Tuvalu PM Feleti Teo in Nuku'alofa, Tonga for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting. August 2024. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Lydia Lewis
Tuvalu - government homes
Tuvalu's Prime Minister, Dr Feleti Teo, has a new residence and Tuvalu TV reported renovations cost US$1.8 million ($2.7 million Tuvaluan)
The renovation of the Prime Minister and Governor General's residences was initiated by the government of Enele Sopoaga in 2017.
It was delayed for a few years due to other projects, including the construction of bungalows for the Pacific Leaders' Group in 2018 and the Pacific Islands Leaders' Meeting in 2019, followed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Construction work kicked off again in 2020 and wrapped up this year.
Pacific - US support
The United States House of Representatives has passed a measure aimed at increasing US engagement with Pacific partners.
The Pacific Partnership Act would require the US president to each year develop and submit to Congress a strategy for Pacific partnership, which would include overarching goals for US engagement in the Pacific region.
The strategy would be developed in consultation with the governments of Pacific Islands nations.
Spectrum News reported the Pacific Partnership Act next moves to the Senate for further review and approval.
Solomon Islands - energy
The Asian Development Bank has given a US$10 million loan and a US$5 million grant for a renewable energy project in Solomon Islands.
The bank says the project will finance new solar farms in Guadalcanal and Malaita provinces, along with an energy storage system in Honiara.
It will also pilot a business model for rooftop solar systems at two regional schools, and support reforms of the Solomons power sector.
Money is also coming from the Saudi Fund for Development and from Solomon Power, and the Government of Solomon Islands is providing $7 million in exempted duties and taxes.
Fiji - drugs
Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad has raised concern over the rising number of drug cases in schools and among Fiji's youth.
Speaking at the 50th anniversary celebration of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) he has again called on the urgent need to stop the spread of hard drugs.
FBC reported Prasad also mentioned the critical role that faith-based organizations, such as ISKCON, can play in the fight against drugs.
French Polynesia - Olympics
French Polynesian Olympic surfing gold medallist Kauli Vaast has been made a Knight in the Legion of Honour.
He was given the title during an official ceremony at the weekend to mark the end of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The award was bestowed upon all French medallists, either in the Legion of Honour or in the National Order of Merit.