Rotuma is located about 650 kilometres northwest of Fiji's capital Suva. Photo: Supplied
Fiji - assault
The Fijian police say sexual assault and teenage pregnancy is a growing concern on Rotuma Island.
Fiji's state broadcaster reported the youngest mother on the island is aged 12.
Inspector Unaisi Matewai said some pregnancies were recorded at primary school level last year.
He said the solutions must come from within the community.
Fiji - punishment
The Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) is asking the Government to consider bringing back corporal punishment.
FTA general secretary Paula Manumanuitoga told fijivillage.com that student behaviour is deteriorating.
While speaking at the association's annual delegates confrence, Manumanuitoga claimed stress on the job had led to illness and death.
He also raised concerns about teachers' poor working conditions.
Pacific/Australia - cables
Australia is financing the installation of three new under-sea international cables between PNG and the region.
High Commissioner Ewen McDonald said they are the Google Pacific cable in the North, the Coral Sea cable in Bougainville, and the Huwakai Niu cable in the south of the region, to be funded through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific.
NBC PNG reported McDonald saying the cables are expected to increase internet coverage by 16 percent and provide a significant boost to GDP.
A High Commission official told NBC that the new Coral Sea cable is separate from the one carrying the same name which was installed in 2019, which will remain in operation.
Fiji - constitution
The Supreme Court in Fiji is expected to give a ruling on Friday on a constitutional case brought by the government.
The government is seeking the court's opinion on two sections in the 2013 Constitution that relate to amending it.
An Australian barrister challenged the Fijian state in court last week, questioning why it wants to urgently change the document.
However a barrister for the ruling People's Alliance Party said the 1997 Constitution was the true mother of Fiji.
Palau - security
A petition is circulating in Palau, calling for talks with the US about what would happen if conflict reaches Palauan territory.
The Island Times reported the petition asks the Palau government to negotiate a pact tied to a part of the Compact of Free Association.
The Compact states that an attack on Palau would be considered a danger to the United States, with US action to "meet the danger" in accordance with US constitutional processes.
But former senator Steven Kanai said the Compact's defense clauses are open-ended and "silent on how the civilian population can be protected from military attacks that are not intended for them".
He said the petition seeks a mutual agreement that would outline protocols and contingency plans.
Advocates want the executive branch and Senate to pursue talks with Washington.
