Drugs seizures in Tonga; Marianas prison concerns; flight plans for Samoan carrier; and more.
Tonga's firearms and drugs seizures
The Tonga police have arrested seven people in Tongatapu on firearms and drugs charges.
The MatangiTonga website reports two rifles were seized by the drugs taskforce, along with small quantities of cannabis and drug utensils.
The six men and one woman arrested ranged in age from 18 to 41.
Prison drugs reports made public
A Northern Marianas politician has made public reports that illegal drugs are being smuggled inside the US territory's prisons.
Christina Sablan says some Department of Corrections guards are even using the contraband themselves.
In a House of Representatives hearing, she confronted Corrections Commissioner Wally Villagomez about allegations that illicit drugs are being smuggled inside Saipan's jail system.
Villagomez said Corrections conducted a drug test of its officers last week, and requested a closed-door meeting with Sablan.
Sablan earlier said there have been reports from both current and former inmates that they found it quite easy to get drugs into Corrections facilities.
Vow to get Samoan national carrier in the air again
Samoa's caretaker prime minister says Samoa Airways is likely to resume flying next month.
Photo: 123RF
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi told national radio it is time to earn some revenue, particularly with repatriation flights currently being monopolised by Air New Zealand.
He said without competition, airfares to and from Samoa have increased dramatically.
He pointed out that there is a weekly freight flight to Samoa which Samoa Airways could take over.
Samoan independence address
The 59th year of Samoa's Independence from New Zealand will be celebrated on Tuesday but as was the case last year, the address from the Head of State will be pre recorded.
According to the chairman of the National Emergency Operations Center, Agafili Shem Leo, the raising of the flag will be done live from Tiafau by the member of the Council of Deputies, Le Mamea Ropati Mualia.
Local television and radio stations have been asked to run replays of traditional entertainment from past celebrations to help mark this year's anniversary.