Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Samoa PM in NZ seeking medical treatment
Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa is seeking medical treatment in New Zealand.
The Samoa Observer reports the CEO of the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet made the announcement on Sunday evening.
Agafili Shem Leo was speaking on behalf of the Government to acknowledge the presence of the special guests, who gathered at the government's Prayer House for the launching of the government's annual week of fasting and prayers for Samoa.
He also asked the gathering to keep the Prime Minister in their prayers as she travels for the unspecified medical treatment.
Mask use recommended by Nauru govt
The Government of Nauru recommends mask use outdoors following an increase in Covid-19 cases in the community.
In a statement, a spokesperson says some of the new infections have been listed as community transmission cases.
It recommends face masks be worn outdoors, in office settings and in large gatherings.
The World Health Organisation says Nauru has had just over 4,600 Covid-19 cases since the virus arrived at the border in January 2020.
Gun battle in Papua between police and separatist group
In Papua, three members of the police were reported to have been shot in a gun battle with the armed criminal group or KKB.
Papua Police Chief Inspector Mathius Fahiri was reported by ANTARA confirming there was gunfire between the police and the group, which resulted in the hitting of three Polri personnel.
KKB is the Indonesian state's term for groups fighting for independence in Papua.
American Samoa Health Dept to plug nurses shortage at LBJ
The American Samoa Health Department has agreed to provide its nurses to help with the nursing shortage at the government-owned LBJ Medical Centre, the only hospital in the territory.
It follows a discussion on a nursing shortage and nurse strikes over pay issues.
The hospital's chief executive officer, Moefaauo Bill Emmsley, confirmed that LBJ nurses have received their pay rises and the rise in salaries will assist in their retention efforts.
With the need for s67 nurses at the hospital, a health director confirmed that Public Health will provide 36 nurses to assist LBJ Medical Centre.
Tenants on site of new hospital in American Samoa told to leave
Organisations still in the Tafuna housing area where American Samoa's new hospital is to be built have been told to move out, as the administration plans to pour the foundation for the building this year.
A $US21 million contract for the design of the 40-bed hospital was awarded to a Honolulu company, AHL.
Tenants of government contract housing at Tafuna have all moved out, but a few organizations and government agencies have yet to relocate.
Lieutenant Governor Talauega Eleasalo Ale said at the first cabinet meeting of 2023 that constructing the new hospital is a top priority of the government and asked all directors not to lease out the property in the area.
Fritch keen to boost journalism in French Polynesia
The president of French Polynesia Edouard Fritch says he wants to boost funds to study journalism in French Polynesia.
According to the local ministry of education, the amount given will vary from $US536 to $US1,341 per month, depending on the level of study.
Fritch told La Premiere about the growing threat of false information and the importance of reliable news outlets.
"Those social media pages escape the realm of news outlets, they shy away from all verification and create confusion and worse, they act as the public's spokesperson. That is why I think it is a must that the journalism sector must be supported by the country."