renewed and hopefully backdated as well.
The US remains the top export destination for Fiji, with over FJ$400 million in revenue earned last year.
Solomon Islands
Chinese civil engineers are in Solomon Islands to prepare for major road sealing project in Malaita.
The Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation said the six-strong team of engineers is to undertake a feasibility study on the Auki Road Tar sealing project.
Malaita has the longest unsealed roading network in the Solomons, and this continues to deteriorate, making travel unsafe and expensive for rural people.
Samoa - slipway
The Satitoa Slipway in Aleipata has reopened and is operating under the new name of Henry Silva Shipyard.
The owner and director of the Silva Group, which also operates in American Samoa, said the slipway is an important infrastructural service and they are happy to be able to offer that for the country.
The company has a 10 to 20-year lease with the government.
Salā Leslie Silva confirmed the shipyard can hold boats that are 1,000 tonnes.
The slipway is named for Sala's late father.
Samoa - contestant
Samoan Haylani Kuruppu has made history, placing 1st runner up in 'Miss Global' in Vietnam on 18 January.
This is the highest Samoa has ever placed in any international pagent.
The 25-year-old, who was also Miss Samoa in 2022, was among 83 contestents vying for the crown.
Taking home first place was Miss Puerto Rico, Ashley Melendez.
Fiji - bail
A man who attacked the Totogo Police Station in Fiji last year has been ordered to refrain from using illegal drugs as part of his bail conditions.
FBC reports Sebastian Rakai appeared in the Suva High Court yesterday charged with one count of attempting to commit arson, two counts of damaging property, and one count of criminal intimidation.
Rakai has also been ordered to report to the Flagstaff police station every Friday.
The judge also granted authority to the police to carry out random checks at Rakai's residence.
The case will next be in court on 13 March.