A supporter of Israel holds an Israeli flag in front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC, on 8 October. Photo: JULIA NIKHINSON / AFP
Samoa - Israel evacuations
Samoa's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade says the last group of Samoans in Israel were safely evacuated from Jerusalem to Dubai on Tuesday.
Thirteen Samoans boarded the Australian Air Force flight to Dubai where they joined eight other members of their group who departed Jerusalem on an earlier flight.
The majority of Tuesday's evacuees were Christian pilgrims who travelled to Jerusalem to attend a prayer conference.
There was also a toddler and one student among the group.
Samoa thanked Australia for its timely response with the evacuation from Israel, and acknowledged New Zealand's support of the process.
They also paid tribute to a UN Security and Personal Protection Officer who sought out Samoans known to be in Jerusalem, and told them to be prepared for immediate departure, and whose nightly live broadcasts provided reassurance to worried families.
The group is set to arrive in Samoa on Friday, October 20th.
Meanwhile, Sunday Isles reported Australia assisted 65 Solomon Islanders in departing Tel Aviv for Dubai, along with Australians and other Pacific Islanders.
American Samoa - entry permits coming in
American Samoa's new entry system for Samoan citizens comes into effect on Thursday, October 19th, local time.
In September, the American Samoa Department of Legal Affairs proposed a change allowing Samoa citizens to travel to American Samoa for up to seven days without obtaining an entry permit, because of the close familial, cultural, linguistic and historical ties between the two places.
It was also in order for Samoa to reciprocate and waive entry permits or visas for non-citizen US nationals travelling to Samoa.
There will be a monthly maximum of 400 Samoa citizens who will be allowed entry to American Samoa under the programme.
Requirements include having a valid passport or document of identity, having a confirmed round-trip ticket, and applying 3 business days prior to the travel date.
Samoa - alleged hog-tiers in court
Twelve men from Lefagaoali'i in Samoa have been referred to the Supreme Court after a man was hog-tied and carried from his home.
The men allegedly went to the complainant's home in Lefagaoalii and tied his hands and feet to a pole, and carried him out.
All of the defendants are facing charges of kidnapping, threat to do bodily harm, assault and armed with a dangerous weapon.
The matter will be called again next week for the men to enter their plea.
Papua New Guinea - Mining investors welcomed
Papua New Guinea Mining vice-minister James Donald has invited investors from Asia to invest in new projects in the country.
The National newspaper reports Mr Donald saying most, if not all, the minerals produced by PNG were consumed by the Asian market.
This was during the PNG-Asia Investment Conference in Hong Kong.
Mr Donald said PNG was highly prospective and there were many newer mineral deposits to be discovered.
New Zealand - Pacific MP in National Party
The only Pacific MP in New Zealand's National Party has her eye on the Pacific peoples portfolio.
National will form the next government, but the exact structure is unknown until special votes come in.
29-year-old Angee Nicholas was born in the Cook Islands and moved to New Zealand with her family around 20 years ago.
She is in line to be the next Te Atatū MP but may lose her seat after special votes are counted.
She said she wants to make sure she delivers for her community, and will wait for special votes before sticking her hand up for any portfolios.
Fiji - Australian agreement renewed
Fiji and Australia have strengthened commitments to climate issues in their updated Vuvale partnership agreement.
During Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's visit to Australia, he met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese who committed to an increased focus on cybersecurity in light of challenges in the region.
On top of that, he promised to ease the visa application process for Fijians wanting to head to Australia.
Fiji asked Australia to fund 14 additional protected mobility vehicles (bushmasters) to support their international peacekeeping operations, and Albanese has agreed.
American Samoa - new Tenelle album
American Samoan singer and songwriter Tenelle has a new album coming.
The American Song Contest finalist released her first album 'For the Lovers' in 2017 and fans have been eagerly awaiting the next.
Tenelle has been in New Zealand recording her album.
She performed at the Toa Samoa fan day this week and felt privileged to be able to connect with her New Zealand audience.
"It was so beautiful to sing out there," she said.
"The best part was when I stopped singing and everyone sung the words for me; I feel like that's the biggest accomplishment for me."
Tenelle will be returning to America next week to begin post-production for her upcoming album.
