Seven women to contest in Vanuatu snap election
Seven women have been declared official candidates by the Vanuatu Electoral Commission so far for the upcoming snap election.
Since the independence of Vanuatu in 1980, only five women have managed to become MPs.
The seven women are among 180 official candidates declared eligible so far.
Another declaration is scheduled for today.
Among the candidates are 61 former MPs and 44 former MPs from the outgoing legislature who contested the 2020 general election.
US Geological Survey lowers volcano alert level for American Samoa
The U.S Geological Survey has lowered the volcano alert level for Ta'u island volcano in American Samoa's Manu'a Island group, as tremors continue to decrease.
The agency said over the past few weeks, the earthquake activity level for Taʻu Island had dramatically decreased and maintained low levels.
As a result, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, which oversees volcano activities in American Samoa, is lowering the volcano alert level to normal and the aviation colour code to green.
Analysis of data from a seismometer, installed on Ta'u Island from 2005 to 2009, suggests less than five detected earthquakes per day may be the long-term background seismicity rate.
NZ tourist allegedly assaulted in Samoa
A New Zealand tourist was allegedly assaulted and had her handbag snatched during a Sunday afternoon walk through Apia, Samoa.
The Samoa Observer reports the woman, known only as Megan for security reasons, said she and her children took a walk to town and were met by a young man who greeted and then accompanied them.
After Megan asked about a shop, the family followed the man, with Megan carrying her daughter and her seven-year-old son walking next to her.
But the man turned around and touched her, and when she yelled, he grabbed her bag and ran off.
Megan said her bag had her wallet, sunglasses and phone inside, and she had to cancel the trip.
She said everyone had been so nice and tried to help.
She is hoping Samoa police get back to her on her missing items and find the man who attacked her.
PNG police uncover assassination plot
Papua New Guinea Police have found what they believe is a high-profile assassination plot against a senior cabinet minister.
The Post Courier reports persons behind the plot have been identified, including current and former policemen, another politician, and some villagers.
Police Commissioner David Manning Photo: PNG PM Media
Police Commissioner David Manning said he had a conversation with Kompiam-Ambum MP, Sir John Pundari, where he raised the issue.
Manning said it was understood it is election related.
He said through the course of the investigations into all the violence during the elections, especially in Kompiam-Ambum, they are shifting through all that information to basically decide where the threat is coming from.
Kompiam-Ambum has about seven persons of interest allegedly involved in the recent unrest in the district during the election.
Samoa police arrest two suspects for shooting incident
In Samoa, two suspects have been arrested in relation to a shooting incident last week in which two officers were injured.
TV1 Samoa reports Deputy Police Commissioner Papali'i Monalisa Tia'i-Keti confirming two men were in custody after they were turned in by matai.
The commissioner said the matai asked to have until the end of the week to find and bring in the last remaining suspect.
The three are wanted for questioning over the shooting incident and also over a report from the village council that they were operating a marijuana plantation at Salelavalu.
Solomon Islands police want to know how bags of bêche-de-mer were brought into country
Taro Police and other Solomon Island authorities are investigating 21 bags of sea cucumber, or bêche-de-mer, brought illegally into the country.
In a statement, the Solomon Islands police force said this happened after Taro police received a call reporting five Bougainvilleans in Taro with bags of the delicacy.
Provincial Police Commander for Choiseul Province Superintendent Vincent Eria said mainly the Fisheries Division and Solomon Islands Immigration will form part of the investigation.
He said a Tahitian national was interviewed over a link to the case, and five Bougainvilleans are being questioned by police.
The bags had been kept at the Taro police station.
Fire-fighter strike in French Polynesia ends
The fire-fighter strike in French Polynesia, which crippled domestic aviation, has been lifted.
The stoppage, by some firefighters over better pay, ended with an agreement with the government.
A refund was to be sent to the 7000 passengers impacted by the strike, and further flights supplied by local inter-island companies.
Vice-president of French Polynesia, Christopher Buissou, told La Premiere he would create a special commission that would take care of the situation.
"On the subject of the strike we have identified 9 main issues which we all agreed on. The principal point that touches the people in need of indemnity suggested that we create a commission which will dive inside of the situation."
Australian cruise ship arrives in New Caledonia
The first Australian cruise ship has arrived in New Caledonia, after two and half years of absence.
The Noumea Port welcomed 1900 passengers from the Pacific Explorer.
They were also welcomed by customary representatives, members of the government, and the mayor of Noumea.
The cruise will spend two days in New Caledonia before departing.
The Island of Lifou is not on the destination list until November as requested by local customary authorities, and Pine island isn't on the destination list until 2023.
According to local media, the government will set up a cruise ship committee to measure the carbon footprint of the ships, but also to better organise welcoming the guests.
20 ships are expected before the end of this year.
Delta Air Lines to fly into Tahiti
After months of negotiations, the French Polynesian government announced the arrival of Delta.
Delta will fly from Los Angeles to Papeete every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, from December 17 to March 25, 2023.
There will be a total of 42 flights in that period.
The territory first asked for an airlink in 2016.
The decision was made during a meeting of the council of ministers.
