11 Sep 2021

In brief: News from around the Pacific

7:41 am on 11 September 2021

Tuilaepa says he has nothing to apologise to the courts for

Former Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi says he has never apologised to the Courts about recent criticism from himself and his Human Rights Protection Party on recent decisions that have gone against them.

He said he has no reason to apologise.

The Samoa Observer reported this week that the opposition leader "offered his sympathy for the judiciary" after weeks of criticising and protesting against the courts.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi. Photo: Screengrab

It said Tuilaepa told local television it is the "nature of their roles" as an opposition to question the three different arms of the Government.

But yesterday Tuilaepa told a press conference his use of the Samoan word "fa'amalulu" was translated as meaning "apologise" but it was out of context.

PNG's deputy PM suspended

Photo:

Mr Basil is before the tribunal which is considering allegations of misconduct in office by the member for Bulolo

On Friday, the Public Prosecutor presented the statement of reasons to the leadership tribunal.

Mr Basil will not be allowed to perform his leadership duties until the conclusion of the tribunal.

American Samoa not making Covid-19 vaccinations mandatory

American Samoa's acting governor, Talauega Eleasalo Ale, said the government is not making Covid-19 vaccinations mandatory.

There are financial incentives of 100 dollars per shot until October 15th to entice residents to get vaccinated.

The territorial government is hoping to get 80 percent of the population vaccinated.

Talauega said it still comes down to personal choice.

Talauega Eleasalo Ale said anyone entering the territory are mandated to get the Pfizer vaccine if they qualify and federal law allows the territory to mandate that.

Morrison unapologetic about leaving climate goals out of UK trade deal

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison is unapologetic about apparently leaving climate change goals out of a major trade deal with the United Kingdom.

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Scott Morrison Photo: Visits and Ceremonial Office / Mark Tantrum

Mr Morrison has not denied that his government urged the UK to drop a reference to the Paris Agreement on temperature goals in the deal.

He told media that a trade agreement is not a climate agreement, and that trade agreements deal with trade issues, while climate agreements deal with climate issues.

Samoa not opening up for tourism anytime soon

The Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa Tourism Authority says tourism in Samoa will not be opening up anytime soon.

Faamatuainu Lenata'I Suifua Faamatuainu was clarifying a statement on Radio Australia quoting him as saying the borders will reopen next year.

He said while there have been discussions with American Samoa and New Zealand about the possibility of opening travel bubbles, borders will not be opening up for a while yet.

Fa'amatuainu said the Samoa Tourism Authority is continuing local staff training.

He said the authority is working to ensure the safety of everyone from the Covid-19 pandemic, including through the creation of a local travel tracer app that was recently launched.

PNG cricketers suffer another loss

An incredible batting display has consigned Papua New Guinea's cricketers to a third consecutive ODI defeat in Oman.

The Barramundis started strongly with the ball, reducing the USA to 29 for 3 inside ten overs.

But the PNG bowlers had no answer to Jaskaran Malhotra, who struck 173 not out from just 124 balls.

His innings featured a whopping 16 sixes, including a perfect 36 runs off the final over over from PNG medium pacer Gaudi Toka.

Nosaina Pokana, Damien Ravu and Chad Soper all picked up two wickets as the USA posted an imposing 271 for 9 from their 50 overs.

In reply, PNG lost wickets regularly and were eventually all out for 137 in the 38th over.

The Barramundis are back in action later today against Nepal.