Samoa's latest Covid update includes one death
Samoa's Ministry of Health has reported one death, and 119 new Covid cases in its latest Covid update.
The deceased was a 71-year-old man who had known underlying health issues and was fully vaccinated.
Twenty-six people have now died of Covid-19 in Samoa.
The total number of confirmed cases in Samoa, since March 17, 2022, is 13,499.
Electioneering ramps up in PNG
Electioneering is ramping up in Papua New Guinea with 'sporadic violence' already being reported in parts of the country.
In preliminary figures released by the Electoral Commission when nominations closed last week - there were 2,351 candidates registered, compared with 3,332 in 2017.
Electoral Commission headquarters. Photo: RNZI/ Johnny Blades
RNZ Pacific's Papua New Guinea correspondent Scott Waide said the violence that has emerged isn't widespread compared to previous elections.
"There's also been a fair deal of violence - sporadic violence in various parts of the country driven largely by clashes of ideas and political opinion and also the clashes between supporters, it's not as widespread as we've previously seen but there are some instances of violence," he said.
The country will go to the polls on July 2.
Palau raises concerns about China's trade and security pacts
The President of Palau has recalled World War Two in a warning to other regional leaders that wide-ranging trade and security pacts with China could have harmful consequences.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi is on a Pacific tour involving discussions with Pacific leaders about signing up for a regional agreement on the economy, security, and policing.
It comes after Australia's new Foreign Minister Penny Wong travelled to Fiji and pledged Australia's support in the region.
Palau's President Surangel Whipps told Pacific Beat he hopes the region has learned from its past trauma.
He said leaders want to have peace and security in the region and not go through what occurred in World War Two.
Fiji's national flower endangered
Experts say Fiji's national flower, the Tagimoucia, is endangered and may become extinct if the threats posed by global warming are not addressed.
Fiji National University student Shiloh Sylvia Narayan says the Tagimoucia, which is found almost exclusively in the tropical montane cloud forests of Taveuni, is sensitive to the effects of climate change.
Narayan's research aims to characterise the ecological niche of Tagimoucia using species distribution models, predict changes in the glower's geographic range under various climate-change scenarios, and assess extinction risk.
Narayan stressed the need for focused conservation efforts to ensure future generations in Fiji remain able to enjoy the nation's biodiversity.
NGO in Samoa gives out free reusable and organic pads
A non-profit organisation has been giving out free reusable and organic pads as part of a menstrual hygiene and women's health workshop in Samoa.
The workshop was held in an all-women college belonging to the largest church organisation in Samoa, the Congregational Christian Church.
The Brown Girl Woke group visited Papauta Girls College last week as part of raising awareness in line with World Hygiene Day.
The group's director, Maluseu Doris Tulifau, said menstrual hygiene is still a taboo topic in Samoa and mothers often don't explain the female body, nor is it discussed in many schools.
She said the group wants schools to be a part of the solution by making sure there's a clean bathroom, water station, and free pads available.
Tonga's Rugby Union excited about new 'Ikale Tahi players
Tonga Rugby Union is applauding the announcement of former All Black and Wallaby players into the 'Ikale Tahi roster.
It's a massive boost to the team ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, with the likes of legendary players such as Israel Folau and Malakai Fekitoa.
With more expected to join at the end of the year, CEO Peter Harding, said it could be a turning point for Tongan rugby, which has long struggled to find top-level players.
"What we hope this will do is that when kids grow up, if there is a Tongan kid around the world somewhere, that we have a successful high profile 'Ikale Tahi team then kids around the world will want to play for Tonga, they won't want to play for other countries so this is going to be awesome over the next couple of years, this is going to be a great ride. But we would also like to see this transfer to young players around the world wanting to play for Tonga shortly."
CNMI Governor offers cash incentives to athletes
The Governor of the Northern Marianas is offering US$5000 for any local gold medallists at the forthcoming Pacific Mini Games being held in the Commonwealth.
As well as the award for winners, athletes could win US$2,500 for a silver medal and US$1000 for a bronze.
The Pacific Mini Games will run from June the 17th to the 25th and will feature nine sports.