Samoa
A Safata MP says compensation for the
sinking of HMNZ Manawanui is on its way.
Nearly
two years on from the sinking of the New Zealand Navy vessel
on Safata reef in Samoa, residents say compensation has
still not been paid.
Residents have told the Samoan
Observer that no one has received any money, despite
signing agreements and being advised to check their bank
accounts.
Safata MP Tuia Fuatogi Pu’a Letoa said the
previous government had planned to provide three million
tala, but the current administration intends to deliver the
full compensation of 10 million tala.
Tuia said he is
not aware of any delays, and that the community is trusting
the process.
Papua New Guinea
Not everyone is
sold on Prime Minister James Marape’s whole-of-government
performance review.
Last week, he presented the review
covering his seven-year term, saying the country is on a
stable path for the future with gains across sectors
including education and policing.
Opposition MP Allan
Bird said the review is good practice yet the execution was
off.
During his closing statement, Marape admitted
challenges remain in education and infrastructure, with
health and corruption also needing improvement.
Papua
New Guinea
All seven of Papua New Guijnea’s Highlands
provinces have been placed under ‘El Niño
Watch’
PNG’s highlands interior is forecast to
experience potentially prolonged drought in the coming
months due to an El Niño weather phase in the
region.
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Numerous MPs have voiced concern over how
prepared PNG is for El Niño.
Minister for Disaster
and Emergency Dr Billy Joseph said the government is ready
to monitor and assess potential impacted
communities
He said regions like the Highlands have
accessibility challenges that the government is factoring
in.
Cook Islands
Cook Islands researchers have
pointed to tourism as a primary driver of plastic
pollution.
A study published last week traces the
origin of plastics collected from six of the country’s
islands during a cruise in 2024
It says single-use
plastics and plastic fragments with clear links to tourism
and coast activities dominated in the collection.
The
study advocates for improved waste management
processes.
Rapa Nui
The Chilean government has
announced it will remove protections on indigenous land,
which may include Rapa Nui.
In a speech last week,
Chilean President José Antonio Kast (cast)
said the government intended to remove land-use
restrictions on indigenous land, while allowing for it to be
leased and mortgaged.
Rapa Nui activist Erity Teave
Hey is part of a group that has filed an urgent appeal with
the UN Special Rapporteur.
Hey said this could create
perverse incentives, where landowners are pressured to put
their property on the market.
Guam
A Guam
businessman convicted in a charity fraud scheme has been
added to the FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters list.
The
FBI is offering a reward of up to US$150,000 for information
leading to the arrest and conviction of Michael Lizaso
Marasigan, who has ties to both Guam and the Philippines and
holds dual US and Philippine citizenship.
Marasigan
was found guilty in May 2025 on charges including conspiracy
to operate an illegal gambling business, money laundering
conspiracy, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit wire
fraud.
Federal authorities said one scheme generated
at least $34m, with approximately $10.75m diverted for
personal use rather than charitable
purposes.
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