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Samoa - investigation
The Samoa Cabinet has reinstated the National Provident Fund chairman despite an independent investigation finding he breached governance policy.
Minister of Finance Lautimu'ia Uelese Va'ai told the Samoa Observer, Papali'i Panoa Moala is reinstated on condition that he irons out internal friction between the board, management and staff.
An investigation was launched into the conduct of the chairman, based on concerns raised by the fund's management.
The outcome of that independent investigation from the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Public Enterprises was considered by Cabinet, who gave the all-clear on Wednesday.
Lautimu'ia said the only thing that was proven were breaches of the governance policy; but there was no proof of theft, fraud, or forgery.
Northern Marianas - tax
The cash-strapped Northern Marianas government has collected over US$14 million in tax arrears in the first half of the fiscal year, thanks to its newly created taskforce.
Finance Secretary Tracy Norita said the tax collection taskforce was also able to create 113 installment agreements to help taxpayers to come into compliance.
She said as of the second quarter of fiscal year 2024, the CNMI saw a cumulative shortfall of US$4.1 million in revenue collected.
Cook Islands - commissioner
Cook Islands Police Commissioner Turepu James Keenan is not seeking a second term after three years on the job.
In a statement, Prime Minister Mark Brown thanked Mr Keenan for his services and wished him well for the future.
Keenan spent 36 years in the New Zealand Police and was the first Cook Islander to achieve the rank of commissioned officer in New Zealand.
Cook Islands News reported the police commissioner has faced allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards women and failing to investigate two separate complaints.
In February, a spokesperson for Commissioner Keenan told 1News the matter concerning allegations of inappropriate behaviour had been dealt with.
Solomon Islands - conference
Solomon Islands will host the next Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference.
This was agreed at this year's 4th edition of the event in Apia, and announced at the closing on Thursday.
Professor Tuifuisa'a Patila Malua Amosa, the vice chancellor and president of Samoa's national university, says the wisdom and understanding acquired should serve as a catalyst for action and transformation in people's respective fields.
Samoa - climate
Miss Pacific Islands and Miss Samoa, Moemoana Safa'atoa Schwenke says she wants youth to be at the forefront of climate change talks so they can make a difference.
"If we seriously want better outcomes for Pacific youth, as agents of change in the climate movement, we must first empower them to be leaders," she said.
Moemoana was speaking to the 4th Pacific Ocean Pacific Climate Change Conference in Apia.
