Regional
Apia, SAMOA — The proposed ban on styrofoam products in Samoa has been deferred for six months.
The ban, which was to start 30 January, has been put back to 30 June.
A senior officer of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment confirmed the ban had been postponed to allow local companies...
Wellington, NEW ZEALAND — The heat in the world's oceans reached a new record last year, reveals a new analysis.
The authors - a team of US and Chinese scientists who compiled data from nearly 4000 sensors across the oceans - say it shows the irrefutable and accelerating heat of the planet.
The...
Nadi, FIJI — A tropical depression continues to strengthen as it moves towards Fiji, and is forecast to intensify into a cyclone tonight.
The system is forecast to swerve south of Rotuma tonight, before tracking close to a major town, Labasa, tomorrow as a category one or two cyclone.
The Fiji...
Apia, SAMOA — A former primary school teacher from Ti'avea is facing indecent assault charges related to four students in Samoa.
The victims are from the age of 12 to 15 years.
The alleged offences occurred between 2017 and 2019.
The accused, Sola Alimanu, 69, is in police custody and will appear...
Apia, SAMOA — Samoa Global News is reporting that Samoa’s Police Service responded to 823 calls from the public throughout the festive season averaging 75 calls a day over the 11 days from 23 December 2019 to 03 January 2020.
Responding to questions from Samoa Global News Police Commissioner Su’a...
UN Headquarter, NEW YORK — Tonga is one of seven countries to lose their votes at the United Nations General Assembly because it hasn't paid its fees.
The United Nations said the seven were so far behind in paying their dues that they are losing their voting privileges in the 193-member General...
Rarotonga, COOK ISLANDS — Avaroa Cable Ltd has confirmed that the Manatua One Polynesia submarine cable system has successfully been brought ashore in Rutaki village, Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
The cable will provide world class international connectivity to Rarotonga and Aitutaki when it goes live...
Paris, FRANCE — Fiji, Vanuatu, Guam and the two Samoas have been added to France's blacklist of non-cooperative countries and territories in fiscal matters.
Paris updates the list annually and it now comprises 13 countries, including Panama, Oman as well as the British and US Virgin Islands.
They...
Apia, SAMOA — Samoa's Prime Minister has ruled out an amnesty for parents whose children are yet to be fully vaccinated for measles. A law was passed at the height of the ongoing measles epidemic in December, mandating parents to ensure their children are vaccinated and making it a prerequisite for...
Wellington, NEW ZEALAND — New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been named 'Pacific Person of the Year' by regional publication Islands Business magazine. It is only the second time the title has been given to a person of non-Pacific heritage, with former Australian Prime Minister John...