COP28 logo is seen on the opening day of the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 30 November 2023. Photo: AFP
Vanuatu - arrest
Police arrested the member of parliament for Ambae Jay Ngwele over corruption allegations but have not provided any further details.
VBTC reported on Wednesday that commissioner of police Robson Iavro confirmed the arrest and said it was in relation to investigations into missappropriation of government funds.
The national broadcaster reported the criminal investigation division did not say what Ngwele was charged with but said he has been released on bail with conditions not to leave the capital Port Vila and to stay in contact with police.
They also confirmed that the arrest was in relation to an investigation into project money for a road in Ambae.
Vanuatu - hydroplant
Vanuatu commissioned the Brenwe hydroplant in Malekula which the government says will deliver sustainable, affordable power to residents and businesses.
The construction of the 400 kilowatt hydropower plant was facilitated by the ADB-supported Vanuatu Energy Access Project.
Prime Minister Charlot said "this transformational project demonstrates that a full shift from fossil fuel-based power generation is possible".
Tonga - rights
Tonga has launched an overseas mission to inform the Tongan diaspora about their land rights in the Kingdom.
The 'Toe Tala-tala-noa Overseas Program' aims to raise awareness of land disputes that have arisen when Tongan nationals living overseas claim inheritance rights in Tonga.
A number of Land Court rulings have prevented overseas-based Tongans from evicting tenants.
The program organised by Tonga's Ministry of Lands targets the Tongan diaspora in Australia, New Zealand and the US.
Papua New Guinea - refugees
Six of the remaining 64 refugees and asylum seekers from Australia's offshore detention programme have been moved along from their accommodation in Port Moresby.
The National newspaper reports unpaid bills are to blame.
Pakistani refugee Hussain Mohammed told The National he's struggled to buy food and get medical treatment.
He stood outside the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby with a sign in protest that read, "happy ten year Christmas anniversary in prison".
The group is a remnant of the hundreds once incarcerated on remote Manus Island after being intercepted trying to enter Australia by boat.
The programme, which Australia has since washed its hands of, had been plagued by controversy since its inception.
American Samoa - oversight
The Swains Island delegate in the American Samoa legislature wants the US Congress to maintain oversight of the territory.
Currently before the Congress is a measure that would give this right solely to the Secretary of the Interior.
The Swains delegate Su'a Alexander Eli Jennings, a direct descendant of the original owner of Swains Island, wants Washington to implement reforms voted for last year.
A majority of American Samoa voters approved five amendments to the American Samoa Constitution through a referendum, but they have not been implemented.
Su'a said the most significant of these is the "Swains Island Amendment," which gives their delegate the ability to vote in the local legislature - something the island had been denied for the past 63 years.
He said the DOI has neglected the rights of Swains Islanders for generations and continues to do so.
Northern Marianas - sentenced
A former CNMI government official has been sentenced to prison for her involvement in a license fraud scheme.
Former Bureau of Motor Vehicles director Juana Leon Guerrero received a 60-month jail term, as well as three years' probation and $15,000 fine, after she pleaded guilty.
Co-defendant Li Yongde, also known as "Ike," was given a 10-month sentence plus 50 hours community service and a $200 fine, after agreeing to be a cooperating witness in the case.
In a separate case, Bonifacio Sagana was sentenced to 24 months in prison after he was unanimously found guilty of conspiring with Bernadita Zata to illegally produce a CNMI driver's license.
Pacific - COP28
Pacific Islands Forum secretary-general Henry Puna has labelled COP28 a "disappointment" as he reflected on the year that's been.
Puna, however, was pleased to see young Pacific climate warriors at the annual UN climate talks.
He told media in a briefing that overall the outcomes of COP28 were poor.
"COP 28 was a disappointment because of our prioritising 1.5 degrees as our absolute priority with climate change,
he said, adding "in association with that is the movement away from fossil fuel a we all know what happened."
"We will never give up, we have to continue pushing on that 1.5 [degrees]."
Pacific - fellow
Sir Collin Tukuitonga has been made a Fellow by the International Science Council.
The Associate Professor of population health at Auckland University was recognised for his outstanding contribution to promoting science as a global public good.
He joins over 100 Fellows, and two honorary Fellows, from around the world appointed on 19 December.
Auckland university said Sir Collin has been a long-standing health champion for Pacific people in Aotearoa New Zealand, across the region and internationally.
