Solomons' PM accused of putting himself first, Samoan career criminal dies, and fears for future of USP
Wale accuses Sogavare of selfishness
Solomons' opposition leader says Manasseh Sogavare's China deal is about the Prime Minister alone, not the nation
Matthew Wale said the China military treaty is a personal deal between the Prime Minister and China, and not about either country.
Mr Wale said this is clear from Mr Sogavare's demand for secrecy and his adversarial treatment of diverse opinions over the deal.
The leader of the opposition in Solomon Islands parliament, Matthew Wale. Photo: Parliament Media
He said the Solomons' democratic system is based on government by consent of the governed, but the executive government is not at liberty to act beyond its mandate obtained from general elections.
Some Pacific nations are uneasy about the security pact and the prospect of China striking its first bilateral security deal in the region.
Samoan drug dealer dies in hospital
Samoa police have confirmed the death of the country's most notorious drug dealer,Tagaloasa Filipaina Faisauvale, who had been battling a terminal illness, in hospital.
In and out of prison on drugs charges since the 1970s, Tagaloasā was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of a police officer in 1980 during a raid on his drug operations.
He was released on parole in 1992 but was jailed again after being convicted of further drug charges.
It was alleged Tagaloasa continued to run his drug operations from inside his prison cell.
Authorities also accused him of masterminding a planned mass prison break from the old Tafaigata prison and moved him into the police cells at the central police station in Apia 2018.
He was later transferred to the newly built Tanumalala prison.
He was banned for life from Faleatiu for bringing his village into disrepute.
University lobby group fears for its future
A group calling itself Concerned Alumni of the University of the South Pacific has told Fijiian voters the future of the institution depends on them.
The Government has failed to pay its obligatory grant to the university for the past three years, and now owes the USP more than $60 million Fijian dollars.
The group says Fiji benefits hugely from the USP.
They say for every dollar invested by the Government the return to the Fiji economy is eight dollars from taxes, rents, medical spending, utilities, food and other good, and transport.
The government also tried to get rid of the Vice Chancellor and now the group says the five Fiji government members of the university council appear to be boycotting council meetings.
It said that under these circumstances the future of the regional university, from which more than 50,000 people have graduated in its 52 years, is at stake.
It said all parties, except the ruling Fiji First, have promised to pay the government grant if elected.
MP seeks LGBTQ champion of the Pacific
A New Zealand MP wants to find the "Desmond Tutu of the Pacific" to help tackle LGBTQ issues for Pasifika.
Louisa Wall has been appointed by New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the Pacific Ambassador for Gender Equality.
She introduced the marriage equality legislation in New Zealand which enabled same-sex marriage to happen in 2013.
Wall said many Pacific views have been colonised.
"But I need religious leadership. People who have an ability to self-reflect and think about their historic engagement in the space of homosexual law reform who will want to be part of making some change.
"It is not about me being clear about the change that is needed. It's about supporting the voices of women and the LGBTQ women across the Pacific so that their needs are better articulated. And then we can find solutions to some of the issues they identify for themselves," she said.
She starts the two-year role on May 2.
Royal arrives in Port Moresby
Princess Anne and husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence have arrived in Papua New Guinea as part of the Spring Royal Tour.
A spokesperson from Port Moresby International Airport told RNZ Pacific the Govenor-General greeted her on arrival.
The Royal arrived after a three-day stint in Australia, where she met with dignitaries and presented rosettes to riders taking part in a Riding for the Disabled display.
She is scheduled to visit Papua New Guinea for two days in commemoration of her mother, Queen Elizabeth's 70th Jubilee anniversary.
Star Solomons players seeking Australian contracts
Following Solomon Islands' appearance in the final of the Oceania World Cup qualifiers in Qatar last month, ten international players are now in Australia for trials.
The Solomon Islands Football Federation says the trials will be with clubs in the state league and possibly the A-League.
The group have had a run-out with Queensland Premier League side Wynum Wolves, and will trial with other clubs.
Meanwhile, one of the stars in Qatar, the Raphael Lea'i, has a minor injury and has decided to return home.